Warning: Jay Leno returns to 'The Tonight Show' tonight, so prepare for mediocrity (with video)

 "Comic Strip of The Week" goes to BigFatWhale.com, for their timely strip.

Comedy Examiner readers know that your friendly, neighborhood Comedy Examiner is not a fan of Jay "This Might Hurt When I Insert it Between Your Shoulder-Blades" Leno, or his version of "The Tonight Show"; that's old news.  But for the readers out there who do enjoy a massive dose of mediocrity and lameness in their comedy, you might be interested to know that Leno's returning to NBC (again) tonight on the "Tonight Show" stage.  Read on for the details, my gentle Examiner readers...

Jay Leno's a toolbox, but there exists a school of thought that he is funny.  This school of thought only applies to old folks' homes and places devoid of any other forms of comedy, but it exists.  For the people reading in those areas, there's this: Jay Leno is coming back to "The Tonight Show", starting tonight.

Oh, boy.  How exciting.

Conan O'Brien famously lost the "Late Night Wars" that erupted last month...or did he?  Conan's planning a tour of live stage shows this year, which are destined to be a blast (imagine the comedy that Conan was doing on "Late Night", then take away any sorta restrictions the network was placing on his content), and there's still the matter of "where he'll end up" to worry about.  Inside sources claim that FOX is his best bet, but this writer's still holding out for something on HBO.

It will be interesting to see what sorta ratings Leno will start putting down in the weeks ahead.  It's important to note that, for the first week, the numbers will likely be inflated as viewers tune in to find out whether or not Leno will address the massive screw-job that he and NBC pulled over on Conan while on the air, but I'm guessing that he keeps quiet about it.  After the first couple weeks, though, it'll be back to business as it was in 2007 or so: Letterman VS. Leno.

Since Conan took over "The Tonight Show", Letterman was trumping him in the ratings.  Can he maintain that lead over Leno, who whupped his ass for years from behind the "Tonight Show" desk?  Only time will tell, but you can be sure that the Comedy Examiner will be covering it every step of the way.  If Leno prevails, look forward to some ongoing snarky commentary.  If Letterman wins, expect some heavy gloating and a kegger at my place.

Stay tuned for more as it develops, my precious snowflakes (especially you, Comedy Examiner reader "Sarah J.", since I know what a big Leno fan you are).  While you're waiting, let's revisit that footage of Leno being a putz from a few days ago (it just doesn't seem to get old, does it?):

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(photo: bigfatwhale.com)