Nikki Finke, who usually gets the scoop on the writers' strike at her popular blog Deadline Hollywood, tonight offered this preview of David Letterman's return: "He walked onstage at the Ed Sullivan Theater in midtown Manhattan sporting a full beard and a WGA-written monologue amid a chorus line of high-kicking showgirls wielding WGA picket signs." The New York Times reported that the show opened with cameo by Hillary Clinton, beamed in from Iowa, quipping: "Dave's been off the air for eight long weeks because of the writers strike. Tonight he's back. Oh well, all good things must come to an end."
Letterman poked a lot of fun at his beard. The Times observes: "The most unusual moment came during his regular 'Top 10 List,' in which 10 striking writers — including those from Mr. O’Brien’s show, 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart' and 'The Colbert Report' — presented their tongue-in-cheek demands of their employers."
Finke adds: "Back in Burbank, Jay Leno didn't miss a beat of a very funny monologue. But the big question is who wrote it: WGA members or scabs? Then Jay took audience questions and looked like he was glad to be back before the cameras. GOP presidential candidate Mike Huckabee crossed the picket line to be lead guest as expected."
1 comment:
Ok - I really do understand where the writers are coming from and I agree that they had to take a stand against corporate. But, I'm also seeing that their stand is causing suffering among many people in an economy that is already stretched to a breaking point. It's fine that they reviewed their savings, food stock, debt amounts, etc. and decided that it was worth the struggle and strife to do what they believed in. But in doing so, they have forced others in to financial burdens that may take years to recover from. What about set designers, costume folks, the small businesses that make their living in whatever way from the industry? Is this really fair? Though I believe corporate greed shoulders the majority of blame here, I do call the writers to task as well. Something's got to give here and, if it doesn't, the writers should really not be complaining about anyone that crosses that picket line. They have to recognize the distress they've initiated and balance their needs with those of others.
It's only fair.
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