Lost
Fantasy Island

// The skinny: When Oceanic flight 815 crashes on an island, the survivors find that they are not alone. They struggle to cope with relying on strangers, survival, the threat of the Others, and the inexplicable mysteries of the island.

// Review: You really don't miss something until you are stuck watching months of re-runs and crappy reality shows. Lost is a bone fide phenomenom. There hasn't been anything like it on tv, and after an uneven 3rd season it has come back with a vengeance and is why tv is better than movies.

/ If you have been living under a rock or felt to scared to jump into a highly serialized show, Lost is a character driven drama. The typical formula is some crazy thing is happening on the island, but there are intermitent character flashbacks that reveal a lot of back story. But one of the most intriguing characters is the island itself. There are polar bears, ancient frigates, black smoke monsters, and the clandestine Dharama facilities which all make up a compelling question mark that has the interwebs buzzing with theories.

/ The cast is fantastic. In the present when someone is acting odd, insecure, or selfish, after we are exposed to a flashback their behavior makes sense and you really begin to care about these characters. There are some obvious inconsistencies, but they are necessary to preserve the drama and suspense.

/ The biggest criticism from the uninitiate is, "They are on an island. They can't be stuck there forever. Once they get off there's no show." Well this isn't Gilligan's Island or Prison Break. Once you get immersed, you'll find the show isn't about getting off the island. It's about these people and how they are coping with their pasts as it relates to the dangers of the present.

// Wrap up: I want to keep talking and gush about the merits of the show, but I can't without giving away any spoilers. If you haven't been watching, rent the DVDs, if you have been away for a while you need to get back in. Lost gives me the same addictive thrill that 24 used to.

Entertainment rating: 5