I was listening to an episode of Cranky Geeks last night and they brought up the question of whether or not product placement could someday replace traditional commercials as a way of getting around commercial skipping devices such as the TiVo.  The panel seemed to agree that someday we might see things we want on television shows and then hit a button on our remotes and have the option to purchase them.  I have to say, there is no way that their prediction would work.  If you watch any television series you are bound to see at least one ad for birth control pills, an add for erectile dysfunction pills, and maybe an add an add for some insurance company that promises to pay your bills if you get sick.  If we were to go along with the idea that product placement will someday replace the traditional commercial, we are forced to accept the fact that someday all shows will have the main characters needing a penis pill or having to contact their insurance company for some medical condition.  It would be too much effort to fit all of those types of ads into a TV show and still be able to tell the type of story the writers want to tell.  No, we will not see the end of the traditional commercial anytime soon, the idea that we will is purely wishful thinking.