ABC has ended the speculation surrounding One Life to Live's Nathaniel Martson's October 21 arrest as to what his future with the show would include: a (second) firing. No final airdate has been announced and the plans for a recast will be slightly more difficult, thanks to the current writers' strike. Nathaniel did make an announcement, via his website, "Now that ABC has officially commented, I can confirm that I have been let go from One Life to Live. I don't think of this as an ending, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Your support and encouragement have meant the world to me and have buoyed my spirits in a trying time. I know that my absence from the show will be a disappointment to many of you, so if you're upset by this turn of events, let the decision-makers at ABC hear your voice. I would also like to thank those of my co-workers at One Life to Live who took the time to get in touch with me to offer [their] friendship and prayers. You know who you are and let me just say that you are amazing people and I will never forget your compassion."

Speaking of the writers' strike, here are the facts: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) have been unable to come to terms on a new contract. As a result, members of the WGA have called a strike and hit the picket lines. Many actors, which have their own union, the Screen Actors Guild, are walking the lines with their union brethren. The process has brought taping of some shows to a halt. And with the writers on strike, no new scripts are being produced for television. It doesn't take long to understand that without scripts, there can be no scripted television series.

There are two key sticking points in the negotiation process. The most important one focuses on how writers are paid for the redistribution of their work on the Internet. Currently, writers are not paid when their work is used on the Internet or sold on an online service such as Apple's iTunes. The Guild was also looking to double the royalties writers receive when their shows are sold on DVD, but WGA withdrew that request to focus on other issues that it deemed more important. For its part, the AMPTP has refused to boost the DVD residuals, asserting that the studios and networks need those revenues to cover escalating production losses. That same argument is made in regards to broadcasting episodes on the Internet. Networks argue that broadcasting episodes on the web are a promotional tool to help drive viewer eyeballs to their television broadcasts and sponsors' products. Many writers rely on residuals during times when they are not actively writing on a show. Residuals are royalty fees paid to the writers when, for example, one of their shows is aired in reruns.

Obviously, this is not what daytime needs right now. Ratings for many soaps are at or near all-time lows and viewers seem to be tuning out in record numbers. How networks would handle their weekday programming without original episodes of the soaps this time around remains to be seen. During the last strike by the WGA in 1988 the soaps plugged on even as the prolonged strike lasted 22 weeks and cost the industry $500 million. The various networks hired non-union writers to fill in for the striking WGA members. While new shows were produced, the inexperienced writers were hard-pressed to come up with the same quality of episodes with which viewers had become familiar. Plots dragged on for weeks without resolve and many shows were left in a state of total disrepair. 

Time will tell, guys.

All My Children Superstar Celine Dion cameos November 21 to promote her new album, Taking Chances.

As the World Turns Harmon Walsh guests as a doctor November 9.

Bold & the Beautiful Winner of I Wanna be a Soap Star I Mykel Shannon Jenkins (right) jumps over to B&B to play Detective Charlie Baker, son of Lieutenant Baker, beginning November 21. Back for the first time in 15(!) years is Todd McKee as Jake MacClaine. Look for him on November 14. Entertainment Tonight correspondent Cheryl Woodcock covers a fashion show November 16. Andrew Collins reprises his role of Jarrett November 16.

Days of Our Lives Jennifer Birmingham stars as Ashley November 5. Caroline Bielskis plays The Lady in Black beginning November 8.

Guiding Light Jeff Binder plays a health inspector November 6.

One Life to Live Along with Phil Carey returning for Asa's will reading, R. Brandon Johnson and Peter Brouwer (Chuck and Beaver) appear. To aide Marcie in New Orleans are Don Guillory and Crystal Noelle (Wendall and Celia).

Young & the Restless Cutie Darcy Rose Byrnes returns November 13. David Starzyk airs as Dr. Webb November 15 and 16. Armin Shimerman (Ferengi, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) plays a judge November 15.

OUT

Days of Our Lives Christopher Gerse is out as Will November 16.

THIS WEEK

All My Children Kendall holds Zach responsible for the mess they're in. Richie stays one step ahead of Ryan. Greenlee struggles to do the right thing.

As the World Turns Barbara sinks to a new low. Emily and Dusty have a fiery encounter. Sofie and Gwen almost uncover Barbara's scheme.

Bold & the Beautiful Stephanie and Stephen push each other to the limit. Eric makes his decision. Jake MacClaine returns.

Days of Our Lives Stefano is determined to find his son's shooter. Sami is desperate to save EJ. Will has a run-in with the law.

General Hospital Jerry has devastating news for Carly. Nikolas' worst fear could be realized. Jason puts his life on the line for Elizabeth.

Guiding Light Josh grows concerned about Will's behavior. Reva basks in her relationship with Jeffrey. Lizzie loses at her own game.

One Life to Live John and Ramsey form an alliance. Two people close to John disappear. Natalie finds romance.

Passions Tabitha makes Theresa an offer. Gwen is poisoned. A menacing woman threatens Pilar.

Young & the Restless Victor and Nikki struggle to make a decision about Victoria and her baby. Paul opens up to Heather and incriminates his friends.

SPOTLIGHT ON...Blake Berris (Nick Fallon, Days of Our Lives)

Blake was born in Santa Monica, California and has known all his life that he wanted to be an actor. He studied at Oxford University and graduated with a B.A. from UCLA's School of Theatre, Film and Television. He landed his first on-screen role as a cocky frat guy on Numb3rs and guested on Hannah Montana, before joining Days of Our Lives as Nick, a member of the prominent Horton family.

Blake is a founding member and playwright for The Groundwork Ensemble, which aims to produce three plays this year.

He is also a CIF Championship water polo player and swimmer whose birthday is August 24.

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