oldsoldier's Blog

As a young soldier, in the midsixties, I listened to Johnny Carson on Armed Forces Radio Network. He was so good, funny, topical, and clean. For years afterward, I watched him on TV, then he retired, and late night TV became a cess pool. Jay Leno, leers at women, says things that should get his face slapped, and uses words that I never thought I'd hear on broadcast  TV. Letterman treats women even worse, and then acts like a complete idiot, making strange noises, and then grinning like some kid who thinks he's done something really  cool. He is aided in his efforts by the ugliest man on TV, the little troll that leads the band. Kevin Eubanks, Leno's  side kick is much more likable, and not so full of himself. Then comes Conan O'Brian, like some class clown from junior high, with his same opening moves everynight, like your neighbors brat kid showing off.  Yeah, I know, I'm an old fogy, but I remember when TV had some really funny people, who knew how to make you laugh, while not turning your stomach. And the guest were funny also, not just someone plugging their  new movie, or whatever. The host, and his guest could keep you laughing just having a conversation. Of course today we have hucksters, and hustlers, and people more concerned about rateings than entertainment. Now we have Rosie picking a fight with everyone, making political staements to push her agenda. Leno, has a few bright spots, like Headlines, which Letterman promptly copied, and JayWalking, which is frightening, because it shows how dumb some people really are, but his show is best when he has an old pro, like Paul Newman, or Clint Eastwood, who are not intimidated, and can be their ownself on camera.  Oh well, I feel better now having said it, I just wish TV could be better, yes like the good old days.