So it was supposed to be the Big Day™ for "Redmond Justice"-- sort of an antitrust Super Tuesday. Barring sufficient headway between the government and Microsoft towards reaching a settlement in the case, Judge Jackson had decreed that he'd issue his long-awaited verdict (otherwise known amongst the antitrust fan base as the "Microsoft Smackdown"). And since Microsoft's last-ditch proposal faxed in on Friday didn't seem to give the government much cause for excitement, as of Monday the chances of both sides settling seemed remote. But all we can say is, we hope you all didn't buy lots of junk food and soft drinks in preparation for a "very special episode" party. As you all know by now, Jackson caved and extended his deadline.

Yes, faithful viewer and Microsoft watchdog Jerry O'Neil first clued us in early on Tuesday, giving us plenty of time to call friends and cancel. (We lost our nonrefundable deposit on the Mariachi band, though, and this dry ice isn't going to keep for long.) According to a CNET article, a court liaison disappointed legions of antitrust drama fiends by flatly stating that "there will be no ruling today." But if not today, when? Later on Tuesday "reports" hinted that the postponement could last for "as many as ten days." Now, while it could be lots worse, a ten-day delay is likely to send "Redmond Justice" fans climbing the walls in anticipation. During that time, the only action is taking place behind the scenes-- at secret settlement talks in Chicago. Oh, when will our suffering end?

But the most unsettling (please, don't hit us) thing about Jackson's deadline extension isn't the ten-day delay itself, painful though that may be. No, the thing that strikes fear into the hearts of "Redmond Justice" fans the world over is what the delay represents. It sounds like Jackson believes that a settlement is still possible, which would be a tremendously unrewarding conclusion to a great show. Because any settlement that Microsoft would accept, no matter how punitive in nature, is going to include the stipulation that the company admits no wrongdoing. With that clause, and the absence of an official verdict, Microsoft's other antitrust opponents (we've heard that the number of suits is now into three digits) won't have anything new with which to arm themselves as their cases go to court. So much for lots of exciting spin-offs; without a verdict against Billy G. and company or an admission of wrongdoing, most of the smaller lawsuits will simply wind themselves into the ground, as Microsoft wins by sheer stamina. C'mon, the company's legal budget is virtually limitless; what smaller entity's going to be able to compete against that? So we continue to keep our fingers crossed for an honest-to-goodness verdict, and pray to the trust-busting gods above. For drama's sake, we recommend that you do the same.