Lost in the world of 'Lost'

No.

It's not just because Sawyer (Josh Holloway) spends the entire episode without his shirt on.

I thought I'd better get that out of the way immediately.

Sure, a shirtless Sawyer was a delightful addition but I loved the two-hour season premiere of Lost (Wednesday at 9 p.m. on ABC) because the series continues to surprise and enchant me. I watch the show in complete awe. I can't believe that this entire world continues to be the product of people's imagination. I mean I think I'm being inventive when I add an extra ingredient to a recipe. And we all know how hard it can be to continue to charm your viewing audience once your show is a pop culture phenomenon (No I'm not breaking my New Year's resolution not to talk about a certain show. I'm just making a vague reference to a certain show). But Lost is my constant -- just when I think it can't get any better, it does.

The series also continues to reinvent the way a storyline can unfold. We've had flashbacks. We've had flash forwards. And now we are in for something a little different. If you were frustrated by the direction the show was taking towards the end of last season, you probably will be frustrated with what happens this week. Things don't get any less confusing and the series is about to take viewers on quite an exhilarating ride.

The episode firmly place Daniel (Jeremy Davies), Miles and Charlotte  right in the center of the action and provide viewers with not only familiar and surprising faces but familiar and surprising places. At the end of the two hours, I still didn't have a great idea about what the heck was going on but I was captivated. I think that's the show's real gift -- it can attract viewers even when they are so confused.

I can't really tell you much more without ruining all the surprises. But after you've watched the episode, let me know what you think and post your comments below. Oh and if you want to catch up, check out Lost: Destiny Calls, which attempts to summarize the first four seasons Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Some Fun Links

It's hard to believe that The Simpsons will be celebrating its 20 anniversary on January 14, 2010. (I wonder what wrinkle crème Bart is using because he hasn't aged a bit.) To celebrate, FOX is launching the Unleash Your Yellow Poster Contest. You can find all the details at www.TheSimpsons.com.

You can be either Andy or Dwight and fight in a duel just like they did in last week's episode of The Office by clicking here. I think it was a very good thing that both men decided not to pursue a relationship with Angela (Angela Kinsey) because she clearly isn't ready to commit to anyone. (Yes. I know I'm talking about her like she's a real person. I can't help myself).

The Paley Center takes a look at Presidential Inaugurations and how the media covered these historic events. Check them out by clicking here and here.

Quotes of the Week

"The phrase 'gag me' comes to mind." Silver upon seeing Annie and Ethan all lovey dovey on 90210. I'm right there with you Silver.

"Alright Dr. Cox. Ridiculous name by the way." Dr. Maddox (played by Courteney Cox) to Dr. Cox on Scrubs.

"I can't just let someone take my ex-wife, the guy she cheated on me with and my two illegitimate kids." Earl to Randy on My Name is Earl.

Highlights of the Week Ahead

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time for January 19-25

I'm totally not prepared to deal with the stress of Mondays at 8 p.m. House moves to this time slot opposite Gossip Girl, The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother tonight. House treats a patient in such chronic pain that he wants to end his life at 8 p.m. on FOX. We find out who got into Yale on Gossip Girl at 8 p.m. on the CW. Sheldon develops a scientific way to make friends on The Big Bang Theory and Barney and Ted keep MacLaren's open during a blizzard on How I Met Your Mother beginning at 8 p.m. on CBS. Ready. Set your TiVos. Go!

I don't want to overreact but I do believe ABC is trying to make me think I'm going crazy because the network has moved Samantha Who? once again. Instead of airing the comedy, ABC is airing two hours of The Bachelor beginning Monday at 8 p.m. This move isn't exactly inspiring confidence, is it?

There's nothing bigger happening this week than the Inauguration which ABC, NBC, and CBS are all covering Tuesday night. I plan on watching ABC. What network will you be watching?

Jennie Garth and Ryan Eggold are back on 90210 this Tuesday at 8 p.m. on the CW. This is the first time the pair has seen each other since Brenda slept with Ryan. The show is slowly killing me with all the Annie/Ethan drama. The series seems insistent on making them the epicenter of the show and I can't stress what a bad idea this is. Ethan is instantly more annoying when he's with Annie and they need to do something about this soon because my goodwill towards the show is waning. By the way, what do you guys think about the CW remaking Melrose Place for next season. I just don't think people have the nostalgia for Melrose like they do for 90210, do you?

Steven Culp, who we just saw reprising his role of Rex Van de Camp on Desperate Housewives, guest stars as Will's dad on Privileged (Tuesday, CW, 9 p.m.). It's not the smartest scheduling move to air a new episode opposite both American Idol and the Inauguration but it's a new episode so we should all try to watch. By the way, Privileged will have its season finale on March 10 so now is the time to start watching. I'm not emotionally prepared to say goodbye to another series that I love. Thank you for your cooperation.

Tim Roth stars as Dr. Cal Lightman, a man who can tell whether or not you are telling the truth in the new FOX series Lie to Me, premiering Wednesday at 9 p.m. The series enters an already crowded market of shows built around a maverick who is the only one that can solve a crime. The pilot is better than The Eleventh Hour (faint praise I know) but not quite as good as The Mentalist. But I do like the show's central conceit which shows how people in our pop culture make the same facial expressions when they have similar emotions. It's a visually arresting device and serves the show well. Kelli Williams (The Practice) also stars as Lightman's partner. She's a welcome addition to any series. Three stars.

I'll miss Grissom but I do think Laurence Fishburne is going to fit right in on CSI. It's a wise move that he's a completely different character and not entering at Grissom's level. Dr. Langston works his first case Thursday at 9 p.m. on CBS. I received quite a big of email from those of you who weren't thrilled that the last minutes of the show had Grissom and Sara reuniting. As you know, I liked it. Not merely because I had always been a fan of the relationship but because it gave viewers a glimpse of how these two characters will be happy going forward without us.

I'm having an issue with last week's ER because the segment when both the young girl and the dream runner lived was also the segment when Neela slept with Simon. Yuck. I'm choosing to believe the entire episode was a dream. Who's with me? I was so hoping the show wouldn't go there with Neela and Simon and I'm holding out hope that they really haven't. Well find out in this week's episode (Thursday, NBC, 10 p.m.)

Are you watching Friday Night Lights (Friday, NBC, 9 p.m.)? Don't make me come to your house and set your TiVo/DVR/VCR for you. Tami tries to fight the Boosters about the jumbotron, a great storyline that really taps into Connie Britton's range as an actress. She's funny, indignant and sorrowful at various points throughout the episode.

A Note about the TV Gal Schedule

Due to circumstances out of my control, I will only post once a week for the next few weeks. Beginning today, I will only have a new column every Monday. But don't worry, I will resume my Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule soon. I really appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

That is all for today. I'm back next Monday with a review of the new TNT series Trust Me, thoughts on Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters and more. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of a week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com.

Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®