The Lost Diary

My bad.

I said I was going to have this up by Friday, and I didn't. And then these last two days, Saturday and Sunday, I have worked harder than I possibly have in any two days ever (hopefully you'll see the result of that this week on TMZ).

But better late than never, right?

These are all real questions from you, I am skipping none, and simply answering them in the order in which they were received. Let's roll:

Q: Do you have a particular genre of shows that you would love to put to rest...at least for a while? (Mine would be a tie between reality shows and police dramas....with the exception of "Life" -- Amber

A: Well, I hate all procedurals ("CSI" and "L&O" type shows), but at the same time, I feel like the networks tried to overcorrect that trend with shows that were just about one single mystery for the whole season ("Kidnapped," which I loved and "The Nine," which I hated). So let's keep making shows that have continuing stories, but not necessarily ONE continuing story. Only "24" can do this.

Q: Since you are a huge Prince fan, what do you think of the version of "When Dove's Cry" in Baz Luhrmann's Romeo and Juliet? Do you think the part of the song that they put in the movie was a good fit? From what you know about Prince do you think he liked it? -- Carly

A: I feel like I have seen parts of the movie, but honestly I don't remember the song at all. The Foo Fighters recently did a version of "Darling Nikki" that I thought was just amazing. And Alicia Keys did "How Come You Don't Call Me Anymore" on her first album which was also phenomenal (and a really random song, so the fact she chose that song to cover is even more impressive than the cover itself).

Q: I know you aren't very happy with Heroes thus far, but have there been any moments of it that you have actually enjoyed? -- Jamie

A: The scenes with Kristen Bell and the scene where Matt's Dad made him and Nathan go crazy was kinda cool. Other than that ...

Q: I am a depressed little girl without LOST right now L I think I have the Sickness…Heroes isn’t helping…what color pants are you wearing? -- Georgi

A: Ummmm, brown shorts.

Q: Do you think any of the characters are dead? I know the whole limbo theory has been shot down, but Ben clearly warns that if Jack makes the call that he’s “bringing people here that will kill every LIVING person on this island". I didn’t really catch it until the 3rd time I watched it, but it seems pretty obvious that he was emphasizing the word living. Also, Jacob: Overrated or Underrated? -- Andrew

A: Yeah, the producers have shot down the whole "everyone is dead" idea for awhile now, so I'll choose to believe them at this time. As for Jacob, let's just say I have high expectations. I mean, Henry Gale fears him -- he HAS to be the man.

Q: Better 1st season: Lost or Heroes? Better food: Italian or Mexican? Drink of choice: Martini or beer? Better story: Britney or Lindsay? More annoying: Shannon or kate? Funnier looney toon: Foghorn leghorn or pepe le pue? More fun:Puddle jumping or ass smacking? -- buttercup

A: "Lost" (and it's not even close), Italian, Vodka Red Bull, Britney (though I like Lindsay better), Shannon, Foghorn, and WTF kinda question is that? Whose ass is getting smacked here?

Q: Alright, bear with me. The cast (not all) of The Wire is transplanted onto "The Island." Which 'Wire' characters would play which 'Lost' parts?
 
I'm thinking:
 
McNulty---->Jack
Herc----->Sawyer
Avon--------->Sayid
Kima--------->Sun
Lester-------->Locke
Bubbles------>Hurley
Bodie---------->Charlie
Cutty---------->Eko    etc.                Can't really think of a Henry Gale comparison, can you?
 
P.S.  OPEN THE BOX PETER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -- Max

A: I think you're definitely very close with this. I think Stringer is definitely Henry Gale -- he knows the game better than anyone. Omar is the black smoke monster, Bodie is more Juliet than Charlie, Charlie is Ziggy Sobotka, Sayid is Daniels, Herc is Hurley, Sawyer is Prop Joe or maybe Avon. And I'm glad Peter opened the box.

Q: Rate your #1 Tush:  J.Lo,  Kim K. or Jessica Biel? -- Janice

A: This statement still holds: the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life in person is Jessica Biel and it's not even close.

Q: How are Lauren, Ari and all your other Lost friends? -- Janice

A: Everyone is good. Ari moved, so he's no longer 4 blocks from me which will suck come "Lost" nights. He and Lauren are still together. Matt (aka Buddy Lee) is struggling through a terrible Eagles season and April needs to bring me some cupcakes quick -- that girl can bake!

Q: I know you think this season of Heroes is, well, awful, but aren't you excited that Kristen Bell's joining the cast? Do you think she'll make it any better? -- Beej

A: Obviously she's already been on now, and I love her. Her power was disappointing (I was hoping for something more mental than physical) but I love her sass. I give her debut a solid B.

Q: Hey Daniel, it has been awhile since I have even commented, but I was watching Dexter last night and was wondering how you are feeling about this new season.  I personally am really enjoying it, but it is really leaving me with a sick to my stomach feeling that Dex might get caught.  Do you think it is possible? -- Tristan

A: Tristan's question went on longer but I had to stop reading there because I have still only seen the premiere -- there is a serious "Dexter" marathon in my future. Look, part of the reason I am so mad at "Heroes" is that the second season premiere of "Dexter" was an off the charts A+. It showed us what everyone was up to since the finale, told a good story, and then set things up for an AMAZING season. That's what a premiere should do: set the table for the rest of the season. Once I catch up on "Dexter," this could all change, but for right now the premiere of season 2 was just beyond phenomenal.

Q: I saw a blurb about a possible strike by the writers.  Are the writers going to strike?  What, if anything, do you know about this situation? -- Liz

A: I read the trades every now and again to try and keep up and from what I can tell (and this not my cup of tea at all) this is VERY real and more likely to happen at this point in time than not. But hopefully everyone will wise up quickly.

Q: Finally decided to email you and join in the fun, so consider yourself special.  I never email people I don't know personally, but technically, I feel like I know you personally through the LOST Diary. That probably sounds creepy. Oh well. Anyways, onto my question. We all know how you feel about Charlie's death, but what would you do if Locke, or even Ben, were to die? Would you vow to never watch the show again because the writers have obviously lost their minds, (Like on Heroes, the writing is so bad lately but I'm still giving it a chance to come back.), or do you decide not to dwell on it because the writers obviously know what they are doing and we should trust them. Oh, and totally random, but what flavor of gum do you like? Thanks! -- Bry

A: Thanks for the kind words, friend. Anyway, I would absolutely, positively keep watching "Lost." They could kill everyone and start again, I wouldn't care. I will watch every single episode of "Lost" ever. Period.

Oh and I am totally into this orange flavored Trident gum now. Awesome stuff.

Q: Who do you like in the World Series....the Rocks or the Sox? -- Teresa
 
A: I think I'll take the Sox.

Q: My question is about the second season finale, "Live Together, Die Alone."  Desmond returns on his boat and says he traveled for two and a half weeks, bearing due west, and making nine knots before discovering that he had been drawn back to the island, which he describes as a snowglobe.  Later in the same episode, Henry tells Michael that to leave the island via boat, he must follow a specific compass heading of 325.  I thought this was huge when I first saw the episode; why can you only leave if you head in one specific direction?  But in all the Lost related websites and articles I read, it never gets brought up.  Am I the only one who remembers this, has it been explained and I missed it, or is it a bigger deal then I'm making it out to be?   On a different note, I too am a big Sports Guy fan.  Any chance you'll be a guest on The BS Report in February to have a Lost discussion before the next season starts?-  Mike

A: Ok, you kinda lost me there. I definitely remember it and I definitely know what you're talking about. It just factors into the whole "no one can leave the island, no one can just get on the island" thing that they keep talking about. But more importantly, OH MY GOD I would love to be on the BS Report. Simmons is my writing God (though Jason Whitlock is catching up) and talking "Lost" with him would be a dream come true, but I don't think I have reached that point yet. Just being on the TV Guide Channel 10 times this year was enough for me.

Q: I have the last 4 episodes of Studio 60 recorded - can't seem to delete them.  Want to come watch with me?  :) -- Michelle

A: I can't even tell you how much I loved this show. I have every episode on my laptop (don't ask how) and I watch them randomly every now and again as a pick-me-up. I truly believe that everyone who watched this show and did not like it is just wrong. Period. I'll bring the popcorn. Oh and those last four episodes, that aired even after they announced the show was canceled, are just PHENOMENAL.

Q: "Heroes" is a juggernaut for NBC, and honestly it’s terrible. Aside from all the terrible reality shows out there, can you think of another show that is absolutely awful, yet has legions of followers?? And yes, I still watch it. I can’t explain that part either, but it makes me sick. Normally, I can turn off shows once they start heading downhill. Not Heroes. It is like television heroin.  -- Nate

A: I trimmed Nate's question down a little because I think even he would admit he got to rambling there. I still watch "Heroes" because it was good and I believe it can be again. It's like rooting for an aging athlete ("He can break out of this slump, I just know he can!"). I'll stick with it to the end. Can I think of a terrible show that has legions of fans? How bout "Grey's Anatomy"? Painful.

Q: You're a TV guy, what do you think about "The death of the sitcom"? Is this just a trend? Do you think there will be a time when they come back and people like them again? You know something is wrong when the highest rated sitcom on TV is "Two and a Half Men"! I mean come on! Is it just that they are over done, and we've seen it all, or is it just that Hour long dramas and comedies are "in" right now? -- George

A: Funny you should ask. The best interview I ever got to do, and I haven't done many, was with Bill Lawrence, the creator of "Scrubs," about a year ago and I asked him almost the exact same question. Here's his answer:

"Comedy is not dead; crappy comedy is dead. As recently as 10, 15 years ago, you'd watch the show on at 8:30 because you liked the show on at 8:00 and 9:00. Now, my mom and dad have 160 channels, they're very hip. My dad, for instance, is a crystal meth addict, so he's very with it. But the point is, if those guys are channel surfing, you better put on something that has some impact and people can attach themselves to or you don't have a chance. I think it's a good thing."

I agree with Bill, the stakes are a lot higher now. But here's another point (which Bill and I actually talked about later on and he said some things I wasn't allowed to print that were AWESOME, but that's neither here nor there): I would argue that during the Sorkin era, "The West Wing" was the funniest show on TV. It made me laugh hysterically at times. I think my point is that comedy isn't reserved for comedies anymore. "Desperate Housewives" is funny, but it isn't a comedy (nor should be nominated for Emmys as a comedy).

So yes, the sitcom might be dying, but comedy is still very much alive, it's just not where it used to be.

Q: If you could interview any celebrity (living or dead) who would it be, and why?  And have you ever met a celebrity who is so cool/normal/fun that you’d actually like to hang out with him/her?  If so, who is it? -- Kristin

A: Well the answer to the second one is Bill Lawrence. I talked to him for about an hour on camera and then we hung out a bit off -- the guy just loves TV. He's hysterical. Also, from doing the TV Guide Channel a few times, I have become friends with John Henson (most people know him from when he hosted "The Soup.") John is also an insane TV fan who is extremely into "Lost" (true story: we had an hour long phone conversation about "Lost" once ... at 4:00 AM).

As for who I would love to meet, it's Aaron Sorkin. He's a genius, plain and simple. His mastery of dialogue is unparalleled and listening to it is always the happiest moment of my day.

Q: What reality shows do you watch if any? -- Alyssa

A: I am proud to say I am down to none. "Beauty and the Geek" was my only one and I cut the chord this season.

Q: My question is about Jack. As of right now, what do you think of him and his motives? -- Erin

A: I cut Erin's question down a tad just to get to the nitty gritty. I think no one wants to get off the island more than Jack, and, as we saw in this season's finale, that's going to change BIG TIME. I think of everything I have to look forward to next season, I am most curious to see how Jack gets from point A to point B. Love him or hate him, Jack always has good intentions.

Q: What shows of the fall season do you think will get canceled? -- Jamie

A: All I need is "Pushing Daisies" and I'm good. Did this new season suck or is it just me?

Q: It finally got cloudy and cool in New York, and the weather is making me feel totally depressed.  This also probably has to do with the fact that my DVR seems to have broken, and I can't access my Family Guys or South Parks.  What show should I be renting from Netflix to ease my ennui? -- Ali

A: Um, well I think I've said my favorite movie ever is "Fight Club," so there's that. My new obsession is "Brick." It came out a few years ago and the best way I can describe it is this: take the most noir, hard-boiled, 50s detective story and set it in modern day high school -- without changing anything. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Q: Are you worried that the final seasons of LOST will end up like the final (and really, really, pathetic) seasons of ALIAS? If not, why? -- Diana

A: Well I wasn't until just now!!! For those of you that don't know, after the season finale of season 2 of "Alias," it was my favorite show of all-time. The next four seasons were pretty much God awful -- something I blame entirely on Lena Olin leaving the show. Imagine if one day Terry O'Quinn just went, "Yeah I don't want to come back." That's sort of the equivalent of what happened to "Alias," except "Alias" spent a lot of season 1 building up to the introduction of this character, she became the most interesting part of season 2, and then quit. Thanks for the memories, Lena.

Q: Considering that so far anyone busted for a DUI has been killed off the show, do you think Daniel Dae Kim's arrest means Jin is going to be killed off this year? --Jenz

A: No joke: I was off work that day and this is how I found out about Daniel Dae Kim's arrest. If he gets written of the show, right as I am learning how awesome he truly is, I will be pissed.

Q: What are you going to be for Halloween? Any suggestions on a cool celebrity costume? -- Aly

A: Lauren wants me to dress up like a polar bear and draw a Dharma logo on me. We'll see ...

Q: How are you feeling? -- lots of people

A: The neck is back to 100%. I've been seeing a chiropractor for a bit (down to just once a month) and I feel completely better, thanks for asking.

Posted by Daniel at 06:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)

I swear this is true. It's like he had the writers of "Lost" craft his apology.

 

Posted by Daniel at 01:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

A few quick notes:

-- Kristen Bell, will you marry me? I think her power is kind of dumb, but she was awesome. I wonder who her dad is (probably the Company guy played by Stephen Tobolowsky). She's amazing, but the show still lagged a bit. Pick up the pace, would you?

-- Finally got around to the second "Pushing Daisies" and I still love it. If people don't watch the good shows on television, you can't complain when all they program is shit. It's like voting in an election -- if you don't do it, you can't complain about the guy who wins.

-- People keep complaining about "Friday Night Lights" this season, but I still love it.

-- "Nip/Tuck" premieres next week and I am BEYOND excited.

Ok, let's roll:

00:01 -- Kate as a blonde = bad. Kate in the shower = good.

00:03 -- Charlie speaking = even worse.

00:04 -- Arzt is a bit of a downer, isn't he?

00:05 -- Kate wants to get on the raft with Michael, presumably so she can disappear and not be captured should they ever get rescued. Her priorities are, as usual, way out of wack.

00:06 -- I've always had a really hard time believing Kate could ever elude authorities. Every time they show her in that "mode," I just don't buy it.

00:08 -- As Jin and Sun have their first conversation in ages, I can't help but notice -- Jin still has the one handcuff on his wrist. That has to suck by now.

00:09 -- Our first look at the hatch, all dug out. Man, you never forget your first time.

00:10 -- I know I will lose a few female readers here, but I like it better when Kate and Sawyer are enemies more than when they're, you know, making sweaty, dirty, island cage love.

00:11 -- "Hey Sawyer, if I want your spot, I'll get your spot." -- Kate. Yeah, just doesn't do anything for me.

00:12 -- "This island, uh, finding it again might be hard." -- Michael

00:14 -- As I watch Jack and Locke debate about lying and the hatch and whatnot, I wonder: Is this the first of the many debates between Jack and Locke that highlighted a lot of season 2? Man of science, man of faith, remember? These two were never exactly the best of friends, but it's the hatch that truly separated them and this is the beginning of that.

00:15 -- Michael's come down with stomach pains and as we know, nothing happens on this island for no reason. Did someone poison him? I honestly don't remember.

00:17-- Kate and the guy she has wrapped around her finger go out into the middle of nowhere at night to dig up something.

00:18 -- Jack suspects someone of poisoning Michael's water. Stay tuned for more of this week's exciting episode of "Law & Order: Creepy Island Unit."

00:19 -- "You know, the whole fugitive thing." -- Hurley

00:21 -- Claire give Charlie a haircut and fails to injure him in anyway.

00:22 -- Jack accuses Kate of poisoning Michael and I kind of agree with him. I really have absolutely no memory of this episode, except for the flashbacks -- those I remember.

00:23 -- And there is the little time capsule that Kate and the guy she has wrapped around her finger buried when they were kids -- and the plane Kate carries around with her on the island.

00:25 -- "You always want to run away, Katie." -- Young version of guy Kate has wrapped around her finger.

00:27 -- "Don't open it, Mr. Locke. Don't open that thing." -- Walt to Locke. That's the kind of moment that makes "Lost" ... well, "Lost."

00:28 -- Sawyer outs Kate as a criminal to everyone in an incredibly petty scene that really didn't do much for me at all.

00:31 -- Kate's reunion with her mom went about as well as could be expected.

00:33 -- Boy the cops are sure overreacting to a screaming cancer patient, aren't they?

00:34 -- RIP guy Kate has wrapped around her finger.

00:35 -- No one seems to like Kate anymore. Sometimes I am amazed how anyone is still friends with anyone else on the island.

00:37 -- Sun tried to poison Jin to keep him from going on the raft. And that concludes this week's episode of "CSI: Island in the Middle of Nowhere."

00:39 -- "Because they're ain't anything on this island worth staying for." -- Sawyer

00:41 -- "Yes we do." -- Walt

Ramping down towards the end of the season, I'd say this episode is a bit of letdown. Episodes in the beginning and end of the season are judged differently than shows in the middle of the season. There are only 2 more episodes after this one,  and it doesn't bring the goods like it should.

I give this episode a C, and that's really only because of Walt -- who once again brought the creepy side of his personality to the forefront (which, I would argue, I feel like they never fully paid off).

Two more episodes to go ... man this has gone by fast, huh?

Posted by Daniel at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)

So my work schedule has shifted a bit and writing up the LDQA on Sunday nights just isn't in the cards for me right now.

So for the next few weeks, we'll do the LDQA on Fridays -- so you have the rest of the week to get in on the fun!

Click here to send me a question. Same rules apply: you ask me a question, I'll answer it -- guaranteed. Oh, except for those of you trying to trick me into the Locke/Henry Gale debate. I'm not ready to answer that yet and YOU CAN'T MAKE ME!!!

Posted by Daniel at 04:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (57)

Sorry I am a day late on this one. After dealing with a pinched nerve in my neck for a month, I "took something" for a pulled muscle in my calf and I had a bad reaction yesterday that left me a little out of it. Kids, don't do drugs. Unless you're drinking too. Then it's ok.

I am so far behind on my TV, I still haven't even watched this week's "Heroes" yet. The only shows I am caught up on are "Prison Break," "Chuck" and "Dirty Sexy Money" and I am enjoying all three. Particularly "PB" -- I have no idea how they can still make that show interesting, but they're doing it.

And again, begging you for questions for the LDQA column worked perfectly last week, so click here to send me a question. Same rules apply: you ask me a question, I'll answer it -- guaranteed.

Let's roll:

00:02 -- Shannon is sitting beside Boone's body. I don't doubt that she's sad Boone's dead, but part of it to me feels like she's feeling as sad as someone should feel when their brother dies, not as sad as she actually feels.

00:03 -- The CIA is trying to get Sayid to help them stop a terrorist attack because they know where Nadia is. I don't know -- I would think if Sayid wanted to find Nadia, he could do it himself.

00:05 -- Kate is tracking Locke, presumably to get to him before Jack does -- or just to find Jack. I never bought Kate's ability to track people in the jungle.

00:06 -- Jack tells Kate how he thinks Locke is responsible for Boone's death -- which he is, but come on. He's Locke.

00:07 -- R.I.P. Boone, again.

00:08 -- Locke tries to explain to everyone how Boone died, leaving out that one crucial fact -- the hatch. Oh and how the island told him about the plane.

00:09 -- Jack isn't taking Boone dying too well, is he?

00:11 -- Sayid immediately makes a new terrorist friend, who is actually an old friend. He works quickly.

00:12 -- And Sayid also immediately impresses his new friends by finding and disabling a bug in their apartment. How convenient.

00:14 -- Note to Charlie: If you like a girl, don't call her son Turniphead.

00:15 -- "Storm coming." -- Locke. I'd like to say that one time, and, maybe mean it.

00:17 -- "John Locke killed my brother. Will you do something about that? -- Shannon. OH NO SHE DIDN'T!!!

00:18 -- Now Kate drugged Jack to get him to sleep.

00:19 -- Sayid is grilling Locke about Boone, the plane, and hunting for boar -- the questions he usually asks before he removes a man's fingernails.

00:21 -- Sayid is working his friend for information, and Essam tells him he's having second thoughts about the whole "blowing himself up" thing.

00:23 -- Now the CIA is threatening to imprison Sayid if he backs out. Nice.

00:24 -- Hurley just tried to sing Aaron to sleep. That kid is f'ed for life now.

00:25 -- Lying to Sayid seems like an exercise in futility.

00:26 -- Locke just told Sayid that he was the one that knocked out and destroyed the transceiver. Not the move I would have made.

00:27 -- As expected, Sayid is not taking the news well.

00:28 -- Talking your friend into killing himself and a few hundred innocent people isn't easy.

00:29 -- "Sayid, will you do this with me?" -- Essam. Um, yeah, about that. I have this thing I have to go to that day...

00:30 -- Beware of any woman who asks you to kill the guy she thinks killed her brother. She's bad news.

00:32 -- Sawyer is going to make a great dad someday.

00:33 -- Shannon took the key to the gun case off of Jack so that she can go and kill Locke. It's a little weird that it's raining where Shannon is, but not on the beach. But hey, any way I can get Shannon soaking wet -- I'll take it.

00:34 -- "It's time." -- Haddad. Probably the last words a suicide bomber wants to hear, other than, "Yeah about those virgins we promises you ..."

00:37 -- I think Essam overreacted, just a bit.

00:38 -- Shannon's attempt to kill Locke failed because of Sayid. I think they're broken up now.

00:39 -- The choice between hearing a baby cry and Sawyer reading about cars is actually closer for me than you might guess.

00:41 -- Think Sayid regrets changing his flight? We need to add him to the list of people whose lives are worse on the island than off.

00:42 -- "And now you're going to take me to the hatch." -- Sayid

A good episode, yes, but not a lot really happened, especially for one so close to the finale. I always have mixed feelings about episodes I enjoy while watching, but then feel disappointed by when they are over. I think, at the time, this episode might have pissed me off a bit.

I give it a B, mostly because of the scenes between Locke and Sayid. Strangely enough, I am starting to realize that "Lost," for all its many characters, is best when only two people are in a scene, just talking. The more the merrier does not apply here. And, of course, it always helps when one of those people is Locke. 

Posted by Daniel at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)

Another good turn out on the Q&A front and I answered every question I got (except 2, more on that in a minute) in the exact order I got them, so there is no rhyme or reason to the order.

I skipped two questions that I am going to use for future random columns: one on mancrushs and the other on how I hate "Heroes" now. I'll give the show tonight's episode before I pass judgment on the season so far (hint: it's a grade lower than D).

Let's roll:

Q1: I spent the last few weeks working through all of Damon and Carlton's podcasts on iTunes and found them tremendously fun in the absence of new Lost.  Do you listen to them?  How long have they been making them?  Is there any way to download podcasts from seasons one or two?

Q2: I intend for this to be a question, but it'll probably end up just being a rant.  The thing I find most infuriating about Lost is that they haven't figured out how much better it is on the island yet.  Why do any of them want to leave?  Certainly warring with the Others is reason enough, but that seems more or less avoidable.  With the exception of Sayid, it seems like every character we've spent time with should've wanted Jack to not make that call (especially Rose, who seems indifferent to leaving the island after being so against it in season two).  Rant it was.  But, any thoughts?

Thanks for keeping the site going in the offseason! -- Dave

A1: I want to listen to the podcasts, but I've never been able to bring myself to do it. NO SPOILERS!!! Anyway, try subscribing to it on iTunes and maybe you can get some old ones.

A2: Agreed. I think I made the point last season that none of them should want to get off the island (except maybe Desmond, though I did forget about Rose). Apparently Jack will eventually realize life is better on the island, at least from what the finale's fast-forward told us.

Q: I'm a huge fan of Lost and the Lost diary, and that being said my question has nothing to do with lost. Don't you think the main girl in Pushing Daisies would probably be better played by Zoey Deschanel? The actress that plays her seems to be playing her as Zoey would, even sort of copying her. I dunno. Maybe I've seen Hitchhikers Guide too many times. -- Emily

A: No doubt, Zoey is awesome, but I like someone I don't know in the role (and in the lead, too). So far I have still only seen the pilot, but she was perfect in that.

Q: OK- so I was thinking since you said you loved Pushing Daisies- I watched it and I was wondering-since he can't touch a living dead person again because they will return to their formerly dead state- why can't he use gloves?  (They'll probably answer this in the next episode but I'm impatient.) -- Amber

A: Because then there would be no show :)

Q: The first season of Mad Men will conclude in a few weeks. How do you think the final episode will end? What do you think they will resolve? Do you think they’ll end with a cliffhanger of some sort? I read the series will return in June ’08 and that it will be 2 years later for all the characters. What do you think of that idea? And why do you think Peggy is getting so heavy? -- Liz

A: I have to admit, I stopped watching after like 4 episodes, mostly because it's not in HD. I did really like the show and I still have them all on TiVo (I think) so hopefully I will catch up soon. Maybe the best opening credits on TV, after "Dexter" of course.

Q: I've noticed that you gave high praise to the new show Pushing Daisies (or at least the pilot episode anyway) and as much as I love the idea of it, I can't help but be disappointed at the fact that each episode is pretty much predictable and will wrap up at the end of the episode.  Much like the new show Chuck that I also enjoy watching.  It's like, if I miss an episode, then "So what."  I think that's why I enjoy Lost and Heroes as much as I do, because as infuriating as never getting
any answers or closure may be, I always end up wanting more.  My question is: are there any other shows out there, new or old, that are of the same caliber as those two shows (I know, I know "Heroes sucks")? -- Lindsay

A: Well I would recommend the first 2 season of "Alias," which pretty much ended with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger every week. "The Wire" is the best show in the history of TV and while you can certainly miss an episode, there is a great sense of history to the show. There are things mentioned in season 4 that refer back to things from season 1 and there was literally no mention in between. I've said it once and I'll say it again -- you cannot be a fan of television and not at least try and watch "The Wire." It's not for everyone, that's for sure -- but that's why God invented Netflix.

Q: Did you catch Sonya Walger playing Carolyn on HBOs "Tell Me You Love Me"? I was home sick all day and was watching everything I could find on HBO onDemand. I kept thinking, "How do I know this actress??" Then it hit me... It's Penny!!I only saw the first episode. Pretty graphic sex scenes... And you get to see Penny's boobs. But I didn't LOVE it. But maybe that's just because I didn't feel good. But anyway... what do you think of this show? Or have you not seen it?
Should I bother watching another ep? -- Carrie

A: Turned it off halfway through the first episode and stopped TiVoing it. But, I've had a crush on Sonya Walger since "Mind of the Married Man," so seeing her naked did cross that life goal off my list.

Q: Did you see Harold Perrineau on CSI on Thursday?  He played a child molester/murder/crazy demon casting-out minister.  (Hey, at least it's better than him screaming "Walt!" for a couple seasons...)  Thoughts? --- Michelle

A: Never seen a single episode of any of the "CSI" shows, so missed it. But he was awesome as Augustus Hill on "Oz" -- the best show about sodomy ever on television.

Q: First, are you still diggin' Pushing Daisies? If yes, how long do you think it'll be before the obsessed Olive learns the truth about Chuck and tries to get Ned to touch her to make her dead again? -- Pamela

A: Still only seen the first one, so yes. I am so far behind on my TV right now that I need to start taking vacation days to catch up.

Q: O.K. more People mag, less TMZ/Daniel but you said anything- I am dying to know where they get the clothes for Chuck on Pushing Daisies.  Her little dresses are always so cute.  I am ready for the sarcastic reply but I thought since you loved the show and had a early copy you may have some friend of an assistant of a receptionist or something.  Chuck and I have the same birthday too.  I want to be her... except totally alive.  Thanks!   -- Jen

A: Sorry, I got nothing for you.

Q: Do you do any/all story topics or are there certain subjects you are the go-to guy for (such as Brit Brit or OJ or whatever/whomever)?  Just curious. -- Ruth

A: I assume you mean on TMZ, and yes -- I usually do all things Prince and Jennifer Love Hewitt and a lot of the TV stuff.

Q: Daniel, I've been away from the Diary for a while.  I've missed you.  Did you notice I was gone?  Did you miss me?  (I'm already sorry that I asked!!) - Janice

A: Who?  :)

Posted by Daniel at 03:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (32)

An actual IM conversation I had this morning:

Girl at work: did you watch private practice last night?
Me: ha
Me: man that was good
Me: you are funny
Girl at work: lol
Me: if I ever watch Private Practice, one of 3 things has happened
Me: I have been kidnapped by a foreign government that assumes I am in possession of some sort of intelligence that it needs to torture out of me
Me: I am dating the kind of girl I hate
Me: or I have given up on life and it's the last thing I watch as I swallow a bottle of pills
Me: so no
Me: I didnt watch Private Practice last night
Girl at work: lol, fair enough

Let's roll:

00:01 -- As Jack tends to Boone, I can't help but wonder, why is it in every scene involving a doctor working on a patient in critical condition, they always end up having to repeat something twice to someone too afraid to move? "SECOND DRAWER!!!"
 

00:02 -- Jack just did it again. "IF YOU WANT HIM TO LIVE, GET TO THE BEACH NOW!!!" By the way, I am sure there are worse medical conditions than "collapsed lung" but that one sure sounds like it would rank right up there. Though, from watching the movies and TV, all you have to do is stab someone in the chest and that whole thing just goes away fast. I am sure it works just that easy in real life, too.

00:03 -- Hard to imagine Jack has friends, let alone a best friend.

00:06 -- Matthew Fox sure acts like a good doctor. If I were critically injured, I'd take him over Hugh Laurie any day. Damn Brits are taking all our jobs, anyway.

00:07 -- Jack's fiancee gives a nice speech and all, but does that sound like a woman in love or just someone really grateful?

00:09 -- Kate can't even run without messing shit up.

00:11 -- If re-watching season one has taught me one thing above all else it's that Jin is the shit.

00:12 -- How many people know their blood type? I have no idea what mine is.

00:14 -- Sun comes through in the clutch with ... hell, what is that thing? But it will do the trick.

00:16 -- Jack and Sarah have about as much chemistry together as Hurley and Jin.

00:17 -- Everyone loves to bitch about Jack -- and at times he deserves it. But the man is more than capable of coming through when it counts. When he's on the level (something he wasn't much of in season 2) he takes charge better than anyone.

00:18 -- Why is Claire so scared to have her baby? Besides the fact that having a baby on that island must suck.

00:20 -- "John said not to tell about the hatch." -- Boone

00:22 -- Sayid makes Shannon tolerable and that is no small feat. He deserves to get some.

00:23 -- "I'm scared too." -- Kate. Really? You're scared? Cause I don't see you about to have a baby on Creepy Island. I see two hot guys falling all over you constantly. Claire is the one about to deliver a baby with only an idiot, a Korean guy and your dumb ass to help. She should be bloody petrified.

00:24 -- By the way, I totally missed the part where Sun was a nurse.

00:26 -- Really, Jack? You go to your dad for advice? Cause, I don't know him as well you, but I wouldn't ask him which way is up.

00:28 -- Jack is getting ready to take off Boone's leg using the cargo door. There is no possible way I could write that sentence and make it sound any more terrible than it is.

00:30 -- (nodding back and forth) -- Jin. I need to write Daniel Dae Kim a letter to apologize for so severely underrating his character. He is now CLEARLY the best character not named Locke or Henry Gale and it's really not even close anymore.

00:31 -- "Don't tell me what I can't do." -- Jack

00:31 -- Just kill him, Jack. Put him out of his misery please.

00:33 -- Jack is terrible at wedding speeches.

00:35 -- So now Boone knows he's going to die. I'm sorry, but I'd want to try and live. That's just me.

00:36 -- Even watching female actors act like they're giving birth makes me happy I am a guy.

00:37 -- Welcome to the island, Aaron.

00:38 -- R.I.P. Boone.

00:41 -- Just a heartbreaking few minutes. As much as I love dialog, you can tell a lot with none at all.

00:42 -- "To find John Locke." -- Jack

Forty-two minutes of television and two things happened: Boone died and Aaron was born. Now, that may not sound like much, but this episode was very indicative of season one. It wasn't always what they said, but how they said it.

This episode definitely gets a B+ from me and here is the best thing about it -- no Locke. Ending the week before and then NOT showing him this week was sheer brilliance. I am sure I must have been throwing a fit the first time around, but it's amazing storytelling to not include him after such a big thing happened. They did the same thing in season 3, but it didn't work as well.

And on a sad note, my mancrush on Boone is over. Sure he'll pop up one or 2 more times, but he and I will never cross paths again. I guess I can always rent "Rules of Attraction," but it's just not the same.  

Lastly, begging you for questions for the LDQA column worked perfectly last week, so click here to send me a question. Same rules apply: you ask me a question, I'll answer it -- guaranteed.

PS -- "Heroes" sucks. 

Posted by Daniel at 02:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)

Wow, you people respond to begging quite well. My mailbox was filled with all sorts of questions this week, and, as promised I answered them all. I published them in the order in which I received them, so there is no rhyme or reason.

A couple of quick things:

-- Watched the first "Big Shots" and then accidentally deleted the second. I kinda liked it.

-- "Heroes" has now reached Code Red status. I can't watch it anymore with sharp objects around.

-- Welcome back, "Friday Night Lights." Life is better with you in it.

-- Saw "The Darjeeling Limited" this weekend. You owe me $11, Wes Anderson.

Alright, let's roll:

Q: Do you know anything about the writers of 'Chuck'? Chuck had a little session with a Dr. that had him recalling government secrets that were imbedded in an email he recieved. He said something along the lines of 'Oceanic flight 815 was shot down by...' A few of us thought it was a funny shout out from the writers. Any inside info on the LOST comment of a rival network show? -- Diana

A: "Chuck" is a show about nerds, for nerds. And what do nerds watch? They watch "Lost." Just a cute little wink-wink joke I think.

Q: Do you watch "Kyle XY" and if so, what do you think of it? On that same topic, do you think Matt Dallas is gay? I think so but I also think it doesn't matter because he, and his character, are pretty cool and very cute (and this is coming from a 40 year old). -- Ruth

A: Never seen a single episode and in the blogosphere, I would say Matt is "under suspicion," but it's not the kind of thing I pay attention to.

Q: So, I've noticed that "Alias" employs the same J.J. Abrams cliffhanger that I got used (and addicted) to in "Lost." Here's my question-- what is your favorite cliffhanger ending in "Lost"?  Bonus question-- what is your favorite in "Alias"?  Disclaimer:  I am only on Season 3 right now, so warn me if you are going to spoil something. Thanks for the recommendation, by the way.  I absolutely LOVE "Alias"! -- Andrea

A: First off Andrea, stop watching "Alias" now. The wheels completely off after season 2 and the show never rebounded. The best "Alias" cliffhanger was the end of season 2 -- I think I had a minor coronary episode after that one.

My favorite "Lost" cliffhanger, off the top of my head, was the one in season 2 when Henry Gale lures a few of the Losties out in the middle of nowhere and the episode ends with the quote, "Of course, if I was one of them, these people that you just assume are your enemies, what would I do? There would be no balloon so I would draw them out to a really secluded place, like a cave or some underbrush, a good place for a trap...an ambush. And when your friends got there a bunch of my people would be waiting for them. Then they would use them to trade for me. I guess it's a good thing I'm not one of them, huh? You guys got any milk?"

This may not have been the biggest shocker of an ending, but I love an episode that ends in a way that lets you know things are about to go in a completely different direction. This episode did that and how. Plus, Henry Gale BECAME Henry Gale at that exact moment.

Q: Is Matt Fox the cast member on the outs with everyone else, and if so, why?  Kristen at E! alluded to this last spring and the boards went crazy with speculation.  You know, no one wants to work with this person, it's changing their role on the show, etc.  This will break my heart if it's true. -- Polly

A: Can't say I have any idea what you are talking about. Sorry.

Q: When "Lost" comes back in February, are you going to post the "Lost" Diary on TMZ again?  We hope Harvey appreciates you. -- James and Melissa

A: I imagine so, but I don't know. That's why I made this site in the first place -- as a back-up in case the whole TMZ thing doesn't keep working.

Q: Since you say you would be Boone if you were on "Lost," and since you love Locke so much (well--who doesn't?), I was wondering if you would have climbed into the plane for him.

A: Well if I knew I was going to die, I don't think I would have. Plus, no way I could have even climbed up there. I grew up in Queens, I didn't do a lot of climbing.

Q: Why does everybody (or do you) believe the french chick? -- xalzone

A: I think the whole "they stole my daughter" thing helps make her believable, but there are a ton of stupid things about her too. I guess in the end I really don't give her that much thought.

Q: How did you get a job at TMZ??? I'm so jealous. Oh another question: Did you get into the whole Hanso Foundation thing last summer? I thought it was really strange how the experience of "Lost" was beginning to be multimedia. The websites really creeped me out. Do you think that will play a major role later on these seasons, or just a another way of promoting "Lost"? -- Bhadra

A: I worked for Telepictures doing the website for "Extra" and when the TMZ project came up (it didn't have that name or any employees at the point), I said I wanted to be a part of it. So one day I just picked up and moved offices -- no application, no interview, no nothing. Who knew?

I never followed any of the Lost Experience stuff, just never found it to be that interesting. It's a TV show, I have to draw the line somewhere sometimes.

Q: I know that you feel that Sawyer is now the most dispensable male character, (I disagree, but that is for another time and place), who do you think is the most dispensable female character and why? (Personal opinion, Kate—but only because she has gotten on my nerves all of last season). -- Colleen

A: I might have said Kate, if we didn't know that she makes it off the island. Otherwise, I'll say Claire -- she had Aaron. That was her main purpose. She's useless now.

Q: What new shows have you started watching? Do you have a favorite new one yet? -- Liz

A: "Pushing Daisies" is the best, and then I'd say "Gossip Girl," "Reaper," "Dirty Sexy Money," "Big Shots," "Chuck" and "Bionic Woman" are the only other ones I am watching.

Q: Yes, I am a "Lost" freak but my question is on "Pushing Daisies," which I thought was awesome and I can't wait to see it next week. I am defiantly adding it to my TV watching line up each week, thank God for Tivo. My question is... Who is the female star in the show?  I know I have seen her before but I can't put my finger on it...can you tell me what she has been in before it's making me nuts? -- Kathleen

A: Thank you, IMDB.

Q: How about a variation on the old "dinner party with famous historical figures" question. Which TV characters, past or present, would you invite to your dream dinner party of six? Let's say you can have only a single character from each show--that means just one Lostie. -- Lisa

Jack Bristow, Al Swearengen, Veronica Mars, Jed Bartlet and Dexter Morgan. Charlie would be the waiter.

Q: Marry/ F/ Kill?  Who do you marry, who do you F and who do you kill? And give reason for each. Here are the choices: Kate, Juliet and Sun. -- Chris.

A: I'd marry Sun, she is absolutely wife material (very loyal). I'd F Juliet, just a hunch but I bet she's great in bed. And I'd kill Kate; she's more trouble than she's worth.

Q: I have watched a few episodes of TMZ TV.  I have two questions... Is the whole newsroom scene how it really is, or is it set up for the cameras.  And also, how do we know which person is you? -- Shannon

A: That newsroom scene is our morning meeting, which takes place every single morning. It's obviously a little set up, but that's really what the meeting is like (though I think some people are behaving differently now that there are cameras filming us every morning). I'm the one who sits closest to Harvey in the meeting.

Q: My wife and I are late to the "24" bandwagon.  We have enjoyed the first 2 seasons on DVD and will be starting season 3 this weekend.  Despite the obvious plot holes, time compression problems, and the annoying Kim subplots, we feel it to be one of the better shows on TV.  What is your opinion on the quality of the various seasons?  Which was the best?  When did the show start to go downhill, as you implied in your comments on Deus ex Machina?  We have enjoyed being able to watch several episodes in an evening, but have not yet experienced the weekly format so can't make a comparison. -- Doug

A: The fifth season is considered by most to be the best, and I can't argue too much with that. The sixth season, however, was probably the worst and was downright unwatchable at times. Just skip it altogether.

Q: What do you do for TMZ besides the lost stuff? What do you think will happen with Libby this upcoming season? If you could pick any two celebs to guest star on lost who would they be and in what roles? -- Alyssa

I write for the website, so I'd say maybe 10-15% of the posts you read could be mine (hard to say on a given day). I imagine Libby will pop up in someone's flashback (you would think either Hurley or Desmond's, but you never know). I think everyone just wants to know why she was in the insane asylum. As for guest stars, I really liked the rumors of Kristen Bell coming on board, but she went to "Heroes" instead. I'd like to see Campbell Scott on the show somehow. He was on that ABC show "Six Degrees" last season, so I know he's willing to do TV.

Q: 1. If you had to pick one member of NWA to be on the island with the current Losties, who would it be and why.
2. What scene of "Lost" has made you the angriest ever?
3. Rose and Bernard v. Jin and Sun.  Go.
4. Do you find that  you fear plane crashes less since you've started watching?  I do. -- Jaki

A: 1. Dr. Dre
2. The one with Charlie.
3. Jin and Sun because only one of those pairs includes an attractive Korean woman
4. I want it to crash! We made a mistake! We weren't supposed to leave! We have to go back!

Q: What are your thoughts on doing some kind of "live chat" format for the Lost Diary? I think when the next season starts, it would be cool to have a discussion with your readers after you have done your recap. Just a thought.
 
P.S. My husband is the one who emailed you about your man-crush on Boone. I happen to know for a fact that he has a man-crush on a fictional character - Tony Alameda from 24. Feel free to mock him if you wish.:) -- Colleen

A: Someone mentioned the idea of a chat once before, but I think technology would hold me back. Plus, unless it was one of those ones where people sent me questions and I answered them live, I think the whole thing would turn chaotic.

Ain't nothin' wrong with a good man crush and one could certainly do worse than Tony Almeda.

Q: Daniel, you opened the floodgates to questions, so here goes: "Lost" has the same grip on me that the "X-Files" did in its heyday - I'm obsessed. But I am more than a little
terrified that it too will go the way of the XF... that is to say, completely into Suckysville. (Ninth season was an exercise in pain for me) Please reassure me in a nice, soothing voice. -- Beth

A: Hey Beth, this is Barry White here. I have never seen an episode of "X-Files" before, but don't worry baby -- everything is going to be alright. I trust that J.J., Damon and Carlton won't let us down. Have a little faith, sugar. Now come over here and let's sit by this fire and keep each other warm.

Q:  This has very little to do with anything, and nothing to do with Locke, but my friend and I are obsessed with "Lost", as is natural, and we found your lovely little diary sometime mid-season last year and we admire your work. Very quoteable. Anyway, the question is this: Is there any possible way that I could get an autograph? I think it would make a surprising Christmas gift for her. I'd really appreciate it too. -- Jessica

A: Ummmmm, sure. As soon as I figure what in the world I should sign, it'll be on the way.

Posted by Daniel at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)

A couple of quick things:

-- I am so far behind on my TV watching, I might need to take a vacation day from work to catch up. I have watched literally nothing this week. I feel empty inside.

-- If you didn't watch "Pushing Daisies" last night, we can't be friends anymore. It's simply the best pilot of the new season and it's not even close.

-- It's October. "Lost" starts in February. Sigh ... 

00:01 -- Is there any better feeling when watching "Lost" then realizing it's a Locke flashback episode?

00:02 -- "My story would bore you." -- Locke. Do you think that whole mousetrap story in the scene before was a metaphor for the rest of his flashback? Not too subtle, was it?

00:03 -- I think the trebuchet didn't work quite as Locke planned. (For the record, I spelled "trebuchet" correctly without looking it up)

00:04 -- "Then the island will tell us what to do!" -- Locke. I think even he would admit that sounds weird the first time he said it out loud.

00:06 -- You could do worse than Swoosie Kurtz for a mom. I mean this version of Swoosie was a bitch, but still.

00:07 -- And crazy.

00:08 -- I wouldn't be too quick to help out Sawyer if I was Jack. But now he's got me wondering, what would my Sawyer nickname be?

00:09 -- "Don't tell me what I can't do." -- Locke

00:10 -- My man crush on Boone is being tested here -- who quits on Locke?

00:11 --  "Theresa falls up the stairs; Theresa falls down the stairs." -- Boone. Um, what?

00:12 -- "This probably won't have a happy ending." -- Locke's P.I. Listen to him, John!!!

00:13 -- I'm not a fan of Locke with hair. Hair is like his Kryptonite. Locke is a bald man, period.

00:14 -- Fuck Anthony Cooper.

00:15 -- Locke gets Boone back with the program. My faith in Boone has been restored.

00:17 -- I love it when Sawyer asks for help -- because he can't do it.

00:19 -- So is that corpse they just found Eko's brother?

00:20 -- Man, it's almost painful to watch Locke go through this all over again.

00:22 -- "I think you should just shut up and relax." -- Jack to Sawyer. Amen, brutha.

00:23 -- "Jack wouldn't know the first thing about what's wrong with me." -- Locke

00:25 -- Fuck Anthony Cooper.

00:27 -- No, no Boone. Stay on the ground, don't go up there. Nothing good will come of it for you.

00:29 -- "Dude, looks like someone steamrolled Harry Potter." -- Hurley

00:31 -- For a spoiled little rich boy, Boone is quite the climber.

00:33 -- Big plane o'heroin. That ain't good.

00:34 -- Boone get out the damn plane!

00:35 -- "WE are the survivors of Flight 815" -- voice at the other end of the radio. And they were actually telling the truth.

00:36 -- Down goes Boone!

00:38 -- Oh Locke, I can't bare to watch.

00:39 -- "He said that was the only way you'd give it to him." -- Locke's mom.

00:41 -- Man, this is tough to watch.

00:42 -- Desmond, is that you?

I love that we're getting back to what make's "Lost" what it is. The hatch, the numbers -- I love it.

This episode is a solid A for me. Fantastic, heartwrenching, utterly painful flashback and the island stories were great too (Charlie? Who's Charlie?).

Interesting debate I had this week -- would you rather watch a show on DVD, being able to watch episodes whenever you wanted? Or do you like the once a week format? Me, I love having a week of build-up -- the anticipation of "Lost" (or "24" when it was good) is part of what makes the show what it is.

I could very easily burn through season one of "Lost" and write the diaries in bunches, but I don't. Even in re-runs, I love waiting a week, making a little event out of it -- isn't the term "appointment television"? It ain't the same in mini-marathon format.

Thoughts? 

I'm DYING lately on the questions front (understandable since the show isn't even on the air). So if you're looking for an LDQA column, click here to send me a question. I don't care what it is about. In fact, I guarantee I will answer any question I am sent this week (within some reason, of course). But I will at least publish them all.   

Posted by Daniel at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)