To think that just a few weeks ago, to go by press reports, the besieged Ellen DeGeneres was seriously thinking about bailing on her daytime talk show. Which she probably was.

Ellen verbatim: “There were also articles in the press and on social media that said I’m not who I appear to be on TV, because I’ve become known as the ‘be kind’ lady. Being known as the ‘be kind’ lady is a tricky position. Anyone thinking of changing their name or giving themselves a nickname, do not go with the ‘be kind’ lady. The truth is, I am that person that you see on TV, [but] I am also a lot of other things. Sometimes I get mad or sad or anxious or frustrated and impatient, and I’m working on all of that. Especially on the impatient thing. And it’s not going well, not happening fast enough. [That said] I’m a pretty good actress, but I don’t think I could come out here for 17 years and fool you. This is me, and my intention is to always be the best person I can be.”