[weegee]

While Gene and Rog weren't friends, they at least had some respect for each other. With Gene gone, Roger has lost his anchor.

Gene could shame him for embracing crap (Summer Lovers was on Roger's 10 guilty pleasures list, I think at the top). Mr. Siskel may not have persuaded Mr. Ebert to change his position but at least to choose his words wisely and be ready to go to bat for a film.

I agree that Roger seems to be more comfortable talking about politics with Gene gone. They probably had some kind of agreement to keep the focus on movies and not a social agenda.

[beckett]

...Roger seems to be more comfortable talking about politics with Gene gone.

Yep...seems that way.