The Strike Week Four: Light At The End Of The Tunnel?

Monday was the first day of resumed talks between the Writers Guild of America and the major studios and networks. While no settlement has been announced as this was written, there is optimism both sides will settle their differences over residuals on "new media" performances (the Internet, iPod sales, etc.).
Consider this from the website Deadline Hollywood Daily, according to webmaster Nikki Finke: "(A)very reliable source tells me that there appears to be a deal seemingly in place between both sides. 'It's already done, basically,' the insider describes. That's because of the weeks worth of groundwork by the Hollywood agents working the writers guild leadership on one side, and the studio and network moguls on the other. I was told not to expect an agreement this week. But my source thought it was possible that the strike could be settled before Christmas."
There's reason for optimism--and that's the fact the networks are running low on current hit series. By January, most popular shows will not have new episodes, leading to reruns, more reruns, mid season replacements and--of course--strike-resistant reality shows.
Meanwhile, strikers in New York and Hollywood are having a good time, according to news reports. Waiters serve out scones and other treats to writers/producers/actors on the picket lines. There are themed strike days--one day, it's "Picket with the Stars;" another day has the theme "Bring Your Kids;" and there was one to honor disabled writers. (Of course, there was one day set aside for gay and lesbian writers. That function was run by writer C. Jay Cox, who wrote the screenplay for the film "Sweet Home Alabama." His invitation said in part: “We’ll get a chance to catch up with some old friends, oh-so-casually check out some potential new ones and make snide comments about one another’s attire.” (Sounds like a night at my favorite gay bar in Las Vegas!)
Levity aside, everyone is hoping the writer's strike will be a memory after the new year. It's just good sense. And dollars.

WHAT WOULD THE NEXT LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD WATCH?

It's 10:00 PM, 9:00 Central Time. Do you know what your presidential candidate is watching? I don't know if a candidate's favorite television show is a sign as to whether he/she will be a competent leader, but "TV Guide" decided to find out by asking the candidates themselves. First, the Democrats:

HILLARY CLINTON: A fan of makeover shows on HGTV; along with "Grey's Anatomy;" "American Idol" and "Dancing with the Stars." Her all-time favorite: "The Ed Sullivan Show.*
BARACK OBAMA: His favorite TV character of all time is SpongeBob SquarePants, "because "SpongeBob" is the show I watch with my daughters." Obama's all-time favorite shows are M*A*S*H and *The Wire."
JOHN EDWARDS: The former senator and attorney is a "Boston Legal" fan; he says his true viewing guilty pleasure is "(Republican candidate) Fred Thompson on "Law & Order."
DENNIS KUCINICH: Claims to be a fan of late-night shows including "The Daily Show;" "The Colbert Report;" "Saturday Night Live;" "The Tonight Show;" and "Late Show With David Letterman." Says Kucinich: "I take what I do seriously, but I don't take myself seriously."

Now, for the Republicans:

JOHN MCCAIN: "Prison Break" is among the Arizona Senator's favorite shows, because "as a fellow prisoner (during the Vietnam War), I always dreamed and plotted how I would break out of the Hanoi Hilton."
MITT ROMNEY: The former Massachusetts governor is a "Lost" fan, noting it has "a very captivating plot, and if you live a busy life, escape is always welcome."
FRED THOMPSON: His favorite show is NOT "Law & Order," but ESPN's "SportsCenter."
"I always need to stay up on my Titans, Vols, Vanderbilt and, of course, my Memphis Tigers."

As old time politicians in Chicago used to say, "Vote early and vote often!"
Until next time, happy (strike-free) viewing!

Mike Spadoni