After a week off, “Lost” returns tonight with its 100th episode, “The Variable.” And yes, there is an intentional connection to last season’s epic episode, “The Constant,” which found its way to the top of many critic’s favorite lists at the end of ‘08.

This episode is going to be amazing, I just know it. The connection to the constant, the return and focus on Daniel Faraday, and the fact that events in Dharmaville have put Sawyer, Juliet, Jack and Kate on the precipice of danger. With only four hours left in the season, expect everything to unravel for our heroes in the ’70s, starting tonight with Faraday’s return. Check out Doc Jensen’s thoughts on tonight’s sure-to-be-awesome episode here.

On the subject of ep 100, it’s nuts to think that we’re A.) already there and B.) almost done. After tonight, there are only 20 hours of this show left – 20! For a really great look back at the show through the last five years, peep this Hollywood Reporter article.

And as always, tune in – 9 PM/8c on ABC after President Obama finishes his speech.

Sorry for the absence. Hopefully we’re back for good.

Variety’s Brian Lowry pleads with pundits and critics to stop using “24″ in the discussion about torture. I completely agree – it’s a television show! Find another pop culture reference or something, you jerks. [Variety]

Oliver Stone and Michael Douglas are both on board for the “Wall Street” sequel. This is a sequel idea I can get behind, if only for its relevance to today’s economic climate. The original’s message of “greed is good” probably definitely didn’t help subdue the spending and decision-making by the financial elite, either. [EW's Hollywood Insider]

James Hibberd humorously looks at whether or not the fear surrounding swine flu could actually help the television industry. People might be looking to stay home, which could lead to better ratings for programs across the board. [Live Feed]

Ratings report: “Fringe” posted great numbers [10.6 million, 4.2 in the 18-49 dem] while “Idol” fell again [22.5 million, 7.9]. If you’re a fan of “Cupid” [5.6 million, 1.6] or “Reaper” [1.8 million, 0.7] I’m sorry – your shows are nearly guaranteed to be axed with those numbers. [TV By The Numbers]

President Obama will address the nation tonight for thoughts on his 100 days, which is great. However, the major networks will lose over $21.5 million in advertising revenue from his appearance, since they will obviously run it commercial free. FOX has opted out in hopes of attracting more viewers to the struggling “Lie to Me,” and I like that approach. Watch it on Fox News people. [Broadcasting & Cable]

Here’s one vote for no more exploration of the worlds created by “Star Trek” and “Battlestar Galactica”/”Caprica.” [io9]

Hey folks.

I just wanted to post real quick and apologize for the lack of updates yesterday and what will probably continue to be a lack of updates for the next few days. Projects, finals and life have ambushed me this week, so I do need to attend to that. But we’ll be back with great finale coverage and some really fun stuff this summer.

Thanks!

On last week’s “30 Rock,” Elisa returned from Puerto Rico still nursing cold feet from Jack’s marriage proposal, Jenna obsessed over a hot EMT and Tracy contemplated getting a tattoo of Angie on his chest.

Read the rest of this entry »

Maybe I had a messed up childhood, maybe I didn’t, but I used to carry around this huge talking action figure/doll of Arnold from “T2.” That is no joke. His character was actually on my birthday cake for like my fourth or fifth birthday. Clearly, I love the guy.

Which is why I’m so jacked that he’s confirmed his (digital) appearance in “Terminator Salvation.” And even though he has been denying it since the beginning, he was actually working with McG the whole time, doing something very cool: Read the rest of this entry »

Ed note: This piece appeared in today’s WEEKEND

With only about three weeks remaining in the current television season, most shows are going all-out to get your attention. But as I think about it more, you’re probably at a point where you’re watching shows or you aren’t. Therefore, this column will focus on the four shows that will deliver the best season-ending story lines. For many of you, see this as a quick preview of the end. For those not watching, shame on you.
Read the rest of this entry »

Miss “Lost” this week? So did we!

But, to tide you over for another six days and help you catch up before the stretch run of awesomeness ahead, enjoy this extra long edition of the WEEKEND Watchers Podcast where John Barnett and I discuss the last two episodes, the love quadrangle, what lies in the shadow of the statue and so much more.

Note: Due to technical difficulties, there is no intro or music on this episode – but I figured it was more important to get the episode out there, I know you’ll forgive us!

Though I believe it was announced a while back, TV Guide has a story on their main page about “Heroes” trimming the number of episodes for next season. Instead of the 25 episodes that aired this season, expect closer to 18-20 for the ‘09-10 year.

Obviously, this is a good thing, and maybe for a reason you’re not thinking about. Read the rest of this entry »

Simply put – yes.

After little nuggets were dribbled in front of our faces all season about Olivia, ZFT and the relationship between Walter and William Bishop, last night’s episode delivered spoonfuls of information. And thus, took “Fringe” to a whole new level. It is not that the show has been awful or even mediocre by any means, but damn, the premise, the creative staff – all of it led me to believe “Fringe” was going to be awesome from the beginning. Instead, just solid.

But as good ole’ JR would say…business has just picked up. Read the rest of this entry »

Though not really a shocker here – NBC has scrapped “Kings” from its schedule at the moment and it won’t return until this summer.

Yes, the ratings have been horrible, but I ask – did the show ever really have a chance? Read the rest of this entry »