S5·E138 Stupid Human Tricks, Norm MacDonald, Pearl Jam

Episode recap

The episode aired as part of the fifth season of the late‑night talk series hosted by David Letterman. After the opening monologue, Letterman turned to the recurring “Stupid Human Tricks” segment. The first participant, Richard Anthony from Ontario, demonstrated a self‑inflicted wedgie by reaching back over his shoulder and pulling his own underwear upward. The next act featured John Rites of Nebraska, who attempted to fit three McDonald’s hamburgers into his mouth in a single bite. The segment concluded with a joint performance by Mike Garcia and Craig Love of Milwaukee, who created a helicopter impression in which one spun on the other’s head while mimicking the aircraft’s motion.

Following the comedy bits, the show welcomed film critic Gene Siskel, marking his first public appearance since undergoing brain surgery earlier that April. Siskel’s brief presence was noted as a return to the public eye after his medical procedure.

Later in the broadcast, Letterman announced that a scheduled appearance by Johnny Depp had been cancelled. The cancellation was attributed to technical difficulties that had arisen earlier in the week, a detail conveyed by Letterman’s sidekick Dave. In response, Paul, another regular contributor, launched into an extended tirade about the cancellation, expressing frustration over the disruption to the program’s plans.

Throughout the hour, the format remained consistent with the series’ talk‑and‑comedy style, interweaving audience‑participation segments, guest appearances, and the host’s commentary. The episode’s content was anchored by the “Stupid Human Tricks” showcase, the notable return of Gene Siskel, and the on‑air discussion surrounding the Johnny Depp cancellation, providing a blend of light‑hearted spectacle and spontaneous reaction that typified the show’s late‑night atmosphere.