Important Things with Demetri Martin Season One

In its relatively short lifespan, The Daily Show has produced a staggering amount of talent with its ever-changing line-up of correspondents. But what's more amazing than the fame former cast members have achieved is the quality of the work they've produced. Steve Carrell helped redefine what a sitcom could be with the American version of The Office and Stephen Colbert consistently threatens to overshadow his former boss with his brand of political satire. Demetri Martin made his mark on The Daily Show with his "Trendspotting" segments. His new program, Important Things with Demetri Martin, embraces the over-educated, smart-ass hipster vibe that made him such a likeable presence on Stewart's program. His new show also plays off the lo-fi animated intro of "Trendspotting," cultivating an aesthetic of poverty with hand drawn cards and a set that looks like it was designed by a high-school drama club. Even the bumpers reflect Martin's DIY approach, copping the Super-8 feel of so many early '90s indie music videos. Each episode is devoted to one important thing ― "Timing," "Brains," "Chairs" ― themes on which jokes, sketches and often Martin's original musical compositions are loosely hung. Martin begins with a series of one-liner jokes before jumping into sketches, which occasionally feature celebs like David Cross or Amanda Peet, and playful manipulations of phrases and graphics. One of the most memorable episodes, "Power," finds Martin playing his hushed tune "Me Versus You" and meditating on power struggles like "me: starving wolverine/you: baby covered in pork chops" and "me: angry rapper/you: the English language." Holding it all together is Martin, whose playful nature ensures that while watching Important Things feels like a breezing laugh you'll be giggling for hours afterwards. The DVD includes a generous portion of extras, or "Bonus Things," wisely kept as outtakes and unused sketches from the show.