In every age throughout recorded history, the ringing of a bell has been synonymous with the beginnings of something new and exciting but untested. Perhaps the most dramatic instance of such was the ringing of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia PA on July 4, 1776 to herald the birth of a new nation.
No one knew what the future held for the fledgling enterprise. Whether it would survive and meet with success or die a quick and ignominious death was unknown and unfathomable. Only time and the judgment of history would tell.
On February 17, 2014, the Comcast Bell, also in Philadelphia PA, rang to herald the birth of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Only time and the judgment of history will tell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jimmy Fallon? Amiable, good-looking, and young. Funny? I'm not so sure, but time and the judgment of all of us will tell.
One thing is for sure though: The Friday Fictioneers are amiable, good-looking, and young (well, some of them anyway) and are ready to ring your chimes if you click here. Some of them are even funny, like Russell --- and maybe from time to time, even a little bit me.
For whom the bell tolls? Me. I'm outta here!
All I've seen or am likely to see are the ads for the show. It's past my bedtime by then...unless I'm watching the Olympics.
ReplyDeletejanet
I used to be a big fan of talk shows going back to the old Carson and Dick Cavett days, but don't watch them much anymore. However, my impression of Jimmy Fallon is pretty much what I said above --- amiable, good-looking, and young but not that funny. He's so nice, though, you want to root for him!
DeleteComcast sounding their bell for Jimmy Fallon? I thought they only rang it when they celebrated a rate hike.
ReplyDeleteThey also ring it whenever they can plausibly find a way to delay a service call without causing someone to switch to Fios. But Philadelphia is "Comcast Country!"
DeleteThough I have no idea about this show(we get only very old re-runs of some programs from other countries esp US)but I agree with the sentiment here-yes,only time can tell,what will live and prosper and what will die without leaving a mark:-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting anyway. My sense about Jimmy Fallon is that he is not enough of a heavyweight to carry a show with the legacy of The Tonight Show. But I'm rooting for him anyway!
DeleteI think Jimmy Fallon is hilarious, what I have seen of him. Grated that is only a few random clips here and there.
ReplyDeleteHe can be hilarious with a good writer like Tina Fey. Time and the judgment of history will tell.
DeleteDidn't Skippy break the Liberty Bell? (Family Ties? Anyone? Sorry, that pop culture reference is ... PHEW! Not so fresh) rimshot, drumroll, exit stage left....
ReplyDeleteThe Liberty Bell cracked when it tolled the death of Chief Justice John Marshall, darling. rimshot, drumroll, please never exit, you!
DeleteLOVE the new Jimmy Fallon show, so far... stopped like Leno a long time ago, so happy to see Fallon there. Clever current events from the prompt, Perry
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dawn. Actually I don't watch these shows so much anymore. I agree Leno, funny when he was young, has been mailing it in for years. Used to like Letterman but his humor is played by now. I hope Fallon does well and develops something new and exciting, but he seems a slim reed to hang those hopes on. We'll see.
DeleteI hear it was a good show. Leno's coming to KC soon.
ReplyDeleteI hear they've got those crazy little women there. Can you get me one?
DeleteGood story. I haven't watched Fallon too much, but liked him on SNL. I've seen a couple of clips of his show when he had the goofy animal guy as a guest. Also saw a clip when he and band members and Carly Jepsen performed her "Call Me - Maybe" with toy instruments. Those bits were really hysterical--but I've never watched the entire show. Talk shows always seem kind boring, don't they?
ReplyDeleteYes, for me talk shows are kind of played out but then again I've been watching them since Carson started and used to watch 'em all --- Carson, Dick Cavett, Merv Griffin, Letterman, Conan. Nowadays just take an occasional glance. Fallon's been touted as a big talent; well, we'll see.
DeleteWell-written story as usual. I don't know if I'll watch the show on cable here in India. I usually find other things I like better than a night show. There's a lot of competition. I suppose we'd get a tape of it as the hours are different. Either that, or it would come on much earlier in the day.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about watching it. We'll keep you clued in! Thanks for the compliment.
DeleteWe'll see (or someone will) how The Tonight Show is doing in 200 years. Hopefully, the Friday Fictioneers will outlast it, in any case.
ReplyDeleteConsidering Jimmy Fallon's age, he'll still be on. And I will still be saying "gee, wonder if he'll work out ..."
Deletesame with Jan, i don't watch Fallon but i liked him on SNL. i love SNL. though i don't really watch TV anymore. no time. for a while there i thought you wrote a serious story, with the introduction. can't believe you got me there :)
ReplyDeleteNo time is right. When I was younger I used to be a TV head, and I regret it. Nowadays I watch mostly movies (or parts of movies) and PBS.
DeleteHa.. talk about wings of history..
ReplyDeleteYep, they're really flying these days! Thanks, Bjorn sir!
DeleteThanks for the history lesson and the plug, Perry. Our titles were similar this week with your bell tolling and mine clanging. I understand why they went with Fallon to attrach the younger demographics. They really should have a Tonight Show for us boomers. It could be called The Late Afternoon/Early Evening Show starring Perry & Russell and end around 7:30 pm. Who do you suggest for our first guest?
ReplyDeleteWho else? The only person older than us. Abe Vigoda.
DeleteDear Perry,
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those who remembers (barely) the hoopla over Jack Paar leaving the tonight show and a young Johnny Carson taking the desk chair. Now who even remembers Jack? Alas, I've nothing to contribute. I never watched Leno as I'm an early riser and never am up for late night shows.
I enjoyed your piece. Good one.
shalom,
Rochelle
And I remember Johnny and Ed on "Who Do You Trust?" the show that got Carson the rep to get The Tonight Show job. Sorry to pull age on you, Rochelle ...
DeleteInteresting short essay comparing two radically different historical events. Food for thought.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Marie Gail
Yes, I'm always interesting in feeding my readers with junk food...
DeleteFunny story, Perry. Have you got caught Jimmy's act? That is a big deal to carry the torch. How's he doing?
ReplyDeleteHaven't really seen the new show to be honest. I hope it's funnier than my story.
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