he is a very talented guy. pretty funny. phenomenal writing. great sketch work. charismatic. attracts good guests and has developed a strong foundation for his ever-growing audience.
it turns out that NBC has decided that they have declining numbers and are frantically scrambling around trying to figure out what to do. they have decided to go to the old cash cow, jay leno, in this time of confusion. they want him to move him from his pastured career (of their own doing) into the prime spot again, while thinking nothing of bumping conan and his new generation entertainment to a different time slot. just move him somewhere, anywhere, so long as they can make room for jay. after all, jay's been here forever and is the safe bet. we can't push him aside. i mean, he used to be really funny.
it doesn't appear that jay is necessarily building a bigger fan base, bringing out more contemporary guests from hibernation, or showcasing musical or comedic acts that "the kids" would want to see. he's doing the same old schtick. that same old schtick is comforting to those with the purse strings. they aren't willing to hold to their commitment to a new generation, a brighter future. it looks like NBC is ready to cling to the old, out with the new.
what will conan do? i bet he's nervous. he uprooted his family and made career sacrifices to take 'the tonight show' gig. doesn't NBC realize that? he's hilarious and ever popular. does NBC know that? he is being shown a lot of support for his work and (what some people call) genius by fans and acolytes. will NBC acknowledge this? he's probably underpaid considering what he brings to the table, yet works tirelessly regardless. can NBC understand that? sure he's young and talented, but he's probably scared shitless about what will happen if they pull the rug out from underneath him. is NBC aware of that? do they care?
people are probably telling conan "ah, don't worry about it man. thinks will work out. you've got a lot going for you. god shuts a door and then opens a window - you know, julie andrews." is conan buying that? i bet he's thinking of ways to pinch pennies, figure out what's best for his family, reinvent himself, reinvest in his career - all while keeping his composure.
huh ... i always knew i could relate to him.
Well said, my friend.
ReplyDeletereinvent, reinvest, composure... i wish i didn't relate.