A Final Farewell: Tucker Carlson Says Goodbye To His Show With Friends And A Look Back

After four timeslot switches, a name change, two years of lackluster ratings, and one discarded bow-tie, Tucker Carlson's show on MSNBC drew to a close tonight after it was announced earlier this week that it would be replaced by an election-themed show hosted by NBC Senior White House Correspondent David Gregory. "Tucker," which was formerly known as "The Situation with Tucker Carlson" signed off with a minimum of fanfare, engaging the headlines of the day as per usual (Obama's Jeremiah Wright problem; McCain's travel abroad; who's more electable, Clinton or Obama?) and managing not to mention auto-erotic asphyxiation even once. Other than a quick mention at the top (and a chyron reading: "Welcome To Our Final Show! We've Truly Saved The Best For Last"), it was largely business as usual — except that it wasn't, and his guests let him know it.

Two rather notable aw-shucks moments stood out, courtesy of regular guest Lanny Davis and former show producer-cum-"Morning Joe" co-host Willie Geist. Davis came on to argue strenuously in favor of Hillary Clinton, as is his wont, and at the end Davis surprised Tucker with a heartfelt tribute, saying that he thought it was "unfortunate that this network has stopped this program because, for me, being able to disagree agreeably is what you stand for. I think it's a great loss for all of us." Aw. Watch:

Is it us, or did Tucker look as ferklempt as Hillary Clinton at a New Hampshire Q&A? He recovered nicely (commercial breaks help with that), and after welcoming (and receiving kudos from) the Rev. Al Sharpton, The Hill's A.B. Stoddard, the LAT's Rosa Brooks, and "Washington D.C. Mayor for Life Marion Barry ("Why? Because frankly we kind of like Marion Barry"), he was ready to head into the final segment of the show, which really was meant to be a look-back. Here he welcomed Geist, joining him from New York, for a quick trip through some of the show's greatest hits from timeslots gone bye — but not before he gave Tucker a heartfelt tribute of his own:

Suffice it to say that I wouldn't be on this show, the 6 a.m. show or any show without you, your friendship and your advocacy... If you had told me three years ago that I'd be sitting in the front row of 'Dancing With The Stars' with a vested interest, angry with the results — without irony — I would have called you a fool, but that actually happened. Hang around Tucker Carlson enough, your life will be fun, I promise you that.

Aw. Man-love is sweet. Then they went on to watch clips of animals doing funny stuff. We'll show you that clip in a moment — enjoy a long-lost flash of bow-tie! (He lost it ages ago, AP writer, sheesh) — but before you get all sad, remember that Tucker really isn't going anywhere, because he'll still be a senior MSNBC correspondent popping up across the schedule, ostensibly including in his former timeslot. (Which is why Willie Geist said "I'll see you next week.") Stil, it was an ending, and the last word was Tucker, who gave a special shout-out to Senior Producer Jamieson Lesko and Producer Alexis Vena before signing off with brevity and class: "Well that's it! That's the end of our show. We won't be joining you on Monday. We'd like to thank you for tuning in all these years and to say that, if nothing else, I've sincerely enjoyed it.... Goodnight, and have a great weekend." You too, Tucker! See you on the other side.

Comments

[rickmv]

Tucker should take this as a blessing. Now he can move over to Fox and actually discover what it feels like to have an audience for his work. Rejoice Tucker....­....you're free.

[The Falcon of the Adirondacks]

MSNBC had the good taste to say:

DIE YUPPIE DIE!

http://cynicsparty.com/2008/03/10/msnbc-says-die-yuppie-die-network-axes-fascist-weenie-twit-tucker-carlson/

[larry278]

Those of us who speak Spanglish have these words for Tucker, "Adios, mother f#cker & that goes for your silly assed bow ties too. If you are ever short of money-try selling your bow ties to the weather person on NBC's Philly station.".

[sportsone23]

I was never a fan of Carlson. He had this ridiculous way of asking questions, feigning he needed to understand the opposite point of view when it was clear nothing said would change his mind. This was very annoying. But I'll give him this much, there were times he actually made a point from the conservative perspective that was valid.

I always felt they should have kept of original concept of the show intact. I liked watching Rachael Maddox vs Jay Severin, Willie G, and Max ( can't remember the guy's last name) who used to defend the daily undefensible topic. The show had a real set, topical humor, politics etc, and was actually entertaining . . . something rare for MSNBC. With all those people surrounding him, a little bit of Tucker went a long way.

After 3 or 4 time slot changes and by the time the show landed in its final 6:00 pm slot, the show had been stripped of everything that made the original show worth a look or two. Like I said, a little bit of Tucker goes a long way.

[rjean]

gee sportszone...are you suggesting that dems dont do EXACTLY THAT

[joelkeenan]

Never had a chance. His persona was too working class. Too damned gritty.

[Harrier]

I didn't see any value to his show and was surprised at the programming at MSNBC. They have a lot of bad programing. Regardless of how I viewed his show and his commentary, I did find his moving toward more truthful comments that were based on fact near the end and at times found some of his comments interesting and began withing him more. He is another person trying to make a buck, I wish him well and have no dog in this fight. I'm sure he's a good man doing his best to survive and wish him luck and sucess in the future

[sagopalm]

Tucker is a train wreck.
He thinks that the LOUDER you say something the truer it becomes.

[rwferr]

I dont agree with him much but I hate to see anyone lose their job.

[editorjuno]

Carlson's most notable contribution was in giving the estimable Dr. Rachel Maddow her first shot on cable TV -- he's no Buckley, but compared to the O'Reillys and Becks of the world he comes off pretty civil and sensible.

[BeyondGoodAndEvil]

The only clever things I ever saw him do were call out that NZ rookie Journalist who worked for the Scotsman, regarding Power's off the record "monster" remark. The other smart thing he did was point out that Hillary Clinton is absolutely a neocon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_pt0cIudJ0

[truthyguy]

One thing we know for sure. He won't be hired as a male stripper.

[HippieChick]

I've never been able to watch Tucker for more than a few minutes; his loud arrogance is more than I can bear. However, flippling through channels yesterday evening I came across his farewell show, and couldn't help but laugh at the appropriate symbolism of an out-of-control monkey segment that was apparently being showed as "the best of Tucker." Perfect choice.

[elr50]

When referring to Carlson, I always preferred an F to the T of his first name. He is a jerk. Good riddance. I don't know if he will "rise" to Faux, but it won't matter to me because i never watch that garbage anyway. And the garbage heap is where T(F)ucker belongs.

[mirza]

Hasta la vista, Tucker

[ellezeebub]

Yay. I only ever watched him once. I don't remember what it was about, I just recall him looking all sour and saying he wanted to vomit. That's enough for me--his personal feelings are not at all interesting. :)