Absurd Awesomeness: The Tommy Wi-Show

Prior to just a few days ago, I don’t think I had ever heard of Tommy Wiseau. Perhaps his name came up in conversation, or maybe I read something about him somewhere on the internet. To my knowledge, however, I don’t think I had any information on the director, producer, screenwriter, and actor known as Tommy Wiseau. I really wish I would have known about this particular individual before, because now I feel like I’ve been missing out on being informed on one of the greatest human beings to ever live.

After watching several clips from The Room, checking out interviews, and seeing trailers for his few projects, I can honestly say that Wiseau is someone that everyone should be watching, and now that he has his very own video game-themed show with Machinima on YouTube, there are no excuses. Titled The Tommy Wi-Show, this series of shorts sees the heavily-accented genius being abducted by aliens, only to be forced to play video games. That concept in and of itself is totally brilliant—add to it the quirky behavior of Wiseau, and you’ve got a hit that not only gamers should be watching, but anyone who enjoys awesome shows.

The first episode of The Tommy Wi-Show sees our hero, referred to here as T.W., in a strange space pod of sorts. Confused, he looks over to the viewers and tells us that the strange pod isn’t his house. He makes it a point to inform us that he was at home preparing an “egg breakfast” prior to suddenly being abducted. That’s when an alien pops up on a TV screen and tells T.W. that he will be forced to play video games. The first title that the terrified protagonist must play: Mortal Kombat for the PlayStation 3.

After looking at the fighters in the character select screen, T.W. asks the alien if he can choose a vampire. No response. The alleged video game warrior ultimately settles on Sub-Zero because he finds the character design “interesting.” I had previously watched an interview with Wiseau where he stated he was a fan of video games. I took that to mean that he really enjoyed gaming, and I figured he probably spent a lot of his free time enjoying some leisurely video game playing. Upon watching him try his hand at Mortal Kombat, however, I realized how wrong I was. In all honesty, I don’t know if this man has ever touched a controller in his life.

Throughout the first fight, all T.W. does is spam a kick. He gets a few different moves in there, such as an ice blast, but for the bulk of the fight, it’s all kicks. Well, kicks and T.W.‘s awesome laugh, which sounds equal parts lazy and fake. That’s not to say it’s a bad laugh, though. Hearing T.W. laugh at his own jokes and comments in such a lackadaisical manner is totally hilarious, and it’s such an integral part of his character that it actually adds to the experience that The Tommy Wi-Show has to offer.

As he battles Kung Lao, he frequently makes comments such as calling his opponent a jerk. At one point, he even gets Kung Lao’s ethnicity completely mixed up and says, “Damn it. You Mexican, or whatever you are.” Of course, as much fun as T.W.‘s having with Mortal Kombat, it comes to a brief halt when he accidentally presses the PS button and enters the PlayStation 3 XMB. Thankfully, he’s only stuck for a short while as the alien comes back to help him get out of his predicament.

T.W. goes on to win the fight, but he is then tasked with another objective. His second bout sees him playing as Kitana taking on Sonya Blade. Simply put, this match is a riot. The manner in which T.W. innocently utilizes what many individuals would classify as sexism is completely hilarious. At one point, he verbally challenges his digital opponent by saying, “Come on, little lesbian.” Of course, that isn’t enough. No, T.W. just has to stick out his tongue right after. After losing to Sonya Blade, he expresses his frustration by exclaiming, “Yes, you have big boobs so you think you’re smart, huh?” Priceless.

The episode ends with T.W. getting a rating of three stars out of seven from the alien. He is then apparently sent back home. Of course, being the fresh new series that it is, this certainly doesn’t spell the end of The Tommy Wi-Show. No, it is just the beginning—and what a beginning! In just six minutes, Wiseau was able to provide a brand new internet show that’s already on my must-watch list. Yes, I subscribed on YouTube. Now, if I was asked if the show is good or bad, I would definitely say it’s awesome. Is it awesome in a so-bad-it’s-good kind of way, though? The truth is I don’t know. I have no idea if this show is purposely trying to portray Wiseau in such an eclectic manner, or if he’s just being himself. Is he really this bad at video games, or is he just playing a part? Is this all just Wiseau’s brand of writing and producing?

I wish I knew, but I don’t. All I can say for certain is that I know I like The Tommy Wi-Show, and that I’ll be tuning in for the second episode … and the third … and the fourth … and so on. And you should, too.

Direct Sonic's Super Stunts to overcome the evil Robotnik and his henchmen. Bonus levels in each zone give Sonic incredible 3D scaling and rotation. This program features razor-sharp, 32-bit graphics; revolutionary 3D sound effects, and catchy music. Blast into the Time Warp for past and future Sonic fun. Over 60 levels of fast action.