With termed-out Gov. Chris Christie’s approval ratings in the gutter in this blue state, the 2017 GOP gubernatorial nomination isn’t looking like an incredibly valuable prize right now. But Team Red’s prospects probably aren’t so bad that they need to just hand it off to former 1980s Saturday Night Live cast member Joe Piscopo. However, Piscopo reportedly met with Christie on Thursday about a possible bid.
When Piscopo is mentioned at all these days, he’s usually noted as a washed-up former C-list celebrity. But that would be to ignore his appearance as a holographic comedian in the awful 1988 Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Outrageous Okona.” For a taste of how bad that whole affair was, here’s a portion of The A.V. Club’s review:
The first warning sign hits you in the opening credits: "Joe Piscopo as The Comic." You have to be a certain age to see that name and be horrified, but even if you don't recognize the presence of one of the eighties worst break-out comedic actors, your heart is sure to break once you realize why "Okona" needs a "The Comic." Data wants to be funny. And now he's going to take lessons.
So yeah, this guy should totally be governor of New Jersey.