For this year's costume party, 'Today' traveled to a galaxy far, far away for inspiration. Why 'Star Wars'? As Yoda would say: Dwell on the logic you mustn't. Just enjoy the ridiculousness of this most beloved annual tradition of watching Matt Lauer and company acting silly.
Working with George Lucas, the gang gussied up in elaborate costumes -- surrounded by Stormtroopers and huge set pieces from the original films. Al Roker showed up as Han Solo, while Meredith Vieira (with an Ewok by her side) bunned up as Princess Leia, Kathie Lee Gifford suited up as C-3PO, Ann Curry as cyborg meanie Darth Vader and Erin Burnett as Padme Amidala.
But the real fun began when Matt Lauer, as Luke Skywalker, had a hard time getting out of his X-Wing Fighter. The hatch opened at a crawl, leaving Lauer/Skywalker thoroughly helpless. "I got a bad feeling about this," Roker joked. After making some "c'mon, c'mon" gestures, Lauer was a finally able to pull himself out.
"Sorry, I'm late. I was on my laptop."
But the awkwardness level truly exploded moments later when Hoda Kotb emerged as -- you guessed it -- Yoda Kotb. "I am Yoda, I am." Unsure what to do next, Lauer began thanking George Lucas for providing the props, before being reminded that Curry was still wearing her Vader mask and needed to be introduced.
Later, an Ewok got a little frisky with Meredith. "Don't touch my butt!" she said.
Fans of synergy and corporate tie-ins will be curious as to why 'Star Wars' was chosen this year, when topics like the vampire craze, reality shows ('Jon & Kate') and 'Mad Men' could have been tackled. If you need a reason, go with the 'Star Wars: In Concert' live symphony show that is touring the nation right now.
In the past, they've managed to make me laugh with their silliness and sadly, I actually looked forward to what they were going to do today. It was seriously the lamest Halloween show, EVER. Everything about it was stupid and after about 10 minutes of torture, I turned over to GMA, once again proving that News shows should not try to be entertainers and Kathy Lee Gifford should just not be on TV, period!
Amen! The last hour could be eliminated. Kathy Lee just doesn't know when to shut up and it just lacks the charm that the show has during the first hour or so. I don't like the repeated stories as if it was being broadcast for the first time. We have enough repeats without repeats in the same show. If it is a Public Announcement of importance, ok. But not the same interview replayed over and over again. Did they ever thank "Chewbacca" for being on the show? I think I missed that part.
I thought it was a pretty good show...BTW, Queen Amidala was played by Natalie Morales, not Erin Burnett although I would have loved to see her in costume(or not!!)
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Matt Lauer should keep the wig on. He looks better with it on then off.
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In the past, they've managed to make me laugh with their silliness and sadly, I actually looked forward to what they were going to do today.
It was seriously the lamest Halloween show, EVER.
Everything about it was stupid and after about 10 minutes of torture, I turned over to GMA, once again proving that News shows should not try to be entertainers and Kathy Lee Gifford should just not be on TV, period!
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I totally agree...I,too, switched to GMA,which I never do. I was embarrassed for them, almost uncomfortable in my own home....
Amen! The last hour could be eliminated. Kathy Lee just doesn't know when to shut up and it just lacks the charm that the show has during the first hour or so. I don't like the repeated stories as if it was being broadcast for the first time. We have enough repeats without repeats in the same show. If it is a Public Announcement of importance, ok. But not the same interview replayed over and over again. Did they ever thank "Chewbacca" for being on the show? I think I missed that part.
I thought it was a pretty good show...BTW, Queen Amidala was played by Natalie Morales, not Erin Burnett although I would have loved to see her in costume(or not!!)
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i watched it this morning and thought it was fine. so what if it didn't go off without a hitch - most things don't anyway. the ewoks were funny!
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I thought Hoda was supposed to be wearing a mask. She should have; she's one ugly spud...
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New costume this year: Darth Obama, Evil sith lord!
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New costumes; same group of Liberal idiots.
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Mustn't?? What country is this article being written in???
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That was Yoda speak, read the article completely before making uneducated comments...
SheShe.... mustn't isn't a word in ANY language. (And I'm a doctor, what are u?)
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