Sometimes good things come out of bad situations. Sometimes so-called bad situations are viewed differently by people with opposing viewpoints. To some folks, this writers strike is a blessing. The lack of "compelling" television programming is freeing people from the invisible shackles of their televisions. The deep grooves worn in their couches from unending hours of motionless viewing are becoming less apparent.

Some, though, just want their favorite shows to come back with new episodes sooner rather than later. For fans of the long and winding sci-fi/mystery hit "Lost" they will get their wish as ABC begins airing the first of the eight finished episodes of the fourth season beginning Thursday, January 31st at 8 PM as a replacement for Grey's Anatomy which is out of fresh episodes.

To devoted fans hungry for anything new six weeks into the writers strike, this is a blessing. To others, it's a travesty to air what amounts to only half of a season. To both sides, I offer this bit of advice: dry your tears. It's only TV. Sure, it's far more compelling than most people's lives but remember the difference between reality and fantasy.

With all that being said, I'll be watching those eight episodes because A.) they are airing in the dead of winter and I live in Minnesota and B.) it is far superior entertainment than the latest offering of "The Apprentice" which will air opposite "Lost" on rival network NBC.

Of course if you are into bad television, you could always play "Guess That Woodland Animal" as you and your friends contemplate exactly what that is on Donald Trump's head.