Dumb ‘Night:’ “Send In The Clowns”

“‘A brigher take on the day’ say the ABC News promos, but enough time has elapsed since Ted Koppel‘s departure to conclude that ‘Nightline’ — once broadcast news’ shining beacon — has actually hit the dimmer switch,” Brian Lowry says.

He remembers Koppel’s warning to viewers — “if you don’t” give the new program a chance, “the network will just put another comedy in this timeslot.” And the Variety columnist responds: “Well, with apologies to Ted, dim the lights and send in the clowns.”