I hope they're true.
Why? The resentment. Beyond the fact that I always thought Leno was overrated, there's one gnawing thing about Leno that will forever stick out in my mind and millions of others. Something that Leno didn't do, didn't acknowledge.
His complete dissing of Johnny Carson. A brain fart, intentional or not, that will haunt Leno the rest of his professional and personal life.
In case you forgot, Leno's very first monologue following the King of Late Night didn't acknowledge Mr. Carson. Not a word. It was unforgivable. It was foolish. Most of all it was a complete slap in the face to one of the most popular and compelling TV performers in American history. And Leno didn't say a word. Classy, Jay.
Leno apologists said that was on purpose. That he wanted to get his "Tonight Show" regime off and running and that acknowledging Carson would have derailed that process and stymied the new guy in the NBC line-up.
Baloney.
Johnny Carson deserved better. He was the King for a reason. He delighted a generation of audiences and was second to none. A class act with a very personal life; perhaps even bitter and vengeful. (Just ask Joan Rivers). But he kept it to himself, mostly. Whatever...
Johnny Carson was the Michael Jordan of Late Night. As such, Jay Leno's snub was not only a slight to Carson, but to America too.
So, count me among those who will not miss Leno one iota.
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