On Fri, Jan 4, 2013 at 11:15 PM, PGage <[email protected]> wrote: > > He also apparently again cites one source of his anti-Lenoism the > experience back when Leno was rumored to be contemplating a move to ABC, > and, from JK's POV, Leno made like he wanted to be friends, only to drop > him like a hot potato once it was clear the ABC move was off. Kimmel is > convinced this was a dick move intended by Leno to sweet talk him into > giving up his slot. I have heard/read him talk about this at least twice > before, and it seems he is not going to forget that anytime soon. >
I'm not in the business of defending Leno, but it seemed to me that the friendship sparked between Jay and Jimmy occurred during the WGA strike when guests and content were hard to come by; both networks were more lax with the hosts appearing on their respective shows because the pickings were slim. Once the strike ended, the temperature between the two networks went back to what it usually is. I never saw it as having anything to do with his potential (never realistic) move to ABC. Regardless, Kimmel has discussed this at great length in multiple outlets, and whenever he does, it strikes me as evidence that he does not understand the entertainment industry at all. Back when I taught film students (back when I earned a paycheck), I made a point of explaining to the entry-level people that Hollywood friendships are different than actual friendships, and they need to be treated as such. When I'm doing well, my Hollywood friends cannot wait to show their support. When I'm down, they are the first to bail out. That is the nature of the business. As Clapton sang, "nobody knows you when you're down and out," and nowhere is that more true than in Hollywood. Leno doesn't need Kimmel's friendship, just as he doesn't need Conan's or Dave's, which is why he has no trouble screwing over any of them. Such is Hollywood. If Kimmel believes the people who pal around with him on the air are genuinely his buddies, then clearly the pot he very proudly admits to smoking has gone to his head. There is a moment between Jim Carrey and Larry Sanders near the end of the final episode of The Larry Sanders Show, when they are in commercial break and Sanders attempts to make small talk. Carrey very realistically blows him off, pointing out that he was only there to promote his project -- period. Appearing on a talk show is awkward for most people. The concept of faking an intimate conversation in a studio with cameras and a potential audience of millions -- even Hollywood types with healthy egos detest having to promote their art in such a way. But they are professionals who smile and wave and make nice with the host-du-jour. When Leno pushed out Carson, how many refused to appear on his show? When he did it to Conan, how many? When Conan did it to George Lopez, how many? Not many people genuinely stop and think about all the industry BS because they are too busy cranking the machine: produce, promote, produce, promote, produce, promote. To borrow a phrase, ain't no room at the inn for friendships. At least, not for actual friendships. -- Kevin M. (RPCV) -- TV or Not TV .... The Smartest (TV) People! You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TV or Not TV" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/tvornottv?hl=en
