The first half of season 3 has now ended for ‘Lost.’ The new two-part schedule has some people up in arms, ironically a large number of these naysayers were at the front line complaining about last seasons broken schedule. So how does ‘Lost’ stack up against itself, along with new stiff competition from ‘Heroes?’ I’m a huge ‘Heroes’ advocate; the NBC hit does what ‘Lost’ did wrong exactly right. There’s a large forward momentum to the ‘Heroes’ story, which is absent from ‘Lost.’ However, we may have to take some accountability for that as viewers. The expectation for a show to get to the point immediately isn’t entirely fair. Season 2 saw the writers of ‘Lost’ hedge toward too many questions, but with six episodes of season 3 in the tank a balance is being found.
Let’s jump right into the viper pit to start off. As the audience slowly returns to appreciating ‘Lost,’ the producers kill off one of the most popular characters. Mr. Eko’s death on the November 1st episode shocked many, and outraged most. Behind the scenes dealing between the actors and producers isn’t of interest to me this week. Instead I’m going to take the bold stand in saying that not only was Mr. Eko’s death well done, but it was appropriate and necessary. The character’s storyline was wrapped up, and his purpose on the island was served. Something more could definitely have been squeezed from such an intriguing character, but that doesn’t mean such an approach should be tackled.
Mr. Eko, the drug running priest, took up his brother’s mantle and then did not honor him by being the good Shepard. Up until his final episode we had assumed he was trying to make amends for his previous life of corruption. It turns out that Mr. Eko actually believed that he’d done no wrong, that he did what he thought was best. As Dr. Jones said, “The penitent man shall pass.” Eko was not penitent at all. He fought to reconcile his violent ways with what the general populace sees as good. In his most emotionally bare moment Eko knelt before his brother Yemi on the island and said, “I did my best.” That’s the truest statement of his life.
Why the smoke monster did kill Eko is not yet clear, as Locke acknowledged in the eulogy during the Fall season finale. But while Eko’s story was interesting, his purpose on the island was fairly obvious once he met Locke. We all watched John Locke’s fall from faith in season 2, and the spiritually castrated badass island advocate was a tough character to love as he abandoned all that had made him great. So Eko was brought to him, restored Locke’s faith, and with no more purpose the Jesus Stick wielding thug was killed.
Did he have to die? That’s what many are probably wondering. I think most of us can agree that Eko was used to restore Locke, but why such a permanent ending? For one, we really don’t know why he was killed yet. It’s one thing to comprehend the storyline and the natural termination point that has been reached. But what we also know about ‘Lost’ is that the fantastical elements do have a real world explanation (at least up until now they have). What possible explanation is behind a plume of smoke being able to grab a grown man will be interesting to learn.
The backlash against ‘Lost’s’ formula, mysteries and questions, since season 2 is interesting. Many people have taken the stance that there are too many questions and not enough answers due to the writers posing such huge mysteries and not answering for months. In season one we accepted the formula, but as the questions have piled up it’s become harder. Don’t get me wrong, because the show does pile too much on sometimes. But I would much rather watch a show which poses questions, then continues the plot along, and when the time is right reveals something new. Think of it this way: If the question of The Others was posed, and then in the next week’s episode we meet all them and get full explanation of their intent, what is intriguing about that? I watch ‘Lost’ to enjoy the show, not to be fed answers to what’s posed to me.
Some ‘Lost’ fans are losing sight of the simple fact that this is escapist entertainment. I don’t read the last page of a book because reading the entire tome takes too long. Instead I invest my time in what’s been created as intended. A serialized drama such as ‘Lost’ has a continuing storyline, that’s the nature of the show. Episode by episode the quality can vary greatly. With ‘Lost’ you still have one of the best serialized drama’s TV has produced. There aren’t too many questions with no answers, there are too few episodes currently out to answer them all. With another 10+ hours of story left in this season, I’m fine with unanswered questions. After all, why would we watch if we knew Ben’s endgame or who Jacob is?
”Amazing Race 10” (CBS) 8:00 pm
Being Polite Sucks Sometimes - (New) The teams race through Helsinki, where they must dive 243 feet to retrieve a clue. At the Roadblock, teams are forced into a claustrophobic setting in order to complete the task.
”Desperate Housewives” (ABC) 9:00 pm
Children and Art- (New!) – Bree meets Orson’s mother, Gabby looks to go back into modeling, and Lynette is suspicious of the new Wisteria Lane resident. Nora isn’t brought back to be shot again, but you can’t have it all.
”How I Met Your Mother” (CBS) 8:00 pm
Atlantic City- (New!) – Marshall and Lilly gather everyone together to join them as they elope in Atlantic City. Barney’s excited for the high level of suiting up.
”Heroes” (NBC) 9:00 pm
Seven Minutes To Midnight- (New!) – The heroes continue their individual journeys this week. In this episode Mohinder examines his future while dreaming of the past, Peter seeks out Nathan for help, Claire focuses on homecoming to feel normal, Niki learns more about herself, and Horned Rimmed Glasses focuses on another hero.
”Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip” (NBC) 10:00 pm
Nevada Day (Part 2)- (New!) – Jack has problems convincing a Nevada Judge to let Tom out before the live taping of Studio 60. Good news, the show has been picked up for a full season by NBC.
”Friday Night Lights” (NBC) 8:00 pm
Homecoming (New!) – One of the biggest games of the season brings back over 200 alumni, including 2000 champion quarterback Lucas Mize. Smash works on impressing a college recruiter and Street becomes suspicious of Lyla’s relationship with Riggins. Not as good as the hype from critics, but still a great show to catch when you can.
”Veronica Mars” (CW) 9:00 pm
Of Vice And Men- (New!) – Mini-sleuth story of the week is Veronica helping an out of town girlfriend find her missing boyfriend when she shows up at the school. Harmony asks Keith to go away for a weekend, but he’s concerned with Veronica’s reaction. Veronica tries getting Mercer out of jail but hits a dead end when Logan won’t reveal his alibi. Landry offers to help get Veronica an internship at the FBI. Hey Logan, if you want your girlfriend to help your buddy…say something that will help her get a lead. Sheesh.
”Jericho” (CBS) 8:00 pm
Crossroads- (New!) – The Ravenwood mercenaries head to Jericho with intent to pillage. I’m all for a good pillaging, but they forget that Skeet Ulrich is defending Jericho. This is getting overshadowed by ‘Heroes,’ but it’s one of the best new shows this season.
”Day Break” (ABC) 9:00 pm
Pilot/What If They Run- (New! – Series Premiere) – Taye Diggs stars in the new show that’s like Groundhog’s Day but with less laughs and many more guns. Det. Brett Hopper is framed for murdering a prosecuting, then he finds out his sister and girlfriend are in trouble. He gets to do this over and over. For what it’s worth, this looks really interesting and should be a decent ‘Lost’ filler.
”My Name Is Earl” (NBC) 8:00 pm
Robbed A Stoner Blind- (New!) – Earl and Randy repay a hippie (Christian Slater) by staying at the environmentally friendly commune where lives. Earl’s eyes are opened to global warming. Supersized 40 minute episode.
”The Office” (NBC) 8:30 pm
The Merger- (New!) – The Scranton branch prepares for the merger with Stamford. Significant changes at Dunder Mifflin result in hilarity. And the reunion of Jim and Pam, I guess that’s important. Supersized 40 minute episode.
”Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC) 9:00 pm
Staring At The Sun- (New!) George’s dad needs heart surgery, Meredith tries to be more positive, and the Chief tries to get back with his wife.
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (Cinemax) 7:50 pm
It’s the 1997 redone version, but Empire is still a great movie.
”Battlestar Galactica” (Sci-Fi) 9:00 pm
Hero - (New!) – A new face shows up on Galactica. A Lieutenant (Carl Lumbly) who was believed to be killed during a secret mission ordered by Adama. The Admiral reexamines his position on the war with the Cylons. The best show on TV gains one of the best supporting actors on TV, could it get any better than having ‘Alias’ badass Dixon onboard Galactica?
Taxi Driver (AMC) 8:00 pm
Everyone knows the only thing to watch on TV Saturday night’s is ‘Cops.’ But now and then a great movie is on and you shouldn’t miss it (if you’re home). The commercials on AMC are a bother, but this classic starring Robert DeNiro as Travis Bickle is too good not to watch. Bickle is a former Marine who becomes an urban vigilante pulled into the world of assassinations and prostitution in Martin Scorsese’s dark vision of New York City.
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