When it comes to Kerry Washington's pregnancy, ABC has it handled.

But not in a way that will make many Scandal fans happy.

Because the show's lead is expecting her first child with husband Nnamdi Asomugha, the network announced this week that Scandal Season 3 will only be comprised of 18 episodes; that's four fewer than the initial order.

That's the bad news.

The good news? Imagine all the sheer craziness and suspense that Shonda Rhimes will now need to cram in to each installment in order to include every storyline development!

On Thursday, Scandal Season 3 Episode 10 will air and mark the show's midseason finale. Watch the official promo here:

Scandal Promo: "A Door Marked Exit"

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.