The Writers Strike Watch & A Second Look At Some New Series

The odds are growing there will be a writers strike in Hollywood as early as this Thursday. Unless there's a last-minute deal that will suit all sides, members of the Writers Guild of America will go on strike for the first time since 1988.
It will affect the release date of theatrical film, but the impact will be felt on the television industry. What it comes down to is that scripts already written by Wednesday--the last day of the existing WGA contract with studios and production companies--will be filmed. Estimates are that the Big Five broadcasters will run out of first-run scripted programs between January and February. That is, IF there is a strike. The networks have ordered additional scripts on most series, including the low-rated new and returning shows. But inevitably, the broadcasters will have to fill prime time with unscripted shows or programs not covered by the WGA. That means reality series, sports programs and news.
The big issue, of course is money--payment for new scripts and residuals to writers for every rerun that airs. This time around, it's the new technology that's the sticking point. What should writers get for scripts distributed to the Internet and other new media forms? The 1988 strike dealt with money for home video. And the fight continues, according to this missive posted on the WGA website:
"For a few decades now there has been a growing feeling among writers that they are slowly being left behind. Every new technology or genre, instead of being treated as a new opportunity for mutual growth and benefit, is presented to us as some unfathomable obstacle that requires flexibility from writers -- meaning a cheap deal that remains in place. This happened with home video. It happened with basic cable. It has happened with reality TV. Now you want it to happen with new media and the Internet."
With the U.S. economy already on shaky ground, propped up only by consumer spending, a prolonged strike would hurt Southern California's economy hard (entertainment makes up seven percent of the area's industry); without written shows to produce, most people who work behind the scenes would be laid off. Businesses that rely on Hollywood TV and film revenues would also hurt.
But the broadcasters have a lot to lose if the WGA hits the picket lines. Without familiar scripted series such as "Grey's Anatomy," "CSI," "House" or "Heroes," viewers will be heading to home video--or worse, cable. And that would send viewership for the Big Five English-speaking broadcasters (CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox and CW) plunging even further. And this isn't 1988, when the networks (three, plus upstart Fox) still held more than half of the viewers in prime time.
If there is a bright spot in the whole ordeal, it's this: WGA members could decide to negotiate past the November 1st deadline, working under the old contract until either a new agreement is reached--or if talks stall and the writers walk off the job. The next few days will be critical, and I'll keep you posted on these pages.

A SECOND LOOK: I've decided to take a second look at some new fall television series to determine if my initial impressions--based on the pilots--were still accurate.

CBS' "Kid Nation"
WHAT I SAID: "(A)verage television--and not worth the storm and fury that surrounded it. It's not scraping the bottom of the barrel, but it's not at the top of the heap, either."
SECOND OPINION: Actually, the subsequent episodes have been better, with improved focus on the kids as they try to run a small town with basic conveniences for 40 days. But while "Kid Nation" has improved, its ratings have not. Still, this may be the best CBS has to offer in a low-rated time slot on Wednesday nights--at least until the end of the year.

FOX's "Back To You"
WHAT I SAID: "There are a few rough spots to work out--the ensemble cast needs to be defined better with less stereotyping; and the bickering between the two leads needs to be toned down a notch or two. That said, "Back To You" may end up being the best of the new fall sitcoms."
SECOND OPINION: Fox has renewed the series for a full season, but subsequent episodes have not addressed the major problems with this series--underdeveloped secondary characters (the wonderful Fred Willard aside) and the hostility between the characters played by stars Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton is as bad as the pilot. Still, given the relatively high quality of the scripts and the premise, there's always hope for "Back To You."

CBS' "The Big Bang Theory"
WHAT I SAID: "The premise, if not totally fresh, is quite well-executed in the pilot...."(The)Big Bang Theory"--like "(Two & A Half) Men"--proves a slight twist on a familiar formula can produce impressive results.
SECOND OPINION: This sitcom has found a groove and is sticking with it--nerds who have problems on the social latter. And it's well plotted, funny stuff. (Warning: Some of the language and situations, as in co-creator Chuck Lorre's "Men"--may be too much for young kids.) That said, "Big Bang" more often than not delivers big laughs.

NBC's "Bionic Woman"
WHAT I SAID: "(It) has a built-in nostalgia factor that will bring viewers in. Judging by the power-packed pilot, many will stick around."
SECOND OPINION: Since the pilot, "Bionic Woman" has only fallen--both in quality (situations have become more outlandish) and audience (fewer viewers have stuck around compared with the pilot episode). I've talked to a few sci-fi fans who have watched the series--and they're equally disappointed with the show's direction. "Bionic Woman" may get some more time to work out the kinks, but that time is running out. Fast.

Until next time, happy viewing!