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I'm really not surprised it turned out the way it did. Stewart is a creature with a defective artifice chip -- there is just no way he can be forced on air against his will as he has and be able to keep things light and funny. My prediction is that there will be a moment of honest television from him -- maybe not tonight, tomorrow, but soon, when Jon just snaps in front of the camera -- that Viacom will hate and probably prevent from airing, and we'll see it on YouTube from a phone videocam. It will be so real that it hurts.
Not sure what will happen with Colbert. His on air persona is able to work around this, and Stephen's a consummate improvisor of Second City stock. He may snap on air too, but it will probably be in character and be one of those unforgettable moments of television that get compiled on VH1 every couple of years.
It is fascinating, but absolutely heartbreaking. These talented men are in a terrible fix. As fascinating as it could be, I am deeply wishing for an end to the strike to see the pain end for these guys.
