Writers Strike Nearing the End: My Expectations

As reported by several news sources, the Writers Guild of America is close to a resolution of its three-month-old strike. Guild leaders are recommending the new contract to members, and requesting they approve it to the end the walkout.

OK, now that’s out of the way, here’s some of what I expect, and I think other viewers should expect, from the writers:

1. Start writing something better for LOST. Even though the writers weren’t on strike when they wrote the current episodes, it sure seems like they are making it up as they go along. Viewers deserve better.

2. Bring back the “old” feel to Law & Order SVU. I am not sure who put together this latest season – the decline may have actually started last season – but the characters don’t even seem like themselves anymore. And please give us scenarios that are believable and dialog that seems better than what a high school student could write.

3.Unless you want the whole genre of the soap opera to die, the soap writers need to pick up the pace and get creative. No, that doesn’t mean more mob-related stories on General Hospital or another personality disorder on One Life to Live, or another murder and trial on (fill in the blank for your soap of choice here). The soap writers have gotten lazy over the years, all the while the viewers’ expectations have raised. Know your audience and respond to them.

4. Get moving on 24. You've had plenty of time to be thinking about it. I’m getting concerned that it seems that with the latest reports, there doesn’t seem to be a good idea of where this season is headed and what kind of Jack Bauer we’re going to see. There will be no excuse for a lackluster story here.

5. I am not a big fan of awards shows, but the upcoming Oscars better be excellent, otherwise viewers won’t understand the value of the writers and why it was so important that the strike be resolved so the Oscars could go on.

6. Come up with shows that offer something different. We don't need cheesy rip-offs of other shows, like Lipstick Jungle or Cashmere Mafia is to Sex and the City.


In other words, earn your keep. There are tons of fan fiction and amateur writers out there could do a better job, and they are right behind you, on your heels.


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