“Wanda Sykes:

Sick & Tired”

Tonight at 10 on HBO

(two stars)

WANDA Sykes and I have something in common – we’re both sick and tired. I’m not sure what she’s sick and tired of – even after watching a preview DVD of her new HBO performance special, which happens to be subtitled “Sick & Tired.”

As for me, I’m sick and tired of brainless comedians trafficking in political commentary simply because they think it’s fashionable.

That’s the impression you get with Wanda in tonight’s special as she cozies up to her Seattle audience.

Shrewd Wanda has her finger on some pretty obvious hot buttons. The choir to which she preaches cheers enthusiastically (and predictably) as she announces she’s pro-choice, supports gay marriage and opposes the war in Iraq.

And when she declares that the Bush administration is “arrogant” or suggests the president’s intellect is insufficient, the place goes crazy.

Meanwhile, I’m watching this thing and I’m thinking, Where are the jokes? Surely, stand-up comedy should consist of more than just off-hand statements.

Wanda even does a lengthy riff on Vice President Cheney’s hunting accident. Sure, when it happened last February, the incident was grist for the late-night monologues for a few days – maybe two weeks tops.

But who cares about it now, especially since Wanda has nothing new to say about it? In fact, when it comes to politics, Iraq or any other topical issue, Wanda doesn’t have an original thought in her empty head.

She scores much better with subjects drawn from everyday life. These include “American Idol,” her dog, lotteries, old people and the Internet, and the differences between black and white crime.

Less appetizing was a long routine in which she imagines that her vagina is detachable. Look, I have nothing against comedians working blue – especially on HBO, where such an approach is expected and practically required – but this particular section of this one-hour performance was a rough slog.

For that matter, so is this entire show.