After his emotional response to the Paris attacks on Friday, Stephen Colbert was a bit more charged up for Monday’s Late Show. Much like Trevor Noah, Colbert ditched the typical French stereotypes and focused on all the things France has provided the United States. France assisting General Washington during the Revolutionary War, the Louisiana Purchase, French fries (which are now called freedom fries in honor of the French), and the Statue of Liberty all got their due.
Colbert also spoke on some of the support others that have shown for France, noting that even the smallest effort is a good one. Did you watch Ratatouille to show your support? Good on you. How about drinking a bottle of Bordeaux or eating a few croissants? Maybe letting Glass Joe win a round in Punch-Out? These are all worthy endeavors, though it might be a good idea to fall back on that Pepé Le Pew impression.
In their own tribute, Jon Batiste and Stay Human opened the show with a special rendition of “La Marseillaise.” While Colbert just said there’s no tribute too small, this seems much more impressive than me scarfing down baguettes.
