Tom Brokaw's NBC special on Sunday, replacing what surely would have been another newsmaking Meet the Press with Tim Russert, got the job done.
With clips showing Russert at the top of his game, holding newsmakers accountable, Brokaw offered the tribute that the late host would prefer -- scenes of a serious journalist doing his job.
My guess is that Russert has had enough of the glowing personal tributes, and now wishes that his colleagues would honor his legacy by simply getting back to work.
Sorry, Tim, but I cannot resist adding my own small measure of devotion, yet another story of his personal touch. I last saw him a couple of weeks ago when I was walking out of the NBC Washington Bureau following an early-morning TV appearance.
Although it was barely dawn, Russert was typically full of energy and nearly sprinting toward the building as though late for something. But he stopped short as we passed, put his hand on my shoulder and asked, "How's your foot?"
I wasn't even aware that he knew I had broken my ankle a few months ago. He proceeded to ask several questions about my ordeal, eagerly comparing notes about his own ankle break last year and his troubles with sticking to an exercise regimen.
We parted ways without exchanging a single word about politics and the presidential campaign. Just a couple of guys comparing physical ailments as the sun came up. And going forward that is the Russert moment I will most treasure.