Jeffrey Lyons, the veteran film and theater critic and co-host of the syndicated review program Reel Talk, will blurb no more. At least not at WNBC, where the 64-year-old was pink-slipped Thursday after 13 years of service. Joining him are his co-host Alison Bailes and producer Michael Avila. I know, I know: But what about Ben Lyons?
One report notes he's still on at the station, where he contributed celebrity interviews to Reel Talk since the show's inception in 2005. But the bulk of Lil' Lyons's sycophancy still takes place at E! and on his own syndicated review show At the Movies, which remains sturdily in place. His father, meanwhile, who joins a growing list of laid-off WNBC old-timers, attributed the move to salary cutbacks -- this, he said, despite the show being profitable in syndication.
I'll actually miss the whip-smart Bailes, who moved over from IFC four years ago to join Reel Talk and has always been pleasant to see around the NYC screening circuit. At any rate, condolences and good luck to all. And let's face it: In the end, there's really no competing with Ben Lyons, anyway, so maybe a new beginning is best for everyone.
· SCREEN GOES DARK FOR CRITIC [NYP]