One of the friends I was watching with opined about halfway through that Billy Crystal should expect a truck full of money to back into his driveway some time in the next few months.
I didn't think Ellen was awful, but I didn't think she was great. She had a lot less to do than Billy used to, but that's been a general trend over the last few years. They've also done away with the elaborate song-and-dance numbers in favor of film montages, which I think is a good step. The shadow-dancing segments were a little goofy, but some of them were pretty clever, and they didn't go on long enough to annoy me.
But what do I know? I didn't think Letterman was so awful a few years back. He was ... Letterman. Had any of the folks surprised by his performance, or anyone involved in hiring him for the gig, ever watched his show? Ever?
I don't remember Letterman hosting. How long ago was that? I do remember Whoopie Goldberg. That was painful. At least Ellen wasn't offensive as so many comedians like to be. When they do lots of stupid stuff it goes too long but when they don't it's really dull. I wish they could find the balance. Though, I guess I enjoy the years when I loved the movies no matter what the show looks like. So I haven't enjoyed the show since Return of the King!!