I can't tell you how happy I am that "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" is back tonight. So far the show has been as funny as I'm used to it being. Unfortunately, they returned without the writers, thus coming up with material on the spot as well as on the spot material previously taped. But first and foremost, he stated that he supports the writers, which was met by applause.
The show so far has included: - Conan and his sexy strike beard, which proves that he "has testosterone." - A nice tribute to his strike beard ... I love you. - Conan trying to break the record of how long he can spin his wedding ring on his desk. (Longest was 41 seconds; tonight he got 36) - A tour of Conan's office, as well as what he and others have been doing during these past two months. - Conan talking about playing Sudoku, then throwing the book of it at someone in frustration. - Conan and a portable amp, playing his guitar. - Taking his amp and guitar and playing while people are trying to do work, or playing while people were trying to play Rock Band. Ha. - regular guest Bob Saget from "Full House" and making bad jokes. Of course.
Others like Letterman and Leno returned as well, but to be pretty damn honest, I really only cared about Conan. The most important thing that should happen as quickly as possible is that this strike gets resolved ASAP. I was so upset about "Heroes" ending so early, earlier than it should have been. It would have been a phenomenal season, but right now I just feel like nothing's happening. Nothing! Hurry up! TV is super boring these days, which is something I never though I would say. I don't want to see anymore reality shows... because most of them suck.
Conan O'Brien will be a rerun tonight, and I'm not happy.
But then again, it's not really much when you think about what the Writer's Guild of America isn't happy about. This is the first strike in over twenty years, and it's absolutely ridiculous (!) that they're not getting properly compensated. To make it worse, the AMPTP is offering a deal that compensates writers .3% of revenue from writers' creations viewed through the internet and other new media, while the WGA want 2.5%... it's not really a huge demand, but it's a reasonable one. The AMPTP's reasoning for their small offer? They think it's too soon to tell how "big" new media will get, AND if there is enough evidence that there is money to be made from it. Yeah, and George Bush ain't the President of the United States.
This whole argument goes beyond new media, but it also delves back into the details of the contract they decided on in 1988, so you know there's a big mess to go through. The union has had enough and has decided to strike against the greedy establishment that continues to take what isn't theirs everyday. It's a harsh way to describe it, but there is no other way. This is something that needs to be addressed, and hopefully it will be resolved soon enough. Not only does this strike effect the writers, but it's also effecting the directors, actors, and not to mention the production crew. Everyone who makes these shows happen is effected, meaning there are sure to be imminent layoffs not too far off in the distance if not resolved in a timely manner.
All seriousness aside, what the HELL is going to happen to "The Office?" Or "Lost?" "Lost" was supposed to premiere in February. My real concern right now besides the WGA and my favorite shows is the demise of real TV shows. Meaning: reality television will kill us all. And I may be forced to hate the one thing I truly love.
Watch as the writers of "The Office" talk about how the strike is affecting them:
