The strike that involved the Screen Writers Guild of America has finally come to an end as of Feb. 12 after 100 days worth of striking. But just because it has officially come to a close does not mean that the consequences of the strike have ended.

The results will forever take a toll on the entertainment industry, and it will definitely take quite some time to recuperate financially. According to Q13fox.com, the strike has cost the industry an estimated total of $3 billion. Though this might seem like chump change for the people of the L.A. industry, that is still $3 billion that will never be seen again.

Television programs are still experiencing an after-shock effect as well. “Two and a Half Men” is in repeats but new episodes are likely to begin airing toward the middle of March. “Lost” has been cut short by three episodes, causing the plot to be crammed into 13 weeks as opposed to the original 16. “30 Rock” is currently stuck in repeats as well due to the lack of Alec Baldwin’s availability.

There are also numerous series that are unlikely to return altogether including “Cane,” “Journeyman” and “Bionic Woman.” The New York Times also reported on Feb. 21 that there are “three newer shows (that) will stay sidelined until next season.”Viewers of these and other series that have been affected are obviously not too happy about the entire thing, but according to the writers, ironically enough, the viewers are up for partial blame. As was pointed out in a previous article, not being satisfied with their paycheck was just one opinion as to why the writers stayed on strike for as long as they did.

Yet another reason as to why the writers chose to go on strike in the first place was because of the ways of the Internet. The world of Web 2.0 is taking viewers away from the television screen and placing them in front of computer monitors. These viewers are able to enjoy a program on their own time and at their own pace, but money that was once given to the writers based on viewer ratings has been declining as a result. There is now a contract under way that should ensure the writers partial revenue for the works that are downloaded or viewed online. This contract is expected to take place on Feb. 25.

Sarah Kay Hannon can be reached at [email protected]