Wishing Away The Impending Writers Strike

The Writers Guild of America has network executives shaking in their fancy shoes as a possible writer's strike draws closer.

[Insert some sort of "pen is mightier than the sword" joke here.]

Neither the writers nor the studio heads are budging on the issues (benefits for reality scribes, more pay-out for DVD profits, etc) and the WGA contract expires on October 31. From the looks of it, it's going to be a scary day on all fronts.

Networks are stockpiling scripts of popular television shows. Should a strike occur most of our favorites should be safe through January. But if the strike went on for a few weeks, or closer to a months, the shows would be replaced with news magazines (20/20) and game shows. Not exactly must see TV. The strike could also affect mid-season and fall pilots.

I think the WGA's demands are worthy of a fight, however, it's depressing when audiences and some of our favorite programs are just collateral damage. I don't want networks to have an excuse to make more reality show drivel (MILF Island anyone?). I just want everyone to get along. But you know writers...things can't work out that easily.