During the spot for the comedy segment, Johnny talks about staying up overnight to see the first Space Shuttle launch, which was postponed. Robert Blake - a last minute fill-in for Dolly Parton, who has laryngitis - first talks about trying to quit chewing tobacco, since he has quit smoking. He then talks about his TV movies as the character Joe Dancer not being successful because they are always run against major specials. He also says his pride prevents him from kowtowing to network executives for better treatment, and discusses his combativeness with NBC's Brandon Tartikoff. He talks about his tendency toward extremes, including an inclination to road rage. Next comes a sketch with Johnny as an IRS spokesperson explaining policies and procedures. Calvin Trillin talks about his new book, and then Johnny asks about the groups that are editing what is in libraries; Trillin admits to mixed feelings, questioning if the First Amendment should apply to Hustler magazine. He and Johnny also talk about politics and General Haig.
—lenab9011