Despite a disappointing performance for the fall's freshman series, NBC has ordered additional scripts for its entire stable of newcomers. Meanwhile CBS has asked for more of the new Jimmy Smits drama Cane and The CW (owned by CBS) wants more Aliens in America.
Networks putting in script orders before deciding a series' fate is nothing new. Unless a show is performing so dismally that it has no chance of making it through the season, additional scripts are just the networks hedging their bets against the possibility of a full 22 episode pickup.
In the face of a looming writers' strike, however, the script orders carry more weight than usual. If networks can get the additional scripts in before the strike, they could effectively circumvent the writers for a time and continue shooting with the scripts they have on the burner.
The results of the stockpiling strategy should heavily increase the chances of a back nine pickup for this year's new shows. If the writers do go on strike, the networks' ability to produce mid-season replacements will be severely crippled. Absent any potential replacements, the pressure on a series to perform in the ratings is significantly lightened.
So even while the season's new offerings have been disappointing, both in quality and performance, with no relief in site, viewers should nestle in and find a favorite. We could be stuck with them for a long time.
