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May 24, 2010

The End

Welcome to the final edition of The "Lost" Diary.

Every great magic trick consists of three parts or acts. The first part is called The Pledge. The magician shows you something ordinary: a deck of cards, a bird or a man. He shows you this object. Perhaps he asks you to inspect it to see if it is indeed real, unaltered, normal. But of course... it probably isn't. The second act is called The Turn. The magician takes the ordinary something and makes it do something extraordinary. Now you're looking for the secret ... but you won't find it, because of course you're not really looking. You don't really want to know. You want to be fooled. But you wouldn't clap yet. Because making something disappear isn't enough; you have to bring it back. That's why every magic trick has a third act, the hardest part, the part we call The Prestige." -- Cutter, "The Prestige"

Fair or not, I believe "Lost" will be judged forever based on tonight's finale. "Lost" has been a great show, sure -- it's told some stories, had some great characters, and produced some of the greatest WTF moments in TV history. But, at least for me, it is at its core … a mystery. Mysteries present question and, hopefully, answers.

I don't expect, think or even want "Lost" to answer all my questions in the finale. But sometimes a magic trick is only as good as its reveal. It's time for "Lost" to deliver its prestige.

Let's roll ...

9:00 -- "How long am I going to have to do this job?" -- Jack. Only for about 2.5 more hours. And we're off!

Continue reading "The End" »

May 19, 2010

What They Died For

0519_lost_1Welcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

As we get close to the end, I've been thinking a lot about what I've always said is the difference between "The Wire" and "The Sopranos -- confidence vs. arrogance. For "Lost" to -- in its second to last episode -- do an entire hour without any of its many characters appearing in the episode … well, to quote Alec Baldwin, takes brass balls. Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse are either the most masterful storytellers of our time … or giant a-holes. I'm not sure if there is an in between.

Either way, this is the last episode before the finale. Time flies. Let's roll …

9:00 -- During the "Previously on Lost" segment -- where they show Jin and Sun dying -- I was hoping ABC would edit in a line from either one of them about their soon-to-be orphaned child. Nope, didn't happen.

Continue reading "What They Died For" »

May 12, 2010

Across the Sea

Welcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.


My work week is Fri-Mon (odd, I know) so Tuesday's are my first day off. This work week was particularly draining, so I spent most of Tuesday asleep. I felt awful, I had no energy at all -- I canceled "Lost" watching plans, and at one point contemplated just going to sleep for good and watching it Wednesday morning. I didn't want to half-ass watching "Lost."

I decided to start watching and see how I felt. Once I realized the random woman in the ocean was pregnant -- and quickly figured out she was about to birth Jacob and the MIB -- well, it was like I had been given a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart like that scene in "Pulp Fiction." Now, I am ready.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Flying solo tonight. Let's roll ...

9:00 -- If I wasn't confused enough by the random pregnant woman who washed ashore, now have I have Allison Janney -- easily one of my five favorite actresses -- helping her out. Can't "Lost" ever start off simple?

9:01 -- "The same way you got here … by accident" -- C.J. Cregg

Continue reading "Across the Sea" »

May 04, 2010

The Candidate

Welcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

I IMed my old college roommate Chris on Tuesday morning to ask what he was thinking going into "Lost" tonight. "I need at least one death," he told me. I responded, "Yeah, it's been awhile … it's hard to be 'Lost' w/o killing off a few people. This isn't '30 Rock.'" Haven't had any major RIPs in a while. Are we due for one? (Ed.'s note: Yes, this was an actual conversation and yes, this was written before the episode).

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I am over at Ari's place for a Lakers/"Lost" double feature. Lakers did their job, now it's time for "Lost." Let's roll ...

9:00 -- On the DVR, the first three seconds of "Lost" were the end of "Dancing With the Stars." It was the worst three seconds of "Lost" ever.

9:01 -- "I think you're a candidate." -- Jack

Continue reading "The Candidate" »

April 21, 2010

The Last Recruit

LostWelcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

Lately, I have been having a difficult time writing this intro paragraph (sometimes I have even skipped it all together). Then today, a friend who doesn't watch "Lost" asked me, "Hey, how has this season been? I've heard mixed things." I struggled to answer him. I wouldn't say I have been disappointed by this final season, but how many truly great episodes have we had? Maybe two? The rest I have felt very ambivalent about. Maybe that's why I can't think of a topic to lead the Diary off with each week.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Tonight I am watching "Lost" with my co-worker Molly and her weekly crew. I have been warned about excessive pausing and needless chatter. Should be interesting. Let's roll ...

Continue reading "The Last Recruit" »

April 14, 2010

Everybody Loves Hugo

LostWelcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary. 

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Let's roll ...

9:00 -- Hearing Dr. Chang narrate a video about how amazing Hurley is might be the most surreal thing I have ever seen on "Lost."

9:01 -- No parent in their right mind would send their kid to something called "Mr. Cluck's House for Children."

9:02 -- "Everybody loves Hoo-go." -- Hurley's mom. Are we in for a Libby cameo tonight? I think we might be ...

Continue reading "Everybody Loves Hugo" »

April 07, 2010

Happily Ever After

LostWelcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

Last week, one of the co-creators of "Lost" tweeted, "In one week, the conversation is going to change." Now, this is different than ABC's promo people telling us "all our questions will be answered." Those people are morons. This is one of the Gods of the "Lost" universe reaching down and delivering us this message. Needless to say, I have heard his call.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Let's roll ...

9:00 -- Every time I see an eye slowly open, I get goosebumps.

9:01 -- So much I kind of forgot -- Desmond is married to Penny, they have a kid, and Ben shot him at the pier. You know a show is difficult to watch when you can't remember which dimension certain things happened in.

Continue reading "Happily Ever After" »

March 31, 2010

The Package

LostWelcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I have quarantined myself tonight because I have an awful cough and cold. Sucks, but let's roll ...

9:01 -- We're watching the Not Locke crew gathered on the beach through some sort of surveillance video. Meanwhile Not Locke is trying to have a chit-chat with Jin.

9:02 -- Not Locke says the only they can leave the island is if all the candidates go together. Here's to hoping -- again -- that this is the week they reunite Jin and Sun.

9:03 -- Jin and Sun are back at the airport and Jin won't be getting his $25,000 back from security. One time, the TSA guy took my iced tea and wouldn't give it back. This is like that ... just multiplied by like 25,000.

Continue reading "The Package" »

March 23, 2010

Ab Aeterno

LostWelcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Tonight I am watching with my old boss Jeremy and his regular "Lost" crew.

LD history for you: I still cannot remember what possessed me to write the LD for the first. But when I did, I came to work the next day and I showed it to Jeremy. He immediately loved it and said it had to go up on TMZ. And thus, the LD was born. Along the way I have had many supporters, but Jeremy was the first. Thanks man.

Let's roll ...

9:00 -- On a scale of 1-10, how excited am I for a Richard episode? About 117,762,895,120. And a half.

Continue reading "Ab Aeterno" »

March 17, 2010

Recon

LostWelcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

Theory my friend Chris tossed out to me this week: People who are Team Not Locke don't change for the better in their flash-sideways; they still remain who they are at the core. People who are against him seem to improve. Interesting thought. Something to keep in mind going forward.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Let's roll ...

9:00 -- No "Previously on 'Lost'"? What's going on here?

9:01 -- Sawyer is Team Not Locke right now, as he explains, to Jin ... but I don't feel like he's a lock to stay that way.

Continue reading "Recon" »

March 10, 2010

Dr. Linus

LostWelcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Let's roll ...

9:00 -- "I'm fine, thank you." -- Ben. I don't know about you, but I am ready for Ben to start acting like Ben again and not some scared little bitch.

9:01 -- "It's Dr. Linus, actually." -- Ben. I am obviously curious how Ben ended up a HS history teacher -- he seems a tad over-qualified.

9:02 -- ARZT!!!!

9:03 -- "Just sounds like you care about this place. And if the man in charge doesn't, maybe it's time for a change." -- Locke. Was he talking about the high school ... or the island?

Continue reading "Dr. Linus" »

March 03, 2010

Sundown

LostWelcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

This week's promos promised our questions will answered -- that's a lot like promising the most shocking rose ceremony ever on "The Bachelor." I think the promo departments for those shows default to that commercial when they just don't know what to do. "Hey, I have no idea how to promote this episode ... so let's just promise answers!" Needless to say, I am skeptical. I think the odds are better that tonight's "Lost" gives us the most shocking rose ceremony ever before it gives us answers.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. My "Lost" plans fell through tonight so I am watching solo. Let's roll ...

9:01 -- Uncle Sayid? Looks like Sayid is not with Nadia in the flash sideways.

Continue reading "Sundown" »

February 24, 2010

Lighthouse

LostWelcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

I judge people based on the TV shows they watch. For example: I met a girl at a bar last night. Extremely attractive, at one point she became infinitely more attractive when she told me she loved "The Wire" and couldn't wait to get home to watch "Lost." Had those two shows been replaced by "Law & Order" and some reality show on VH1, I probably wouldn't have liked her as much as I did. TVGuide.com should start a personals section -- I'd be all over it.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I am watching this Wednesday morning because of the above-mentioned social engagement and my kitchen flooding, which was awesome. Let's roll …

9:00 -- Watching the "Previously on 'Lost'" makes me realize: I REALLY WANT TO SEE CHRISTIAN TONIGHT.

Continue reading "Lighthouse" »

February 17, 2010

The Substitute

Welcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

You know that bar game where you have to stare at two pictures and touch the screen whenever you spot a difference? I think that's what this season of "Lost" is like. One minute you're yelling "Hey, Desmond isn't supposed to be on the plane" and the next week you're screaming "Claire's sonogram says October but it's supposed to be September!" What will we spot this week?

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I swore to myself I was going to watch "Lost" a different place each week, but every other place is far and Ari lives five blocks away. So here we are. Let's roll.

9:00 -- I avoided promos and commercials all week, so the fact the "Previously on 'Lost'" section is Not Locke heavy has me very excited.

9:01 -- Don't tell John Locke he can't get out of a van! Ok, maybe he can't, but still -- just don't tell him.

Continue reading "The Substitute" »

February 10, 2010

What Kate Does

Welcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

During football season, I often joke that there are only six days in the week -- since Sundays are essentially reserved entirely for football. "Lost" season is kind of the same way -- it's the only day I really care about and if anyone tries to make plans with me on the night "Lost" is on, I just sort of laugh. "Sorry. Can't. 'Lost' is on."

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I caught whatever was going around the office, so I decided to quarantine myself tonight and watch alone. Sucks.

Let's roll ...

9:00 -- We're starting off this week in Other Other Land, with Lennon telling Mr. Miyagi that Sayid is still alive. I just Googled "Mr. Miyagi" to check the spelling -- did you know his first name was Kesuke? I bet you didn't.

 

Continue reading "What Kate Does" »

February 03, 2010

LA X, Parts 1 & 2

Welcome back to another edition of The "Lost" Diary.

I love making lists -- Top 10 This, 20 Favorite That -- and I am often asked to rank to my favorite television shows of all-time. And every time I do, I leave "Lost" off entirely. See, I can't possibly judge "Lost" until it's over. The final season will dictate how I view the entire series forever. If the final season blows, I will feel like I wasted six years of my life. If it delivers, I will feel completely vindicated. So for me, tonight's episode is the beginning of how I will remember "Lost" the rest of my life.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I plan on watching the final season of "Lost" with as many new people as possible this season, but tonight I am going old school -- just me and Ari.

Let's roll ...

9:00 -- I just watched an hour-long show that was essentially a "Previously on 'Lost'" -- do I need more?

Continue reading "LA X, Parts 1 & 2" »