She should savor the vacation. If she takes over ABC, the job would require her to deal with strange new beasts — affiliates, advertisers, marketing and promotion departments. It's the kind of job, say some Hollywood veterans, that could overwhelm anyone.

But as Lyttle puts it, ''In this town, you're ready when they say you're ready.'' And one man is absolutely sure McDermott is up to the task. ''Jamie is of limitless ability,'' says Jay Tarses, who can't resist a dig at the network suits. ''She's smarter than most of the people who have those jobs.'' He should know.

(Additional reporting by Jessica Shaw)

Originally posted May 10, 1996 Published in issue #326 May 10, 1996 Order article reprints
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