The Tonight Show had recently hit a big milestone as host Jay Leno stepped down and handed the reins to a new host Jimmy Fallon (we recently wrote an article on Leno's last episode. Here's the link-http://ridgewordonthestreet.blogspot.ca/2014/02/a-new-era-for-tonight-show.html) The Tonight Show with Jay Leno ended, only to make way for the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Last Monday, February 17, Jimmy Fallon launched his new series from New York. Did Jimmy Fallon manage to make a strong debut and live up to Jay Leno's tenure, or did he leave Tonight Show fans disappointed?
The new Tonight Show is a very large change of pace from Leno's previous episodes. Jimmy Fallon really shook things up most prominently with a change of setting. He abandoned Jay Leno's old studio in LA and now set up shop in New York. The new studio is very different, with a smaller room and different background, making it feel as if Jimmy Fallon's show truly is different from Leno's. Fans of Jay won't find any nostalgia in Jimmy's run and will find, for better or worse, that this really is something new. While the change in studio is a smart move in underlying the differences between the current and previous show, it also makes the setting feel alien and not as comfortable. Another notable difference between the past and the present is of course, the new host. Jimmy Fallon sets himself up as a guy with wit and fun bouncing inside him, but doesn't let it all out. He first starts off with tributes paid to the previous hosts of the 60 year old show, which while respectful, was maybe a little too polite. It detracts from the entertainment value, and while is not terribly boring, it is not too engaging. either. He continues the episode with some gratitude on being where he is, recounting how he used to be a fan of Johnny Carson's run on the show, and what an honor it is to be in that same position. While not a bad introduction, it does not provide the amusement so many tune in for to relax themselves. Fallon also is intent on gaining the audience's approval, explaining how the show will run now and speaking too directly on what he is trying to accomplish. Later, however, Fallon does bring out the laughs so many watch the show for, especially with guest star, Will Smith, most notably, an instantly iconic break dance, where Fallon and Smith together bust out many different variations of the dance. Not a bad way to start the show.
Jimmy Fallon has taken the reins from Jay Leno without dropping them , but not very smoothly, as the setting of the show changes a lot. He also shows himself as a capable host, showing he can have the charisma to create an entertaining late night program, but it is too cautious to be truly hysterical. Fallon is instantly recognizable as a genuinely happy and witty man, but we are all waiting for him to match the standard set by Leno's last episode, which he has the potential to do. The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon has brought a solid debut, but not a special one. Maybe with time, Jimmy will build his own fan base, but as it seems right now, time is needed.
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