AirLockAlpha.com

Get ready for a long break for "FlashForward" ... almost to the point that its built-in April 2010 flash forward date might not actually match the time it really airs here in the United States.

ABC says Thursday's episode of the series from David S. Goyer and Brannon Braga is the last fans will see until March, following NBC's broadcast of the Winter Olympics in February. The news didn't come as a release to reporters, however, but instead through a promo on ABC announcing the break.

The news was a surprise to observers since ABC had said "FlashForward" would return in January. But this break could spell trouble for the show that has lost more than 22 percent of its viewers since its premiere.

With 24 episodes of "FlashForward" ordered, unless ABC does some creative scheduling, the show will not only miss its April target, but could end after the official season ends as well. However, The Wrap speculates that ABC could return "FlashForward" March 4 with a two-hour special and book-end it with a two-hour season finale.

The return of "FlashForward" will come a bit quicker than that of "V." That show will come back March 30, and will follow "Lost" Tuesdays at 10 p.m., two hours later than before, taking up the slot currently held by "The Forgotten."