Last night’s “Last Comic Standing” episode featured the first elimination at the start of the show. Thankfully, they didn’t burden us with a full half hour like “American Idol,” and instead waited a full week to announce the contestant going home at the start of the show.

But first, after host Unfunny Clark got things started, former LCS contestant Gary Gulman got to perform. I remember this guy to be really funny when he was on the show, but last night he didn’t bring his A-game. In fact, I would say that almost al l of the finalists this season could have beat him in a head to head.

So then they brought all five remaining contestants out, and the one voted off was Roz. I think she got robbed. She is way funnier than Ty Barnett and a bit funnier than Michelle Balan. But that’s how these things go.

Then each comic got to perform for about 5 minutes. Yes, 5 minutes. How they stretch this show into a full hour is beyond comprehension. Oh wait, maybe it’s the 30 minutes of commercials. Thank goodness for TiVo.

Michelle went first, followed by Josh Blue. Both did well but I’d have to grade them both as B-plus for their performance. Josh’s best came when he talked about how he was in the para-olympics a few years ago and did his impersonation of a drunk Scottish soccer player with a disability.

Ty Barnett went third and was okay but I’d only give him a B grade….that means he’s my vote for elimination this week, just as he was last week. Chris Porter batted cleanup and in my mind was better than everyone else. He definitely was funnier than last week and should no doubt be sticking around for a while.

So here are the Vandalay Power Rankings for this week:

1. Chris Porter
2. Josh Blue
3. Michelle Balan
4. Ty Barnett

Though I have to admit it was strange that Chris was in the bottom two at the close of the show last night, there is no way he was there when the phone lines were shut down. Ty, you’re funny but you’re not in the elite here. Neither is Michelle, but anything is certainly possible.

Is my blog boring you? It’s boring me a bit, that’s why I ask. But at least i’m funnier than Unfunny Clark. Dude, I sure hope they renew you for “Yes, Dear” because you do the acting thing much better.

Till next week, Art Vandalay is OUT (and going to sell some latex).