Rick Mercer Final Report

by Rick Mercer

Canada's pre-eminent satirical commentator brings down the curtain on his hugely successful show in this instant #1 national bestseller.

Rick Mercer can always be relied on to provoke a strong reaction--but what he said one fall day in 2017 truly shocked the nation. In a rant posted on social media, the great Canadian satirist announced loud and clear that the current, 15th season of the Rick Mercer Report--the nation's best-watched and best-loved comedy show--would be the last. After more than 250 episodes, 250 rants and countless miles spent travelling the length and breadth of Canada to do everything from bungee jumping with Rick Hansen to whale watching with Measha Brueggergosman, it was time to move on. What he will do next is still unknown, and Canada eagerly awaits future developments. But meanwhile, we have this book to keep us going.

This volume brings together never-before-published rants from the last five seasons of the show, plus a selection of the very best rants from earlier years. And throughout the book, in a series of brilliant new essays, Rick shares his hilarious, moving and at times hair-raising memories from the past fifteen years. Remember when he and Jann Arden travelled by helicopter to a terrifying bat cave in a mountain? No--because that trip went so horribly wrong it never made it to the screen. Pierre Berton--what was really in that joint he rolled? (It wasn't oregano.) What catastrophe took place in Norman Jewison's bathroom? And can the show still go on when your director in charge is delirious from an allergic reaction? (Yes.) All this and more is revealed by Rick in some of his sharpest and funniest writing yet.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Humor, Politics, Canada, Biography, Memoir

Audible Audio

First published November 6, 2018

About the author

Rick Mercer is Canada’s sharpest and funniest political satirist. He first came to fame with Show Me the Button I’ll Push It, or Charles Lynch Must Die, a one-man show that toured across Canada. He co-created and was a resident performer on CBC’s This Hour Has 22 Minutes, and was the host of The Rick Mercer Report, the Corporation’s highest-rated comedy show, for fifteen seasons. Rick is co-chair of the Spread the Net campaign, dedicated to preventing the spread of Malaria in Africa, and has also campaigned for the Canadian AIDS Society’s The Walk for Life project. His many honours include 21 Geminis and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award. He is from St. John’s and currently resides in Toronto.

Reviews

[Paul Weiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I am forty-nine years old. I know this because I checked with my mother.”

For fifteen years, Rick Mercer, an ebullient, very funny, intelligent and sarcastic to a fault, gay, firmly left-leaning television journalist, regaled a rapt TV audience with a weekly “rant”. You wouldn’t win any prizes for guessing that his primary targets were politics and politicians and their decisions (Trump and Trudeau heading up the lengthy list) but, that said, you have to give credit to Mercer for spreading his venom across the whole of Canadian society. Curling; the bottomless money pit that was the Prime Minister’s former residence; Tim Horton’s, the Canadian coffee icon; payday money lenders (aka loan sharks); i-phones and modern technology; university censorship; homophobia (no big surprise there!); gridlock; the Post Office; false advertising; Quebec separation; … well, as you can see, the list is lengthy and spectacularly varied!

FINAL REPORT is simply a collection of the best of those rants with a small handful of short, new essays, (“reflection, recollections and revelations”) added in for good measure. If you’re a Canadian, you need to read this collection. You’ll find yourself, on more than one occasion, nodding your head in vociferous agreement or laughing out loud. If you’re from foreign parts (particularly if you’re an American) reading this may give you a heightened insight into the thinking of left-wing Canadians in a modern world.

Definitely recommended.

Paul Weiss

[Shilpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. My prediction is that it will probably be a very popular holiday gift.

“Ranting has always been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I come from an island of ranters. I love the process of taking a subject that is large and complex, and distilling it into a single, coherent, ninety-second rant.”

Rick Mercer is a Canadian icon. Fifteen seasons of the Rick Mercer Report is no small feat. He’s made us laugh, and educated us about all things Canadiana. But, most of all, he’s made us think and challenge the status quo. His political satire commentary down Graffiti Alley, is insightful and crafted with such ingenuity and preciseness. He’s had everyone from Justin Trudeau to Pierre Berton on his show. If you’ve seen The Mercer Report, you know that politics and humour go hand in hand.

Full review: http://sukasareads.blogspot.com/2018/...

[Allison ༻hikes the bookwoods༺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook for a reading challenge task to read a book that makes you LOL. Although this book was a bit less than I expected, in that it’s basically just a collection of Rick’s best rants over the years with very little actual reflection, it certainly did make me laugh. A lot.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvP9UBPH5...

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little late to the party with this book, but better late than never. I love Rick Mercer's sarcastic, quick wit. I always feel like I'm sharing a private joke with him. If there is such a thing as "Canadian humour" - this is it. He focuses on our national flaws, finds the humour in it and somehow through it all, makes your feel so proud to be Canadian.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up watching This Hour Has 22 Minutes with my family and my favourite segment was Talking to Americans, hosted by Rick Mercer. Of course, once The Mercer Report started, we watched that too. Needless to say, I have been a Rick Mercer fan most of my life, but this was the first time I had ever read one of his books. He comes off on paper exactly as he does on television, smart, funny, and compassionate. I both laughed and teared up while reading this and I enjoyed every minute. Highly recommended for all Canadians.

[LiiLo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Listened to the audio version and loved reliving the Rick Mercer Report, one of my all time favourite Canadian shows! I enjoyed the backstories of some episodes, especially those with Jann Arden. I had forgotten Rick Mercer’s rants about Harper and Trudeau and see how their political decisions still impact us today. I highly recommend this book to my friends.

[Jennifer Rayment · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly if you don't love and agree with 90% of Rick's rants, you are either American, or just someone who I want nothing to do with. Not an insult to Americans, its just some of it, you just are not going to get. There is nothing I would want more in this life than for Rick to come and explain politics to me, as -- well -- I honestly know crap about politics, but Rick makes me want to know more and become involved. I am one of those people who have just become jaded and feel that all politicians are useless -- Rick has inspired me to actually go do some research and vote. I also love him because --well he feels the same way as me about people who do not know how to ride an escalator properly and those unprepared to order in fast food establishments. Also he gets it, about the real scary part about Trump and his Government. And best of all -- his rant about Nurses - I have had the privledge of being raised by one, and many of friends that are nurses. They deserve better and don't ever let me here any of you bashing them. This is a must have for any Canadian -- if you do not have it -- get thee to a book store stat!

These are just a few of my favourite quotes - honestly I could write for pages on this one

"like when it became evident to me that a huge chunk of the Canadian population didn't know the correct way to use an escalator. They seemed to be under the impression it was a ride at Canada's Wonderland, not a way to move everyone forward. For God's sake people - stand on the right, walk up the left."

"But if Irving needs people to install wood panelling,which is what those Carpenters are doing, hire Canadian or give the thirty billion back."

"I an like a Toronto Maple Leafs fan. I am used to being disappointed, but for some reason I have decided that I will not give up on them. "

"And I will never forget the last words this true Canadian Icon said to me. He looked me dead in the eye and said: "Rick, leave the weed."

[Amber Daugherty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't like doing this but I really didn't like this book. I was hopeful - Rick Mercer is an intelligent, thoughtful person who's known for the awesome stunts he pulls and the conversations he has with people across the country. But this book? Was a bit lazy. The show was on for 15 years and so the book just regurgitates some of the rants he did over the years in reverse order from present to 2004. Which means the first rant is kind of relevant and the last is... 14 years old. Throughout the book there are a few original pieces sprinkled in - behind-the-scenes looks at the show and people he got to spend time with which are GREAT - and that's what the entire book should have been. Give us something new, don't just reuse material that works better delivered on camera than read in print and is, at best, a nostalgic look at political issues over the last decade. There was potential here, but this book completely missed the mark.

[Nicole Cann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Rick, how I miss you.

This compilation of rants was hilarious, infuriating, nostalgic, timeless, and thought provoking. Rick chose the perfect rants to represent his time on prime time and to reflect on where Canada is today. I also really appreciated the additional stories and perspectives he shared.

The only issue I had with the book is the same I have with all talk shows, the rants rile you up but then they don’t give you any productive actions to take to deal with the issues.

That said, I adored this book. Rick is honest and ruthless but at the end of the day he loves this country, flaws and all, and so do I.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!
Not only was it highly entertaining, I learned a lot of interesting things about Canadian politics. More importantly I learned that I need to pay more attention to Canadian politics.
I laughed out loud at the chapter about Norman Jewison. Read the book and you'll find out why.
I don't know if I can pass this book along....I may need to keep it for reference. I have a lot of questions now and I want to to try to find some answers.
So I've been entertained and educated.
Thank you Rick Mercer!

[Tobey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved watching The Mercer Report and I miss it dearly. I enjoyed listening to Rick narrate his own book and some of the rants/tidbit had me laughing out loud, he is bang on with a lot of things. I sort of wish though that the order of things was from oldest first then to newest instead of the reverse.

As he mentioned, people love Jann Arden so his vignette about their relationship was one of my favorite parts and I wish it was longer. His stories about Gord Downie were great too and I remember him talking about him on the show. Rick is another Canadian icon just like Gord is.

[Amy Roebuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't beat Rick Mercer for on point Canadian political satire. His love for his country and the people of it glows through all he says and writes--sometimes to white heat.
If you want to learn about what Canadians care about, read Mercer. Or find him on CBC gem. or youtube. Or all three.

[✿✿✿May · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5 star for the audiobook narrated by the author. It was entertaining but exhausting to listen to. It was a composition of his rants, political and otherwise. But if you like his shows, then this audiobook is for you.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So Canadian. I chuckled, nodded & virtually high fived Rick through most of his rants & stories. The very best parts were the lengthier essays - write more of those for the next one Rick!

[Zoé · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without being an avid watcher of the Rick Mercer Report, I did really enjoy his show and would make sure to catch his rants on Youtube. So it was a pleasure to listen to him once again in this book, which is a collection of some of his rants from the 15 seasons of the show. This was basically a walk down memory lane in Canadian politics. What shone through most of Rick Mercer's rants is his love of politics and of his country. When he criticizes politicians, it's not out of partisanship or to provoke, but becauses he believes they can do better and that Canadians deserve better. In between rants, there were a few essays and stories that I also enjoyed. I wished there had been more of those to break up the rants a bit more, as there's only so many rants you can listen in a row. Despite really enjoying this book (especially as an audiobook read by Rick Mercer himself), there's something missing I can't really define, maybe something to tie everything together or to look to the future, to really make this a great read.

[❀ Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rick Mercer rants are fun to read! they are short, sarcastic and funny. Written for him to orate in 90 seconds they are each 2-3 pages long and many focused on politics.

I had been looking for a lighter read from a Newfoundland author and my friends on the CanadianContent group succeeded.

I loved reading the sections on his collaboration with Jann Arden and his time spent with Pierre Berton as the 90 year old taught Canadians to roll a joint... and kept the extra weed!

This is a great book to read between more serious tomes, just reading a couple of rants a day is fun and a reflection back on Canadian politics and issues over the last decade.

[Heather(Gibby) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this was a great trip down memory lane!!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this instant #1 national bestseller, Rick Mercer has written us a book to commemorate the end of his beloved television show! It is a fond look back at what made The Rick Mercer Report such a massive hit among Canadians. He is, quite simply, a clever, funny man that deeply loves his country, but gets irritated with it at the same time. This book brings together never-before-published rants from the last five seasons of the show, plus a selection of the very best rants from earlier years. The topics of these rants vary widely from Prime Ministers past and present, to airport security, to Canadian Olympians, our brutal winter weather, political honeymoon periods and even political matters abroad. There is definitely something for all Canadians to enjoy and relate to within these pages!
Each rant that appears in the book is a vivid testament to Rick’s talented ability to compose a brief opinion piece for the video age that’s filled with relevant information, intelligence, and plenty of humor - which just so happens to be as entertaining to read as it is to watch him tell it live! In addition, this book features a series of Rick’s brilliant personal essays, where he shares some hilarious, meaningful and at times frightening memories from fifteen years of hosting one of CBC’s most successful and revered television shows. Rick Mercer Final Report is a pleasure to read and successfully shows how Rick Mercer used the platform of a weekly television program to entertain and inform Canadians; not only on the issues and concerns of the day, but also on the endless beauty of Canada from coast to coast and the magnificent people who call this country home. In conclusion, if you loved watching The Rick Mercer Report then be sure to give this book a try as you won’t be disappointed! Even if you didn’t watch the show, this book would be a perfect way to get to know Canada’s pre-eminent satirical commentator by reading some of his sharpest and funniest writing yet!

[Amanda Howlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love the Mercer Report, you'll love his books. This is a collection of his Rants (the part where he's walking down the graffiti alley) and also features some tales from the many years spent doing the show including his many adventures with Jan Arden and Pierre Berton rolling a joint. Each rant is only a couple pages long, so makes an ideal bed time read if you have a habit of falling asleep while reading. A great way to learn a little bit about Canadian political issues over the past couple years.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rick’s rants were always among the highlights of his show. I was looking forward to hearing the best of his rants. However, when you listen to rant after rant, it starts to sound angry and bitter. I still enjoyed the individual rants but hearing them one after another became a little much. I had to take breaks from listening. The best parts were the untold stories that were interspersed between the rants. I could have listened to those all day long.

[Derek Bowen]

Great easy read with some laughs. As it is an election year it was interesting to read what has happened in the past to the various leaders/parties and as it relates to what they are questioning current leaders on.

[Jacquie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Rick Mercer agreed and disagreed with some of his rants. The the way he tells things is so entertaining. Can’t help but think he’s setting himself up for a political run at the federal level. I will miss the show, the information about Canada and the jokes.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you miss the days of Rick ranting in the alley, this will fill that void. It's full of short bits - the good ones are the anecdotes about other celebrities. If you want to know more about that time Pierre Burton gave a tutorial on rolling a joint, this is the book for you.

[Darlene Stericker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, not only because Rick has the same opinions as I have, but also because his writing has a delightful turn of phrase in almost every piece.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved his show and his rants.

A great review of the show content.

Loved the behind the scenes information.

Still miss his show!

[A Pečauer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I nearly finished this book, but ultimately remembered that I have free will enough to put it down. To put it simply, it did not age well.

[Amy Vos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great and nostalgic listen as an audiobook! Might have had a tougher time reading rants about 2010 era politics on paper though 😅

[Shannon Latour · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and inciteful, especially for us political junkies! These short 'rants' are from the show and are enjoyable to read while having your morning coffee :)

From 2004 to 2018, it's a great way to dive a bit into our fairly recent history in Canadian politics. It made me realize how little has changed, from Trudeau to Trump...and from climate change to politicians trying to silence the media it's all very much the same today. Many of the stories actually prompted me to look up many past events ... like finding the video clip of Pierre Berton rolling a joint, or checking to see if Stephen Harper actually fired his Science Advisor. Who knew Jann Arden was so adventurous!? I will look up some of those episodes too...hopefully I find them.

With the federal election coming up in about a week's time, we may have a Prime Minister (Pierre Poilievre) that stated he wants to defund the CBC!! I hope that doesn't happen! We can't have ALL our media owned by American companies. I don't think that I'd be the same today - without having watched 'This hour has 22 minutes', 'Codco', 'The Rick Mercer report' and 'Kids in the hall'. My sense of humor would certainly be non-existent. Oh, and what about 'Anne of Green Gables' (the one with Megan Follows)? That's as Canadian as it gets - a true classic for my daughter's and I. CBC is just simply part of our Canadian culture and heritage.

Final Report was written by Rick Mercer a couple years before the Covid pandemic hit. I will most likely seek out a more recent book by him, as I think it would be interesting to get his take on how our government handled the health crisis. It would be interesting to read how HE, himself, handled Covid, especially since he was so used to traveling. I would expect quite a few doozy-rants from that time!

[Ronald Kelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not surprisingly, a book of Rick Merced’s rants and other essays is equal parts entertaining and informative. He has a knack for capturing the zeitgeist of a moment and expressing the sometimes hopeful, but mainly exasperated feelings of a large chunk of Canadians, myself certainly included. The only drawback to the book is that as good as the printed word is, it fails to truly capture the energy and emotion of a Rick Mercer rant, so, you do have to imagine him striding down that famous alleyway, staring down the camera and driving his points home. Thankfully, it is a familiar snd easy image to conjure up. Another observation of the book is that many of the rants are now getting quite old. Interestingly, rather than being dated, so many of them seem to be directly as applicable to moments and goings-on today as they were in 2005 or 2010. Anti-vaxxers and swine flu, Jason Kenny and Justin Trudeau, so much that is old is new again. It seems that the rants will live forever.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belly laughs throughout this book! I listened to the audiobook and laughed out loud several times. He’s so funny! Aside from being super witty, Rick Mercer is gifted at telling stories, breaking down complex issues and making you think. Many of his rants are political, but there are also some personal stories and some with celebrities. The Norman Jewison story is my favourite!! I am laughing thinking about it!! 😂 I recommend listening to this book as it is read by Rick Mercer and you get the full impact of his rants! 👍🏻