So - the WGA strike is officially “over” and the writers have been back at work for at least a day now. Some of the showrunners went back to work on Monday, but most went back yesterday. Now that the excitement has cooled - here are a few links for you to peruse to see exactly what this all means for the average viewer and the shows you watch.

• Here’s an updated list of returning shows by Maureen Ryan (The Watcher). It’s pretty comprehensive, which also makes it a bit overwhelming. I had forgotten about some of those shows.
• “Lost” definitely returning to work and cranking out as many episodes as it can for the rest of the season.
• “Saturday Night Live” will return February 23rd with host being WGA member Tina Fey. It had better be good.
• CBS announces official return dates for many of their shows. Now I’m hoping the other networks follow suit.
• ABC does announce shows returning in 2008/09 season. I’m upset I have to wait that long for new episodes of “Pushing Daisies” - but I’m glad it’s at least coming back.

I’ll be honest. I was dreading watching this premiere because of Jonny Fairplay. Hearing him speak and seeing him on my television puts me in a very bad mood. I was disappointed they chose him for this season because - in my mind - it ruined what could be a great concept. I actually fast-forwarded through a few confessional scenes with him in it - just so I could avoid hearing him speak.

So - needless to say the tribal council pleased me greatly. It may have disappointed many of you looking for good drama - but I’m happy to now just focus on the show.

Is it just me - or is it surprisingly difficult notto root for the Fans? They are such underdogs and I found myself rejoicing when they won the challenge. I don’t think I realized I’d so whole-heartedly be on their side. But I was! Of course - it helps that there are several on there that have potential to be contestants I really root for. It’s hard to judge the first episode, but I think I’m going to like Erik, Jason, Joel and Mikey B. I haven’t decided about any of the girls but Kathleen yet because she was the one they focused on the most. And boy - I want her gone. Not because I don’t like her as a person or contestant, but she makes me very uncomfortable with constantly putting her foot in her mouth. I agree that it’s too bad she found the immunity idol.

Overall - I was pleased with the episode. I’m looking forward to watching this one play out.

TV Guide has revealed the new season’s Big Brother houseguests! I normally wouldn’t be this excited about a season of Big Brother but with the scripted television being at a bare minimum, I need anything I can get. My favorite is picture here: James. His descriptions says, “21, originally from Sarasota, Florida, currently biking around the world.” Um. Really? As in…currently? Wouldn’t that mean he was not in the BB House? Unless, of course, that house was on wheels? Interesting.

Check them out and report back - what do you think so far? And have you seen this promo? It alludes to the changes this season will introduce.

Looks like there will be an interesting element of “teams” this season. And check out the Official CBS Site which has pictures of the house. Next Tuesday. Are you ready?

Variety reported that CBS’ reality show The Amazing Race is going to be around for a 13th season. It looks like this early pull is a result of CBS’ decision to bring in the 12th season early to replace the glorious failure Viva Laughlin. The decision paid off as it is currently bringing in 12 million viewers to the Sunday showing. One of those would be me. And this season seems to be better than the last several with an excessive number of cool teams to root for. The fan-adored Phil Keogan will probably return in the original 12th season slot during the Spring since the 12th season will wrap up in a few weeks.

If you don’t have pay channels like I don’t (I know…I know…), you don’t get to watch cool shows like Dexter that everyone is talking about. You have to flip past those articles and skim over those blog posts as everyone raves about a show you couldn’t watch if you wanted to. I had finally decided to purchase Dexter Season 1 and watch it as a way to cope with the WGA strike. That and every other show I seem to be missing without Showtime or HBO. (Again…So much TV…So little time.) And then I heard the news: CBS is looking to air “cleaned up” versions of Dexter. My first thought was, “Awesome!” And then I realized, “Wait. I know what this show is about. It’s about a serial killer/forensic scientist. It’s on Showtime. It’s probably bloody as hell. What is the cleaned up version going to look like?”

So, do you watch the show? CBS airs a lot of gore with the CSI franchise and Criminal Minds already, how much do you think would need to be edited? Obviously language would be the first, but is that it? How much do you think would be lost? Would I be better off just buying the first season DVD like I had originally planned, or could I just wait to see what CBS does with it and spend my money on things like the Weeds Season 1 DVD instead?