Episode Summary: "George Clooney | Bribe Check" The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction and Monologue

In the latest episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert opens with his characteristic blend of humor and sharp commentary. Feeling the collective stress of current events, Colbert emphasizes the importance of nightly gatherings to uplift spirits and process the day's happenings.

He kicks off the monologue with a recounting of a recent Delta Airlines flight from Minneapolis to Toronto that crash-landed upside down due to severe wind gusts. “The crash unfolded during wind gusts of 40 mph on the ground that were even stronger in the air. The pilots attempted a crab maneuver, which involves turning the plane into the wind before landing, but it was unsuccessful,” Colbert explains (02:00). Miraculously, all passengers survived, a fact Colbert highlights as making the story “light” despite the gravity of the situation. He humorously remarks, “Seeing that plane upside down just feels wrong. It’s like running into your teacher at the grocery store and they’re upside down and on.”

Shifting gears, Colbert delves into the controversies surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams. He outlines Adams' tumultuous tenure, citing incidents such as the mysterious residency during his mayoral campaign, the appointment and subsequent removal of his brother as deputy police commissioner, and his unconventional initiatives like the Times Square Robocop and a war on rats. Colbert sarcastically comments, “Mayor Adams has been involved in some controversy for years now,” painting a picture of political chaos and mismanagement.

Eric Adams' Political Controversies

Colbert provides a detailed examination of Mayor Adams' legal troubles, focusing on his indictment by the Justice Department for allegedly soliciting and accepting illegal campaign donations from foreign entities, specifically Turkish Airlines. “Turkish Airlines provided free travel benefits worth tens of thousands of dollars to Adams,” Colbert states (05:15), illustrating the depth of the mayor's entanglements.

The conversation progresses to Adams' attempts to leverage a relationship with former President Donald Trump to dismiss charges. Colbert narrates, “After Trump won, Adams traveled down to Palm Beach to have lunch with him at Mar-a-Lago. Instead of celebrating MLK Day here in New York, he left in the middle of the night to attend Trump's inauguration,” underscoring the mayor's questionable alliances and strategies.

As Adams seeks a pardon, Trump allegedly tries to gain leverage by intervening through Emil Beauvais Bovet, leading to further complications. Colbert humorously describes Bovet as the “love child of Lurch and Uncle Fester,” highlighting the absurdity of the political maneuvering. The fallout includes the resignation of six prosecutors led by Danielle R. Sassoon, who took a stand against the manipulative tactics aimed at undermining the justice system. Reflecting on the ethical implications, CPS Prosecutor Hagen Scotten is quoted at 21:13: “No system of ordered liberty can allow the government to use the carrot of dismissing charges or the stick of threatening to bring them again to induce an elected official to support its policy objectives.”

Guest Appearance: George Clooney

The episode's highlight is the guest appearance of acclaimed actor, director, and philanthropist George Clooney. Introduced warmly by Colbert, Clooney discusses his new Broadway play, Good Night and Good Luck, which is slated to premiere at the Winter Garden Theatre. The play, inspired by the legacy of journalist Edward R. Murrow, delves into the critical role of the fourth estate in holding power accountable, especially during dark times like the McCarthy era.

Clooney shares personal insights, mentioning his father’s influence as a journalist and the motivation behind creating a play that honors Murrow’s courage. He explains, “The theory when I was growing up was from the time I was a little kid, he said, I don't care what you do. I really don't care what you do in life. But what I do hope is that you defend people with less power than you and you go after people with more power than you.” This philosophy underscores the play’s thematic focus on integrity and the importance of fearless journalism.

Throughout the interview, Clooney injects humor, particularly regarding his struggles with memorizing lines for the play. “I wanted to wait until I was old enough to not remember my lines,” he admits, leading to a series of lighthearted exchanges that showcase his charismatic personality. The playful banter includes Colbert’s jest about Clooney needing a prompter and Clooney’s humorous remarks on his attempt to “make smoking cool again.”

Clooney further elaborates on the play's relevance in today's sociopolitical climate. “These are subjects that, you know, Grant and I... we wrote this 20 years ago because I was being called a traitor to the country for being against the war in Iraq,” he reflects, drawing parallels between past and present challenges faced by journalists and public figures.

Concluding Remarks

As the episode nears its end, Colbert and Clooney discuss the logistical aspects of the play, including its run schedule and Clooney’s family involvement. Clooney confirms that his wife Amal and their children are supportive and involved, with Amal having ties to NYU and the family enjoying life in New York City. The conversation wraps up with Colbert wishing Clooney luck in his theatrical endeavors and a humorous nod to Clooney’s ongoing battle with memorization, reinforcing the episode's blend of serious discourse and comedic relief.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert on the Plane Crash: “Seeing that plane upside down just feels wrong. It’s like running into your teacher at the grocery store and they’re upside down and on.” (02:55)

• George Clooney on Journalism: “What I do hope is that you defend people with less power than you and you go after people with more power than you.” (23:12)

• Hagen Scotten on Judicial Integrity: “No system of ordered liberty can allow the government to use the carrot of dismissing charges or the stick of threatening to bring them again to induce an elected official to support its policy objectives.” (21:15)

Conclusion

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert masterfully intertwines political satire with a thoughtful discussion on the role of journalism in society, all while maintaining an engaging and humorous tone. George Clooney's appearance adds depth to the conversation, offering listeners both entertainment and insightful perspectives on current events and the arts. For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and memorable moments that define "George Clooney | Bribe Check."

Timestamp references are included for contextual reference based on the provided transcript.