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Underground > Film, TV & Theatre >

Lost (US thread)

  
  

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Spaniel
09:16 / 21.12.06
I love love love Runaways, and I hear good things about Y (which I will be reading v. soon), so I say yay!.
 
 
JOY NO WRY
05:46 / 16.01.07
News today indicates that they've finally decided to plan out a proper future time line and end point, so things should be less wishywashy from here on in. Which is sweet.
 
 
Jack The Bodiless
10:51 / 16.01.07
ER: Mouse's point above - Dharma's supposed to have been active from around 1970, which is still after Ben would have been born.

Now, yes, this date could be a red herring too, just as Ben could be much younger than he looks ("it's not the years, it's the mileage" kind of thing), and "all my life" could mean "since I was about eight". But the line "...and I've lived on this island all my life" was given a proper emphasis with a full camera shot on Ben alone, and was part of the big introduction between him and Jack (you know, considering everyone's been calling him faux-Henry for about ten episodes up till that point). Just seems like it has more significance than it's been given in speculation, and would indicate to me that there's a possibility that the Others aren't Dharma. I mean, for a start - what about The Black Rock? A shipwreck a lot older than Dharma...
 
 
NewMyth
04:44 / 17.01.07
[I'm pasting in this article, with the source link at the end. No Plot Spoilers.... ]

"'Lost' Producers Discuss Series' End"

By DAVID BAUDER AP Television Writer

PASADENA, Calif. Jan 15, 2007 (AP)— Makers of the tropical island drama "Lost" say they're talking with ABC executives about setting an end date for the series.

There's no sense the finale is coming anytime soon. But knowing they have a deadline will help writers of the convoluted drama lay out how they want the story to end, producers said Sunday in a meeting with TV critics here.

"Once we figure out when that will be, a lot of the questions will go away," said Carlton Cuse, an executive producer. "Lost" is in its third season.

The producers, citing Fox's "The X-Files," said they didn't want to wear out their welcome. "That was a great show that probably ran two seasons too long," Cuse said. "That is a cautionary tale for us."

"Lost" is due back on ABC's schedule next month following an extended hiatus after the season's first six episodes and will air uninterrupted through May. The schedule was a direct result of fans' complaints about reruns disrupting their concentration in past seasons, producers said.

It's likely next year that all 22 episodes will run consecutively, much like Fox is doing with "24."

One prominent critic ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson said he thought the first six episodes this season concentrated too heavily on the stories of Jack, Kate and Sawyer at the expense of other members of the large cast.

The producers said that will be rectified right away for the season's second half as "Lost" goes back to the beach.

"Lost," which is shifting back an hour to 10 p.m. Eastern time, Wednesdays, on ABC's schedule, has seen a 14 percent drop in its audience this year, according to Nielsen Media Research. Producers contend the numbers are deceptive because of a comparison with the second season, when "Lost" was a cultural sensation.

The producers concede that it's a demanding story for viewers to keep up with, and not one that people can join in the middle.

"We want them back," executive producer Damon Lindelof said of the lost fans. "We really believe in the show and the audience we're getting. But if we write towards getting them back, we may alienate the audience that we already have."

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=2794778&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312



[ And basically the same article, actually briefer -- BUT WITH SOME SPOILERS -- is here:

http://www.dispatch.com/features-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/01/16/20070116-B5-03.html ]
 
 
Seth
22:13 / 22.01.07
Good God, TV (and American TV in particular) is an unforgiving medium.
 
 
Yotsuba & Benjamin!
03:08 / 08.02.07
OMFG 52 IS LOST LOST IS 52!!!!!

So, Lindelcuse were talking about this...you know...this anagram in tonite's episode? That...I don't know...was supposed to be...a secret or something? A hint.

Oh, so like Mittelos Biotech maybe?

Mittelos = TIME LOST.

52...51...50...
 
 
Yotsuba & Benjamin!
03:08 / 08.02.07
(That was my best Pudge, by the way. Scharpling FTW.)
 
 
Bear
12:03 / 08.02.07
Bit of a long wait just for that right? Meh, I'm pretty down on Lost these days - I think it was more fun for me when there was a bit more mystery, who are the Others why are they on the Island (fake beards!) but now we're almost good friends with the Others and yet nobody has asked what they're all doing on the island(s). Plus the bus thing and the Clockwork Orange thing.

Meh! I'll keep watching though.
 
 
Bear
02:49 / 09.02.07
Where is everyone? Did I dream this episode it could be possible... no really though what did everyone think?

Who was the scan of?
Alex is the daughter of Ben or some nice misdirection?
What was the room all about, brainwashing? Jacob? Bible Jacob?

I need you Barbelith!
 
 
Spaniel
07:30 / 09.02.07
Before I join in, could someone please explain to me what the fuck is going on over at the official site with the podcast? I can't seem to find the bloody thing.

Things I know:

1. Last one (couple?) was a video - expecting this one to be
2. They likey the adverts over there these days
3. That's one fucking shit site
 
 
NewMyth
01:36 / 10.02.07
Wow, now this was a really cool episode -- Lost gets its game back! Kate got to be tough again, edge-of-the-seat suspense, humor with Sawyer's "Sheena..." and the guy to Jack, "I'm Tom, by the way..."

Obviously that biotech company after Juliette is gonna be connected to Dharma/Island think tank.

And the one hour re-cap show before was very intelligently arranged this time; your could tell Lindelhof and Cruse are reacting to the fans' complaints, and bringing back the focus on character. I think the early success of the show, and some of the producers, were f-ing things up with too much complexity -- okay, the hatch turned out to be what crashed the plane, but the sideshow with the Tallies was a waste of time, and didn't really add much.

I think once this episode sinks in, many of the old posters here will be back to compare notes. Lost, lost, lost! I was really getting ready to give up on the show, but I've found my lost interest back for Lost!
 
 
Eskay Uno
12:24 / 10.02.07
The acting on this show is great. Even when the storyline is frustrating the hell out of me, the performances keep me interested. Juliet is a great character and I'm glad they're focusing more on her. Benry is also great and I hope he gets a flashback this season too.

Boboss, if you want to access the abc podcasts you have to enter the EXTRAS section on their (indeed shit) website. Check out the forums there too - with a little digging you'll find a new link that continues last summer's online lost-experience game, plus links to screen captures, all kinds of spoilers and easter eggs.
 
 
Spaniel
14:52 / 10.02.07
You, sir, are the proverbial Good Bloke!

Big kiss
 
 
Spaniel
15:59 / 10.02.07
(Although I won't be chasing the spoilers)
 
 
Keith, like a scientist
02:04 / 15.02.07
dayum, these guys really do love The Dark Tower. Also The Wizard of Oz.

Another solid episode! Two in a row doesn't mean it's a lock, but I'm feeling good about the rest of this season. Seems like things are kicked into high plot-gear so far. And next week looks even more packed with "answers."
 
 
Uatu.is.watching
14:32 / 15.02.07
"Maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me" - Wonderwall
 
 
Spaniel
19:20 / 15.02.07
I can see how a show that (apparently) puts a lot of stock in fate could make the leap to the Final Destinationesque shenanigans of this episode, but frankly this business about the universe "course correcting" is just a little too silly for me. It's just not a fiction I buy easily for some reason. It's so... so ungrounded.

I've been enjoying Lost a great deal recently - this episode has me slightly worried, which makes me sad.
 
 
NewMyth
00:43 / 16.02.07
Yes, this Desmond episode convinces me that Lost has got its game back! Esp. the emphasis back on character.

But then I just read that this was the lowest rated episode to date. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that the creators may have done irreparable harm to the show -- with the previous years' overload of characters and unanswered/unconfusing events. They scared people away, and it's become too complex for new viewers to join in.

They may have to wrap it up quickly, like J. Michael Strazinsky did to Babylon 5 in either its 3rd or 4th year when he didn't know if the show was going to be picked up. Well, this actually might be good for Lost -- cut to the chase and give us the meat of the story.

Oh, and that Jewelry Lady, reminded me of "12 Monkey's" with that weird vibe of time travel and paranoia.

P.S. Keith, what do you see that's similar to Dark Tower & Wizard of Oz?

P.P.S. Boboss, that "course correcting" is one of those SF things that depends on how it is worked out. It's creepy because it takes away free choice, like those stories where you can't stop the Kennedy assasination, or it is stopped, then he dies some other way. I'd rather not live in that universe where certain things can't be changed, but I think it's a viable theory of time.
 
 
Spaniel
08:46 / 16.02.07
This is one of thse instances where I find myself getting cross because the person I'm engaging with, through no fault of their own, clearly doesn't have a very good handle on my base level of knowledge.

Yes, I understand that there is precedent for "course correcting" beyond Final Destination, and I understand the implications for free will, but none of that makes me particularly happy with the concept. It is a very silly idea that upon inspection makes very little sense, and I strongly suspect that unless you want to start invoking gods and suchlike that it really, really isn't a viable theory of time. Hard determinism - a much stronger denial of free will - is much more persuasive and plausible. Christ, the fact that I've never heard any scientist seriously suggest anything like "course correcting" when discussing time or time travel should ring a few alarm bells.

I say this as a fan of fantasy storytelling and am fully aware that not being consistent with current scientific theory isn't necessarily good grounds for rejecting a concept, but I suppose that in Lost I wanted yer bedrock stuff to be a little bit more solid than this. I wanted concepts - be they philosophical or scientific, even poetic - to feel a little more truthful.
 
 
Spaniel
08:52 / 16.02.07
and I strongly suspect that unless you want to start invoking gods and suchlike that it really, really isn't a viable theory of time

In fact I strongly suspect that it isn't a viable theory of time fullstop, but I can't be bothered to get into that at the moment.
 
 
Keith, like a scientist
14:01 / 16.02.07
P.S. Keith, what do you see that's similar to Dark Tower & Wizard of Oz?

The Dark Tower stuff would be a spoiler for the books, so I don't want to mention it here.

The Wizard of Oz stuff I thought was very apparent: red shoe guy?
 
 
CameronStewart
15:47 / 16.02.07
>>>The Wizard of Oz stuff I thought was very apparent: red shoe guy?<<<

I didn't see that as an Oz reference - it doesn't really mirror Oz in any meaningful way other than both characters have red footwear. I think the red shoes were merely just a (somewhat ham-fisted) way to make the audience understand who'd been crushed under the debris. "Look, make sure you pay attention to those shoes, you'll see them again in about 3 minutes."
 
 
buttergun
18:23 / 16.02.07
I don't know, just when last week (kinda) seemed like a return to form, they give us this "Vanilla Sky" rip-off which I'm SURE the writers wanted to come over like a head-fuck...

Seriously. I kept expecting Past Desmond to begin staggering around, screaming "TECH SUPPORT!!!"
 
 
Robert B
20:15 / 16.02.07
I liked this episode. Though I'd say Donnie Darko more than Vanilla Sky (Open Your Eyes) as the "rip-off" since it seemed more time travel rather than virtual reality in nature. I was honestly just glad to see an episode without the trinity of Jack-Kate-Sawyer.
 
 
Tsuga
21:56 / 16.02.07
Well, no matter what, you can't expect at this point much short of either god playing tricks or some scientists playing tricks matrix-like on a bunch of unwilling subjects. I mean, this show jumped the reality shark in the first couple of episodes, I've still been engaged enough (though at times frustrated at some really thin shit) to keep watching and for the most part enjoying. I'm just going along for the ride to where it ends, it almost can't be as good as the ride there.
 
 
NewMyth
02:58 / 20.02.07
Boboss, I didn’t mean to insult you or talk down to you -- you are one of the most intelligent posters here; I’m sure you have an extensive “base level of knowledge.” I was just stating my take on it.

My problem with the “course correcting” thing is that -- as with most of the show’s concepts -- it seems to have been added willy-nilly... By definition, Desmond’s “Slaughterhouse Five” shtick of becoming unstuck in time should have been shown from the beginning. And also, out of nowhere, suddenly Charlie is destined to die...?!

But as a concept, I don’t think “course correcting” has to “invoke gods.” Say time flows like a river -- (“...to the sea...” yeah, I know the song & cliche...) -- and you can’t stop time, merely divert it, with rocks say. It’s course will change, in small ways, but still flow on inexorably. And I would think it might only apply to large things that affect history, a Hitler or an Einstein; unlikely a Charlie. I guess you could call course correcting a “soft” determinism.

Personally, I hold to the branching/alternate timelines. I’m just saying that the concept of Time is so elaborate, that it’s, okay -- fun -- to play with different concepts.

Many scientists scoff at time travel. As with Hawking’s, “So where are the time travelers, then?” The cool scientists who are open to it seem to hold to the bubble/alternate universes -- where a different timeline branches off... perhaps infinitely.

I actually agree with your, “... I suppose that in Lost I wanted yer bedrock stuff to be a little bit more solid than this.” But I don’t think we can expect that any more. I’ve been burned by them too many times by expecting consistency. Perhaps I’m letting the show off the hook too much, but since they seem to be getting back on course, I’m just cutting the producers some slack. I’m sure I’ll be getting hurt in this relationship again. I’m still feeling disillusioned with the show, but there’s still enough there to keep me coming back.
 
 
Bear
12:59 / 22.02.07
Well that wasn't what I was expecting, I guess it's my own fault for watching the trailer last week I was expecting some huge shit happening when instead it was just.. well shit basically.
 
 
Rhayader
13:43 / 23.02.07
Lame. This is what happens when you write things as you go along. Why on earth would Ben sacrifice his only surgeon as a field agent, exposed to danger, if he already knew he had a tumor when the plane crashed?
 
 
gridley
17:13 / 23.02.07
I agree completely, Rhayader. You could also ask why he risked his own life. The best answer I can come up with is that maybe there's very few of the Others that he actually trusts.
 
 
gridley
17:31 / 23.02.07
I just went to wikipedia to remind myself how Ben came to be a prisoner:

Ben first appears onscreen when he is captured by Danielle Rousseau and brought to the castaways. Danielle assures Sayid that he is one of the Others, but he claims that he is a castaway on the island and that his name is "Henry Gale".

Of course, we now "know" that Ben is the father of Danielle's child Alex. So did Danielle knew exactly who she was turning over to the castaways (i.e. the leader of the Others) and if so why wouldn't she think that worth mentioning?

Or was she impregnated by artificial insemination and capturing him was just a coincidence?

Or is Ben merely Alex's adopted father? Or lying to her that he's her father?

Or was she doing Ben's bidding by pretending she didn't know him? Perhaps in some sort of bargain to get Alex back at a later date?
 
 
Spaniel
20:24 / 23.02.07
Myth, thanks for the compliment but I wouldn't go that far. But then I am astonishingly modest.

I think we're gonna have to agree to disagree on the viability of course correcting. This isn't the place to discuss stuff like that. I do, however, agree wholeheartedly with this

My problem with the “course correcting” thing is that -- as with most of the show’s concepts -- it seems to have been added willy-nilly...

And, of course, that's the thing with having very very little mythological solidity beneath our feet. Things that perhaps can and do make sense end up feeling random and forced. If we knew just enough about the world of Lost to bind things together a little more all this I have seen the future, course correcting malarky might just become that tiny bit more acceptable (I'll never be entirely sold on it as a concept, mind, but I could be made more agreeable to its inclusion in the Lostverse).

And that takes me neatly to tonight's episode - which, I thought was on the whole fine, enjoyable enough, if nothing to write home about - my problem, however, is that, in part thanks to that Desmond business, and in part from having spent months with the Others with no answers forthcoming, I'm starting to reach the end of my tether when it comes to the lack of hard facts. The lack of the aforementioned solidity.

I'm not suggesting for a minute that Lost just rolls over and gives up all its secrets. I like wallowing in the mystery and the subsequent speculation, I like the delayed gratification angle, I am a very patient viewer, but when I start to get pissed off, when I start to need a little more, then I think the show's in trouble, because I'm a shit load more patient when it comes to Lost than most of the people I speak to, and most of them aren't as bloody geeky as me and are likely to start switching off in droves, in my exceptionally humble opinion at least.

Before I go, my twopennorth on the Others: a big part of their remit is to investigate stuff on the Island. So the mystery of the Others will, yes, you guessed it, open up to reveal even more mysteries. Cool, huh?!
 
 
miss wonderstarr
14:49 / 25.02.07
I had to watch the Desmond flashbacks again to realise they were meant to be set in London. It's really weird to see somewhere presented to you as your own city when it's obviously been shot somewhere entirely different.
 
 
Spaniel
16:08 / 25.02.07
There were a few horribly American 'English' elements too. At least I think there were - I seem to remember getting annoyed but I can't remember the details.
 
 
Sniv
21:03 / 25.02.07
Red phonebox and English 'bobbies' did it for me. Bollocks was that London. There were people there with real tans goddammit!
 
 
sleazenation
21:14 / 25.02.07
Unconvincing accents caught my ears as well as the unconvincing 'london' stuff - Des and his girl were meant to be on the south bank, but there ain't no architecture like that on the south bank.
 
  

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