tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post1325971316684139725..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: THE TONIGHT SHOW starring the new guyBy Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-20275173455349456682014-02-26T06:09:13.702-08:002014-02-26T06:09:13.702-08:00Comparing Fallon to Carson is like comparing Clayt...Comparing Fallon to Carson is like comparing Clayton Kershaw to Lefty Grove. Yes they play the same game, but there have been enough changes over the years to make a one-to-one analysis suspect.<br /><br />Fallon is no Carson, but Carson couldn't be Carson today.<br /><br />Floridannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-18875263012361388552014-02-22T10:17:16.481-08:002014-02-22T10:17:16.481-08:00I'm sure the ageism that got Leno canned is re...<br /><br />I'm sure the ageism that got Leno canned is real, but there's no substance to it. We really don't have the type of Generation Gap we had in the 1960s. Sure, young people still listen to different music then older people, but back in the '60s it was Rock vs Big Band. Today it's newer Rock vs. older Rock, not quite the same thing (and I consider Hip-Hop a kind of Rock, if no other reason than a few acts have gotten into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) Also, there's no political partition as far as I can tell. Iraq may be this era's Vietnam, but support for or against doesn't seem to divide along generational lines. Let's face it, there's this one decade not quite in the middle of the 20th century called the 1960s. If you grew up before then, you're used to one sensibility, if you grew up after, you're used to another. (as for those who grew up DURING the 1960s, well, I don't know, maybe it divides up between the early and late parts of the decade.)<br /><br />I'm 52, outide the prized demographic, yet I really don't believe people within it grew up in a radically different culture from me. Go watch an R-rated comedy from thirty years ago if you don't think so. Younger guys like Fallon and Kimmel are just doing the same kind of shtick that Carson invented and Letterman tweaked a bit. <br /><br />As for Don Knotts movies, I vote for "The Reluctant Astronaut" not so much for Knotts but Arthur O'Connell as his gung ho military vet of a father.<br />Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02155991693956178030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-90363948806394428852014-02-22T10:13:32.772-08:002014-02-22T10:13:32.772-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02155991693956178030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-58701233137173339862014-02-21T14:17:30.859-08:002014-02-21T14:17:30.859-08:00Yes, Leno was number 1 overall, but it's all a...Yes, Leno was number 1 overall, but it's all about demographics. Does he pull in the viewers advertisers want? (Males 18-39.) Clearly the answer to that was no.D. McEwannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-51408136758198510612014-02-21T05:32:27.892-08:002014-02-21T05:32:27.892-08:00Yes but Will Smith is someone that anyone 20-30 is...Yes but Will Smith is someone that anyone 20-30 is familiar with and grew up on. Just like the Full House guys were on Fallon. Billy Crystal is a generation or two before thatsophomorecritichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14320637485303592977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-70869718386570913222014-02-21T03:45:32.995-08:002014-02-21T03:45:32.995-08:00Who is Tom Shales???Who is Tom Shales???Dalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09092985199027690430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-58550040607421036052014-02-20T20:14:49.261-08:002014-02-20T20:14:49.261-08:00I just watched the first 5 minutes of Fallon on th...I just watched the first 5 minutes of Fallon on the first Tonight Show on Youtube. To me he comes across being too soft. He doesn't draw the audience in and hold their attention. He starts off introducing everyone. I would have started off with a skit, "The Life of Jimmy Fallon", and used celebrities to play the part of his parents, high school teacher, etc. This would have been a lot more entertaining.Austin in Japanhttp://austinhicks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-82477837235946160372014-02-20T15:00:16.012-08:002014-02-20T15:00:16.012-08:00MikeN -- Why did NBC ax Leno even though he was #1...MikeN -- Why did NBC ax Leno even though he was #1? This is the same network that thought remakes of Ironside, the Bionic Woman, and the Munsters were good ideas. They're not exactly known for good schedule decisions.DwWashburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03057278992504418291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10405566878192562172014-02-20T12:44:27.329-08:002014-02-20T12:44:27.329-08:00Good host would be George Wendt.
Good host would be George Wendt.<br />Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-26776826688366201642014-02-20T12:43:52.593-08:002014-02-20T12:43:52.593-08:00So why dump Leno in he first place? Were they sca...So why dump Leno in he first place? Were they scared Fallon would leave for another network?<br /><br />Leno was #1. ONE.<br /><br />Now we'll see if Fox gets its affiliates to drop the syndicated shows, and give Leno a show. We can find out if it is NBC booking great guests or Leno who's bringing the ratings.<br /><br />MikeNnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-66407577077841857882014-02-20T12:08:57.868-08:002014-02-20T12:08:57.868-08:00So last night I gave Fallon another go. The monolo...So last night I gave Fallon another go. The monologue was weak but had a couple of laughs. Then they did some crappy bit with newsman Brian Williams rapping. This was dome by a barrage of flash cuts while some rappers made their noise in the background. I can't abide either rapping or flash cuts so I switched the TV off. <br /><br />And stay off my lawn.Cap'n Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11783977137812876489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-34755041627408173712014-02-20T10:08:58.433-08:002014-02-20T10:08:58.433-08:00"People forget that after the debut of Aresin..."People forget that after the debut of Aresinio's original show and it's success, SNL did a skit around 1991 of Johnny and Ed trying to mimic that show in an attempt to connect with the kiddos. The vibe of the skit was "Get outta here, old man!" "<br /><br /><br />The skit was that Carson had changed his name to Carsinio and had a similar style of hair, except his was gray.billnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-11142380740349906102014-02-20T08:10:35.729-08:002014-02-20T08:10:35.729-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Kirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02155991693956178030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-32937127180769886912014-02-20T07:29:15.404-08:002014-02-20T07:29:15.404-08:00I agree that there are not only guests that lack t...I agree that there are not only guests that lack the art of conversation, there is actually a dearth of good guests period. <br /><br />They say about the same things, usually scripted, talk about the vacation they took, what it's like to work with so-and-so or how they got in shape. You can have a more interesting conversation with an employee at Wawa.<br /><br />Most of it is, as many stated, totally scripted and robotic.<br /><br />I used to watch every Letterman and every Ferguson, then watch the others when they had interesting guests. The guests are getting less interesting and the schtick is getting repetitious. <br /><br />Now I check them all for guests first. When they book someone interesting, instead of someone that has been overexposed or has nothing to say, I watch. The other guests are out there, if they would just book a wider range. At least Ferguson books writers and offbeat people for his last segment.<br /><br />Speaking of Ferguson, I think he revels in being under the radar and doing what he wants to do. He might be miserable at 11:30.<br /><br />-------------------------<br /><br />And yes, "Shakiest," yes, "Love God,"<br /><br />But neither of them used Bon-Ami.Greg Ehrbarhttp://blogs.indiewire.com/animationscoop/blu-ray-review-baloo-mowgli-paul-and-ringonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-44091030015983292872014-02-20T07:11:20.631-08:002014-02-20T07:11:20.631-08:00John: I checked and found out that yes, years late...John: I checked and found out that yes, years later Griffith and Don Knotts worked together for a few episodes of Matlock!<br />I wonder if they even remembered being together on that movie.Dumb RockGolfnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-69195610553279536442014-02-20T06:19:10.217-08:002014-02-20T06:19:10.217-08:00People forget that after the debut of Aresinio'...People forget that after the debut of Aresinio's original show and it's success, SNL did a skit around 1991 of Johnny and Ed trying to mimic that show in an attempt to connect with the kiddos. The vibe of the skit was "<i>Get outta here, old man!</i>" which may not have been a surprise, since Johnny didn't think much of Lorne's show when it first came on in 1975.<br /><br />The aptitude testing scene featuring Don Knotts in 1958's "No Time for Sargents" was the pinnacle of his movie career. Played off some guy name Griffith, and they seemed to have good chemistry together. Wonder if they even did anything else with each other?Johnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-35486703938645964212014-02-20T04:57:16.105-08:002014-02-20T04:57:16.105-08:00While it's clearly too early to tell, I think ...While it's clearly too early to tell, I think Fallon is likely gonna be a big winner. I'm watching this week out of curiosity... and that'll likely be it for me (I haven't regularly watched any of the late night shows for years now). Also, Fallon does not really make me laugh.<br /><br />But he strikes me as genuine and sincere. And I think that's great timing for 2014.<br /><br />His introducing himself to his audience - and bringing his parents along - was such a smart move. As was going to U2 early in the show to capture the NY skyline at dusk. I don't really care one way or the other about U2, but that was still kinda magical.<br /><br />Yeah, he might not have gravitas right now (or ever get it)... but I'm not sure how important that is anymore. When I mentioned timing before... NONE of the late night hosts - even Leno, IMO - come across as pleasant people to me. There's kind of a cynical edge to all them, which is not to say that they aren't funny. Kimmel has some great bits... and Stewart and Colbert are just so good, occasionally breathtakingly sharp and funny.<br /><br />I think Fallon recognizes that he's more in the mold of Mike Douglas or Merv Griffin. He's also one thing that none of the other late night guys are: a sketch performer. So he can be sweet in a way none of them can, and he's versatile. And since that's who is he, it's great to see him embrace that and not try to fit into what Late Night is "supposed" to be.<br /><br />Again, do I think his show is funny? Not really. But hey, his show was likely not gonna be for me, anyway. That doesn't mean I don't admire all the choices those guys have made so far.<br /><br />As a viewer: eh.<br />As NBC: I'd be <i>very</i> happy.Dave Arnottnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-58404850586453426632014-02-20T01:24:09.980-08:002014-02-20T01:24:09.980-08:00Did you ever like Letterman, and don't you thi...Did you ever like Letterman, and don't you think the great Johnny Carson himself mostly phoned it in after the Carter administration?Waves of Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17441593487387142147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-68354503166195539642014-02-20T00:20:07.070-08:002014-02-20T00:20:07.070-08:00Interesting how Fallon pointed out to Seinfeld his...Interesting how Fallon pointed out to Seinfeld his "Comedians in Cars" with Leno was like a master class in comedy. I think Seinfeld figured out, less gives you more. <br /><br />The moribound Tonight show format just became a bunch of 'less' segments intended for uploads, rather than any continuity in one show. <br /> <br />What a difference in formats: In order to keep the larger numbers, Tonight Show gets blander and lighter each version (in which Conan was just not right for that plan) to the point Fallon's opening mission statement (paraphrase) was to just get you to have fun so you can sleep better. And there is no interview until halfway through the show, so basically it's him doing things. Fallon amounts to a walking Selfie, his fun is lite, his interviews dissolve into him laughing about his last sentence and so on. He giggles and swerves to avoid any direction where potential shades of thought might be lurking. <br /><br />Meanwhile Stewart and Colbert developed a different format, something unique, yet able to maintain continuity as it even cultivates great spin-offs (Colbert himself) creative writers and the like. The format belongs to an era I can recognize as closer to now. Even if "in character" so what, that matches the way most people live their lives on social networks too. <br />As for Craig Ferguson, he exemplifies a show that is twice as long as necessary. He's really hyped, but quite limited in the end of the day. Runs out of steam after halfway mark. After all this time, it developed to nothing but a limited format as well, a play with camera angle, some stage props, and he also looks too self-centered and constipated with the interviews. It's that cynical all-about-me factor that is so over now. A_Homernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-76037960710166591552014-02-19T21:58:23.784-08:002014-02-19T21:58:23.784-08:00VP81955 said: "What I'd like to see a la...VP81955 said: "What I'd like to see a late-night show have the guts to do is not to schedule guests who have a new film or series or CD to plug, but have something interesting to say."<br /><br />I agree with you that Craig Ferguson is the one to watch for something like this. He occasionally throws out the format to spend a full hour talking to someone like Stephen Fry. He warns the audience that tonight won't be the usual "cheeky monkeys" show, and if they don't want to listen to an hour of conversation about science, religion and literature, then just go to bed and tune in tomorrow. <br /><br />BTW, did you have to mention "The Shakiest Gun In The West"? Now, I'll have that theme song from the trailer running through my head.Pat Reederhttp://www.hollywoodhifi.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-10459726010937443942014-02-19T21:45:04.839-08:002014-02-19T21:45:04.839-08:00In today's society, alas, "gravitas"...In today's society, alas, "gravitas" = old white males. Watch any local or national TV newscast these days...informal to a fault.<br /><br />What I'd like to see a late-night show have the guts to do is not to schedule guests who have a new film or series or CD to plug, but have <i>something interesting to say -</i>- by that, I don't necessarily mean opinions on the issues of the day, but good raconteurs, people who can appear on the show every few weeks and not wear out their welcome. That's the overlooked secret behind Jack Paar's success, as he had several such guests as semi-regulars, and something Carson followed to some extent in his New York years (though there's no reason a Los Angeles-based show couldn't do it too, if the host has enough authority to overcome the network brass). A show that tried that angle might set itself apart from the crowd.<br /><br />I agree Letterman has lost some of the energy that made his NBC and early CBS show so much fun, and sense that Leno is more at home as a stand-up than as a host. To me, Ferguson's the one to watch out for; he well could go in an unpredictable, Paar-like direction when and if he gets an 11:30/10:30 Central gig.<br /><br />Oh, and regarding Don Knotts films, let's not forget "The Shakiest Gun In The West," or at least not forget his stunningly statuesque co-star, Barbara Rhoades (Bob Hope and Jane Russell, the next generation).VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-24316561553959736402014-02-19T21:36:27.579-08:002014-02-19T21:36:27.579-08:00Tonight is not targeted for me (I'm 60) and th...Tonight is not targeted for me (I'm 60) and that's OK. If I'm in the mood for TV at midnight, I can always watch either Colbert or use my DVD library. And if I wait until 1AM I can watch Boomerang. <br /><br />I hope Fallon does well. He seems like a nice guy. With this logic, I am ambivalent to Letterman, and hope that Kimmell and O'Brien crash and burn.DwWashburnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03057278992504418291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-27757501409958370522014-02-19T21:00:52.546-08:002014-02-19T21:00:52.546-08:00I agree Ken that Fallon won't be around for th...I agree Ken that Fallon won't be around for the next 20 years but he wasn't bad. You need a nut job who is willing to throw himself against a Velcro wall ( who can forget that) to last that long. Gotta love Dave and his great Presidential moments bits as well.mmryan314https://www.blogger.com/profile/03956737239500293977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-55335598225355085092014-02-19T21:00:50.298-08:002014-02-19T21:00:50.298-08:00Bill--I stand corrected. I was confusing his music...Bill--I stand corrected. I was confusing his musical guest with someone else's. No matter, I'm not a U2 fan, either, other than the spy plane.Cap'n Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11783977137812876489noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-67383129907007228462014-02-19T21:00:30.277-08:002014-02-19T21:00:30.277-08:00Canda said...
"Modern guys are more sensitiv...Canda said...<br /><br />"Modern guys are more sensitive and attuned to others feelings, part of the success of feminization in child-rearing."<br /><br />Don't fret, Canda. Plenty of boys are still being raised to belch, scratch their asses, shoot or hit things and shout down anyone whose opinions they don't like. And those conversations!<br /><br />Foaming Solvent said...<br /><br />"Actually, Greg Ehrbar, "The Love God?" was the pinnacle of Don Knotts movies -- a very, very funny film written and directed by Nat Hiken."<br /><br />Interesting fact about "The Love God" - the tall redhead is transsexual Aleshia Brevard. Her autobiography is funny and fascinating.RCPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251247613686669877noreply@blogger.com