Times Square Gossip: THE END OF A ERA FOR ELAINES RESTAURANT

Justin Timberlake

JT RULES --- Last night's season finale of Saturday Night Live hosted by Justin Timberlake with musical guest Lady Gaga scored a 7.0 household rating/21 share in the metered markets. That was up 21% from last season's finale and the highest overnight rating for an SNL season closer since May 15, 2004, when a telecast hosted by the Olsen Twins (!) with musical guest J-Kwon (!) also averaged a 7.0 rating. The last time a season finale of SNL scored a higher rating was more than a decade ago, on May 20, 2000, when the show hosted by Jackie Chan with musical guest Kid Rock posted a 7.3 rating. Timberlake was nothing short of fantastic; singing, dancing, acting … he really is a triple-threat. Makes one wonder just how big he really could get. Actually, as the show progressed, he kept getting better and better. His follow up Digital Short with Andy Samberg, following up Dick In a Box and Motherlover, 3-Way was just as good, although I prefer the first two. This now-classic moment with Samberg is something SNL definitely needed and over-lord Lorne Michaels must be thanking his lucky-stars. They're current, trendy and oh, so funny. Susan Sarandon also had a guest-spot. He also shone on The Barry Gibb Talk Show with Jimmy Fallon as Barry Gibb was just flawless and showed yet again what a phenomenal talent Fallon is. For a Bee Gee-devotee as I, this was just so rich and out-and-out funny. Great, great execution. Also popping up with Bradley Cooper playing himself on the skit In The Cage ...just out and out funny. Gaga was good, but I must admit that for me, the excitement factor is coming down real fast. Her songs are terrific, but there's so much going on onstage, that it severely detracts from the music. Her first number, which began so promisingly with just her voice and piano, soon evolved into a numbing dance number wherein there were so many people on stage, it was tough to keep tract of all the action. Just too busy Ms. Gaga. Of course she performed her “Born This Way,” which was definitely serviceable but made this writer yearn for Madonna and her “Express Yourself.” I don't know what to say about Gaga, other than she's got herself in a pickle! Great SNL ...one of their best episodes in years!

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Mary Hart

ET --- Mary Hart, whose final Entertainment Tonight show aired last Friday, was surprised for her sendoff by her former co-hosts Bob Goen (1993-2004), Rob Weller (1984-1986) and, John Tesh (1982-1996). Hart has left the show after 29 years and will be replaced by Nancy O'Dell, who'll join co-anchor Mark Steines (who was also on hand for the celebration). Ron Hendren, Hart's first ET co-host, sent a special taped message (he now lives in North Carolina). Hendren co-hosted with Hart from 1981-1984. Hart got an added surprise when Natalie Cole serenaded her with a rendition of “Unforgettable” (made famous by her dad, Nat King Cole). ET was the first of the celebrity-infotainment shows and really paved the way for everything else; everything from Access Hollywood to TMZ to this very column! There are rumors that Hart was forced out, but, whatever the reason, she was the first and a vibrant force in the burgeoning infotainment wars. I myself, remember well working with her many, many times and found her nothing but a total professional. We'll miss you Mary big time!

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Jason Ritter

TV NOTES --- With the TV Upfronts done and canceled-TV shows littered virtually everywhere, last week and this week, many series finish up with their season finales or final shows. NBC's The Event, which was the network's great BIG hope last September finishes its run tonight with an episode that quite frankly has so much to wrap up, I can't wait to see it. Truth be told, I watched the series and became strangely invested in it; even after a multi-month break over the holidays ... usually the kiss of death for a show. One critic quipped that this was the most expensive cast on TV … ever! True, it had the terrific Blair Underwood; Hal Holbrook; Jason Ritter and, even the great Virginia Madsen; who virtually disappeared after several episodes; but it never quite caught the public's consciousness. Let's face it, alien travel and alien abduction is always a tough call, even though several forthcoming series, like Falling Skies and movies like Super 8 are all about that. I must admit it was a great effort, but somehow you knew after the first few shows, it was a goner. Simon Baker, so tremendous in CBS' The Mentalist wrapped up his third season in brilliant fashion, with a 2-hour show wherein he finally came face-to-face with his nemesis Red John; essayed by Bradley Whitford, of all people. It was a crackerjack episode that contained several brilliant twists, but the ending … was just superlative. Baker is nothing short of terrific and in this episode he didn't disappoint at all. The character was left hanging in a way … but, a quick think shows it'll all be resolved in episode one of the next season. Actually, the best finale of all. Well done! Mark Harmon's NCIS is stronger than ever and their finale was once again terrifically well done and acted. Again, several amazing twists and resolutions and a touching funeral made up a great episode. Harmon's been around for years, anyone remember him in Flamingo Road ... but, this current role is sensational for him. Again, well done all! Also, CBS finally brought back Flashpoint on Friday nights. Shot in Toronto, the show is great. Check it out!

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Woody Allen

ELAINE'S --- This Thursday is the last call for Elaine's. The new owner of the famed Upper East Side boite and watering hole is closing the business for good; only six months after its legendary owner passed away. The two buildings the restaurant occupies are now up for sale for $9.5 million. “This is one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make,” says Diane Becker, Elaine's longtime manager who inherited the restaurant. “But, the truth is, there is no Elaine's without Elaine.” I have to agree, but the truth is that it's the end of an era. Gore Vidal, Billy Joel, Alan Alda, Tom Wolfe; Al Pacino, Marty Bregman, Regis Philbin, Tony Danza, Jim Kerr, Carol Miller, Woody Allen, Steve Walter, Micky Dolenz, David Salidor, Roger Friedman, Bobby Zarem, Lore Noto, George Clooney, Graydon Carter; Anna Wintour, Barry Levinson … are the names I'll always associate with this place. Tragic, tragic loss. Here's one of the best quotes I've ever read on this place:“It’s kind of a cliche, but it really is the end of an era,” said Stephen McFadden, a regular at Elaine’s and an owner of another bar, McFadden’s Saloon, at 800 Second Avenue. “It was a full-blooded clubhouse. There isn't a place in town that I think comes close to it right now, and as hard as the waiters and everyone tried to keep it going, it was like a wonderful candle that went out.” They'll never be another place like Elaine's ... I'm lucky to have been there. RIP.

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Justin Bieber

BILLBOARD SCORES --- Watched a bit of the 2011 BILLBOARD AWARDS and was fully brought up to speed on what's hot and what's not. Great to see Rihanna, U2, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Matthew Morrison, Britney Spears, and Neil Diamond properly represented. Diamond was inducted as the Icon award and sang out the show with a mix-up of Sweet Caroline and America.Yes, an odd sight it was.

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