Most shows find something good, something that makes it stand on its own. Then it turns into that Ratt song "Round and Round". They repeat the same formulas and story lines over and over. "Entourage" does it so much it has a repeat line over it (math term). "24" has been able to survive even though we know the playbook. Most shows have to grow and evolve or they get stuck in the neutral of the status quo not wanting to rock the boat.
"Lost" has blown not just status quo but the boat off like it was the door to the hatch. Every season has gone in a bold new direction unlike anything we've ever seen. It has been a show that rewarded loyalty at the risk of viewership, a middle finger to the suits at ABC. A show that depends on your motivations of each character at that moment. Add in flashbacks, flashforwards, time travel and a smoke monster and only the die hards can follow the trail. You might be able to cheat on your girl. You might be able to cheat in school but you can't cheat "Lost." You have to see "Lost" when she wants to see you, whether that's Wednesdays, Thursdays, Tuesdays. I know we are in the age of DVR and for the less tech savvy VCR. My point is true lovers of the show try to find a way to see it when it premieres or at least get to their recording after work for a late night TV booty call.
That middle finger has kept its ratings steady in the cult of viewers that still translates to millions of viewers and millions in ad revenue.
Expectations are high for this season. Look at expectations for successful sitcoms like "Friends" and "Seinfeld." Those were high and those didn't even delve into free will, predetermination, science, faith and Hurley's numbers. How can "Lost" with all its eye opening head turning moves give us closure that leaves us all satisfied? I have to tap my inner John Locke for that one.
I try to stay away from spoilers in general but have gone into witness relocation to make sure I don't happen upon anything related to "Lost." Some sites have the first four minutes of the season premiere available. Why watch it on my laptop when I can watch it in HD on my big TV within the full experience of the episode.
Doc Jensen at Entertainment Weekly has incredibly thorough analysis of episodes every week. I wish he had a tip jar next to his column so I could swipe the AMEX for his time and insight. Kind of a digital guitar case to tip for playing your favorite song.
It's useless to try to predict what's going to happen. People may have inklings but there is no context. Just let the moment come and enjoy it. Really, did any of us actually think we'd actually see Jacob? There's no point in trying to call it till it happens.
What is at stake this season not for the audience or the characters but for Damon Lindeloff and Carlton Cruse? It's safe to say that they will never write a masterpiece of this level again. Guns N'Roses never recaptured their appetite for destruction. All the green screen in the world couldn't save George Lucas. They need to know that this will be their legacy. No pressure.
I caught up with lost the night before Season 4 Premiere, when they were showing the Season 3 Finale with pop ups that allowed strangers to get acquainted with the show. It was like mapquest to get you on path to where the show was at that point. I've loved watching it, analyzing it, reading about it. The scope and magnitude of this show gives it the audacity we only wish other shows would be able to execute. "Seinfeld" is great but can its storyline and characters help you make sense of the world and life? If it can, not like "Lost."
I hope if they do follow through with the reset, they remember everything. I don't want all the characters coming down with amnesia. I don't want their past wiped clean. Please don't take a mulligan on the last five seasons.
Last season was my first season of "Lost" as a married man. Though my wife wasn't interested in the show, she did leave me alone during the finale. She wasn't running the dishwasher, doing laundry or anything else that would detract from the experience. I'm hoping I will be able to experience the finale and just enjoy it for what it is knowing we may never see a show like this again.
This is my Lost wishlist. Things I would like them to tackle and clear up. There are also characters I love who I wish would be here for the final season even though their destiny is not to be.
John Locke-Will the real John Locke be back or is "Lost"'s version of Johnny Cash here to stay?
Daniel Faraday-My hunch is his character was there to drive the time travel narrative. With no more time travel, will he be relevant? I hope so.
Sayid-A great character who is always interesting. Who ran over his wife? Will he ever find peace?
Kate-She's interesting as a bad girl who must have Lenny Kravitz' "Always on the Run" on her Ipod. Please don't keep this character someone for Jack to pine for like a John Cusack character and Sawyer to blow it with perfect Juliet.
Jacob-I imagine we will get a lot on the man since we know so little.
Richard-I want the mystery, the aging, the third trip to see John Locke, all of it.
Johnny Cash-many writers assume the man in black is the smoke monster. A fully devoted episode to the smoke monster seems deserved.
Miles-I love this character who ended up being the son of Dr. Chang. He may only have been utilized in Dharma Land.
Walt-What happened when he was held captive by The Others? What is the origin of his powers?
Charles Widmore-What are his motivations? What's he behind? What's his next move?
Jack-I want the old leader Jack back.
Sawyer-How will his Dharma experience influence his leadership counter to Jack, how will he take the loss of Juliet? Will he be moping half the season? If anyone can mope and make you feel it, it's Josh Holloway.
Hurley-The numbers. What's the significance? His ability to communicate with the dead? How will this play out?
Claire-Where the hell did she go? Is this still Claire or will she talk someone into stabbing someone like John Locke's body did? Will Jack tell her she's his sister alone on Endor?
Ben-What part will he play? What is his surface agenda? What are his true motives? Will writers ever give us a reason to trust him? What was he trying to do by bringing John Locke's body back to the island?
Desmond-The best episodes have Desmond at the center. Hopefully this underused character will have increased workload this season.
Juliet-With a free fall in the well and in ratings for "V", will our favorite blonde get to come back full time? I hope so.
