As the sixth season of Grey's Anatomy draws (slowly) closer, the question of how the show is going to work around star Ellen Pompeo's maternity leave lingers.

E! Online says in its spoiler Q&A today that in regards to another ABC show, the network didn't want Rachel Griffiths (who gave birth to her third child June 21) to skip any Brothers & Sisters episodes. Production was thus pushed back a week to accommodate her.

What does that mean for Grey's Anatomy?

Well, if you assume ABC does not want an Ellen Pompeo-less Grey's Anatomy, they may seek a similar situation - however, she is due this fall, so pushing back production may not work.

Solution? Up in the air. But one possible scenario is that when Ellen Pompeo gets back, they shoot a number of Dr. Meredith Grey scenes in succession, and then work overtime to slot her scenes into the episodes that were shot/produced before her return.

Therefore, the audience gets the full Meredith experience with no gaps. Sound workable to you? Or would you rather she just take time off - or be pregnant on the show as well?

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.