Johnny can read from cue cards. But can Johnny write his own monologues?

Those pencils Johnny Carson nervously tap-taps on his desk during The Tonight Show are now more than props. Frustrated by the Writers Guild of America strike - in its 10th week - Carson decided to pen his show himself. Without the input of his eight writers, he goes solo tonight.

Carson's cabin fever is symptomatic of an industry-wide stagnation. And though Carson has the power to skirt the picket line, most TV production is frozen. At issue: residuals for hourlong syndicated dramas and shows sold abroad.