jay leno green car challenge

Putting a controversial egomaniac like Rush Limbaugh on Jay Leno's late night dais might seem like a squeeze play for a show that's reaching the bottom of the ninth of its opening day. And, well, it is, or at least it smells like it. Jay is no stranger to controversial guests, from his infamous interview with Hugh Grant just days after he got caught nibbling on a hooker's tea and crumpets to his recent sit-down smack-down with Kanye West.

So "El Rushbo" sounds like a natural punching bag for Leno's friendly jabs and right crosses, right? Not really. Leno bled into confrontational the way two guys in a bar argue a round of "F*$&, Marry or Kill," but for the most part, let the big-headed one (both emotionally and physically) speak as long as he wanted.

And when Rush is on your show, that's exactly what you let him do. Let him speak until the blood stops rushing to his brain. Whether you love him, hate him, or constantly think about the level of hell that's been specifically designed for him, he makes for an entertaining interview.

A talk show can only be as good as its guest. That means The Jay Leno Show can only get better than Pee Wee Herman's tornado of suck.

Wednesday's episode was a big step up from the previous night, thanks in part to Vince Vaughn's entertaining sit-down with the big chinned one. Couple that with some entertaining features like "Jaywalking" and the second "Green Car Challenge," and you've got a much better show this time round the track.

Part of that success has to do with the show's choice of guest stars, but this show stuck to what makes it work by introducing new segments that fit the old show's style and building on old ones.