[NewYorkerNick]

I'm sure anyone who is a Conan or Letterman fan has been thinking about the first two shows.

I remember reading rumors about Fallon getting Late Night and hoping Tina Fey would quit 30 rock and take over. That was my wish. I could never imagine seeing Jimmy hosting the show. I think Tina was perfect for Late Night, although she has a good thing going on anyways. I know everyone keeps saying Jimmy just needs time to find his style and whatever. "Lorne knows what he's doing." The thing is, I don't think hosting late night will necessarily change Jimmy's personality that much considering he's done Live television already. I just hope he doesn't feel he has to be an asshole on screen because it doesn't really contrast his nervous body movement. Actually Jimmy is kind of an asshole in real life, and not necessarily in a bad way. He just walks around with a lot of confidence.

The show was exactly what I expected. Although Jimmy is a cool guy, I just can't see him representing what I think are the three most important elements of hosting a talk show--being whimsical, witty, and random. Sure anyone could be random. Anyone can someone 10 bucks for licking a lawnmower though. It's just not that funny. Conan mastered the element of randomness on his show by combining his own brand of self-deprecation (for the show as well as himself) and funny skits. I saw that from day one of Conan Obrien. He was a bit shy back then, but not being on television really allowed him to explore his own tv personality. Being Witty is just something that either you have or don't have. You can only improve so much in that category as your ego goes up. Being whimsical is not necessarily required. In fact it could hurt Jimmy if he tries. No one likes to see something trying so hard to change unexpectedly.

Letterman: How DID you get this show?
Conan: There was an essay contest. 'Why should I be the host of Late Night" I came in forth..."
-parodied from what really happened. I believe it was Dana Carvey, Jon Stewart, Dana Carvey and a few others who were thought of by Michaels.

I didn't like the interview with Tina Fey. Jimmy got in his comfort zone by reminiscing about things the audience doesn't care about.

Jesus man, lots of F**kin pressure. I feel bad criticizing him. He must be going through a lot. I hope it works out for him.

*continues criticizing*

Jimmy's nervous. That's what it is. He delivers his monologue so straight to the book. It's like he is so concentrated on trying to finish the joke and not mess up so he could get to the next one. Then he can do something he feels more comfortable with--sitting down. However, I DO see clues of his future persona. For example when he told a bad joke on his first show, there was an awkward silence, and nervous Jimmy looked down and smiled slowly. I thought it was great not to see his goofy smile and see him realizing he sucks. The persona of being the worst talk show host, could actually work. It's a similar approach to Jimmy Kimmel and even Conan, but perhaps when Jimmy uses his nerves we could let out a laugh instead of putting the poor guy down.

I can see a lot of potential in the show implementing user-generated media within broadcast. I hope it's funnier or more interesting than the facebook statuses from last night. What were the writers thinking?

I know I shouldn't be judging so harshly on his first couple of shows. It obviously takes a while for things to settle in (except Carson Daly).


The Roots are awesome.

[Lunabean]

We're recorded and watched the first two shows. He needs some time to iron out the kinks but I think he'll be fine. It's hard to compare him to Conan, because Conan is such a treasure who made that show into what is was until the day he left. And, let's not forget Andy Richter. Those of us who were there at the start of Conan had a hard time letting him go and thinking of Fallon as his replacement. But, I like Fallon. What he needs to do is focus on his mad skills when it comes to imitating people and music. If he can work in those random flashes of brilliance (like with Timberlake) without reminiscing about old SNL days (as you point out) he'll be fine.

Again, I hope he does find his own. It took Jimmy Kimmel a while, too. We'll see how he's doing in a year.

-Jer

[RiotJuice]

The only reason I watch this is so that I can see the Roots. Has anyone listened to the Late Night with the Roots Album? Its awesome