A decision about the fate of Terra Nova was expected by the end of the month — at least in part because the options for the cast expire on December 31st. A high-level meeting was held on December 16th between execs from FOX and 20th Century Fox but no decision was reached and they won’t decide what to do until at least January.

In the meantime, the show’s producers are making moves to secure contract extensions on key actors Jason O’Mara and Stephen Lang. They’re also looking to beef up the show’s writing staff, searching for high-level writers to join executive producers Brannon Braga and Rene Echevarria.

Because of Terra Nova’s extensive post-production work, FOX will have to decide on the TV show’s fate before execs have a chance to see their development options for new shows. If they wait until late January, they should have a good idea about the strength of Alcatraz, which premieres on January 16h, and possibly Touch, which previews on January 25th.

While a season two renewal isn’t a done-deal, it’s certainly a positive sign that this work is going on behind-the-scenes. There is of course a chance that, if there is a renewal, that some of the supporting players will have committed to other projects.

What do you think? Is this a good sign for the show’s future? If some of the series actors leave, would that seriously hurt the show? Who’s crucial?

Image courtesy FOX.