This season of Lost to have 13 eps instead of 16

The recent writers strike has had probably a bigger impact on "Lost" than on most other TV dramas,given the fourth season's late start.

Only eight episodes were scripted before the strike. And, now that the strike looks as if it's resolved, there won't be enough time for cast and crew to do the expected eight more. Instead of 16 episodes this season,it looks as if the show will have no more than 13.

More details in this Hollywood Reporter interview with "Lost" producer Carlton Cruse.

Cuse said he's happy with the outcome of the strike and can't wait to go back to his day job on "Lost."

"We're going to have to hit the ground running, go from zero to 100 mph in a matter of days to make as many episodes as possible," he said.

The goal for Cuse and co-showrunner Damon Lindelof is to produce five more episodes this season, a tall order given the time constraints and the scope of storytelling and production on "Lost." Even with five additional hours, Cuse and Lindelof will be three episodes short of the premapped fourth season.

"We will have to condense some stories," Cuse said.