Will Phil Robertson's controversial, now-infamous comments on homosexuality mark the end of Duck Dynasty? Should they? That's a question many are asking.
The answer won't be an easy one, especially for A&E, which announced that the patriarch of the popular family show had been placed on indefinite suspension.
But can the ratings juggernaut even go on without its central character, the man who presides over the family and leads the dinner time prayers?
And will fewer people watch Duck Dynasty online or on TV, and buy less show merchandise, given Phil Robertson's remarks about gays and gay sex?
"All shows run their course," said an insider close to the production.
"This still has at least another season or two in it. Granted, the overall feeling of uninhibited love that this country has had for the show and brand will likely start to turn a bit."
Since Duck Dynasty boasts such a big cast, losing a cast member won't prevent them from moving ahead with the popular series, even if the focus shifts.
The creative and marketing teams still face major problems, however, as Phil is ultimately the leader of the family and the source of many "words of wisdom."
He is also the founder of the multi-million dollar Duck Commander business that the show prominently features, and thus his absence likely going to hurt.
As a result, it will be tough for A&E to continue airing the program without inciting protests from LGBT, African American and rural interest groups.
They just may not have a choice, says one TV insider. Nor is the show likely to find a home anywhere else if A&E were to cut ties with the Robertsons.
"There isn't a network out there that would do things differently, with all their corporate conglomerate ties, they'd all follow a similar course as A&E has," said the source.
"It's likely the beginning of the end for Duck Dynasty."
Is it, though? Many fans would be upset if the show did not go on, and want to see Robertson similarly reinstated and the network lift the suspension.
A&E is facing threats of audience boycotts and outrage from devoted fans of the program since it made the decision to suspend Phil Robertson.
Calling it an act against freedom of speech and those who hold traditional Christian values, critics of the network feel he is being unfairly persecuted.
While Robertson did not apologize for his anti-gay comments, in which he likened gay sex to bestiality and prostitution, he did explain in a statement:
"I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior."
"My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together."
"However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity."
"We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other."
What do you think? Did Robertson deserve to be suspended?
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