Lost without ‘Lost’

The best word to describe this season of television must be “decent.” Most of the new shows haven’t been dreadful, but none of them have stood out. The networks are being more patient with shows this year than they’ve been in the past – why ABC couldn’t have been as patient with “The Nine” or “Invasion” as it was with “Cavemen” is beyond me – and they’re all finding some sort of footing. \nAlmost all the returning shows aren’t any worse than they were last year, except “Heroes.” So aside from the impending doom caused by the writers’ strike, the general viewer has to be satisfied with TV this year. \nBut I’m not. I can’t take it any more. I miss “The Island.” I miss “the Others.” I miss Matthew Fox on the verge of tears every two scenes. I even miss fish biscuits. “Lost” withdrawal is in full effect and it has destroyed the fall season. \nLast spring, “Lost” Executive Producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse cut a deal with ABC that would allow the show to continue on for three more 16-episode arcs, each of which would begin in February and run straight through until May. \nThis means that since last season’s breathtaking, mind-screw of a finale – arguably the best two hours of television of all time – we Losties have been going nuts waiting for some inkling of an answer. Cuse and Lindelof have been basically silent since May, allowing the revealing of flash-forwards to simmer in the minds of fans. \nAlthough I completely agree with the idea to run “Lost” in a complete block, waiting for it has left my opinions of other shows in a dour place right now. I can’t watch other shows without thinking about how much better writers such as Brian K. Vaughn or Drew Goddard would have handled the dialogue, or how Jack Bender would have shot it. In the past, I could enjoy lesser shows because I knew I was going to be blown away on Wednesdays. But now, I can’t be OK with the mediocre plot or acting on “Heroes” because I’ve nothing else to get me through the week. \nWhat’s more of a shame is that most people would rather waste their time with simplistic fluff such as “Heroes” or “Bionic Woman” than invest time in one of the greatest stories ever told on screen. “Lost” encompasses the most creative, intriguing, dramatic and heartfelt aspects of storytelling and puts them all together. I’m sick and tired of people whining about the slow pace, yet then claiming it’s too late to get involved. It is an undertaking, but if the gap between seasons will help with anything, it’s that it will allow new people to catch up.\nTV won’t be the same until February – writers’ strike solution pending – when “Lost” returns. The best tip to survive the lackluster programming until then is to watch an episode of “Lost” every time you would have watched a show currently on air, no matter if you’re a diehard Lostie or if you’ve never seen one minute. We can either watch together or die alone.