The show does feel like it's found a gear this week. I'm not certain whether Gene is looser or grouchier or both, but his presence has more energy to it. Bringing a loud and hacky prop comic like Vic Dunlop front-and-center to illustrate the difference between pulling something out of one's pants and pulling something out of one's shorts was the kind of weird I am here for. Bauman is getting more comfortable in his role, though his attempts to go off-script still fall flat quite often for me. The HS questions seem to be getting a bit more suggestive and sillier, and are giving the panelists more to work with, even in the confines of the multiple-choice format with no advance prep.
Also, this should probably come as no surprise, but Arsenio Hall is really good at this. If this show had found a footing and they tried to build a fresh crop of regulars, he's a standout. Also, way to lead off the week with some low-key shots at Fred Travalena, and the knowing groans that followed from some others on the stage.