Regis Philbin's goodbye: Job well done

There really is no easy way to wrap 28 (and a half)  years of a legendary run for one of talk TV's towering figures -- you know, that guy, Regis Philbin -- but "Live!" did it this morning in a way that seemed particularly well matched to the style, tone, image and emotional tenor of he who has been so lavishly celebrated these past few days. 

 Not too heavy. Not too light. Just right. 

 As a result, this last edition managed to actually feel sincere -- and sincerity is not always a given in show business. By contrast, Oprah Winfrey's last weeks had been preceded by months, even a year of pitched celebration, so that there was no obviously graceful  way to make an exit because the run-up had been so bloated and indulgent. Regis said just a few words at the end, and that was it -- thanks for the memory, kids, now I've gotta go. Phew: It was glorious in its brevity, and so devoid of any sort of maudlin, tearful "I LOVE YOU ALL" flourish that Reeg went up even higher in my estimation -- and that was very high to begin with. 

 What I liked best about it is that there was no "headline," no omygoddidyouseethatwowzer!!! bit that would completely smother the emotional resonance -- like, and I'm just spitballing here, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie coming out to sing a duet. You had the mayor. You had the key to the city. You had Bob Iger. You had the obligatory viewer collage to the track of Uncle Kracker's "You Make Me Smile." You had a plaque. You had Kelly reading a letter to Reeg that managed to be funny and heartfelt and genuine. 

 It was all as it should be, which is to say "nice."

  Good for Regis. He really is one of the great ones, and I can't imagine he'll be away for long. But it will be hard to match these last 28 years for what they really meant -- a good, genial, often funny. often silly way to begin a day by an impresario who played the game as well anyone else ever has in this business, including Johnny Carson. Regis did make people feel better -- that was the final message of the final show, and there's a lot to be said for that accomplishment. 

 As soon as clips are available, I will post.

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