Post by G on Jan 23, 2010 15:14:20 GMT -5
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100123/ap_en_ce/us_tv_leno_o_brien
I made sure I recorded as well as stayed up and watched Conan O'Brien's last show of "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien". I have to admit, I've always been a fan. I remember when David Letterman was leaving to go to CBS, who at the time, I used to love his show too. I remember when they announced Conan, I was like "who"? But right away, it was obvious he was a great replacement for Letterman. No, I wasn't someone who watched all the time, but I was someone who typically enjoyed his show when I did happen to sit back and watch it.
I never really had a problem with Jay Leno either. He was fine for what he did, occasionally funny. When he left and Conan took over, it just seemed right. Then Leno came on with his nightly show on Prime Time and it was just a flop. An hour and a half earlier and really reminding you of the Tonight Show with some minor changes. It's no wonder it flopped. Then it got ugly with the talk of moving Jay back to 11:30 and having Conan go on at 12:05. I really thought if Leno had any class, he would have just stepped down. Instead he pursued it and this put Conan in a bind. I really don't think he wanted to step away, but it was a principal thing. I actually respected that he wouldn't take it. Sure, he got a $45 million severance for him and his crew. But money wasn't something he really needed. I'm sure he was already rich. But it was nice he held out to get his crew more money. They all literally moved from New York to California and now 7 months later they are screwed because Leno is flopping.
I'm sure many people here and elsewhere have their own thoughts on who they like better. Leno or Conan. To me, this isn't about that. In the last week I seen a clip of Leno saying on his show "In 5 years I'm giving the show to Conan". And he did. But the thing is, his stupid prime time show sabotaged Conan's and then he didn't step down and instead said "This is show business, if you don't make the ratings, they take your show away". While all that is fine and good and understood. It just seemed wrong the way Leno pursued getting his show back. Of course, this is my own personal opinion. Your thoughts will vary on the matter.
So, for the last 2 nights, I made it a point to watch the last 2 episodes. I have to say I liked the previous one better than last nights, but last night's was stirring as well. I especially loved when Neil Young came on and played "Long may you run" and thanked Conan for showcasing new music.
The show ended with a musical star studded band playing Freebird with Will Farrell being the lead singer (odd, but I guess why not). Conan grabbed a guitar and joined them on stage and played his way of the show. He even played a bit of the lead guitar solo at the end. I never knew he had any guitar ability. It was a great send off in the end.
Right before he played the song, he spoke of appreciation to NBC and told everyone not to be cynical as it gets noone anywhere. He choked up a couple of times, but regained his composure. In the end, it was a nice speech.
While I rarely spend many nights watching late night talk shows, I do hope Conan finds his way back. Sure, he was paid royally to leave. But still, he didn't deserve the exit he got. I hope he eventually comes back and kicks some ass.
I made sure I recorded as well as stayed up and watched Conan O'Brien's last show of "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien". I have to admit, I've always been a fan. I remember when David Letterman was leaving to go to CBS, who at the time, I used to love his show too. I remember when they announced Conan, I was like "who"? But right away, it was obvious he was a great replacement for Letterman. No, I wasn't someone who watched all the time, but I was someone who typically enjoyed his show when I did happen to sit back and watch it.
I never really had a problem with Jay Leno either. He was fine for what he did, occasionally funny. When he left and Conan took over, it just seemed right. Then Leno came on with his nightly show on Prime Time and it was just a flop. An hour and a half earlier and really reminding you of the Tonight Show with some minor changes. It's no wonder it flopped. Then it got ugly with the talk of moving Jay back to 11:30 and having Conan go on at 12:05. I really thought if Leno had any class, he would have just stepped down. Instead he pursued it and this put Conan in a bind. I really don't think he wanted to step away, but it was a principal thing. I actually respected that he wouldn't take it. Sure, he got a $45 million severance for him and his crew. But money wasn't something he really needed. I'm sure he was already rich. But it was nice he held out to get his crew more money. They all literally moved from New York to California and now 7 months later they are screwed because Leno is flopping.
I'm sure many people here and elsewhere have their own thoughts on who they like better. Leno or Conan. To me, this isn't about that. In the last week I seen a clip of Leno saying on his show "In 5 years I'm giving the show to Conan". And he did. But the thing is, his stupid prime time show sabotaged Conan's and then he didn't step down and instead said "This is show business, if you don't make the ratings, they take your show away". While all that is fine and good and understood. It just seemed wrong the way Leno pursued getting his show back. Of course, this is my own personal opinion. Your thoughts will vary on the matter.
So, for the last 2 nights, I made it a point to watch the last 2 episodes. I have to say I liked the previous one better than last nights, but last night's was stirring as well. I especially loved when Neil Young came on and played "Long may you run" and thanked Conan for showcasing new music.
The show ended with a musical star studded band playing Freebird with Will Farrell being the lead singer (odd, but I guess why not). Conan grabbed a guitar and joined them on stage and played his way of the show. He even played a bit of the lead guitar solo at the end. I never knew he had any guitar ability. It was a great send off in the end.
Right before he played the song, he spoke of appreciation to NBC and told everyone not to be cynical as it gets noone anywhere. He choked up a couple of times, but regained his composure. In the end, it was a nice speech.
While I rarely spend many nights watching late night talk shows, I do hope Conan finds his way back. Sure, he was paid royally to leave. But still, he didn't deserve the exit he got. I hope he eventually comes back and kicks some ass.
