You Go Girl - Helen Mirren Rebukes Tinseltown for Ageist, Sexist Fixation

Mirren knocks Hollywood for Obsessing over Youth & Young Men

Walking Dead Writing Staff takes a Hike

I'm not exactly getting the jump on this story, but the writing staff of AMC's hit zombie series, The Walking Dead, have been fired.  En masse.

Writers being fired from shows -- hits and otherwise, isn't exactly front page news.  Entire staffs from new hit shows are a bit of an anomaly.  The series had an order of six episodes this first season.  Even before last night's finale, the show was renewed for a 13 episode second season.  Six million viewers tuned in for last night's record breaking season one finale.

Season two's built on the premise of relying entirely on freelancers to get the job done.

Having worked on scripted TV shows for a number of years, managing 13 eppys with no in-house writing staff... um, yeah, Frank Darabont, the showrunner can expect to live in his office for the next year.  Cause that's what it's going to take to pull that off.  Since he'll be doing all of the development, writing, casting, budgeting, final say on production and editorial choices, not to mention all those hiccups that happen during day-to-day operations, dealing with the studio and networks... yeah, welcome to hell.

Now, not being part of a TV writing staff currently, the idea of freelancing is very appealing.  But being the realist I am and knowing there are all kinds of folk lining up to take those vacated spots... a combo platter of writing staff and freelancers is more than likely.

Ah, the business of show.  Don't you just love it...?   

Good Golly, Ms. Molly

Okay, I've been a bit remiss -- alright absent of late.  I've got a great excuse -- er, reason.  I've been working on a few things, and with super laser focus, have been doing great things (in my mind).

Truth is, I've had some family issues to wrangle, and unfortunately, this is an ongoing situation.

Remember when you were a kid and couldn't wait to grow up...?  Well.  Here we are.

To quote a line from a silly though pleasant movie, "Chin up, young person."