That Old Gang of Mine was the best episode ever.

Other than "Smackdown!," have the WB and/or UPN made similar deals w/ any other shows?

ANTM was renewed for 2 season beyond this one. But I don't think the WWE deal was was widely known; I can't find it mentioned anywhere before today.

But, couldn't the WB (or CW) conceivably choose NOT to pick up those pilots, and pay the penalties anyway?

Oh, sure. But the odds are against that happening.

They've lied to audiences before. What is to stop them from doing so again and again?

I don't know what's anyone's said that could be a lie at this point. Apart from the network merge. Well, and Supremo saying that CW would make a profit in its first year.

You know, if Tim wrote for House, patients would actually die now and again.

I don't know what's anyone's said that could be a lie at this point.

I was talking about network and studio honchos in general, Strega. I don't trust anything that any network or studio honcho says in general. (As a matter of fact, I downright make a rule of it.) No matter how clear-headed he/she may sound at that moment. Why? Because, these individuals have a habit or saying, or promising, one thing, and then...doing the opposite. Or using a lot of words to "neither confirm nor deny," or to cover up the real story behind a particular situation, or to say...absolutely nothing at all.

ETA: I'm clarifying in case you (or anyone else) thought I was talking about WB and CBS/UPN execs specifically. Although, I'm including them in my statement, aren't I? Hmm.

I don't trust anything that any network or studio honcho says in general. (As a matter of fact, I downright make a rule of it.) No matter how clear-headed he/she may sound at that moment. Why? Because, these individuals have a habit or saying, or promising, one thing, and then...doing the opposite. Or using a lot of words to "neither confirm nor deny," or to cover up the real story behind a particular situation, or to say...absolutely nothing at all.

Pretty typical of anyone who runs a business and has to talk publicly about it. The difference is that viewers feel that the people who run the television business are somehow morally beholden to them, in addition to their actual bosses (shareholders) and consumers (ad buyers). So network supremos (thank you Variety) pretend like they have an interest in money-losing propositions. In most other industries that kind of talk gets you canned, quickly.

As this is my RS: INXS thread, I will point out that the tagline has been changed back in honor of the upcoming trip to Vegas, where I will be seeing my sweet batshit crazy boy perform Pretty Vegas. In Vegas.

It's so cool!

I'm so excited for you! I was going to go to Vegas -- but I had to sell my tickets as I was too broke to get there!

I'm going to see them in Chicago!!

I figured that since I was staying AT the Mandalay Bay, I should look into a ticket. And today! They released seats!

It was fate, really.

No way!!! That's totally exciting!!

I hope that they're good ones!

All the reports I've been reading of the tour have been good. (Are you over at Rockband.com?)

I know! I'm stupid with excitement. I think my coworkers are gonna bash me if I don't stop humming.

The seats are to the side of the stage but I'm okay with that.

I haven't checked out that site yet. But I'm bookmarking it to look at when I get home.

Is your date before or after Vegas?