Is "The Hobbit" Wagging The Dog?

First it is happening, then it isn't happening, then it is delayed, then it isn't delayed. A director is on the project, then he is off the project. Now a new director who was an old director is back on the project. Where am I?

Thus has been the crazy mixed up tale that is the sort of pre-production we have been calling "The Hobbit". Now that Peter Jackson has again been thrust into the director's chair fans are even more hopeful that we get to see those mangled little Hobbit feet meandering around the plush grass of The Shire once again.

I hate to be the one who breaks the news to you, but it seems like Peter Jackson came back on for the sole purpose of diverting the attention of the fans and media from the mess going on with MGM, which makes it impossible for "The Hobbit" to get off the ground anyway.

Peter Jackson will go through the motions with casting and other such directorial maneuvers as he sits in an room with no windows void of furniture with the exception of a fold out chair, plywood table, and red rotary phone. This is most likely all that is left at MGM headquarters.

The presence of Peter Jackson lessens the blow of Hobbit not happening to the fanbase. When those still holding on to hope that this film is still happening finally realize there is no shot for a 2012 release, nevermind any time soon, they'll feel better about it because Peter Jackson was "doing his best" to get things done.

The problem is that Peter Jackson, even if he were wearing a ring, isn't some kind of magician. MGM is so far in the hole that if they move a rock they'll stick their head out and find themselves in China. Jackson is merely a figurehead, very similar to a country that has a president and a king, the king is just there to shake hands and greet people.

 'A dog is smarter than its tail', but if the tail were smarter, then the tail would 'wag the dog.'