Aly: Dave’s “Classy Way to Say Goodbye”

Dave’s odd adieu: “My path is unclear but I will search for common ground in 2020.” [Link including vid.] Even more bizarre than his former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Clayton Morris’ exit from F&FW [link including vid], now former Early Start co-anchor Dave Briggs said farewell to his audience with little-to-no eye contact with his then co-anchor Christine Romans.

As Dave closed Early Start this morning, he said, “Today I say goodbye to CNN, to Excedrin, Visine, & 1:30 alarms [groaning emoji]. Thank you to my incredible family, awesome audience and my talented staff. My path is unclear but I will search for common ground in 2020. ‘That which unites us … is far greater than that which divides us.'” Making things somewhat awkward, Christine patted him on the shoulder and smiled at Dave as he studiously avoided her gaze.

To make things even more awkward, New Day opened with his former FNC F&FW co-host and current CNN New Day co-anchor Alisyn Camerota abruptly remarking, “We will miss Dave Briggs. And, that was a beautiful, classy way to say goodbye.”

Looking down and shaking his head, Aly’s co-host John Berman responded, “He’s a lovely, classy human being. And, I know that we are going to stay friends.”

Before moving on, Aly added, “As are we–since he lives a block away from me.”

Notably, Dave departure from Early Start was icier today than his emotional one in 2012 from F&FW.

Caio, Dave, for now. You had a great run with Aly and Clayton on F&FW. You had a good run with Christine. Hopefully, you’ll have another great run in the near future!

 

 

Clayton’s Weird Departure

Abby, please don’t go, too! As word spreads that Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Abby Huntsman may leave the FNC fold to join her friend Meghan McCain at The View, F&FW fans are welcome to muse about the strange disintegration of a trio of co-hosts that preceded her, i.e., Clayton Morris, Alisyn Camerota, and Dave Briggs. (Yes, the author knows that the lovely now honorary Aussie Anna Kooiman was the lovely F&FW co-anchor that was the bridge between Aly and Abby.)

Of particular interest was Clayton’s bizarre adieu [vid]. Dave left in an emotional farewell in 2012 as the Bean Town sports boy transitioned to NBC Sports (before going to CNN to co-host Early Start with Christine Romans). Alleging legendary FNC honcho Roger Ailes harassed her, lovely Aly left for CNN New Day eventually where she has “woke” according to her book, Amanda Wakes Up. Re Clayton, his departure seemed strange at best: Out of the blue seemingly, he emotionally announced, “I have decided after 18 years in broadcast television – I didn’t think I was going to do this. That today will be my last day in television.” Additionally, he remarked, “”I don’t think you’ll ever see me on television again.”

In an ambiguous assertion, Clayton said that “he would be pursuing a new calling in ’empowering people’ and helping others build wealth through passive income.” Now, Clayton posits, “How to pay off your house within 5 years using these awesome ninja tricks.” Hopefully, it works: But, it sounds as strange as his fascination with UFO’s.

Clayton’s farewell was a bizarre goodbye. Hopefully, Abby will not follow suit. (She’s a keeper–or should be!)

Aly & Dave Back Together–on CNN!

Clayton Out! Alisyn Camerota: “Don’t adjust your TV’s: It’s not 2012. Look who [sic] I’m reunited with, Dave Briggs, my old co-host!”* That is how New Day co-host introduced guest co-host Dave Briggs with whom she formerly co-anchored Fox & Friends on FNC (as Early Start promoted the upcoming New Day Show).

As New Day concluded, Aly turned to Dave, smiling, saying, “Well, Dave, um, it’s.” On cue, Dave turned to Aly, deadpanning, “Before, we go, you know…I’ve read this terrific book: I need to get you to sign my copy.” Beaming and looking at the camera, Aly jested, “What’s it called? You mean “Amanda Wakes Up?”

Beaming at his former Fox News co-anchor, Dave declared, “I’ve read it: I’ve done my homework. I’ve searched for my story in there.” Not so facetiously, she replied, “Oh, you may recognize a few characters in there!” Chuckling, Dave responded, “I recognize a little bit.”

And, fans of Fox & Friends Weekend and Fox News in general may recognize a lot. And, Amanda Wakes Up may tell a lot–about Aly’s transmogrification from her FNC role to her CNN one.

Ironically, on the very day that Aly and Dave reunited on CNN morning TV, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Clayton Morris who was on the same team with Aly and Dave declared his departure from the curvy couch this Labor Day in the penultimate F&F segment and said that he might not ever be on TV again.

*Early Start – 09/04/17 (@ 5:46).

Early Start: False Start!

Early Start confuses two very prominent black women: Condaleezza Rice and Susan Rice! In ES co-anchor Dave Briggs’ tease of upcoming stories as the show began, ES showed photos of President George W. Bush’s Secretary of State Condaleezza Rice for an “Unmasking vs. Leaking” segment.* Subsequently, co-host Christine Romans and Dave introduced the “‘Unmasking of Trump Associate’s Names” as photos of President Obama’s former National Security Advisor ran, with no mention of their earlier mistake.

After the segment ended, Christine exclaimed, “I have to apologize quickly! We used some video that was Condaleezza Rice at the top of this program, not Susan Rice. Obviously, we know the difference. That was just a file tape.”** Chiming in, Dave declared, “She has nothing to do with this story.” Looking into the camera, Christine earnestly said, “That was just a, a tape snafu. So sorry about that, everybody! Sorry about that, Condaleezza Rice!

Unfortunately, Christine, someone at Early Start did not know the difference.

*Early Start – 04/04/17 (@ 4:00 a.m. ET).

**Ibid @ 4:03 a.m. ET).

Pete: Tucker’s Heir?

Bringing gravitas back! Strangely, Fox & Friends Weekend “co-host” Pete Hegseth is still listed as a contributor for Fox News Channel (FNC) in his FNC bio and on his Twitter page.  But, he appears to be the unannounced co-anchor of Fox & Friends Weekend a la his apparent predecessor Tucker Carlson and his seeming co-host Abby Huntsman. Perhaps, the F&FW suits have learned from the time they awkwardly replaced Fox & Friends co-anchors Page Hopkins, Kelly Wright, and Greg Kelly with Ainsley Earhardt, Dave Briggs, and Clayton Morris without notice to F&FW fans.

Abby and Ainsley’s loose lips? Friday, Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley sat between guest co-hosts Pete and Clayton on the curvy couch and Abby Huntsman was the newsreader. Before Abby read the headlines at the top of the seven o’clock hour (ET), she pointed to Pete, Clayton, and Ainsley, declaring, “My weekend crew, Ainsley! You’re sitting right…[inaudible]….I love it!” Even though she was the queen of the F&F curvy couch, Ainsley sweetly cooed, “I know! I love being a part of you all! Thank you for letting me do this!”

On Fox & Friends Weekend (Saturday) and today, Pete’s ascendancy to F&FW co-anchor seemed crystal clear. Yesterday, at the top of each hour, the names and Twitter addresses of Pete, Abby, and Clayton were displayed as chyrons at the bottom of the screen underneath them: For the doubting Thomases at the top of the second hour, Clayton seemed to adduce evidence to Pete’s apparent new position, saying, “Pete, Abby, and Clayton in the house for you.” On F&FW today, the chyrons of the names and Twitter addresses of Pete, Abby, and Clayton were back at the top of each hour.

Perhaps, it is a mite premature, Pete: But, welcome aboard the F&FW ship! Your first mate Abby is a young smart beauty who is heir to her father’s political acumen and Clayton is the entertaining class clown who loves UFO’s, comic book cines, and the latest in tech products: And, you bring Tucker’s gravitas to the mix with your Princeton and Harvard education; much more importantly, your service to the nation; and your dedication to the nation’s vets.

For Pete’s sake, Pete, do yourself and your F&FW fans proud! Break a leg!

 

 

 

Romans on the Market?

And, no, not the financial market! CNN Early Start co-host Christine Romans has a handsome new TV husband, co-anchor Dave Briggs–and she may now be looking for a new off-camera hubby for a new start.

The mother of three has been been married to Reuters reporter Ed Tobin but divorce rumors have been afoot for a year, at least, according to Hubmesh.com: But, the website author(s) issued a caveat, saying, “[T]he media reports were considered to be ‘true’ until recently Romans clearly denied rumors of their divorce.

But, maybe, the rumors were well founded. For the last week on Early Start, Christine has eschewed wearing her wedding ring. Christine’s take on the market on CNN is one thing: But, her take on the market off camera may now have a whole new meaning!

Romans on the market? Stay tuned.

 

 

 

Dave Briggs’ Debut

Alisyn Camerota: “Reunited and it feels so good! Yes, former Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerota are back together in the morn–at CNN! To boot, they are on back-to-back shows: Dave is Christine Romans‘ new co-host on Early Start from 4-6 a.m. ET, and Aly is Chris Cuomo‘s co-anchor on New Day from 6-9 a.m. ET.

It was a strange, striking sight to see these Fox News co-anchors lovingly embrace each other on FNC’s main cable news rival as Aly teased her ND show on ES. Before she did, Dave introduced her saying, “Alright, let take a look what’s coming up on New Day. My former co-host, my mentor, my friend Alisyn Camerota joining us this morning!”* Gleefully smiling and applauding, Aly broke into song, singing, “Reunited and it feels so good!” Joining in with a big grin, Dave sang, “So good!”

Subsequently, Aly declared, “Dave, we’re super excited to welcome you here to CNN: It’s so great to have you as part of the extended New Day family.”

Giving Dave a playful dig, Aly declared, “I know that you are a fan of the fancy foot hosiery: So, at New Day, we wanted to get you off on the right foot. You’re a man who doesn’t shy await from a floral print. We have some fancy new socks here.” Displaying Dave’s three pairs of fun, colorful pairs fit for a President (George H.W. Bush), Aly said, “We know you like it: So, this should get you through the first week.”

Happy to have her friend back as a colleague, Aly concluded, “We’re thrilled to have you, Dave!”

Indeed, Aly: Great to see you back in the cable news morn indeed, Dave!

*Early Start – 02/23/17 (@ 5:47 a.m. ET).

Tucker’s Last Day

Carlson: “I’m going to miss you guys. I really am!” Today was Tucker Carlson‘s finale as Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor. As the show began, co-host Clayton Morris remarked, “Let’s address the elephant in the room because I’m a little misty today: This is Tucker’s last day sitting on the curvy couch with us on Fox & Friends [Weekend]. I’m going to miss you terribly!” Explaining Tucker’s departure, Clayton continued, “But, you’re not going very far. You’re going to be going to the seven p.m. prime time here on Fox News Channel.”

Chiming in, putative F&FW co-anchor Abby Huntsman declared, “It’s a big deal! We’re so excited for you.”

Turning to Abby, Tucker responded, “Thank you!” Then, he added, “I’m sad about it, actually. I haven’t thought about it. I’m excited: But, I’m sad this is my last day. It’s so totally bizarre.”

From the F&FW co-host who told viewers that he did not eat food on TV and who signed his name with printed initials, Tucker has come a long way–especially for his long-time viewers who watched him long ago on CNN when he seemed to be the smug, smart-alecky bow-tie wearing co-host of Crossfire. [Celebrating Tucker’s evolution on the curvy couch: F&FW vid “A Look Back.”] Initially, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Caller seemed reluctant to embrace his additional role as an FNC edutainment co-anchor: But, Bill Shine–with the invaluable coaching of former co-anchor Alisyn Camerota eased Tucker onto the curvy couch, replacing the charming, self-effacing Dave Briggs.

Tucker, it was always evident that you were on the Fox News A-Team, and you brought real gravitas to the F&FW curvy couch: When major news events occurred, you would oft stay put on the show as co-anchor or pundit when your co-hosts other than Aly oft vacated theirs. Ergo, it is no surprise that you are getting your new show at 7 p.m. ET. Congratulations!

Klutzy Klotz: Comely Molina’s Replacement?

Socks rocks? Not necessarily. Fox 5 Atlanta meteorologist Adam Klotz made his somewhat clumsy debut today on Fox & Friends First and Fox & Friends this morning. Actually, the Warsaw, Indiana, lad is likeable enough but F&F fans could tell that he definitely had the neophyte jitters as he hit the national stage.

Following in the footsteps of sexy Maria Molina surely was more than a tad daunting. Ergo, he played the role of the sycophant by not showing the fig but showing the socks. Sporting neon orange NASA socks, he reminded one of a former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host, namely Dave Briggs, who loved colorful and wacky socks as a wardrobe accessory: Ingratiatingly, he doled similarly colorful socks out to Fox & Friends First co-host Clayton Morris and Fox & Friends co-anchors Ainsley Earhardt, Steve Doocy, and Brian Kilmeade. Poor F&FF co-host Heather Childers was left out–perhaps, to her relief.

Both F&FF and F&F ran “getting-to-know” Adam Klotz segments with photos aplenty: Adam was seen as an intrepid skydiver and a fearless participant in the Running of the Bulls. And, his softer side was captured in a photo taken of him and his dog Piper sleeping side-by-side by his gorgeous girlfriend.

Adam was somewhat shaky Tuesday morn: But, he seemed more than willing to try. And, all of the hype by F&FF and F&F appeared to show that Shine wanted him to succeed. And, his lady Bianca Robles and his pup Piper certainly did–and they seemed to think that he did as they feted him with a bottle of white wine apparently delivered to him in his hotel room.

According to Adam, he will be back all week. Good luck, Adam: Break a leg!

Ainsley’s Dream: F&F Finally

A month later: Too banal for breakfast or just right? Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt has definitely paid her FNC dues: As Glamour.com chronicles, Ainsley did overnight shifts on weekends; updates on the hour on weekday shows, e.g., Hannity; a short-lived stint as co-anchor of Fox & Friends Weekend; and, most recently, co-anchor of Fox & Friends First. And, finally, Ainsley landed her dream job, co-host of Fox & Friends.

But, now, Ainsley has to show her mettle: She has to prove that she has what it takes to successfully co-host cable news morning champ Fox & Friends. Previously, Ainz failed to do so when she co-anchored F&F Weekend with fellow tyros Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs: As faithful FNC viewers may well remember, former F&FW co-host and FNC utility player Alisyn Camerota had to return to the show to right the F&FW listing ship and to show the boys the ropes. After her subsequent stint as co-host of Fox & Friends First, hopefully, Ainsley has learned what tack to take: If she falters this time, at least,  she has seasoned veterans Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on whom to fall back.

Even though Ainsley may not be the sharpest knife in the F&F drawer, she does seem to be one of the sweetest seasonings in the cupboard. Lately, the Southern belle has seemed to almost ape [split infinitive intended] her predecessor counterpart Northerner Elisabeth Hasselbeck. A little too saccharine for the author’s taste–not too mention a mite too modest post her brief Fox & Friends Weekend gig: But, she does seem to have the best of intentions to make Ailes proud and her viewers happy.

Sex it up, Ainsley! Don’t let the boys be the main reason that your viewers tune in in the morning. That’s never a good thing!

Brandi Briggs: One Hot Mama!

Dave’s beauty turns 40! Former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host and current NBC sports guy Dave Briggs let his fans know that his gal Brandi was still “one hot mama”! Celebrating his lovely lady’s 40th birthday in Sin City, Dave Tweeted, “Getting our VEGAS on for my hot wife’s 40th!!! To prove his point about the pretty pol mom of three kids, Dave included a pic of himself with his blond bronzed beauty, Brandi, proudly displaying her tanned, toned gorgeous gams.

Happy Birthday, Brandi! Hope you have fun with your lucky guy in Vegas.

Fox (Aly) & Friends Weekend Reunited

Dave Briggs: “Reunited & it feels so good.” Yesterday, whilom Fox & Friends Weekend team of co-hosts Alisyn Camerota, Dave Briggs, and Clayton Morris got back together: Unfortunately, for their F&FW fans, it was only for lunch. Excitedly, Aly Tweeted, “Guess who I had lunch with? #reunited IMG_0199.JPG.” Subsequently, she posted a pic of her, Dave, and Clayton, posing happily together.

Inexplicably, Aly deleted the pic of the reunited erstwhile F&FW three amigos later. Perchance, she (or CNN) did not want her fans to get too nostalgic for the good old days of Aly reining on the F&FW curvy couch with her boys at FNC. After all, she has moved on to CNN–and has been ruling the New Day divan with Chris Cuomo and Michaela Pereira of late. And, now that ND co-host Kate Bolduan is on maternity leave, Aly may be taking over more permanently.

Happily, for partisans of the penultimate F&FW iteration, current “NBC Sports guy” Dave Briggs provided two fab photos of him and his buds, CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota and still FNC F&FW co-host Clayton Morris [pic1, pic2]. In his Tweet (including a great selfie seemingly shot by Clayton), Dave proudly declared, “Peaches & Herb sang it best, “Reunited & it Feels so Good…”

So good to see you all reunited, too, Dave–if only for a repast.

[Author’s aside: Not too surprisingly, Clayton did not RT the photos of him, Aly, and Dave back together again: After all, he assuredly wants his F&FW fans not to look back too fondly on his former “Friends” and to transition their affections more completely to his new ones, Anna Kooiman and Tucker Carlson.]

Dave’s Pol Babe Brandi

Briggs: “What a good wife you would be”–and are! Current SportsDash co-host and former Fox and Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs proudly announced that his beauty Brandi Briggs was back on the political stage last night. Dave’s better half was nominated to run for Connecticut state rep by the Westport Republican Town Committee. The blond “barrister” beauty and mother of three will run against Dem Jonathan Steinburg to represent the 136th District.

[Author’s aside: Subtitle obviously an allusion to Looking Glass’ hit Brandy (vid).]

Aly Tears Up: “My Last Day”

“Censored” Camerota’s “Orwellian Twist”: A very special day.”Not! In her America’s News HQ tease today on Happening Now, Alisyn Camerota promised, “Today is a very special day for us: we hope that you’ll tune in at the top of the hour!”* For those who did tune in as Aly asked, it was anything but–special.

Of course, Aly’s fans knew the end was near. On Monday, TVNewser reported that her tenure at Fox News would conclude sometime this month. On Tuesday, Judge Napolitano clued Aly’s acolytes into the fact that her departure would possibly be this week when he rhetorically asked Aly if he would be on with her again, exclaiming, “Mother of God!” Today, the writing on Belshazzar’s wall needed no interpreting when Aly promised “a very special day.”

When America’s News Headquarters began to conclude this afternoon, Aly’s co-anchor Bill Hemmer announced, “And, today marks the end–of a wonderful run for our friend and our colleague, Alisyn Lane Cameota.”** As tears began to well up in Aly’s eyes, Bill continued, “I tried to talk her out of it: Oh, I tried! She’s leaving us after sixteen years here at the Fox News channel but she leaves us laughing because that’s what Aly does!”

On cue, a collage of innocuous Aly FNC clips ran: Unfortunately, it appeared to have been cobbled together at the last minute by an intern who had little knowledge of Aly’s tenure on the “Fair and Balanced” network. Bizarrely, there was no real footage of Aly with her Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts during her remarkable three stints on the show: Vintage Aly video with her comeliest of co-hosts Kiran Chetry and their stalwart colleague Kelly Wright was a no-show, e.g., the hilarious spanking tape; Aly clips with her Doublemen twins, Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs, on cam were absent, e.g., “Dave’s Farewell;” and Aly snippets with her final F&FW fellows Clayton and Tucker Carlson apparently were also left on the cutting floor, e.g., Aly’s full “Down and Dirty in the Mud.” To make matters even worse, there was no vid of Aly and the F&F week day boys, Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade either (“Aly’s Back: She’s Rocking–& Ringless“).

In the strange melange today, it was almost all Aly and Bill: There was scant recognition of what Aly has meant to her fans throughout the years on Fox & Friends (weekend and week day). Aly was and is an FNC icon: Too bad, Bill Shine appears to not aptly appreciate that fact. But, Aly’s fans do.

Kudos, Aly! A job well done. You will be missed!

*Happening Now – 03/14/14 (@ 12:43 p.m. ET).

*America’s News HQ – 03/14/14 (@ 1:54 p.m. ET).

Update: J$P vid: “Alisyn Signs Off from Fox News.”

Bill Hemmer: No F&FW Fan?

Oblivious Bill: Tucker, “where’s the bow, where’s the bow tie?” Fox & Friends Weekend gets no respect from FNC host Bill Hemmer. First, the eminently likeable “blow-dry anchor” stole the queen of the curvy couch, three-time F&FW co-host Alisyn Camerota from her fans for good on October 1 of last year. Now, he almost acknowledges that he is no fan of the show–or, if he ever were, he has not seen it since Tucker Carlson took Dave Briggs‘ vacant seat.

During America’s Newsroom this morning, Bill interviewed Tucker and Alan Colmes: After introducing his erstwhile CNN colleague Tucker, he animatedly asked, “Where’s the bow? Where’s the bow tie?”* As Alan chuckled, Tucker grimaced, riposting, “Oh, it’s been about ten [years].” Smiling, an oblivious Bill continued, “New fashion sense!” Charitably, Tucker laughed, “I may bring it back!”

When Tucker began his stint on F&F over a year ago (before he officially took the job), he explained essentially why he had given up the bow tie. In a segment on America returning to more formal Fridays, Tucker, then co-anchor Aly, and co-host Clayton Morris discussed the bow tie. During the segment, Tucker remarked, “People despise you when you wear a bow tie…especially, the Big Apple.” Even though he ignored Aly when she asked him, “Is that why you gave up the bow?,” the answer seemed manifest.

Fox & Friends Weekend: The Rodney Dangerfield of FNC, Bill? At least, watch the show. Or, better yet, give Aly back!

*America’s Newsroom – 01/15/14 (@ 10:32 a.m. ET)

Huddy & PAB: “Simply the Best”?

The girls are back in town! Former Fox & Friends First co-hosts Juliet Huddy and Patti Ann Browne opened their old show to the inimitable Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” this morning. As current F&FF co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt and Heather Childers took the holidays off, it was an amusing start to the day after Christmas for F&FF fans.

As the reader may recall, F&FF (this iteration) debuted almost two years ago (March 5, 2012) with Ainsley and Anna Kooiman at the helm (vid) as nine other rotating co-anchors (i.e., Heather C., Heather Nauert, PAB, Juliet, Arthel Neville, Jamie Colby, Julie Banderas, Dave Briggs, and Clayton Morris) stood at the ready for their shifts. However, on its one-year anniversary, Ainsley signaled that the F&FF co-hosts had been pared to four: She, the two Heathers, and PAB had survived the cut. Approximately, six months later, FNC whittled the number down to two, namely, Ainsley and Heather Childers: TV Newser rather charitably reported that FNC had chosen the two as the “permanent anchors” of F&FF.

But, today, Juliet and PAB had their revenge at Ainsley and Heather Childers’ expense as producers, wittingly or not, committed a lese-majeste, declaring the fresh Jersey girl and Red Eye‘s “notorious PAB” “simply the best [better than all the rest].” Of course, Ainz and Heather C. are scheduled to return to rule their roost soon. And, if the sages are right, she who laughs last laughs best.

F&FF: Ringing in the New Year with feline fireworks? If so, it should be fun! Rowrr!

Tucker Carlson: F&FW’s Shelley Hack?

Clayton Morris: “Welcome in Mike Jerrick from Philadelphia!” Yesterday, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Anna Kooiman welcomed increasingly frequent co-anchor Tucker Carlson fill-in Mike Jerrick with a spirited fist bump to the curvy couch. Heartily endorsing his predecessor and successor at FOX 29 Good Day (Philadelphia), Clayton Morris enthusiastically exclaimed, “Welcome in Mike Jerrick from Philadelphia!” And, no mention was made of Tucker then or for the rest of the show Saturday. Or Sunday–when Mike returned.

As the author mused today about yet another absence of Tucker and the fact that his co-anchors Anna and Clayton (or meteorologist Rick Reichmuth) did not even care to cite it, he recalled, perhaps, a revealing vignette last Sunday on F&FW of Tucker’s disconnect to the show. After a segue to his weather report, Rick ribbed Tucker about not being able to get off the floor in an earlier “fitness” segment: Chuckling, Tucker jested, “I’d fallen and I can’t [sic]  get up.”* Meanwhile, putting her hands over her eyes, Anna interjected, “So embarrassed about that video: we keep playing it.” In reply to both, perhaps, Rick declared, “We can’t let it go.”

Grinning, a gesticulating Tucker queried, “On normal TV shows, don’t they kind of prevent you from embarrassing yourself on TV?” Interposing, Clayton jested, “On normal TV shows, not on Fox & Friends!” Rick riposted, “[Inaudible] Tucker has not watched this show before he joined!” Smiling, Tucker conceded, “Yeah, apparently, not.”

Seven months ago to the very day, the rather cerebral Tucker officially was named the replacement of popular, unapologetically sentimental Dave Briggs on the curvy couch. It seemed a somewhat strange choice for a weekend show that is largely predicated on a personal nexus between the co-hosts and the audience. It appeared, especially, so in light of a F&FW signature analysis segment on January 12 (approximately two-and-half months earlier): F&FW “handwriting expert” Michelle Dresbold declared Tucker’s printed signature (“TSMC”) to indicate that he was not really letting anyone see too much of himself.** Concurring, Tucker acknowledged, “It’s like ‘Tears of a Clown’: I keep it inside.”

Perhaps, too much so. What does the FOX say?

[Author’s aside: Incidentally, after seven months as an official F&FW co-host, Tucker has still not added his FNC position to his Twitter rubric. Re “Shelley Hack” in the title of this post, supra, she was the single-season actress who replaced Kate Jackson as the “cerebral” Angel in Charlie’s Angels and got bumped summarily when she did not connect with fans.]

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 10/26/13 (@ 8:04 a.m. ET)

**Fox & Friends Weekend – 01/12/13 (@ 9:48 a.m. ET)

Heather & Ainsley: F&FF Catfight Queens?

The other Heather and PAB scratched out! FNC chose the Carolina belles Heather Childers and Ainsley Earhardt to be the permanent co-hosts of Fox & Friends according to TVNewser. As to their former rotating fellow co-anchors, Heather Nauert has transitioned to be the quirky headline news reader on the new weekday Fox & Friends and Patti Ann Browne announced that she will do updates and hits and will guest anchor during the “dayside hours.”

Heather and Ainz can be proud of themselves: after all, they are the last ones standing from the originally proclaimed cast of ten (including not only their latest partners Heather N. and PAB but also FNC beauties Anna Kooiman, Juliet Huddy, Arthel Neville and Jamie Colby, and beasts Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris). Ainsley, especially, must feel giddy since she inaugurated this second version of the Fox & Friends First (with Anna) and is still heading the helm.

Unfortunately, the sapor of the show has changed from the time when Ainsley (and Anna) delivered on the promo to be a “shot of espresso” to rouse their viewers from their bed. Short skirts, flirty fun, and cheeky chats have given way too oft to more demure dress, insipid sobriety, and banal banter. Oops: from caffeine to decaf!

Congrats, Heather and Ainsley! Break a leg. And, spice it up!

[Author’s aside: “Catfight Queens”? Perhaps, if the ratings dip too much!]

F&FW’s Alisyn Camerota: “I’m in Denial”

Anna Koiman: I have big shoes to fill at Fox & Friends Weekend. Before her curtain call on Saturday, the queen of the curvy couch, Alisyn Camerota, seemed somewhat reluctant to give up her throne and to leave her acolytes alone. Perchance, as succor, her successor, at least, “for now,” Anna Kooiman gave her apt homage, Tweeting, “Congrats on ur new show @AlisynCamerota[:] You are amazing in every way. I [have] big shoes to fill @ffweekend.”

Indeed, Anna does! Aly has regally ruled that curvy couch thrice. As faithful fans of Fox & Friends Weekend may well remember, the Bristol Bay babe first held court on the curvy couch with the incomparable Nepalese beauty Kiran Chetry in the early-and-mid 00’s. Subsequently, Aly was “promoted” to the weekday F&F crew as newsreader: But, a wise Shine summoned her back in 2008 to captain Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs on a more certain course (than a then too callow Ainsley Earhardt could fathom). About a year later, Shine gave Aly a strange five-month Sabbatical, pairing her oft with Bill Hemmer of America’s Newsroom (during then co-host Megyn Kelly‘s maternity leave and beyond): After auditioning apparent aspirants who did not quite measure up to the role, Shine brought Aly back for yet another run.

In true form, Aly was stellar yet again. And, now, as she is about to be paired more permanently with Bill Hemmer (in a new America’s News HQ slot), Aly’s able assistant aptly asserts, “The journey continues, enjoy the ride.” But, speaking, perhaps, for her fervid F&FW fans, Aly empathized, “I’m in denial.”

Aly Abandons F&FW?

“I’ve got to go with Bill. I’m sorry.” Sorry, Alisyn Camerota fans: your fave gal has taken flight after three unforgettable stints as a fab Fox & Friends Weekend co-host. F&FW co-host Alisyn Camerota will leave F&FW to host America’s News HQ on the weekdays with Bill Hemmer at 1 p.m. ET according to TV Newser. The move should come as little surprise to long-time followers of F&FW who watched Aly leave her F&FW hubbies Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs for five full months in 2011 (during Megyn Kelly‘s “maternity shuffle” and a month more) to cavort shamelessly with America’s Newroom co-anchor Bill Hemmer and other FNC co-anchor rakes.

All levity aside, Aly has more than paid her dues on Fox & Friends Weekend (and other F&F iterations). In fact, in the author’s opinion, she assuredly merited a permanent seat on the curvy couch with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on the weekday Fox & Friends. But, unfortunately, she lost out to Shine’s choice Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Not bad–but she’s no Aly!

Thanks for the memories, Aly! First, you and Kiran Chetry made F&FW must-see TV in your first stint at F&FW. Second, you came to the rescue when newbies Clayton and Dave desperately needed someone to steer their ship on a more certain course. And, third, you gallantly returned to the helm when you reluctantly realized that your F&FW wannabe replacements could not quite measure up.

Good luck, Aly! But, you’ll be missed–sorely!