There will be four fewer episodes of Scandal this season than originally planned. According to TV Line, ABC has reduced its episode order from 22 to 18 — which means one more episode next week, and then eight more when the show returns at the end of February. This is, presumably, a move to accommodate star Kerry Washington’s pregnancy, so fear not for the future of Scandal, Gladiators. ABC would happily yank out a tooth to ensure a long, stable future for its beloved and buzzy soap.