Late Night with Seth Meyers is currently one of the funniest and most relevant late night shows these days, and it’s in no small part thanks to segments like these where Meyers centers his writers Amber Ruffin and Ally Hord. Bits like “Jokes Seth Can’t Tell” and similar premises understand that there are infinitely more possibilities for humor when you have a diverse team.
In “Point, Counterpoint,” Meyers moderates a “debate” between Hord and Ruffin with Hord often playing the serious character to Ruffin’s nonsensical, a dynamic that’s both funny and informative. As they discuss Wonder Woman, Hord discusses all the implications of the film for female actors, directors, and movie-goers. “Let’s not pat ourselves on the back….women only account for 32% of speaking roles in movies,” she says, “a real triumph would be bringing that ratio to half and half.”
Hord also touches on how only 7% of Hollywood directors are women, how they deserve opportunities, and how women and minorities shouldn’t be treated like a surprising economic force. To this, Ruffin touches on the deliciousness of half-and-half and confetti canons. However, she sets off her cannon upside down and any hope of not breaking character is gone—the resulting chaos is priceless.
The best part, however, are Ruffin’s closing statements on the film where she sheds the outrageous persona temporarily for an earnest moment (kind of like her “Join the Fun” segment).
“I saw Wonder Woman this weekend and when I saw it, I cried. It resonated with me because I was so moved at seeing strong powerful women on screen,” she says. “It’s impossible to put into words what that movie meant to women or how much that movie can change the lives of young girls.” Cue confetti cannon.
(Image: screencap)
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