Kimmel Returns

Jimmy Kimmel is back, and not a moment too soon. He returned to his desk on Tuesday night, as millions tuned in to welcome him home.

I frankly never thought that it would happen at all, without prolonged protests and boycotts against Disney. Stephen Colbert is still broadcasting nightly, but his days are numbered, as if awaiting execution. All of this is happening while Sauron plots his way forward, with nuisance suits against the New York Times and other outlets. Meanwhile, his minions block access to arms of the government. Reporting on the Defense Department has now been complicated by an order from Mr. Hegseth requiring that journalists gain “clearance.” In practical terms, that means full-blown censorship, even on issues and documents in the public sphere. The Administration is quickly closing its doors so that it can operate with maximum speed and efficiency. The only thing that may save us is that it is a crew of bunglers, distracted by its appetite for ideological and religious purity.

One of the most chilling aspects of L’Affaire Kimmel was the primetime tyranny of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). Brendan Carr, its director, used to be a mensch. In the Biden Administration, he was a free-speech patriot, with special support for political satire. Its purpose, he argued, was to irk and provoke, as a way of stimulating meaningful debate. Now, under Sauron, he has been turned inside out. Threatening action against ABC and Disney, he announced that Kimmel had to go. “We can do this,” he said, “the easy way or the hard way.” In case you’re wondering, that’s the language of a mob boss. Our government has been transformed into a Mafia syndicate.

Kimmel, in contrast, is a pillar of light. I saw a recording of his return late last night. He carefully laid out a defense of free speech and made it clear that he saw Kirk’s murder as a tragedy.

He then modeled a version of forgiveness and generosity that was perfectly in synch with the tenor of the High Holidays. He knew, as we do, that Disney acted badly, capitulating to the pressure of its Administration overlords. But he also expressed sympathy for the pressure it had experienced and told us he understood its predicament. He then expanded on his gratitude to his employer for defending him in the past and welcoming him back. It was a humane display of genuine understanding.

The days ahead will either prove him out or deepen the crisis into which all of us have fallen. I’m betting on the strength and enlightenment of Jimmy Kimmel.