The Gag Reel By: Mo Diggs

NO END IN SIGHT: Though there may have been a balmy sense of optimism last week, no deal is expected to come out of today's negotiations. Indeed, a deal between writers and producers may not come until March. Expect more YouTube videos from writers, more blogs from writers, and more comedy shows going to the stage.

LONG NIGHT: After nearly a month into the strike, the bizarre ripple effect from the loss of late night TV keeps, uh, rippling. An LA Times blog suggests that Hillary Clinton is getting a free pass because she's no longer everybody's joke-butt. The box office is taking a major hit, with films (like Fred Claus) being unable to promote. I imagine couples who engage in Post-Kimmel Sex are up the creek without a paddle too, but there have been no known reports or blog entries on the matter. Clearly, the unexpected victor rising out of this ugly turmoil has been Wayne Cotter, whose recent reappearances on ancient Tonight Show repeats have allowed his early-90's hair to shimmer once again.

FUNNY OR QUIRKY: Yes, this review is from a USC student newspaper, but could it be that after all the ballyhoo about screenwriter Diablo Cody having a fresh new voice like Tarantino, is Juno simply yet another indie comedy that cares more about quirk than laughs? Or did this student reviewer just get ripped off from his pot dealing R.A.?

RAT RACE: Though there is no clear Oscar winner for best picture, expect riots and severe frog storms if Ratatouille does not win big at this year's International Animated Film Society (Annie) awards.

DVD PICK: Though Knocked Up is the better film overall, Superbad is much funnier. Michael Cera deserves a comedic Oscar. A MacArthur genius grant. At least a Kid's Choice award.