LOST vs. X-Files and Other TV shows, An Addendum

It should be noted that the P-man is talking about serial TV, if that wasn’t already obvious. We’re talking prime-time action/adventure soap operas! The term itself conjures up such phrases as “Luke & Laura” of General Hospital, or “Who shot JR?” from Dallas. Even though you might not have ever seen these programs, those sound bites were a ubiquitous part of television culture. Perhaps you’re more familiar with the infamous “chapter plays” shown in the cinema before the main feature at its height in the 50’s and 60’s. Each week they set the precedent for the modern-day “cliff hanger” that keeps us coming back.

But for us modern-day warriors, we tend to shun or at least discount the association with traditional daytime/evening drama. We roll our eyes at those who admit to crying when Erica Kane and Jack Montgomery finally got married (you know who you are), yet we do likewise when Kate progresses in her relationship with Jack or Sawyer. And–be honest–who of you didn’t shed a tear when Desmond called Penny at the end of “The Constant”? I was crying buckets!

Our desire to live vicariously through the lives of others is as old as literature itself. We have a basic human need to escape our own reality at times and fantasize about alternatives. It is that we delight in imagining a certain freedom in life because our own choices are set.

But enough on philosophy. I don’t think we can compare LOST to shows like The Honeymooners, I Love Lucy, Mary Tyler Moore, or The Simpsons, since they are like apples and oranges. But can we compare it to the likes of epic prime time serial dramas like Dallas, Dynasty or Falcon Crest?

LOST Challenge of the Week: Season 4, Episode 7: "Ji Yeon"

Happy LOST day everyone!

I’ve got 2 new internet articles you should take a look at. First, there’s an interesting interview of Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet) over at tvguide.com. Check it out here: http://www.tvguide.com/news/lost-elizabeth-mitchell/080313-01

It’s less about the show and more about the actress, but it’s a great read. You should check it out.

Additionally, Doc Jensen over at ew.com has his usual tease of tonight’s episode, but let me warn you. Do not even look at the page unless you want to be spoiled about tonight’s show! He takes for granted that you *know* who Ben’s spy is, and if you don’t, and want to remain in the dark, don’t go anywhere near the site. That being said, the spy is probably the worst kept secret in the history of LOST, and if you already feel comfortable about who it is, the article is an interesting read on *how* the character may have arrived on the boat. Check it out at http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20183737,00.html

Alright, outside of that, it’s time to play the Challenge of the Week!

Since I’m fairly confident that 90% of the people who would read this blog know who Ben has on the boat, I’m not going to use that as the challenge. Instead, I’m going to opt for a two-part question that contains an easier guess and a harder guess. Since the writers have told us that we’re going to defintively know who the final 2 members of the Oceanic 6 are tonight, the challenge of the week is:

Who will be the final 2 members of the Oceanic 6, and will they all make it back to the island? If not, who will get left behind and why?

I hope to see some clever answers!

In any event, enjoy the episode tonight!