[troutman]

Reviews:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/...03946915.story

Bottom Line: A typically stiff debut that nonetheless displays the host's charm and potential.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/0..._n_171322.html

A new era began Monday in the time slot commonly known as "12:30" (more accurately, 12:37 a.m. EST) as Fallon arrived with a new-era version of "Late Night," flush with his wired-up personality, a classy, comfy set and a super-cool house band, the Roots.

After the O'Brien bit, Fallon stepped on stage with a brisk, if forgettable, monologue, followed by a cleverer "Slow Jam" presentation of the news (bluesy and romantic, as accompanied by the Roots). After that came a comic tribute to the show's designated target demographic: Blonde Mothers.

A possibly recurring game-show spoof, "Lick It For Ten," invited three "contestants" from the audience to lick something _ a lawn mower, a photocopier and a bowl of goldfish _ for a $10-dollar prize.

And all that was before the first guest, Robert De Niro, who was game to play off of his reputation as a difficult interview.

http://www.suntimes.com/entertainmen...030309.article

‘‘Are you happy to be here?’’ Fallon asked De Niro.

‘‘I don’t know yet,’’ the actor replied.

Nor do many of us. It will take some real shows that aren’t the culmination of months of planning — before we can say for sure.