I've always found Jimmy Fallon's stand-up comedy to be somewhat forced and slightly awkward. I honestly didn't expect his Late Night show to last more than a year. Yet somehow Late Night with Jimmy Fallon has continued to press on, with many star guests and decent ratings.
The Boss Visits Fallon's Late Show
On November 10, 2010, its 347th episode, Fallon hit solid gold with Bruce Springsteen. The entire show was dedicated to promoting Springsteen's re-release of "Darkness on the Edge of Town"... The episode began with typical quirky jokes from Fallon, as well as some good Springsteen impersonations, until he suddenly stunned everyone with his cover of Willow's "Whip My Hair". Fallon sat in a chair dressed as Neil Young, with a hat, guitar, and harmonica and played an incredible slow acoustic version of the pop song.
He was later joined by Bruce Springsteen, also dressed in character, who provided some powerful heartfelt vocals. Although the song was surely meant for comedy, Fallon never broke character in his impersonation of Neil Young, and with the help of Springsteen's back-up vocals provided an extremely catchy tune. The video has quickly become an internet viral sensation, and people are raving about Fallon's performance.
Jimmy Fallon is a Springsteen Fan
It is quite clear that Jimmy Fallon, has a great appreciation for music. From rap music to folk music, no matter the genre, Fallon has proved to be a talented musician. His house-band of The Roots serve as the defining backbone of the show, providing catchy upbeat tunes, and setting up Fallon for many entertaining musical montages. To add to his appreciation of music, Fallon is also a gifted impersonator... Last night's performance, captured both of Fallon's strong points and thus highlighted his potential as a great late-night entertainer.
If only he could stray away from the typical Late-Night format, the usual stand-up comedy and the interviews and instead provide more of a variety show. He could infuse a unique blend of Saturday Night Live skits with Late-Night Show Montages. His star guests could be a part of the skits, putting in their plugs through well-thought out performances. If Fallon could somehow package this idea, he could provide his audience with something entirely new and entertaining that truly utilizes his skills.
My overall opinion of Fallon has changed for the better, and feel that if he sticks to his guns he can soon compete with O'brien and Letterman. Last night he successfully established himself as one of the best musical impersonators on television.
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