Greg Gayne/NBCUnless you've been in deep hibernation, you've probably heard that the WGA strike officially went into effect early today, and some of our favorite TV scribes are picketing around town this very minute.
As I shared with you on Friday, this strike has many devastating effects for pretty much everyone connected to the television industry.
But interestingly enough, this could be a good thing for one show in particular: ER. At the show's 300th-episode soiree over the weekend, ER boss John Wells told reporters he's reopening talks with NBC about the possibility of a 15th season.
This news may come as a surprise to fans, cast and crew alike, who all had presumed the series would bow out at the end of this season. In fact, when I was on set in August, Maura Tierney plainly put it: "The show is scheduled to end this season."
So, why the seemingly sudden change of heart? Well, according to well-placed sources inside the show, ER's producers and writers are now concerned the strike could prevent them from wrapping up the series' storylines in a way that is satisfying for themselves and the show's fans. I'm told that only about 13 of the 22 scripts have been completed, and if the strike drags on, the storyline could be halted in a very awkward place.
"There is a small positive [to the strike]," says one ER insider. "It could force NBC to pick us up for another year, so we can end the story properly."
The series has also been holding its own in the ratings this season, despite some stiff competition, and the fan base still seems to be going strong. So, what do you think? Does ER deserve to come back for a jaw-dropping 15th season? And come to think of it, shouldn't Scrubs be afforded the same courtesy if it's also unable to complete its final season?
I, for one, desperately want to see what John Wells and Bill Lawrence have up their sleeves for these shows' final moments.
Comment below, and for more on the latest strike developments, check our news story.