Oh, “TRL.” A decade later the seminal after school music vdeo rundown is now airing its last episode, “Total Finale Live.” I wasn’t a huge fan, but I can’t say I didn’t watch an episode or 100 while studying for a biology exam in high school. Join me now for my live look back.

——————-
10:56: Now it’s time, to say goodbye, to all our “TRL” company. Peace out, Carson Daly. Catch you never.

10:52: “Let’s see what Britney has brought to ‘TRL.’ Yes, please!
“…Baby One More Time” is No. 1, and the VJs act like it’s a surprise. Anyone surprised? Anyone? A girl is actually crying in the audience. Crying.

10:41: Final Finale on the home stretch? Is that a promise Vanessa Minnillo?

10:28: The long discussed 50 Cent performance is finally on…clearly he was late, and it’s kind of put-together-at-the-last minute awkward.

10:22: I was waiting for an Eminem appearance, but he’s just on the phone — lame.

10:10: Samuel L. Jackson is on, for some reason announcing Backstreet’s live performance. I don’t know about you, but when I think of “I Want It That Way” I think of Shaft. If you haven’t cried yet in remembrance of “TRL” this (might) be your time. AJ McLean also has smeared guy-liner. I don’t know what you guys, but I think it’s time to let Backstreet back … in our lives.

10:05: Backstreet’s back … all right! Well, in 4 minutes.

9:52: 2008 Christina is watching 1998 Christina’s “Genie in a Bottle.” Awkward. Though Carson eloquently says it “set her off nice.” Good call.

9:51: Having Hilary Duff on so late is kind of anticlimactic. Sorry, Duffster.

9:50: In one lovely moment, Carson Daly admits to being a douchebag AND a tool. I can die happy now.

9:37: The Ludacris/Nelly/Snoop melody drops me right back to sophomore year in college. And I feel a bit old.

9:31: Really? More Diddy? I’m kind of done.

9:22: MTV News look back. Shocker — no Pulitzer. Yet they did break the news that AJ McLean of Backstreet Boys was going into rehab. Clearly nipping at the heels of Woodward and Bernstein.

9:21: Primo douchebag Daly moment: “I love strippers and you sent me strippers … no doubt.”

9:19: Kid Rock/Carson Daly revert to their aged “TRL” of yore bromance. He’s also smoking a cigar, wearing sunglasses and drinking something that I’m sure is apple juice. Classy.

9:11: Korn’s Jonathan Davis looks slightly embarrassed to be there. And apparently hasn’t bathed since his “TRL” heyday.

9:06: Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez are back. Mini NSYNC reunion! Though, I must admit, my heart is breaking because Chris “odd dreadlocks” Kirkpatrick is missing. Wikipedia to the rescue. Apparently he stars on “Gone Country 2.” Now my heart is breaking even more.

9:05: It’s somewhat odd to realize that “TRL” still existed when I grew up and became an adult and all. I missed so much.

9:04: I don’t remember this “Susie” person. I’m hoping old-school MTV peeps will show up instead. Where’s Bill Bellamy? John Norris!?!

8:55: Pete Wentz is absent from the Fall Out Boy live performance. Could wifey Ashlee Simpson be giving birth? Vanessa Minnillo confirms “Ashlee is due any minute now.” Excitement.

8:44: Christina Aguilera, via satellite, looks completely different from her 1998 “TRL” persona. I guess that’s a good thing.

8:40: Dave Holmes! Jesse Camp! Together! I’m trying hard to contain myself here.

8:39: We learn the phrase “we want a lady in the street but a freak in the bed” is still true for Ludacris. Good to know. I was wondering about that.

8:26: Diddy gets a retrospective, which is appropriate since he appeared on the show three dozen times, more than anybody. Accomplishment or sad fact? Discuss.

8:23: Damien is talking to Travis Barker, via satellite, his first interview since his surviving the plane crash. He’s talking about making music again. This all segues into No. 9 countdown pick, Blink-182’s “What’s My Age Again.”

8:22: Miley Cyrus is trying to take the “best TRL photobooth photo.” Well, she does have experience with provocative shots. Good luck!

8:16 p.m. A clip from 10.22.98 has Carson mentioning “the hottest group in the country — Backstreet Boys.” This is going to be a hilarious ride.

8:14: Another former VJ Hilarie Burton welcomes country star Taylor Swift who has in her hands the “official TRL yearbook, 1998-2008.” Is that a tear I feel welling up?

8:12: The producers are doind a countdown of the top videos that shaped pop culture (aka “TRL”). No. 10 is Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” which probably should have been a bit higher. There’s also the first “WOOOOO” outburst from a fan commenting. Oh, memories.

8:09: Host smackdown! New head Damien Fahey is joined by former VJ Carson Daly. Let the toolbaggage begin! Fahey says “TRL” is one the most phenomenal experiences of his 28 years on the planet. OK.

8:08: First “TRL” flashback. Beyonce switches over to “Crazy in Love.” Where’s hubby Jay-Z? I also like how “taking you back” means 2003.

8:03 p.m.: Beyonce starts things off with a live performance of “If I Were a Boy.” We at b are kind of obsessed with Beyonce, and by “we,” I mean our new production designer Wes. Still, we enjoy her, too. Also, I learned that in the “TRL” world, it’s still appropriate to do the slow audience hand wave thing. The audience also looks a bit scared of “Single Ladies” Beyonce. Us, too!

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.