Sweet! That is not too long!
I hear there are 30 episodes this time as well!
What I don't like are the rumours that in the last 8 eps, we will be introduced to 8 new characters and then the public will be polled as to whom they like the most and this character(s) will then be introduced into the story.
Personally, I hate the idea...
Interactive TV, this is the future, I personally like it, the way Lost went down the toilet is a good lesson for writers.