Lawsuit from discovery

[Wanda P]

iscovery Channel has sued "Deadliest Catch" brothers, Captains Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand. The Discovery Channel enterprise filed a legal action for $3 million against the fishermen, citing a breach of contract, lost revenue, and ratings from not completing their filming contractual obligations.

What led to the Discovery Channel lawsuit?
39516, WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - Wednesday April 14 2010. The Deadliest Catch stars (L-R) Sig Hansen, Andy Hillstrand, Keith Colburn and Johnathan Hillstrand pay a visit to Larry King Live . The Discovery Channel show follws a fleet of crab fishermen working in the unforgiving Bering Sea. Photograph: Greg Tidwell, PacificCoastNews.com

According to an ABC News report, "Discovery"is suing the "Deadliest Catch" for not living up to their commitments to continue a spin-off of the popular show, now in its fifth season. The only furtherance of the film was the completion of preliminary principal photography. However, much more effort was needed to complete the film for broadcasting. Discovery Channel concludes in the law suit that without the "Deadliest Catch" Hillstrand brothers, there could be no film, and an economic hardship would follow.

"The Hillstrand Defendants determined that they would reverse course, dishonor their promises, and refuse to render the services necessary to complete 'Hillstranded,'" reads the chief complaint in the "Discovery" law suit.

An attorney for Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, said in a statement that the lawsuit is frivolous. He said it is replete with greed, and that "Discovery" should allow the two hard-working fishermen to move on with their lives, according to the Hollywood Reporter via The Wrap.

"The recent actions of Discovery Communications are an astonishing and shameful instance of arrogance and greed run amok," attorney Jeff Cohen said in a statement.

Not the same after the death of Captain Phil Harris

Cohen, in his statement denouncing the "Discovery" suit against the "Deadliest Catch" brothers, said that the death of Captain Phil Harris has been tough on all the cast. He said that in view of the fact that Discovery Channel is not operating in good faith, as evidenced by their lack of compassion following Captain Phil Harris' death, his clients want out.

Now that Discovery Channel has sued "Deadliest Catch" brothers Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, it is obvious that their return to the show is unlikely. Is the Discovery Channel, "Deadliest Catch" lawsuit an example of corporate greed, or is their merit in maintaining a contractual agreement by any means necessary?

©2010 by Brad Bechler for Gather.com, All rights reserved