Lily Tomlin is that rare creature who can make you laugh and cry, almost simultaneously. She is not so much comedienne as impressionist, or better yet, social observer. Even in her most whimsical throwaway lines, there is a keen kernel of insight. And even with her most farfetched characterizations and vignettes, there is an undeniable core of relatability.

Be it through the fantasies of a second-grader, or the insipid banter of bar-hoppers, with the lunatic-fringe bag lady Tess or the quadriplegic with a penchant for hang-gliding, Lily Tomlin is dealing with the dreams and passions, weaknesses and strengths of everyman. Or better, of every-person. She hits with such accuracy, so often, she's practically a secret weapon.

Jonathan Takiff, "Lily's Comedy in Full Bloom," in Philadelphia Daily News, July 12, 1977.