Look, I’m running out of Bennett scenes — in fact, this turned out to be his last speaking scene in the whole comic. It was my last chance to go full Colbert.

(About the "blustery pundit doing TV interviews" part, anyway. Original-flavor Colbert -- both the actor and the character -- would never fail to recognize a Lord of the Rings reference.)

And, look, he is trying so hard to be non-offensive. He's still very bad at it! But he is doing his very best.

Bennett (thinking): This is it. Wish I could’ve talked to Stu one last time before the cameras roll . . . I hope he’ll be proud of me.

Bennett: Ladies and gentlemen . . . and, uh, whatever other genders liberals have invented recently . . . Our guest tonight is Dr. Tansy Rosen! For reasons that are about to become very clear.

Now, Dr. Rosen’s companion is not an animal, a CGI effect, or an out-of-season Christmas display. Although in my heart, every season is Christmas season. Isn’t that right?

Rosen: That’s right! This is my Unshaped Being. You’ve had a lot to say about them, I hear.

Lúthien: You can call me Lúthien!

Bennett: Does that come from something in your native language that I’m insensitive for not knowing?

Rosen: It comes from The Lord of the Rings. You’re fine.

Lúthien: But I am not just any Being! Not anymore. We came here tonight to unveil some new abilities to the world. I am now . . . an answering machine.

Bennett: Psst . . . you should know that means a thing in my native language.