After 33 years on the air, Ebert is officially quitting the TV show, and taking his thumb with him. He hasn't been on since surgery left him unable to speak, and I guess he doesn't expect to return any time soon. He has the trademark on the thumbs, though, along with Siskel's widow, and they're trying to figure out what to do with them. I rarely catch the show anyway (especially after Roeper replaced Siskel) and mostly read his written reviews. (He's recovered enough to write those again!) So I don't mind this news too much. In my opinion, the era of the TV show ended with Siskel's untimely death. :\
I look forward to seeing the thumbs return. But for now, the balcony is closed.