It's been a niggling question at the heart of every story about the possible end of the Hollywood writer's strike:

What happens to the new series left in limbo by the work stoppage?

ABC answered that question partially, by releasing a list of shows it will definitely pick up for next season, the 2008-09 span: “Brothers & Sisters,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Dirty Sexy Money,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Private Practice,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Samantha Who?” and “Ugly Betty.”

Besides showing which programs ABC has the most faith in -- and the network's apparent belief that the strike will soon end -- this list is also notable for which shows are not included. New shows Big Shots, Carpoolers, Women's Murder Club and -- surprise! -- Cavemen. An ABC spokeswoman said the shows which have been picked up will complete filming their full roster of episodes for this season and will also appear on the network next season.

Which raises lots of interesting questions:

* Are the other scripted series not coming back?

* If ABC picks up and finishes the full season orders for all these series, they will likely not be able to air them all by the end of the year. So will ABC extend its season into June?

* Are ABC executives using the strike as a way to "reboot" their lineup -- jettisoning all the series which weren't working even BEFORE the work stoppage?

* Is this a signal to the industry that stars, writers producers and crew working on the new shows which aren't listed may soon be looking for new employment?

Mediaweek is reporting top-rated shows will return this season -- including Grey's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty. Other shows picked up for next season won't air until next year, according to their report. They say the Carpoolers and Cavemen of the world are already gone. 

Though the other networks haven't yet issued press releases, these are questions everyone's crunching as the showrunners and executives try to figure out what they can salvage of this year's TV season -- assuming writers approve the tentative contract before them tomorrow.