'Lost' Rewatch : Even Better The Second Time

It's been more than ten years since the end of "Lost," and I still have never quite found another show that made me so excited to make an appointment in front of the screen each week. The arrival of the binge TV model has further eroded the idea of excitedly waiting each week for a new episode — but even before Netflix changed everything, I had already felt that void. Shows like "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" have perhaps come closest, as have "The Leftovers" and "Watchmen"; ditto, recently, "The Mandalorian" and now "Wandavision."

But the pandemic gave me the opportunity to carve out some extra time to give "Lost" a re-watch; I was inspired by my friend Christy, who had started one with her son. I asked the Blogger Teen last summer if he'd like to join me in watching the "Lost" pilot — still one of the best pilot episodes of all time — and he was hooked.

From there, over the next few months, we would watch several episodes in a row when we had a chance, especially on Friday nights. We rediscovered the mysteries of the island in Season 1, which ended with the hatch — remember the hatch? Evan would share his theories, and I would tell him if he was on the right path. But then there would be times where I wouldn't remember things either, and would share my own questions. 

I stood back and watched as he shared his theories about the man who would turn out to be Ben Linus, as well as who the "others" were and the Dharma Initiative. I thrilled as we watched the flashbacks, and later the flash sideways, as the pieces came together. We laughed at the extras, including Nikki and Paolo, which was a better episode than the producers are given credit for.

Then there was the mystery of how some of them got back to the mainland — and Jack's infamous "We have to go back!" plea to Kate. There was the story of the "constant," and the love story of Desmond and Penny. There was so much to dissect, and plenty of episodes to consume.

In September, I did a Variety cover story on Emmy winner Damon Lindelof (for "Watchmen") and I mentioned we were doing a "Lost" rewatch. He told me to let him know when we got to the final season, and what Evan thought of it.

Finally, last month, we hit Season 6. And we've been enjoying the unique tales of connection and letting go, leading to the triumphant, emotional finale. It was even better than I remembered it. Sorry, haters. Evan enjoyed it as well, as we saw most of the main characters reunited in a bit of an afterlife, having found each other again after who knows where or how long. 

It's a journey I'm glad I took again, and brought Evan along for. And it was fun to show him along the way what the show meant to me, including the collectibles I still have from the show, and this unique booklet I helped write in 2010, for the Vilcek Foundation, about the international and immigrant contributions to the show.

I recently dropped a line to Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof to let them know we were finishing our "Lost" binge — I picked up Hawaiian BBQ for the occasion — and I'm glad I did. "Watching the LOST finale with one’s dad is probably exactly what it was designed for… really hope you and your son were able to take Christian’s words to heart and move on," Damon said.

Scenes from Comic-Con 2016: Ted Danson, 'Community' Reunion and Pokemon

How many times did I flatter American Treasure Ted Danson? Enough to make it funny -- but hopefully not enough to make it weird.

Moderating the panel for NBC's upcoming comedy "The Good Place," starring Danson and Kristen Bell, was clearly the highlight of this summer's Comic-Con in San Diego. It was my first for IndieWire -- but with our TV team in place and in town, we didn't miss a beat. A few highlights from this year's journey:



Other panels I moderated included NBC's "Powerless," starring Vanessa Hudgens, Danny Pudi, Alan Tudyk and Ron Funches. The panel was way too short -- they cut off our microphones when we went a touch over! But it was still a fun one.



On stage with the aforementioned treasures Danson and Bell, plus Mike Schur and Drew Goddard.



Spotted in town: Mr. Robot.



Speaking of Danny Pudi! We caught up backstage.



One of my favorite things about the Comic-Con green rooms: Impromptu reunions! Here, "Lost" masterminds Carlton Cuse, Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz run into each other. Carlton was there for "Colony" and "Bates Motel," while Eddy and Adam were back for "Once Upon a Time."



My third panel -- WGN America's "Salem," starring Janet Montgomery.



Among the highlights covering panels: Prankster Andrew Lincoln tried to get back at his "The Walking Dead" co-star Norman Reedus by blowing glitter in his face. Instead, it ended up straight back in his beard. D'oh!



Large-sized Kobe, seen on the floor.



Another green room reunion! "Community's" Yvette Nicole Brown and Danny Pudi meet up!



Hanh and I tour the 20th anniversary "South Park" activation. Yep, good ol' Mr. Hankey the Christmas Poo.



The rowdy cast of "Archer" read an episode on a yacht deck.



Snoopy at his booth!



NBC Universal cable-themed cocktails.



This guy's gonna have to take a good, long shower.



Friday morning live on "Kevin & Bean" with Ralph Garman and Kevin Ryder!



Gotta catch 'em all!



Pretty realistic wax Negan and his "Walking Dead" prey.



Conan, back in San Diego for a second year.



Conan ad.



Who ya gonna call?


The crowded floor.



Spotted around San Diego: "Mulder? It's Me!"

TV GUIDE FLASHBACK: The Premiere of "Lost," 10 Years Ago

It's a busy day for TV show landmarks. Just as "Friends" launched 20 years ago, today is also the 10th anniversary of the launch of "Lost." It was a hit from the very beginning. Some clips from the premiere, as chronicled by TV Guide Magazine:

Here's One Last Chance to Say Goodbye to "Lost"

We won't have "Lost" to look forward to anymore.

Sigh.

Luckily, if you're in New York, you still have a chance to celebrate the now-gone series. On display now at Gothams's Vilcek Foundation: props and other memorabilia from six seasons of "Lost."

The org, which celebrates the contribution of immigrants and first-generation Americans to science and the arts, is behind "The Vilcek Foundation Celebrates LOST: The International Artists and Filmmakers of ABC’s Hit Show."

The free exhibit features "Lost" items ranging from the show's 1970s-era blue VW van to the atomic bomb nicknamed "Jughead." The donkey wheel, Hurley's Mr. Cluck outfit, Sawyer's letter to himself, Ben Linus' forged passport, it's all here.

The main reason for the exhibit, however, is to celebrate the show's unique status as a crossroads for talent (both in front of, and behind, the camera) from all over the world. Exec producer Carlton Cuse -- who was born in Mexico City -- is part of the exhibit, as areas are Jorge Garcia (“Hurley”), Yunjin Kim (“Sun”), Nestor Carbonell (“Richard”), Dominic Monaghan (“Charlie”) and Daniel Dae Kim (“Jin”). I got a chance to write up the bio info for the accompanying booklet to the event -- which looks great (kudos to the photographers and booklet designer).

Hurry -- the exhibit concludes at the end of next week. After that, it doesn't sound like the props will be on display in such a major way anywhere else.

"The Vilcek Foundation Celebrates LOST"
Dates: May 20 – June 5, 2010
Location: 167 East 73rd Street, New York, NY 10021
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 12–6 p.m.

(Photos courtesy The Vilcek Foundation.)

MIKE ON THE WEB: Read My Variety TV Chat on All Things Conan, "Lost," "Idol" and More

Here's Where "Lost's" Jack Shephard Really Works

We got a good look at Jack Shephard's (Matthew Fox) business card on Tuesday night's "Lost" -- but there's a couple of big problems.



First, "8444 Wilshire" is actually in Beverly Hills, near the corner of Wilshire and La Cienega (see the red marker above). Then there's this other little issue: In real life, 8444 Wilshire is an old office building, with the Wilshire Theatre (now known as the Saban Theatre) down below.

Sorry, there's no St. Sebastian hospital in the near vicinity.

Is this a sign? A post-"Lost" stage show to debut at the Wilshire Theatre?



Here's the real estate listing for 8444 Wilshire.

UPDATE: Thanks to Jodi, who noted that, indeed, the Paley Fest's "Lost" panel takes place on Feb. 27 AT THE SABAN THEATRE!!! MY MIND IS BLOWN!

Meanwhile, Over on Twitter

I must admit, I resisted Twitter as long as possible. But now that I'm hooked, I've finally realized that it's the perfect home for my inane observations.

If you're not following Franklin Avenue on Twitter (and why not? Go over and follow us right now!), here are a few highlights from the past week:

E! anounces that it "will no longer cover the misadventures of 'Speidi,' until the pair does something truly newsworthy." So never, right?
5:10 PM Jun 22nd

Resolutions today with Villaraigosa, Chris Brown and Jon & Kate. Egads, what will we talk about the rest of the summer?!
2:12 PM Jun 22nd

Villaraigosa not running for governor. Had Googled the bios of Sacramento's local TV news reporters. Not interested.
1:29 PM Jun 22nd

We'll find out in a moment whether Villaraigosa is running for govern...zzzzzzzzzzzzzz. Oops, sorry. Don't care enough to finish this Tweet.
1:00 PM Jun 22nd

Just got the latest copy of EW. Ryan Reynolds is now the mag's "new favorite leading man." Really, EW? I mean... really?
4:30 PM Jun 19th

Good Morning America has hired "The Bachelor's" Melissa Rycroft. Wait.. oops, GMA just changed its mind. Can't catch a break, huh, Melissa!
2:00 PM Jun 17th

Turns out those are "Grey's Anatomy" fans there at the Coliseum throwing things at police. Man, are they PISSED that T.R. Knight is leaving.
1:55 PM Jun 17th

Was the crowd at the Laker Rally booing Mayor Villaraigosa, or shouting "LU! LU!" in honor of his KTLA galpal?
1:04 PM Jun 17th

"Lost" exec producers Cuse/Lindelof on Bravo's "Top Chef Masters" tonight. Strangely, this episode was actually taped seven years from now.
11:50 AM Jun 17th

"Lost" Finale: My Continuity Beefs, and Other Thoughts

Locke -- or is it?! -- kicks it with Ben.

OK. So it's the busiest time of year for me at work, and I haven't had a chance to join in on the "Lost" conversation. But better late than never.

Holy. Sh*t. Wow. The show known for blowing minds did a lot more than that on Wednesday night.

Well, for starters, it appears that they blew up the whole island. Or something. That fade to white at the end of the episode wasn't just painful for what it meant to Juliet, who had just said her tearful goodbye to Sawyer. Nah, it was also painful because that's it. Until January. We've now got eight long months to dissect what we saw in "The Incident," the final episode of "Lost's" season five.

So what did we learn? Well, that Rose and Bernard are amazing survivalists, and have been starring in their own TV show on the other part of the island. (Seriously, ABC, you should have planned ahead and been busy shooting the six-episode comedy "Stranded!" for fall. Rose and Bernard are stuck on a goofy island in the 1970s -- think about it: The Harlem Globetrotters could visit. Etc. But I digress.)

We learned that Locke is not really Locke. Which to me was the saddest part of the episode. Is the real Locke truly dead, and did he really die at the hands of Ben, and at a point when he was the most pathetic and miserable? Because that sure ruins any hope that "Lost" might end on an upbeat note.

We learned that Jacob may be hundreds of years old, but he talks and dresses like he's from 2009.

What? More on that in a second.

We learned how Marvin Candle/Pierre Chang loses his arm. We find out how the "Incident" took place. We learned why Richard doesn't age. And we learned that the producers had no idea what to do with Sun in the second half of the season.

And we also learned that there's apparently a nearly 15-year age gap between Sawyer and Kate. (We saw 10-year-old Sawyer in 1977, and 10-year-old Kate -- with her New Kids on the Block lunchbox -- in what must have been 1989 or 1990. Mistake, or is there really that big of an age difference?)

Listen, I love "Lost." LOOOVE "Lost." Even in season three, even the Nicki and Paolo episode. I seriously love "Lost."

And yet, the whole continuity thing drives me nuts. It goes back to when we saw modern appliances in the 1970s-era hatch. It continues to the amount of time it took Jack to snap in 2007, from the moment Locke visit to when he was screaming to Kate near LAX that they needed to go back. (Which should have been a several months-long decline, but according to the timeline was just a few days.)

And Wednesday night, it bothered me that they didn't seem to really try to capture the period in flashbacks. Juliet's flashback, for example, must have taken place in the late 70s or early 80s. Yet their house was decorated like 2009 -- and ditto how everyone was dressed.

The other flashbacks were the same thing. We see young Sawyer in 1977, mourning the death of his parents. Yet it didn't give any hint that it was 1977-- it could have been yesterday. Which it was.

And then there's Jacob.

In the opening scene to the finale, we catch Jacob and a mysterious nemesis on the beach. The first exchange they have is pleasant: "Mornin'!" "Mornin'."

Then we see the ship out in the distance. Which tells us the scene we're witnessing, according to "Lost" lore, is taking place in the 1800s. Whaaa?

Did anyone talk like that -- a folksy "Mornin'" -- in the 1800s? And more importantly, why were they wearing modern clothing? And why did Jacob sport a cool, 2000s style hair cut and stubble beard? I swear, Jacob might have just stumbled out of Rudy's Barber Shop in Silver Lake.

OK, rant closed. It was definitely nice to see Rose and Bernard one last time -- you know they're gonna perish in that bomb, even though the rest of our pals will be sent back to 2007 -- but I'm still wondering whatever happen to the Tailies (including the kids) who were kidnapped by the Others.

And finally, just when we thought we'd figured out the show. It's Ben vs. Widmore, right? Uh, not so much. Jacob vs. Fake Locke. So far, point for Fake Locke. But we've still got 17 episodes to go. Wow. This final season is gonna go by fast. If it ever gets here. C'mon, January!

My Modest "Lost" Proposal

In case you missed it in Variety, I've been pushing an idea to keep "Lost" on the air in the fall. It's a win-win, I think: Low-cost, but yet unique enough that it'd get higher ratings than any new hour-long drama -- and equivalent ad rates to boot (but at a fraction of the price). It's the last season of "Lost," after all, so why not take advantage of the show one last time to launch something new behind it? Here's the gist of it:

The clock is ticking for "Lost" -- and ABC.

As they prep their pilots for next season, Alphabet execs know they've got one last shot at benefiting from "Lost's" still-strong -- and rabidly loyal -- audience.

Per the network and ABC Studios' agreement with "Lost" exec producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, the island-hopping/time-shifting/ smoke-monstering series is due to flash into history at the end of next season.

When that deal was made in 2007, the finale was still three years off. But now that the day of reckoning has come, the Alphabet will need to take full advantage of next season's send-off.

...

Now that "Lost's" days are numbered, will an anxious ABC want to wait until January before it can start hyping -- and taking advantage of -- the show's final 17 hours?

It probably wouldn't matter if "Lost" had already faded into ratings oblivion. But "Lost," while not as white-hot as it once was, is still a top-10 ratings powerhouse for ABC.

That's why if they're smart, Alphabet execs will already be plotting ways to keep "Lost" alive in the fall -- and keep fans from waiting eight agonizing months for the story to continue.

Absent original episodes, which don't come until January, the net won't garner the same kind of ratings that the show does in firstrun. But at least ABC can capitalize on the hype surrounding the series' final season -- and perhaps even recruit a few late-blooming or former viewers along the way.

Whatever the network decides to do, it would have to be enough of an event and so unique that it justifies utilizing an hour of primetime.

The most obvious idea? Putting a team of editors to work and recutting the first five seasons into an abridged, chronological version of "Lost."

Such a move would likely attract fans of the show, who are eager to see how the pieces of the puzzle all fit together in one cohesive, linear fashion. And this would also give first-time viewers, or ones who abandoned the show years ago, an entry point into enjoying the final season come spring.

An alternate idea? Edit each major character's back story into hourlong segs.

A less ambitious route would be to cherry pick pivotal episodes from the first few seasons and air them in order, although it's doubtful those episodes would post much of a rating (even if the net added in its "pop-up" info).

And if a full slate of episodes in the fall is out of the question, at the very least ABC needs to run a special or two -- including a townhall meeting featuring Lindelof and Cuse.

That's right, if it's good enough for "Survivor" or "The Bachelor," "Lost" also might benefit from an episode that featured the answers to questions from fans.Net could cut a few specials using the content that was produced for other sources -- webisodes, mobisodes, etc. -- but has never been broadcast. Cutting room floor footage, bloopers ... all of that could be potential low-cost (since it already exists) Friday or Saturday night fare.

As for the series finale in May 2010, here's hoping ABC plans a live, in-studio after show, in which Lindelof and Cuse explain what just happened. Hopefully the duo aren't planning to emulate David Chase, who disappeared for several months following "The Sopranos" finale.

After that, there will surely be some "Lost" fans mourning the loss of the show -- and wishing they could travel back in time and do it all over again. Hopefully ABC execs won't be feeling the same thing.

Whaddyuh think? Would you watch?

"Lost": So. Good. So Good!

(Flickr parody by robleto.)

"Lost" returned with a bang this week -- a big, messy, time-travelly bang that set up a whole new twist to the show's topsy-turvy plot line. By officially exploring the concept of time travel, "Lost" is fully embracing its inner geek -- and that's a good thing. There's still enough to the relationships on "Lost" that viewers allergic to sci-fi still have plenty of reason to tune in. But given where the "Lost" storyline has gone over the past few seasons, the show was going to have to, at some point, get a little more geeky to solve its mystery.

For a thorough recap of the show and a take on what it all means, I now direct you to Entertainment Weekly's Jeff Jensen, who has the lowdown on the premiere here.

"Lost" in San Luis Obispo

They're getting a bit creative in the window of Tom's Toys in San Luis Obispo. Above, a re-creation of the "Lost" Flight 815 crash (via Playmobil toys), complete with polar bears.

Below, the toymeisters take "Jump the Shark" literally.

Maria's Thursday Three

(Flickr pic by ruimin84.)

1. The Walt Disney Concert Hall Rooftop: Add this to your list of free things to do in L.A. The roof is a pleasant spot to spend some time on a weekend, as you're surrounded by beautiful trees and plants, a mosaic flower fountain and a children's amphitheater. With benches and small tables scattered around, I'm always thinking about going there with a picnic lunch.

2. The Black Apple: One of my favorite artists from Etsy is The Black Apple's Emily Martin. She captures a perfect blend of melancholy and groove in her art. Consider getting this print or this one.

3. "Lost": It was satisfying seeing Desmond make contact with Penny, despite that crazy radioactive time travel plot bend. Do Sun and Jin round out the Oceanic Six? And are Desmond and baby Aaron the seventh and eight survivors? Does evil Ben count?

Yes, I Have Seen Tonight's "Lost" Episode...

... and yes, it is awesome. As others have said, the season 3 finale wasn't a fluke. For those of you who thought "Lost's" best days were behind it: Oh, you couldn't have been more wrong.

For starters, tonight you'll find out more about who managed to get off the island. And how it affected them. You'll see how the castaways react when confronted with the news that the "rescuers" may not be rescuers at all. And you'll see how everyone takes the news about the demise of Charlie.

But watch it for yourself. Tonight at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Scenes from the Strike Front, Day Three

I hit the big showrunner picket early this morning at Disney's front Alameda gate in Burbank... talk about a who's who of TV executive producers.


Finally, a positive development to come out of the writers strike: A kumbayah moment between Monday night 8 p.m. rivals "Chuck" (Josh Schwartz, center) and "How I Met Your Mother" (Craig Thomas, left, and Carter Bays, right).


Winner, best sign of the morning's picket, goes to "Lost" exec producer Carlton Cuse.


"Private Practice" exec producer Marti Noxon notes that "fake doctors" support the WGA.


"Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane. Can you imagine how much that picket sign would fetch on EBay?! Hope he held on to it.


"The Riches" creator Dmitry Lipkin has a "Norma Rae" moment.


One of the most interviewed showrunners at the strike line: "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry.


The scene this morning: Chock full o' showrunners at Disney.

Scenes from the Strike Front

Jay Leno and striking scribe at NBC


Jay Leno visits NBC, bearing Krispy Kremes this morning


Leno meets the cameras at NBC's Bob Hope Drive. Leno said it was too soon to tell what will happen with “The Tonight Show” – dark for the time being – if a strike drags on. “We’ll take it one day at a time,” he said.


Julia Louis-Dreyfus lends her support at Warner Bros. “My husband is a member of the WGA and I’m a member of SAG, so I’m here in solidarity,” she said.


Toddler gets into the act at NBC


Picketers, carrying a mix of old and new WGA On Stike signs, at Warner Bros.


Strikers stock up on snacks and water at Warner Bros.


Big crowd at Disney, where "Lost" exec producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse were among the writers marching outside.

For more details, check out Variety's strike blog here, and full coverage here.

Also, check me out talking about the strike tonight on ABC's "World News with Charles Gibson."