Farewell Conan

My first encounter of the Conester was through a video clip of Triumph the Comic Insult Dog. Back then, I didn’t know that stupid puppet originated from this show called “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” Of course I know Conan from his wacky antics but I never really knew what the guy has to offer. That was until ETC was launched to cables nationwide.

Armed with a bowl of cereals, sitting in front of our TV at exactly 12:00 am, it was five years ago since I watched my very first “Late Night.” I don’t even remember his guests and jokes back then. All I remember was a statement from Jay Leno in a clip about him retiring and something like, “In five years, Conan, it’s yours.” Leno was of course referring to his “Tonight Show.” That was five years ago. It seemed like a long time since then. Now, Conan’s about to join the ranks of Johnny Carson, Jack Paar, and Steve Allen, previous people sitting behind the “Tonight’s” desk. Jimmy Fallon replaces our red-haired albino as the new host of Late Night. Yes, Conan heads to the West Coast as Late Night with Conan O’Brien had its final broadcast last Friday, February 20. 2,725 episodes: not bad for a guy who only a handful people believed in when he was just starting out.

Conan’s brand of comedy is silliness to the point of sheer stupidity. But he delivers every line and joke with finesse and assurance. He always makes fun of himself and usually gives out exaggerated expressions. For 16 years he did that and it won the hearts of his viewers. Whether he was taking over a European country (he had this long-running skit about him taking over Finland because he looked like its female prime minister), insulting every nation in the known free world in Conan Hates My Homeland (one of my faves), interviewing celebrities in a flat screen with only their mouths moving, showing clips of Walker Texas Ranger, his witty monologues and A-list guests, his trademark string dance…Conan O’Brien entertained the world.

Who would have thought that this comedy writer from Harvard, who once penned for The Simpsons and Saturday Night Live, will host one of the most iconic shows in late night viewing? I will miss “Late Night.” For five years I was a fan, most of my “materials” I got from watching the show. Will he be as effective in an earlier timeslot? Here’s what he had to say:

“There are people that have hosted these kinds of shows who are better than I am. Nobody has ever enjoyed it more than I do. It’s an incredible, amazing honor to do this show for you people.”

“I want to say something about--we’re going on to this next gig, and sometimes I read that it’s time for Conan to grow up because he’s going to 11:30…And I assure you, that’s just not going to happen. I can’t. This is who I am, for better or for worse.” -- Conan O’Brien, 2009