Waiting for word... or entire scripts, as the case may be

We're all waiting for word of what's to come of our favorite drama series in view of the ongoing writers strike, but so far, ABC isn't saying anything. What we do know is that the 8c/9e time slot held by 'Grey's Anatomy' on Wednesdays will be filled at the end of January by eight new episodes of 'Lost'. But that is only half the number of episodes 'Lost' fans had expected after a long, eight-month hiatus.
We also know, now, that ABC's late night talk show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' is going back on the air January 2nd -- without writers. Why?
"Though it makes me sick to do so without my writers, there are more than a hundred people whose financial well-being depends on our show. It is time to go back to work," Kimmel said in a statement released by ABC.
Kimmel joins Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien in crossing the picket line. Apparently, the Writers Guild of America is working on a deal with David Letterman's production company. We'll see how that turns out.
The Oscars and the Golden Globes must go on ... but without writers, as well. The WGA refused to let writers work on those shows, either. The guild and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers are wrangling over compensation for burgeoning digital media. The strike is now in its seventh week. Talks have broken down many times over that period of time, and as of this writing, no new negotiations are scheduled. In 1988, a writers strike lasted five months.
Unless we're surprised, ABC is promising another rerun this week: 'Let the Truth Sting.'
There are published reports that at least one episode was shot after the writers walked out... and without creator Shonda Rimes' input. We know that episode hasn't aired. But it just might Thursday the 20th. Another report is touting the return of Debra Monk as George's mom, Louise O'Malley, set to air... yes... Thursday the 20th. So did somebody let the cat out of the bag? Even so, that would probably be the end of any new episodes for a long, long while.
Guess that'll give us time to catch up on what's going on with Katherine Heigl's (Izzie Stevens) wedding to singer Josh Kelly. They're expected to marry this weekend.
Stay tuned...