Do you think this may be a bad sign for the show's future? I hope not, but can't help but worry.
I think almost getting cancelled and only getting an order for 18 episodes after last season was a bad sign for the show's future. This is why they are going on hiatus, so their season won't end earlier than the other shows' seasons. I honestly will be surprised if they get a S9.
Yeah, kind of my thoughts on it, too. I think the show was lucky to get an eighth season. This hiatus seems to be an answer to how to stretch out the 18 episodes over the whole schedule (Sept. through May). it's still going to suck for the show to be off the air for 6 weeks though!