Static Zombie

Not local. The Papa Johns ad ran here on the East Coast, too.

After watching the very first episode of this season's Apprentice, I predicted that Tana would take it all. She just came off as the most level-headed and professional.

I thought I'd posted that prediction here, but I quick scan of the archives doesn't find that to be the case. Opportunity to show off my keen powers of perception -- missed. Thank you, try again next season (well, at least my WIFE heard me say it).

I still hold by that prediction, even though she's been worrying me a bit lately. I saw a rather petty and nasty side of her last week when she joined the negativity surrounding Craig's magic toy box. In fact, they were ALL pricks about that. Craig showed remarkable restraint by not revealing even a subtle I-Told-You-So attitude. I think I'd have sent them all Hallmark cards. Do they make one that says 'Blow Me' ?

LOST is turning out to be one of the best shows to come down the pike in years. The most recent episode was absolutely incredible. The final scene ranks as one of the best television moments I've personally witnessed. I think the last time I was so moved by a TV show was when Bobby Simone (NYPD BLUE) died and that final, perfect tear ran down his face as he took his last breath. I mean, wow!

Locke screaming into the capsule came off as remarkably profound. His questions were the same that many people ponder about their own lives and existence: Why am I here? What is my purpose? Why are you DOING this to me?

And I was NOT expecting that light to come on. I almost jumped out of my skin. It was wonderful and terrifying at the same time. We ask these questions all the time, but how often do we get an indication that we're even being heard?

Strangely enough, I was almost relieved that we were left with that cliffhanger. I don't know if I was prepared to see what Locke saw at that moment.

I'd like to express some concerns I have with the TV show LOST. I hope this is an appropriate place to discuss this. I've been thinking about this for some time.

LOST is not your ordinary television show. By this I mean that it's not like most shows where the audience is introduced to lives already in progress. LOST is almost like a movie. It's not just the weekly adventures of our castaways -- it's a story with a definite beginning. What I'm wondering is if it will have a definite end...

Since day one we've gotten indications that SOMETHING IS AMISS. This is not your run-of-the-mill deserted island. Also, the flashbacks, which I initially thought were just ways to flesh out the characters, have shown direct connections with the island itself. Hurley's lottery numbers being seen on the capsule. Locke's vision of his mother giving him answers about the nature of the island.

My big concern: Will they eventually put all of these pieces together? Is the complete story, start-to-finish already written down somewhere? If there is a definite ending, then there must be a definite time that the series can last. But the nature of television is that no one can predict how long a series will last. What if they need three years to tell the whole story (I feel like we're just getting started) and the show gets cancelled after two? And the biggest question -- If the show is still on two years from now, will Hurley still be fat?

I'm completely wrapped up in this show, but only because I'm anticipating that all of the questions it asks will one day be answered. And I want them to knock my socks off. If all of these fascinating puzzle pieces do not all eventually fit together, I will be sorely disappointed.

Does anyone else even remotely feel where I'm coming from?

Signed,
LOST IN LOST

Dear Lost in Lost,

You have good reason to be concerned. Many series have maintained the illusion of an overarching storyline for years, only in the end to break down under the inconsistencies of their own making (see X-Files, others). Other complete stories run to the end, but unable to leave good enough alone, find themselves extended and repeated with the same characters experiencing a reprise (see 24). There is only one multi-year story that produced on television successfully that I am aware of, Babylon 5, which did run through it's five season story arc. Even so, practicalities of television production required deviations from the original plan.

I suspect that much like Harry Potter, the story behind LOST has been painted out in some broad brush strokes, but the details are yet to be resolved. The shows creators are obviously aware of the degree to which an audience will study past episodes for hints, draw links across seasons, and so forth. Hopefully they can dance the clever dance for a good long while, and then come to a graceful conclusion that catches not only the balls in the air, but the rubber chickens and chainsaws they are juggling as well.

I will also be disappointed if the show just ends one day, unresolved. But, at least that would set things up for the inevitable movie franchise.

Brian
Basking in the Glow of Television Phosphors

I heartily agree with your assessment of Battlestar Galactica. Having been a fan of the original series, I was unsure what the remake would be like. When I heard Starbuck was going to be a woman, I cried out to the as yet still living spirit of Dirk Benedict.

But, I was pleasantly surprised. BG is a great series, and it really shows what can be done these days with a modest budget, some talented actors and decent scripts.

The only down side is that, once we see the second part of the season finale this weekend, we'll have to wait for more episodes!

John Colicos used to be the epitomy of Baltar, but the new actor has taken Baltar to a place where few other actors could ever go. He really shows us how conflicted the character is, torn between his desires to save his own skin, his duty to the human race and his involvement with the Cylons.

So say we all.