Fox News stalwart Geraldo Rivera, after bailing on the conservative network, donned his journalist’s cape to enter the realm of ABC’s “The View.” The anticipation was palpable, the expectations sky-high, and the speculation… well, utterly juicy. But as the dramatic script of daytime television would have it, Rivera’s journey at “The View” lasted about as long as a goldfish’s memory. Why? Two words – Whoopi Goldberg.

Rivera’s leap from the right-leaning Fox News to the decidedly diverse panel of “The View” had everyone talking. And by everyone, we mean both those who still watch daytime TV and those who merely relish the melodrama it invariably conjures up.

In a stunning turn of events that could only be likened to a daytime soap opera (or perhaps an unexpectedly spicy episode of a cooking show), Rivera’s stint at “The View” ended quicker than one could say “commercial break”. A grand total of one episode was all it took for Rivera to switch gears, making his “View” experience about as lengthy as an espresso shot.

So what went wrong, you ask? Enter Whoopi Goldberg, Emmy-winning host, esteemed actress, and according to some, the human equivalent of an exit sign for Rivera.

Now, let’s set the stage. There was Geraldo Rivera, Fox News veteran, getting comfortable in his new chair, ready to bring in some fresh perspective to the show. Across from him sat Whoopi Goldberg, the bedrock of “The View,” armed with sharp wit and a no-nonsense attitude. Picture this encounter as a delightful mid-afternoon chess match, with a dollop of humor, a sprinkle of controversy, and a healthy serving of sass.

The audience, energized by the prospect of this intellectual tug-of-war, eagerly awaited the sparks. And sparks there were, although they closely resembled the fireworks one might encounter in a Tom and Jerry episode.

The show began as any other, with pleasant introductions and seemingly harmless small talk. However, the pleasantries lasted about as long as a politician’s promise. As soon as the panelists moved to discuss the day’s hot topics, the temperature began to rise. You could say the show went from “The View” to “The Flame.”

Goldberg, ever the firebrand, unleashed a volley of thought-provoking arguments and tongue-in-cheek remarks. Rivera, meanwhile, bobbed and weaved, trying to land counterpoints.

And then, the moment arrived. A quip, a retort, a Goldberg zinger so sizzling, it could make a jalapeno jealous. We won’t quote it here – after all, this is a family-friendly satire article – but let’s just say that the conversation quickly went from daytime TV to prime-time boxing. Rivera’s reaction? To paraphrase a popular meme, he seemed to decide that it was time to “nope” out of there.

Whoopi’s remarks, while undoubtedly sharp, were not unlike her usual spirited banter. Rivera, however, appeared taken aback. His wide-eyed expression mirrored that of a deer caught in headlights, or perhaps a Fox News host caught in the middle of a heated debate on a different network. Either way, the show abruptly ended with an impromptu commercial break.

When “The View” returned, Geraldo’s chair was empty, a silent testament to the powerful presence of Whoopi Goldberg. The host, in a tone both amused and bemused, announced Rivera’s abrupt exit. A flurry of camera flashes and hushed whispers followed, the audience left in disbelief at the spectacle that had unfolded. Rivera’s transition from Fox News to “The View” had, it appeared, ended before it could even begin.

Speculations ran wild, but Rivera’s hasty exit seemed to say it all: Whoopi Goldberg is a force to be reckoned with, and apparently, not everyone can handle the heat. But hey, that’s the beauty of “The View,” isn’t it? You come for the discussion, but you stay for the drama. And if you can’t take the heat, there’s always the option of a swift exit.

While this marks a new record for the shortest tenure on “The View,” we must give credit where it’s due. Geraldo, in his brief appearance, certainly gave us an episode to remember. So here’s to Geraldo Rivera, whose run at “The View” may have been short but was undoubtedly spicy. Whether this event will become a staple in the annals of daytime television history, only time will tell.

In the meantime, as the dust settles on this explosive episode, one thing is for certain: When the world needed a laugh, Rivera’s blink-and-you-miss-it stint at “The View” did not disappoint. So long, Geraldo. Thanks for the memory – however brief it might have been.