These are trying times for TV fans.  With all this talk of strikes and cancellations, the average viewer is tempted to haul their old set down to the pawn shop and say something all morose and melodramatic like:

“I’ve had enough, Jacky.  Give this to someone who still gives a shit.”

First of all, get over yourself.  When the going gets tough, the tough get going.  There’s plenty to do, you’ve just got to use your old noodle!  Here are a few ideas for how to pass the endless, soul-milking winter days in the absence of non-reality television:

The Riches Online:  They say the web is where all entertainment is going anyway, so why not get there early?  That way, in a year, when all your square friends and co-workers show up online you can be like “Hey wieners! What took you so long!”  Oh man, that’ll get them good.  Imagine their faces!  Here are some slamming Riches webisodes to get you started.  And an interview with star Eddie Izzard by a really smart and handsome vampire blogger.

Get Creative:  Michel Gondry’s awesome-looking new film, Be Kind Rewind, focuses on two dudes who remake their favourite movies with homemade costumes and a handi-cam.  Give you any ideas?  Any creative ideas you could do with your friends in that absence of television?  That’s right…go to the movies!

Watch The Wire on DVD: I’ve ripped through four seasons of this show in about two months, and it’s blowing out my brain.  It has quickly joined my canon of best shows of all time, alongside The Sopranos, Lost, The Office, Buttman’s Galaxy, Built for Anger, Crime Truck, The Fast/Slow Show, Tell Me a Secret! and Shampoo Sip.  For those in the know, watch this and be delighted.  For those who aren’t: get to work, you’re better than that.

With all this fun stuff to do, who needs some lousy writers?  In fact, I wish all writers would stop writing.  Everything.

End Transmission,
Reggie.