In Contention

Tag: Late Night

  • ‘Conan’ comes into his own

    Conan O’Brien’s foray into basic cable (airing on TBS) settled on an applicable show title two months ago. Because “Conan” is just that, the host, personality — and perhaps for the first time ever — person (rather than caricature) unfiltered and freely spirited.

    On tonight’s premiere episode — following a humorous pre-taped open featuring an homage to “The Godfather” — O’Brien paced in front of a camera panning to catch up with his energy as he delivered an opening monologue full of crisp, precise jokes and uncharacteristically authentic energy. But there was an unmistakable ease.

    O’Brien has always been associated with unusual, sometimes esoteric humor. But once self-awareness became a part of the act early on, it quickly cannibalized his material. But while he carried David Letterman’s “Late Night” baton well, the audience for his next gig — an ill-fated nine-month stint as host of “The Tonight Show” — clearly did not take to his brand quick enough for NBC suits.

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  • 11 memories of Conan as he moves on up

    Conan O'Brien on Late Night with Conan O'BrienYou may have noticed our coverage of the late night transition from “Tonight Show” legend (what else can you call him now?) Jay Leno to former “Late Night” host Conan O’Brien last week.  It was a bittersweet moment.  I’ll miss the Leno days if only for reminiscence, but it is unquestionably the next generation’s turn.

    I did my Conan remembrance back in February but Entertainment Weekly has used the occasion of the pompadoured funny man’s taking of the “Tonight Show” helm to showcase a list of 11 (it’s the new 10) memorable moments from his 16-year stint as the king of 12:30.  Many of the classics are on the list, of course: The Year 2000, apple picking with Mr. T, and the biggest “Oh yeah!” moment for me, calling up scenes from “Walker, Texas Ranger” with a lever next to his desk.  But one of the all-time funniest moments concerned the 2002 release of “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones,” and since it’s the only movie-related moment (and certainly the funniest), I’ll offer up the mag’s blurb:

    Conan himself wasn’t in this bit, but it is legendary. Triumph the Insult Comic Dog lived up to his name, ridiculing a collection of hapless geeks as they waited on line, days before Star Wars: Episode II opened. Pointing to a would-be Darth Vader’s array of buttons on his ”armor”: ”Which of these buttons calls your parents to pick you up?”

    The bit took place outside the famous Ziegfeld Theater in New York City and was dubbed “Attack of the Nerds.”  Here it is, shockingly available (considering NBC’s crack-down practices) via YouTube:

    O’Brien’s stint as host of “The Tonight Show” begins this evening. Guests include Will Ferrell and Pearl Jam.

  • Conan bids farewell to ‘Late Night’

    Conan O\'BrienI told myself all week to make sure I caught Conan O’Brien’s last show on Late Night yesterday, and, no big surprise, I totally forgot.  I told myself it was probably just as well since for many, many years the show fell out of favor with me.  I was a huge fan in the Andy Richter years back in my high school days, but somehow when Richter left, after maybe a year or so, Conan began to seem stale to me.  I don’t know why, I don’t know if it was growing up, whatever, but it stopped connecting.

    I’ve been revisiting the show lately, mostly in the way of reminiscence since I knew the clock was ticking.  And luckily enough, given this day and age, I was able to track down the final episode here.  I kind of thought it would be same old, hollow, etc., and to some extent, it was slightly underwhelming for a farewell show.  But I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a bit choked up watching this 15-year-old chapter of the late night comedy tour come to an end.

    I particularly liked O’Brien’s acknowledgment of late night king (in my opinion) David Letterman, who everyone know deserved “The Tonight Show” long ago.  Here’s what the exiting “Late Night” host had to say of his soon-to-be 11:30 competition:

    David Letterman invented this late night show.  He is, I believe, one of the most brilliant broadcasters for all time.  I have a terrific amount of respect for him and what he did.  He set the bar absurdly high.  Living in his shadow has been both a burden and an inspiration.

    The White Stripes performed a solemn ditty and Will Ferrell made an appearance.  Andy Richter, of course, came out for a trip down memory lane, but it’s all over now.

    O’Brien begins his stint hosting “The Tonight Show” June 1.