MamaPop Weekly TV News Report

Well, TV News seems a little unimportant with Hollywood's big loss yesterday.  Lucky for me, the news is all a little lame anyway, so no inappropriate celebrating from this mourning fan. Except for the bit about Molly Shannon possibly returning to television this Fall. End, WGA Strike! END ALREADY!

• Is it true? Did a snitch reveal the true identity of the Gossip Girl herself? Or is it all a ridiculous hypothesis to be torn apart by fans? Either way - don't read unless you want to be possibly spoiled. Or possibly not. This fan of the books and show thinks it's ridiculous, but I'm also still not convinced Charlie is dead on Lost, so I may not be the best judge.
• While they're not yet granting the Grammy's a waiver for use of WGA writers, the WGA has said they would not picket the show as they did the Golden Globes. This will allow celebrities to attend without having to cross picket lines. Meaning that we at home can continue mocking them mercilessly as the traipse down the red carpet. SCORE!
• In more "good" strike news, talks have resumed between the writers and producers which have made no strides since an ugly end to negotiations on December 7th. The WGA also seems to have dropped some demands. Does this mean there's a chance for our shows to return before Fall? Probably not. But it at least means there's a chance our Fall lineup will have more than reality and game shows. Meaning there will be a lot less bitching and moaning in the Zoot Household.
  
• And, of course, there's the bad news. NBC is looking to possibly cancel the upfronts with the strike. That is my favorite event of the year as we find out what shows will be kept for the next season and what new shows we can expect to hate. What is more likely, however, is that all networks will follow FOX's lead last year and just do an in-and-out announcement about the season. Foregoing the fanfare and glitter. Since I was never part of that fanfare and glitter, I'll take that as an alternative.
• Jerry Seinfeld sent Eli Manning a complete set of Seinfeld DVDs after the FOX Affiliate GM said he'd yank Manning's favorite show from the lineup while the Giants were in Green Bay. Heh. Someone thought that story was big news. That someone is not me. Let's move on.
• The Soap Operas have remained on air even with the WGA Strike. HOW? Well - while some writers have returned under financial strain - it turns out everyone on staff sometimes writes for the shows, writers or not. The janitor is in charge of Marlena's <i>Days</i> storyline. Or something like that.
• While some reality shows are being born during the strike, some are just being renewed. My Life on the D-List has gotten picked up for a fourth season. I'm sure Kathy Griffin's Emmy win didn't hurt her odds when making that decision.
• Even if writing has ceased for many scripted shows, casting decisions are still being made. Selma Blair will star opposite of Molly Shannon in the NBC comedy Kath and Kim. They had me at Molly Shannon. Yay!