About The Strike...

I was just thinking of you....So, have you started noticing re-runs (I mean, re-broadcasts is the new term) of your favorite shows yet?

In case you have been living under something (I call it being busy), you may have noticed that we are in the midst of a Writer's strike. After a week into this fiasco, it's time to take a quick inventory of the casualties....

Before We Begin

First, although I am a writer - I am not on strike. However, I completely support the writers and feel they are worth EVERY Penny. If you have ever attempted to write something, you already have insight into how much talent, concentration, and creativity is required.

Just as many, I began my career writing. At the time it was news reports that started with brief 5 minute newscasts consisting of re-writes ripped from the AP Wire to eventually the writing of full-blown investigative reports. I was into writing and reporting all things related to news - there was not a story that I did not already have a story written and, yes I believed that news broadcasting was going to be my entire career...More on this later...

Writing the news is a different kind of writing comprised of factual for the purpose of dissemination of information and not nearly as fun as writing fiction (Of which requires a much more creative effort).

Week 1

As mentioned, we are now 7 days into the bull-horns and whistles of a strike and so far we have casualties to report including layoffs (NBC's Conan/Tonight Show), delayed seasons (24), job losses (NBC's The Office), celebrities joining the picket lines (Even Rage Against The Machine front man and Jesse Jackson - who knew he cared so much about the entertainment industry, as well), threats of legal action against Showrunners (20th Century Fox and CBS Paramount), and the area coffee shops are also affected.

During all of this, the biggest of the calamity apparent to viewers has been suffered by the late-night talk shows. Who knew that Jay Leno and Dave required someone to write jokes for them? You mean you are not charming and witty enough to do a live show?

I mean, how are we going to hear the latest movie project of the celebrity du jour, without late-night puerile humor and chit-chat? Good grief, I am coming undone...Get the shows back on the road...Stat!

Despite the late-night fare, other shows were not immediately affected, including the daytime dancing chatter fest Ellen, which will continue production. Host Ellen DeGeneres told her studio audience at Tuesday's taping, "That she was obligated under her contract to continue the show, although she supported the striking writers". Does someone actually write her dancing routine at the beginning of her show or something?

Having said, several 'daytimers' continue to air including Oprah (Who probably has an entire stock inventory of shows - you know we are in dire straights if we start noticing 'Classic' Oprah shows suddenly back on the schedule - it's all big hair and shoulder pads), gabfest The View and blabber Dr. Phil also remain on the air without incident, and Tyra Banks is still walking to New York.

On Hold

Amidst the turmoil, a few actually lament the strike could actually become a positive. Ailing shows can take a breather before heading to the block: Yes, I am already speaking of a series in which we all had high hopes: Bionic Woman and Friday Night Lights may be looming near a sudden conclusion.

On the other side, one studio (Fox/News corp) is already reporting 'zesty optimism' stating, "We are saving more money in terms of deals" - says, Peter Chernin, President of News corp.

Perhaps, but my question, are you making money? - simply because that is what matters and it is a question of glass half-empty or glass half-full. Financial lesson 1, short-term savings does not equal long-term effect. Many would agree, this is certainly not the time for under estimating the pending yet-to-be determined impact of such an event with grandiose over assessments.

A Reality Glimmer of Hope

However, where there is not scripted - there is unscripted opportunity and Fox is the purveyor of all things Idol (Set to re-emerge in January), and should the strike continue it is likely that more viewers will tune in to watch Idol rather than other network re-broadcasts...I was enjoying the break.

My final note to the networks (Ben, Kevin, and Steve), forget Ultimate Fighting let's get some new reality shows on the air - those ideas don't sound all that bad, now do they?

The photo above features actors Maura Tierney and John Stamos joined in support with protestors from the Writer's Guild of America at Warner Bros. Television Studios in Los Angeles, Calif., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007 and is compliments of ABC News.