TVSquad

You've been putting off this moment for years. You've been denying yourself the courage to face the oncoming reality that not even God Himself can stop. You've pushed this little feeling to the deepest part of your brain so you wouldn't have to face it.

This week marks the end of Conan O'Brien's long running Late Night show and even the Big Giant Head has been putting off the inevitable by waiting until the last possible minute to pack up his things.

His final show in the time slot he has held for 16 years will have its final string dance on Friday, Feb. 20. He won't return to our eyeballs for at least another four months. Jimmy Fallon, meanwhile, takes over his slot in March.

The Associated Press' David Bauder described Conan's office as a calamitous yet organized mess of guitars signed by noted musicians like Les Paul, Eddie Van Halen and Brian Setzer -- all waiting to be packed. He has also been entering his office differently (the Sixth Avenue side to the Fifth Avenue side) to soak up the last ounces of Rockefeller Center before the big move. Sounds like someone is in denial, too. If my psychology studies have served me well, I believe the next step is anger. Then shouting. Then uncontrollable rage that involves the throwing of breakable objects. That's followed by murder or self mutilation. Then finally, acceptance.

Just like any TV personality, Conan has his share of haters and they aren't afraid to express their rage, as evidenced by some of the commentators on this very site (the CIA will be contacting you shortly). Some have called him silly, infantile and even downright stupid, quite possibly the most original criticism of all time. That was meant to be sarcasm. Someone should invent a font for it. For some reason, italics just doesn't convey enough a-holish-ness.

Count me in as a fan. He's a talented writer and host. He's got an equally talented writing staff. And he's got a damn funny show. Sure he's silly and zany, but there's nothing wrong with comedy that's done for the sake of comedy. Plus, he has always balanced it well with sharp satire and cunning commentary. He has kicked ass on Late Night. He'll kick ass on the Tonight Show.

The only question that remains is this: where's Andy Richter?!?

The man who helped bring Late Night to new levels has been suspiciously absent in Conan's waining days at 12:30. He's been on Talkshow with Spike Feresten. He'll been on this week's Chuck. But what about the show that birthed him? Conan's last week will be a week of firsts. He'll have the White Stripes, the first band to play on his show, as his final guest on Friday. Triumph the Insult Comic Dog is bound to squeeze out one last poop before Conan goes bye-bye. Al Roker will surely let Conan make a fool of himself on the air. With clothing, I hope and pray.

But who out there wants Andy, in a purely platonic and entertainment state, of course.