THE DISHMASTER

If you’ve never read a book by Bill Carter, it’s time to start.  I just finished reading ‘Desperate Networks,’ which kept me in solitary confinement for the past week because I couldn’t put it down.  Carter is most famous for penning ‘The Late Shift,’ which chronicled the very ugly Leno/Letterman transition of ‘The Tonight Show’ when Johnny Carson left.  So I naturally wondered if he is going to write another book about the Leno/Conan debacle, and I am happy to report that it is in the works.  Carter told the New York Times that he is trying to get the book out as “as soon as [he] can,” and he is “reaching out to all sides” so that he has an unbiased point of view. 

Kevin Eubanks has officially left ‘The Tonight Show.’  Leno played some clips of his favorite Eubanks moments as a tribute, and it actually served as a reminder that Eubanks used to play a more pivotal role in the show.  I’m not sure when he transitioned to just being a Leno laugh track, rather than a participant in some of the show’s skits.  I will miss seeing him though.  He seemed to be a genuinely nice guy that wasn’t too affected by Hollywood. 

The Hollywood Reporter wrote a ridiculous article about why Conan should not have interviewed with 60 minutes.  Among their many ludicrous reasons, is that he wasn’t funny, he seems too hurt, and that his comedy tour clips looked “sad.”  You guys suck.  Obviously you have NBC and Jay Leno in your pocket, and you therefore feel the need to pick on Conan.  People wanted to hear from him.  Yes he’s sad he lost the show.  He’s sad that NBC, the network that he put in 13 years with, turned on him.  America wants to hear from him.  And there is nothing wrong with him being honest about what happened.  Had he not openly talked about it, people would accuse him of being a pussy that’s too afraid of NBC to say anything.  By the way guys, he isn’t a hypocrite for going to cable after leaving NBC.  The reason he wanted ‘The Tonight Show’ is because of Johnny Carson, not because he thirsts to be on a network.  Suck it!  Read the article below. THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Despite his non-disparagement agreement, Conan threw some barbs at both NBC and Jay Leno during his 60 minutes interview.  The most interesting part of the interview, was the revelation that NBC would have had to pay Jay Leno $150 million dollars to go away.  Apparently, Leno’s contract was for a much bigger sum than Conan’s, so it would cost NBC a lot less to pay Conan off.  Conan thinks this is the main reason for their decision, but he takes issue with NBC spinning it in the press by bad-mouthing his performance.  One more thing – did I mention that Conan looks hot with the beard?  Watch the interview below.Watch CBS News Videos Online

Obama was pretty funny at the dinner. He threw some barbs at Jay, which is always nice to watch. All in good fun though. Watch a clip below.

Amidst reports that Team Conan sacked Max Weinberg after he courted Jay Leno, O’Brien’s team claims that “no details for the TBS show have been set as of now, none at all.”  Here’s hoping that when the details are set, Weinberg gets canned.  Anyone that would jump ship so quickly to the enemy has questionable loyalty.  If Weinberg doesn’t return, I’m sure that the reason given to the press will be that he is too busy kissing Bruce Springsteen’s ass to give Conan his full attention.  Conan needs to find someone that wants to be there.

In an interview with Hollywoodnews, Kevin Eubanks finally acknowledged some animosity toward Jay Leno.  Though he didn’t say he was outright pissed, he did say that he wished he had some input regarding Leno’s 10:00 transition.   He said that although he wasn’t pushing his opinions, he still hoped that “someone might listen to an idea.”  I understand why Eubanks might have felt creatively disrespected, but he isn’t a writer – he’s a musician.  Yes he had the obligatory laugh at ALL of Jay Leno’s jokes, but asking to give creative input when you’re not a comedian or a writer, is like Leno telling Eubanks how to play his guitar.    

The late night wars will continue until both Letterman and Leno are dead and buried – and even then I have doubts.  Dr. Phil appeared on Letterman and brought up the Leno/Conan NBC fiasco.  Letterman jumped on it, and was quick to point out all the things he hated about Leno.  Letterman dismissed Leno’s claim that both he and Conan were “equally screwed.”  “How did they both get screwed?” asked Letterman.  Especially when Leno kept his old show.”  As a sidenote to my readers who have jumped on me for my Leno hatred, the main reason I staunchly take Conan’s side, is because Leno originally stole ‘The Tonight Show’ from Letterman after Carson retired.  This is now a pattern of behavior.  If you don’t know what I’m referring to, take the time to Netflix ‘The Late Shift.’  Anyways, watch a clip from Dr. Phil’s appearance below.

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert will stick with Comedy Central at least until 2013.  It’s a good thing too, considering they’re the only real news stations left.  They will soon go up against Conan O’Brien on TBS, which everyone is making a big deal about because they are both cable comedy shows.  I don’t think it really matters though.  Stewart and Colbert have a very specific audience that doesn’t really overlap with O’Brien’s audience.  The interesting fight will be Letterman v. Leno v. O’Brien v. Kimmel.  Oh yeah – who can forget Chelsea Lately?  Just put all the late night folks in a big pit and let them mud wrestle.  That’s how I solve everything. 

Something’s fishy.  If you watch Eubanks make his departure announcement below, you might notice what I notice.  First, Leno says “this is something we talked about,” and not “this is something you came to me about.”  Second, when Leno asks Eubanks why he’s leaving, he uncomfortably looks down at his desk and starts shuffling papers.  Lastly, the hug between them at the end looks mighty fake.  It’s possible that Eubanks abandoned Leno, which is what could be the source of the tension, but I’m guessing otherwise.  I think Leno wanted to change course after all the late night insanity, and Eubanks was the easiest target.