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Crossing a Fine Line
It seems that this writer’s strike has been going on forever. It’s effects are being felt on the talk show circuit already, where as the effects on the film industry will not be felt for quite some time. Meanwhile, in the television world of situational comedies and dramas the effect is more uncertain. Some shows are going to air what they have done and continue their seasons when the strike is settled. But what if the writer for a show is more than just a writer?
In the case of television’s best drama, Lost, this is the case for Damon Lindeloff and Carlton Cuse. As reported by John K. of thetailsection.com Cuse has crossed the picket line. Not as a writer but as a producer. John makes the argument that this is a good thing. He will be not be writing and is therefore still honoring his picket with the his fellow writers. He will also be honoring his commitment to the fans and the story itself, by overseeing the already filmed eight episodes.
While I respect Cuse’s commitment to the storytelling and the great mystery that has wrapped so many of us up, I fear that he has crossed a very fine line. Lost should have his stamp of approval on it before anything airs. I have not committed to three seasons of this show just to have some greedy studio exec fuck it all up. Lost’s story is drum tight and no one should screw with that. On the other hand Cuse is running the risk of alienating a great staff of writers. A decision that in theory could come back to haunt him and fans.
Is this a question of commitment or loyalty? I don’t know the answer for sure. My take would be to fully honor the strike and hold the show off completely until it is settled, however, it is certain that ABC would never let this happen.
Last 5 posts by Chris
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2 Responses to “Crossing a Fine Line”
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I agree … just wait on it. If ABC was smart, they’d hold on so that they do not send out an inferior product. LOST isn’t SMALL WONDER or something like that … they shouldn’t risk losing the fans.
This is a terrible decision by Cuse. He is on strike and he’s acting if it’s just part of his job to go back to work. What a dickhead.
This leaves the possibility of the other writers not wanting to work with him when they do come back. Then the show would need new writers and everything could go to hell.
ABC is also really stupid for doing this. This show is a huge hit for them and they should be smart enough to leave it alone until the strike ends.