I know this almost seems like a yearly event now, but let's just get it out of the way: how many of you watched New Year's Rockin' Eve 2007 out of sheer morbid curiosity over how much Dick Clark has improved since last year's broadcast? Remember, the only public appearance he made in between the two New Year's Eve broadcasts was when he was honored at the So, how'd he fare this year? A little better: his voice was a little more understandable and he didn't lose his breath as much. He seemed to be able to move, albeit deliberately. But, like last year, the more he spoke, the less you could understand him, and the more it seemed like he was behind the action that was going on in Times Square (especially on the countdown to midnight).
This begs the question, then: Is it time for ol' Dick to finally hang up the microphone?
Don't get me wrong; I applaud his efforts in getting in front of the camera both last year and this year. He's purposely stayed out of the public eye for the most part just so he had the strength to do what I would imagine is his favorite show of the year, even if its only for a symbolic few minutes. At this point, Ryan Seacrest is doing all the hosting dirty work that Dick did for so many years, including standing outside with those gigantic headphones on, interviewing the mayor of New York, introducing bands, etc.
But for a guy whose on-air trademark, as Alan Sepinwall put it, was his "smoothness," hearing him struggle on the air like that was really painful. And, I'd imagine that, given what we know about how stroke victims improve, his speech and movement isn't going to get remarkably better than what it is now (think about Kirk Douglas, and you'll get what I'm saying).
So, what do you think Dick should do? This is his party, his favorite show, and he is a comforting presence every New Year's Eve. Even if he's diminished, he seems to be enjoying himself, so why the hell not have him there? Or is his presence hampering the show? Should he just turn things over to Seacrest at this point and just produce the show? Like Sepinwall, I'm torn. How 'bout you? Let me know in the comments.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
1-01-2007 @ 6:56PM
Jake said...
I watched Carson Daily this year, partly because Seacrest is a douche but also because it's just too sad to watch Clark. I will be sticking with Carson for the future.
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1-01-2007 @ 6:52PM
mcspacebar said...
I worked on several Dick Clark produced shows over the years.
He was a true Auteur, involved in every aspect of production.
A master of his trade.
I wish he would just retire gracefully.
It saddens me to see him this way.
He will always have my respect & admiration.
His type are a vanishing breed.
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1-01-2007 @ 6:53PM
seth brundle said...
Dick can come back as much as he wants.
New Years with Dick Clark in any condition is better then New Years without.
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1-01-2007 @ 6:57PM
Ricky said...
I say as long as he's able to do it, let him be a part of the show. It's not the same without him. I'm willing to bet he'll step aside when he knows he should.
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1-01-2007 @ 7:16PM
Dave A. said...
I was listening to it in passing until the last minute before they lit up the sign. I do agree, it's painful for me to listen to him because he's slurring his words very unintentionally which is so uncharacteristic of him.
While I do realize that he had a stroke, I still couldn't bear to listen to him because of it. I think that, for his own health, he shouldn't be in front of the camera. It's so saddening to hear him like that even 3 years after his stroke.
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1-01-2007 @ 7:27PM
Adam said...
FYI, he was honored at the Emmy's, with Barry Manilow tributing him. Was he also honored at the Grammy's or what that a typo?
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1-01-2007 @ 7:38PM
Joel Keller said...
Yeah, Adam, you're right about the Emmys. I made that mistake at the time of the award, too. It's understandable, considering how big he was in both the music and TV areas. I'll fix it.
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1-01-2007 @ 7:45PM
Melanie said...
Wait, Jake, you watched Carson because SEACREST is such a douche?
Aw, geez. You're the guy with the Nielsen box that keeps Carson on TV, aren't you?
For shame, man.
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1-02-2007 @ 11:52AM
Mary King said...
It isn't New Year's Rockin' Eve without Dick Clark! I look forward to seeing him every year. May he continue to improve and continue to entertain us for many years to come!
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1-01-2007 @ 9:14PM
David said...
We moved both his arms this year. I think he should be on the special, but not doing the countdown, he just can't keep up.
That said Seacrest should be fired. Once Dick Clark leaves if Seacrest is taking over than ABC is in trouble.
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1-01-2007 @ 9:58PM
Jake said...
Hey Melanie, you obviously didn't watch both. Carson was professional, had good rapport with his co-anchors, who were also great. Alison Stewart is smart, genuine, and sexy to boot. Ryan Seacrest was awful. He was awkward, when his co-host said something he didn't respond, but instead moved on. Where Carson was genuine and actually reflective, Seacrest was, well, a douche.
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1-01-2007 @ 10:05PM
Israel said...
I just have to say it is sad to see Dick this way. I think that also no one just because they have a stroke should quit doing things they love.It is only once a year so give him that time if he wants it.
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1-01-2007 @ 10:16PM
Katie said...
Love Dick Clark... For once the money men are putting respect for a legend above $$ and ratings...
Was it just me or was "co-anchor" Marisol drunk? Either that or she was trying way TOO hard. You think they could find a better female co-host.
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1-01-2007 @ 10:24PM
Ryan said...
Dick Clark should do whatever pleases him. I certainly hope that other people are NOT pressuring him to appear in this show if he truly didn't want to.
BTW, I watched Anderson Cooper's New Year's Eve show in CNN. It's much easier to listen to him than Seacrest or Daly.
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1-01-2007 @ 10:32PM
Duane said...
Let Dick do the show as long as he wants, he's the icon. Besides, it's fun to watch the old guy make out with his wife when the ball drops. They go at it. :)
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1-01-2007 @ 10:29PM
Eric J said...
I think he should pre-tape a piece but not be on live.
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1-01-2007 @ 10:44PM
ac said...
chose carson too because last people laughed at dick try to speak so this year i removed the temptation to. also ryan seacrest is a douch i agree
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1-01-2007 @ 11:08PM
Jason Elias said...
Yeah it's time for Dick to "hang it up." I do think the powers that be who think Carson Daly or Ryan Seacrest are heirs to Clark are selling him too short. He never was that boring...
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1-02-2007 @ 3:02AM
LB said...
Leave Dick alone! So people with stroke affected speech talk differently, get used to it folx, the years are passing by for YOU too! I think seeing him is very poignant.
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1-02-2007 @ 3:10AM
tom said...
I think Dick Clark should have a short cameo in every New Years Rockin' Eve he can, as long as it is what he wants. To a generation of younger people such as myself, Dick Clark is almost unknown other than on December 31. I doubt anyone under the age of 25 can remember anything about his career other than this yearly special. To us, it really is his legacy. I don't think anyone is making him go out and do it, it seems to be on his own power. To the people who say they can't bear to watch him, I'm sure you understand that life isn't always easy. Aging happens to even the greatest of us, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't try to make the best of the situation, and do what we love while we still can. I think its great that Dick Clark still loves what he does so much that he isn't ashamed to struggle in front of millions of Americans to say what he has to say. As long as he still wants the microphone, how can you deny him?
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