A 'Lost' stocking stuffer

December 20, 03:28 PM

Hey, remember at the end of last season, when Lost introduced Desmond's long-lost love Penny Widmore (played by Sonya Walger, who despite similar coloring and features is not current regular Elizabeth Mitchell) and her very probably nefarious dad Charles (Alan Dale)?

It looks like we may finally see them again once the series resumes in February.

We're still a good seven weeks out from the show's Feb. 7 return, but ABC has, in the spirit of the season or something, released its official copy on the events of the first four episodes back. As usual, the descriptions don't offer much. Here's what the network says about the Feb. 7 episode, called "Not in Portland":

Jack is in command, as the fate of one of The Others' lives rests in his hand. Meanwhile, Kate and Sawyer find an ally in one of The Others, and Juliet makes a shocking decision that could endanger her standing with her people.

Aside from that last clause about Juliet (Mitchell), the rest of it provokes a sort of "Well, duh" response. Digging down into the list of guest stars, though, we can get our speculative juices flowing.

For instance, that first episode looks like it may give us another look at Others Town before the crash, as it features William Mapother as Ethan. We'll also be seeing more of Alex (Tania Raymonde) and Karl (Blake Bashoff), the kid who was Sawyer's cage buddy for a short time early in the season.

The Widmores pop up in the Feb. 14 episode, which is called "Flashes Before Your Eyes" and involves Hurley and Charlie trying to figure out why Desmond has been acting so weird since the hatch went blooey. Crazy Frenchwoman Rousseau (Mira Furlan), meanwhile, is back on Feb. 28. That episode will also have Hurley finding a junked car -- for reals, that's what it says -- on the island.

So there you go, something to talk about with your Lost-obsessed cousin at Christmas or on New Year's Eve, after you've had a couple drinks and are feeling good and conspiratorial. But I have to ask:

Do ABC's hints intrigue you? Are you counting the hours until the return of Lost? Does it even matter to you anymore?

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Comments (62)

Comments

I was a loyal viewer of LOST for the first 2 seasons, but this year's episodes just seem to be 'treading water' until another big character's death occurs. Over the past 2+ seasons, I have tired of the producers and ABC executives stretching out these storylines, so that they can eventually get to 100 episodes (enough for future syndication).

In addition to just dragging out storylines, the series has switched most of the focus from the original crash survivors to the 'Others'. Some viewers might still find that compelling, but I originally tuned in because I wanted to see how normal people were going to survive on a supposedly deserted island. I really don't care that there seems to be a fully functional research facility on par with any American University's campus.

Also, I think ABC should have just waited until January to launch season 3, just as 24 has successfully done last year. It seems that Lost viewers didn't care enough to tune into Day Break during the hiatus anyway, so 'splitting' the season was an apparent mistake. For the record, I will NOT be watching Lost when it returns in February.

NMG | Dec 21, 2006 7:50:23 AM | #

I will be watching Lost when it comes back in February because I really do enjoy the show. I don't like the idea of splitting the season though, especially since we only got to see six episodes after the long summer break. It wasn't enough to really get me pumped for the show to come back. In the meantime, I've been satisfied by replacements like Heroes (which has taken over my Lost obsession), Battlestar Galactica, and I've started watching Medium more - it's an intriguing program.

sue | Dec 21, 2006 9:37:58 AM | #

Unlike above reviewer, I appreciate the depth and opportunities presented by new groups. Someone with his/her view could have taken issue with the tail section populace from last season, but it added to the intrigue/possibilities, as do "the others". (I'm in for the long haul).

Garibaldi | Dec 21, 2006 9:40:36 AM | #

I have watched every episode of Lost thus far, but I am taking this opportunity to make a clean break. I will not be watching when it returns.

While I have not seen enough lately of my favorite characters (Sayid, Hurley, Locke), and way too much of the "love triangle," what finally did it for me was characters acting out of "character." Namely Locke turning on a dime and suddenly losing faith in entering the numbers, based on the Pearl Station film (despite Desmond both correctly pointing out how he caused the crash, and that he could not really know who were the experiment subjects). And soldier Sayid lamely thinking he could sneak up on the Others in a BOAT, of all things!

When you ask your audience to have faith that the writers are taking you somewhere, this kind of inconsistancy is fatal. It is OK to raise new Q's as you provide some A's (Heroes is doing this well). But the way Lost is now providing one little A while introducing 100 new Q's resembles the made-up-as-you-go-along story-telling of a four year old.

miki | Dec 21, 2006 9:41:08 AM | #

I have to agree that 'Lost' may have not been a good as it was in past few seasons, but it still has me glued.

ABC thought that Lost could hold the audience enough as a lead in for 'The Nine' and that is why you saw them run six episodes in the fall and then waited it out until February.

Despite cridical aclamming, Nine just was not a hit with the audience and now Lost will take that slot. It should get a second place finish behind CSI: NY. Very smart move since American Karaoke (as I like to call Idol) is still a titain to be reckon with and the boost that CBS's 'Criminal Minds' will get after the Super Bowl since that respect show gets the Post Bowl slot. Minds beat Lost a few times and CBS though that was good to get the Post Super Bowl airing.

The goal of all the networks is to domate every night. When the networks move shows or plan a certain way they hope they can hold the audiences. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not.

ABC moved Grey to Thursday and it paid off. Placing Ugly Betty as the lead it proved to be a winner too.

Grey is going to be the one show that can beat CSI. CSI can still hold its own.

American TV has always belived in the 100+ episode rule. Unlike in Britian in which a TV Series could have around 12 to 16 episodes and two series (they use series rather than season) to be remebered.

The British Office lasted for two series and two Christmas special. 14 episodes total. The American Counterpart needs to hang tough and get the over the 100+ mark. Or at least close to it. Look at 'Still Standing' FOX felt it was good enough for Off Network Syndication in spite of 86 episodes.

It needs six seasons to do that since the first season was only six episodes. Hopfuly they are planing on wraping things up should The American Office reach season six.

Another British show 'Life on Mars' will end after two series and 16 total episodes. Their are plans to have an American version of this series. Again it will have to produce over 100 episodes.

Don McCullen | Dec 21, 2006 9:52:19 AM | #

I agree wholeheartedly with miki's assessment. I will NOT be returning to Lost no matter what time slot ABC execs think it fits.

I absolutely LOVED the first season of Lost, possibly one of the best seasons of any American produced drama. Then the second season started to focus on the Tailies, which was still interesting (they were still fish out of water trying to survive in a tropical wilderness).

This third season has just been painfully BORING to watch. The writers want us to start caring about a couple of redshirts who have had 5 lines each so far. Oh, and there just happens to be a sophisticated, high-teck research lab on this island? How convenient for the writers, so that they can show the Haves versus the Have Nots. What about spending more screentime on the original cast members, like Claire, Hurley, Sayid, etc.?

And how about the supposed importance of Walt? Was that 'special' kid really a red herring or did the producers just have to write him out due to Malcolm David Kelly's growth spurt? Maybe they could have recast Walt with a younger actor and kept him and Michael around? I enjoyed watching those two charcters starting to bond as a father/son should.

NMG | Dec 21, 2006 10:10:41 AM | #

You might as well stick with LOST, because ABC is not giving any new shows more than a two or three weeks. I will watch LOST, but I have been burned too many times (Invasion, The Nine, Six Degrees, Daybreak )to start watching any other ABC shows.

ERIC | Dec 21, 2006 10:22:57 AM | #

If a program is captivating enough and receives sufficient promotion and marketing, then it can thrive on its own --with or without a Lost type program as a lead-in. The Nine was a well-written and a well-acted show, but it was moving too slowly for millions of viewers to tune in consistently.

Last year Prison Break was one of the hottest new shows, even without the benefit of new episodes of 24 or a highly rated lead-in (anyone still remember Kitchen Confidential?). ABCs strategy of splitting Lost's season did not help The Nine's ratings, nor did the replacement series Day Break manage to survive.

Loyal fans of Lost will follow the show to whatever new time slot. However, some casual viewers are more upset about having only 6 new episodes and then a 13 week break. I will not continue to watch Lost when it returns in February. There are too many other shows I would rather follow, such as Rome and 24 (and I know that these show will provide some real answers at the end of their seasons).

Del | Dec 21, 2006 10:28:53 AM | #

I have to agree with many of the other comments here...the whole idea of the "Fall Season Finale" really pisses me off. And with a show like this that requires your undivided attention (and even then, half the time you don't know what's going on) it just doesn't work well. Couple that with the completely different focus of this season's episodes, and I'm afraid I'm DONE with Lost, as are most of my friends who used to watch the show....

JMH | Dec 21, 2006 11:05:39 AM | #

I hate the split season as well. I've forgotten what all went on before since it was so boring and contrived leading me not to really care what happens.
What is it about Walt anyway?
I will, however, give it shot for a few episodes when it resumes for the spring schedule. It had better be riveting story line or I'm turning my back which makes me kind of sick to think about since I've invested so much time. Then...on the other hand, I think I've gotten my time's worth in the first few seasons.

Maddy | Dec 21, 2006 11:28:11 AM | #

Count me in as another former Lost fan who will not watch the new episodes coming in February. Please excuse the term 'jump the shark', but I feel that Lost has already done so multiple times. The first 'shark jump' was at the end of the 1st season. The crash survivors find out that there is at least one hatch, which leads to an underground bunker with electricity. The second doorway to the Swan station was simply hidden behind a few tree branches, so why couldn't Boone or Locke (or any other curious survivor) see that other door in plain sight (WITHOUT having to dig out the hatch)? Look at the poorly "hidden" door at the end of episode 9, season 2 if you don't believe me.

The second season seemed so boring to me because the castaways themselves didn't seem too worried about survival. Hey, why should they worry about that mysterious Smoke Monster or those child-abducting Others when you have plenty of Apollo candy bars and a working washer/dryer down in the bunker?

Season 3 mostly seems to be about the insipid love triangle. Will Kate choose Dawson or Pacey? Oh, sorry that would be the focus on a tween drama on The WB. Lost's storylines seem to be getting dumber in each episode. JJ Abram's programs tend to lose steam around the 3rd season, see also Felicity and Alias as proof.

Lenni | Dec 21, 2006 12:11:38 PM | #

Man, people sure get emotional about their TV. It's like having a girlfriend go on a trip for a week and you get angry and dump her for being gone so long. Talk about hard to please. I'd like to see these complainers fill a 35 week viewing season with a show as complex to film as Lost. 23 or 24 shows is about all that can be accomplished with time and budget limitations. So, you fill in with reruns and recaps. Nope, people complain. Take out the reruns, run straight episodes, and fill in the gap with another show. Nope, people complain. So what? Wait a year to start the next season? Find something else to do with your spare time and enjoy the ride. It's a brilliant show and well worth the wait. I'm in til the end.

Dustin | Dec 21, 2006 2:20:01 PM | #

I use to love Lost. I really did. Based on the riviting stories of S1, I too *thought this show was going to be about a bunch of dysfunctional people trying to survive on a mysterious island. But I guess I was mistaken. The first faux paux began by splitting the cast up for the first 8(?) episodes in S2. Then they started focusing on a new group of characters. Now, S3 is following this pattern again with a whole new set of characters. I don't *care about the Others and their labs, and experiments, and subs, and luxuries of civilization, etc., etc. And don't get me started about the flip-flopping of characterizations to service the plot of the week. I'm almost done with this show. The only thing left I enjoy watching is what kind of a mess Sawyer will get into next.

D.J. | Dec 21, 2006 2:30:13 PM | #

I'm in it to the end. J.J. Abrams is a genius. And even if his shows fall short in seasons three or four, of being as good as thier first season, it is still some of the best writing/acting/directing...hell one of the best shows on t.v.

Jim | Dec 21, 2006 2:32:02 PM | #

Run a full season of Lost non stop and replace it with something else might have been a better ideal or vice versa would have been a better ideal.

For all the posters here it seems that Lost is on its last legs. We shall find out if everyone else agrees.

Very good points Dustin. Yes Jim, Abrams is a genius. Now all he has to do is keep Lost on for at least two more seasons.

Don McCullen | Dec 21, 2006 2:45:54 PM | #

What is wrong with all you people, i hate leaving messages on these types of chats but it has to be done since you are all hateful cynical people - i am not one to point towards critics apporoval but they all seem to be loving season 3, as am i. no other show has had me thinking and discussing with friends and co-workers. and unlike most shows lost builds suspense aside with nice moments of quality acting and writing. to all you former fans and current cry babies - good riddance, go watch rubbish like criminal minds.

Simon | Dec 21, 2006 4:00:44 PM | #

Why all the negativity? I love the tid-bits, after all they did not have to release anything. I'm not going to be discussing over the holidays, but that's ok. I think they made a strategic error in leaving a huge gap from November to February, and it won't be repeated again. For now, for those really interested there are a lot more spoilers floating around to be easily found.

They also need to speed it up a bit a la Heroes. I heard they received and absorbed that message.

Lost Spoilers | Dec 21, 2006 4:36:11 PM | #

I LOVE LOST!!!!!

court | Dec 21, 2006 4:51:23 PM | #

Oh, Come on!!Lost is one of the best shows in the television... I Love it!! The problem is the patience of the people. The fist 6 episodes were focus in Jack, Sawyer and Kate, but when the show returns, all is going to change, you have to watch!!

George | Dec 21, 2006 4:53:21 PM | #

I LOVE LOST!!!!!

court | Dec 21, 2006 4:53:35 PM | #

I for one will be back for lost un like you GOOD FOR NOTHING's oh wait now I no what your good for complaining you need to SUCK it up and STOP! crying about thing's you complained about the reruns so this is how its gowing to be so get over your self I for one don't wont people like you to watch lost b/c you will complain about EVERYTHING! like your dowing now lost is a great show and I coming back like a true fan.

blackrose | Dec 21, 2006 5:44:14 PM | #

Kate's house burned down. Cut them some slack.

Rodd Ott | Dec 21, 2006 5:46:29 PM | #

I am a big fan, and have actively tried to incorporate others to get with me in my enthusiasm. You won't print this. but it must be a $$$thing to make us wait, and therefore lose our enthusiam in order to keep up with the show. I guess it allows you to show "previously seen" episodes and save production money.Fine and good, but at the risk of us getting interested in other programs? Program and fan loyalty only goes so far..Thanks, Paula

paula | Dec 21, 2006 5:57:56 PM | #

oh my bad miss spelled that is unlike and doing I guess I was really mad!

blackrose | Dec 21, 2006 6:04:21 PM | #

The first season was brilliant.

The second showed signs of wear with too many characters and wildly diffuse plots.

Season three has had flashes of brilliance, but not enough to light the series, and certainly not enough to bring me back after the world's longest hiatus.

The problem is simple, the series needs resolution, but that would mean conclusion: end of DVD packets, and limited shelf life in syndication.

It's ratings are off 40% since its inception(according to reports I've read on this very website).

Sorry Lost fanatics, ending it would give it coherence, forward momentum, and even dignity. Beyond that, this series truly IS lost.

A former viewer | Dec 21, 2006 6:19:41 PM | #