NOVEMBER 7, 2007

       So what’s on TV tonight? Well, not much thanks to the Writers Guild of America. If you’re a fan of sitcoms, dramas or soap operas you’ve undoubtedly been switched off by the networks pulling the plug on your favourite shows.

       What does this strike mean for the courageous channel changers? While some remote controls will be gathering dust others will probably need button replacements for anxious thumbs feverishly looking for something entertaining on the tube.

       Remember the days before TV enlightened, educated and entertained us? We actually had to talk to our families and go out and do things. My eyes are welling up with tears thinking that I’m once again going to have to talk to mom or spend time with my nephews.

       It’s sad when so many of us schedule our lives around our favourite TV shows. You know what I’m talking about – how many times have you come home and thought, “Oh crap, I forgot to record that show”? I’m not the only one who needs to ensure I don’t miss my staple shows. Many a time I have had to call around and find out what happened on those shows that night. After all, life isn’t the same without them.

       Life is going to turn into one big reality show now. (See, everything in life these days somehow relates to TV.) Ironic considering reality TV is supposed to be about life. New show idea: how families are coping with the strike. Family dysfunction is on the horizon and all you need is a laugh track, a webcam and YouTube and you’ve got the writers’ strike covered.

       So really we’re not entirely lost without television. Now we can turn to the time-wasting fun of the Internet for our laughs at other people’s expense.

       But in the meantime, I sense the sales of crossword books and computer games will be going through the roof. Life just can’t go on without new TV episodes.