Lost's Carlton Cuse really does support the strike

It's an odd situation when you are not only a member of the Writers Guild and want to support your fellow writers, but you're also the showrunner of the show you write for. Tina Fey is in that situation at 30 Rock, though she's been on the picket lines from the beginning.

Another producer who is in that situation is Carlton Cuse over at Lost. There were mysterious rumors (just like Lost itself!) going around the industry that Cuse had actually gone back to work on the show. To make sure there was no confusion as to where he stands, Cuse sent out an e-mail to everyone explaining everything.

To my fellow WGA Members,

I want to clear up any misunderstanding about where I stand.

On November 16, I, regrettably, was quoted by a Wall Street Journal reporter saying I was going to perform some of my non-writing, post-production duties on episodes of LOST to protect the show for the fans. However, I'm sure to the delight of the AMPTP, my statement became the story and gave the false impression that there was disunity among showrunners over the issues of this negotiation.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Every showrunner I know, whether producing or not producing, stands in full support of the goals of our guild.

For the past two months I have been working seven days a week on these negotiations alongside my fellow negotiating committee members.

As a committee we did everything we could to get both parties back to the bargaining table this last week. We were fully prepared to enter into the kinds of back-and-forth discussions that are necessary to reach any sort of labor deal. I sincerely hoped this return to the table would lead to real progress.

I was wrong.

In fact, given the events of last Thursday -- and where things currently stand -- I can no longer in good conscience continue to work on my show in any capacity.

What I will be doing is continuing my work as a member of the committee for as long as it takes, contributing in any way I can, to get us the fair and just deal that we must have.

It's going to be an arduous fight.

But make no mistake -- we are united, we are resolute...

And we are indeed ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.

Yours,
Carlton Cuse

Well, that doesn't leave any room for a different interpretation.

The strike is beginning to worry me. It's almost 2008, both sides are still far apart, and most shows are running out of new episodes. Last night was the last Heroes for the fall and maybe for the whole season (the preview even said something about the story continuing "in 2008...," though that could mean September or October of 2008). Sure, I can watch DVDs I need to catch up on and stuff I might have on DVR and watch movies and documentaries on cable. But the networks are going to be all reality shows and repeats. Thankfully, Cuse's Lost returns in early '08, at least for a handful of episodes or more. So that's something.

[via DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com]