First episodes are generally a horrible way to gauge the merits and potential success of a show. Granted, in scripted television, pilot episodes are often done months before a series is picked up and often lead to changes in plot, casting, tone, and crew. In (almost) live late-night television, the lead time is much shorter. The first episode will be shot on Monday, the second on Tuesday. There probably won't be much in the way of monumental changes during the 23 hours in between.

However, with the pomp surrounding Conan's departure and the "Team Coco" phenomenon that has been fostered by the internet, it's likely that Monday nights episode will be mired in a near-lethal amount of back-slapping and "it's good to be back' fluff, rather than the edgy absurdity that drew so many to Conan in the first place.

For these reasons, we at JAGT are picking up at the second episode, once some of the dust has settled and the novelty of having the lanky Irishman back on TV has worn off, at least a little. Also making the decision a little easier is the fact that it appears to be a killer show boasting Tom Hanks, 30 Rock's Jack McBrayer, and the newly-reunited Soundgarden. While we might miss the Masturbating Bear or Pimp-bot in the first episode, we'll know that the next time they break out those characters at "Conan", it won't be pandering to the new audience, but actually just because the guys behind the show are some twisted geniuses.