Possible Clues:

• Matter less: it comes to nothing
• Bloodsucker is depressed, as time is running out
• Aristocrat with sad show on daytime TV
• TV quiz show
• A second check preceding lift-off ?
• Prelude to missile attack, perhaps, not unknown in region of Ireland
• Quiz show preceding 'The Ascent of Man'?
• Declining figures for game show
• "The Final ___"
• Nobleman depressed at last minute before New Year