It was one of the most interesting bits of television I had seen in a while.

Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson opened his monologue last night noting that he was 15 years sober as of Sunday night -- and that he had a much different weekend than Britney Spears.

As you can see from this link -- CBS won't allow sites to embed this bit -- Ferguson delivers a mostly-serious, artful discourse on the destructive nature of fame and addiction, noting that perhaps a celebrity's life can tank so badly that even late night comics should lay off.

It was an inspired, heartfelt monologue, which helped prove why I insist on TiVo-ing his stream-of-consciousness performances every evening. When you've got a host that talented, all you need to do, is set him in front of a camera and let him connect (news that she has entered rehab again should hearten Ferguson, who suggested she consult a group of experts on addiction listed at the front of the phone book).

Here's an embedded video from a time when Ferguson was less circumspect about who he lampooned on air.