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Late-night comedy-variety has codified into a specific, well-defined space.
Sketch is something else; musical and talent variety is off on its own other planet.
On HBO, though,Pause With Sam Jayis something new.
Onstage, she delivers the material, and the audience has a limited range of responses.
They laugh or do not laugh.
Jay cant escape her audience, but the audience cannot speak back to her.
Theres a cancel-culture episode (called Tea-M.Z.
The lighting is hazy.
There are people everywhere, pushed up against each other, crowding into corners and perched on sofas.
Each episode features some kind of comedy sketch, too.
Nearly every piece ofPausehas value and weight.
There are no chyrons, no guideposts.
The openness is as much sensory as anything else.
Even with its deceptively tight edit,Pausestill captures the feeling of a place where anyone could say anything.
So many talk shows have attempted to create the feeling of loose, open dialogue thatPausepulls off.
It is a form that comes with buried land mines.
Jay has a frank interest in devils advocacy, in hearing from both sides of a conversation.
Yes, it will give voice to things many people will disagree with.
No, it will not apologize.
Yes, it actually cares about making space for many kinds of people.
No, it doesnt really care if you think there is not enough space for you.
Pausehas one real flaw, borne out of an understandable but unnecessary impulse.
As a gadget for reaching conclusions,Pauseis imperfect.
Plus, its a party.
