Jimmy Fallon's Debut

Kind of a slow week on the Film and TV front, it seems that the most newsworthy event is the premier of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. I went into this with pretty low expectations, since he had to fill some pretty big shoes. I have to say, I wasn’t totally disappointed, there definitely seem to be some good things to work with here.

I enjoyed the “Slow Jam the News” bit. With a great band like The Roots as the house band, you knew they had to find a way to incorporate their talents into every show, aside from just fills. You can tell this is going to be a regular thing, and while it might not be a hit every time, definitely has promise.

Also really enjoyed the opening sketch, great to see Conan in that light.

The Justin Timberlake interview was also great, but left me wondering if it was more of JT’s charisma and talent, or Jimmy. Either way, maybe they could get JT to be the new Ed McMahon/Andy Richter? Not a bad idea. He carried the show, and did a great Michael McDonald.

Was he Conan? Absolutely not. But then again, he has to start somewhere, and we have all seen waaaaaay worse.

Good Luck Jimmy, not a bad start at all, just lose the “lick it for $10” bit.

Comments

[scott]

Dude, lick it for $10 was great.

I thought the set was gorgeous and the bits were pretty decent. Jimmy just needs to relax. He did better on his first show than Drew Carey is doing right now still on Price is Right.

[Marc]

Bring back Conan!!

[Danny]

I was on the fence about Jimmy, but night two has come and gone and that was truly impressive. He is affable, vulnerable and funny on his feet. It was more entertaining than many SNL skits are, and it's just a once a night show. One of the big reasons for Conan's success was his ability to listen, empathize, and interact with guests, and this is a trait that Jimmy seems to also have. A truly excellent band, also. I'm such a fuddy duddy that I hadn't heard of them, but they are clearly bringing the goods beyond what any reasonable person has a right to expect. Also, the show is a step forward in talk shows as they relate to the internet. If there is any complaint from me it is that Jimmy is a bit of a mumbler at times, which means that his repartee gets lost in the shuffle. But he has the likeability factor in spades and seems to be approaching the undertaking with high standards, so all the best to the new mongrel of late night. It's common knowledge that mongrels always make the best pets. It would be nice to see something new, smart and ambitious start to thrive in spite of all of the doom and gloom we hear on the news. Please, anyone, anywhere -- make our hopes sail like a kid's loose tooth tied by dental floss to the knob of an about-to-be-slammed door.

[connie]

he can wink at me all he wants...