Aired on August 19, 2024, episode #679 of Kill Tony brought a lively mix of stand-up sets, spontaneous interviews, and wild crowd reactions. With Tony Hinchcliffe at the helm, the show featured a range of comedians, from seasoned regulars to fresh bucket-pull talent, plus a guest appearance from Matt Rife that added an extra touch of absurdity.
From the start, it was clear this episode would be full of bold, sometimes shocking humor, with a strong focus on the regulars who took their performances to the next level.
Matt Rife’s Crude Banter with Tony (Opening)
The episode opened with a typically outrageous moment: a crude exchange between Tony and guest Matt Rife involving a vulgar joke about Tony’s mom. Though a bit on the cheesy side, Rife’s sense of humor set the tone for a night that would be filled with shock-value jokes and wild performances.
Hans Kim Starts Strong (Opening Minute)
Resident comedian Hans Kim kicked things off with a tightly crafted set that demolished women as the subject of his jokes. The audience responded with huge laughs, impressed by the punchy delivery and sharp comedic timing. Hans has built a reputation for starting the show on a high note, and this night was no exception.
Bucket Pulls: Mixed Results with Standout Interviews
The bucket pulls presented a mixed bag of talent, but even the less-than-stellar sets were saved by the entertaining interviews that followed.
- Ben Williams (14:10): Ben Williams’ set was mediocre, but the interview that followed elevated his time on stage. He surprised everyone with an ad-hoc freestyle rap performance, which became the highlight of his almost 10 minutes. Brian Redban, impressed, booked him for an upcoming secret show.
- Austin Ingles (24:08): Austin’s set didn’t leave a big impression, and starting by praising the previous comedian, Ben Williams, was an awkward move. His performance felt lackluster, a reminder that positive energy needs to be backed up by solid material.
- Todd Royce (32:40): Golden Ticket winner Todd Royce stole the show with a hilarious set centered on long-term relationships. Royce’s jokes were cleverly written and relatable, earning big laughs. His interview was equally strong, with Tony capitalizing on Royce’s experience and skill as a seasoned comedian.
- Ernest Evan Sr. (42:38): During his well timed 59-second set, Ernest Evan Sr. entertained the audience. However, it was Tony’s quick wit during the interview that made this moment shine.
- Justin Governally (50:16): Justin got a few chuckles with jokes about being a gay Marine. Redban heightened the humor by playing a well-timed audio clip of “It’s Raining Men” during the interview, keeping the energy light and fun.
Regulars Keep the Energy High
The show’s regulars did not disappoint, delivering some of the strongest performances of the night.
- Kam Patterson (1:00:04): Kam Patterson’s set was experimental, not his best minute, but the interview afterward was thoroughly engaging. His ability to riff with Tony and keep the audience entertained saved the segment.
- Brian Says (1:06:00): Brian Says absolutely crushed it with a unique take on trans issues, humorously tying in his Black heritage. He also shone in the interview portion, where he and Tony competed in an impromptu trivia contest. His departure with a “Big Joke Book” in hand was a fun and fitting end to his time on stage.
- Brian Cook (1:18:24): Brian Cook delivered a rock-solid minute with a well-structured joke. His interview was equally entertaining, capped off by an unexpected death metal singing performance, which left the audience in stitches.
- Martin Phillips (1:30:55): As expected, Martin Phillips gave another strong performance. His consistent delivery and solid material have made him a regular fan favorite, and this episode was no different.
Average Attempts, High Entertainment Value
While the bucket pulls brought some average performances, the interviews saved the night in terms of overall entertainment.
- Javier Ramirez (1:39:50): Javier’s set, while average, focused on his radio announcer-style voice. The material didn’t quite land, but his distinctive vocal delivery kept things interesting.
Fan Favorite: William Montgomery (1:51:20)
No Kill Tony episode would be complete without William Montgomery, and episode #679 was no exception. As always, Montgomery delivered an outrageous set, taking shots at everyone and everything. His wild humor and unpredictable interview left the audience laughing out loud, ensuring his position as a fan favorite.
Conclusion: Strong Performances from the Regulars, Mixed Success from the Bucket Pulls
The regulars, particularly Hans Kim, Brian Says, and William Montgomery, truly dominated this episode, delivering standout performances that carried the show. The bucket pulls were more of a mixed bag, with Todd Royce emerging as a clear highlight. Matt Rife’s appearance, while on the cheesy side, added some fun banter, and the night was rounded out by Tony’s quick wit, which kept even the less-than-stellar sets entertaining.
