Dan Rather while talking with David Letterman is overcome with emotion |
HOLLYWOOD - Just one entry is all that's needed this week, and without question, it was a doozy.RAVE
On Monday night, during his opening comments, David Letterman apologized to his audience, saying that he was unsure whether or not he should have returned to the air so soon after the World Trade Center tragedy.
He was nervous. He was doubtful. He couldn't foresee that night's broadcast as something even worth watching.
And then Dan Rather came out.
As the rock-solid news anchor slowly began to unravel--crying, voice shaky, telling the crowd how sorry he was for his behavior, much like Letterman had earlier--we knew we were watching a TV moment like no other. Actually, it was more important than it appeared. It was more than just rare--it was mutual.
Just two TV cameras captured the most significant moment in the eight-year history of CBS' The Late Show with David Letterman. Sure, Leno has his defining moment, grilling actor Hugh Grant following his infamous arrest, but now Dave has his. And Dave's is much more profound. Memorable. Enduring.
You can carry modern late-night TV's most remarkable moments in one hand. Johnny's tearful farewell. Arsenio's jam session with Clinton. The cancellation of The Magic Hour.
Now, add one more: Dan Rather publicly displaying for the first time what viewers had been feeling for days--except here was a tortured man apologizing for being human.