The Kept Or THE RETURNED

Article originally written for Seat42F.

A&E’s new series THE RETURNED is based on the French series Les Revenants, which re-aired on Sundance and Netflix with subtitles under the name The Returned. I haven’t seen the original yet, though I keep meaning to watch, so when viewing this pilot, I was instead comparing it to last year’s Resurrection on ABC, which in turn was based on an unrelated book called The Return. Is that confusing enough for you?

All of these stories may be similar, but if you haven’t seen any of them, the premise of THE RETURNED is this: A girl named Camille (India Ennenga, Treme) dies when her bus runs off a cliff. Four years later, she returns home to her parents, Claire (Tandi Wright, Nothing Trivial) and Jack (Mark Pellegrino, Lost, The Tomorrow People), and twin sister, Lena (Sophie Lowe, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland), unaged and with no memory of the past four years. She’s not a zombie or a ghost; the first things she does are to fix herself a sandwich and take a bath. But she has no memory of the crash nor explanation as to where she’s been, nor any sign on injury, healed or otherwise.

Then, other dead people start showing up around town, too, not her classmates from the bus, but others that have passed in various years past. A man finds his fiancé getting remarried after a long mourning period. A wife who appears to have died decades ago goes home to her now-elderly husband. And there’s a little kid that no one seems to know, but may just hold the key to the mystery.

I have seen reviews for THE RETURNED that say this new series is to Les Revenants as Gracepoint is to Broadchurch. If you don’t get that reference, Gracepoint is a decent FOX series that aired this fall that is extremely similar to a superior show called Broadchurch, which was made in England. Without that knowledge of the source material, I like THE RETURNED, but those who have viewed the original may think this is a pale imitation. I cannot comment on that.

I can say THE RETURNED is about ten notches better than Resurrection. The story is far more cohesive, and the characters are compelling. There is a definite, big unanswered question in the pilot that I doubt the show will solve soon, but while I want to find out the answer, I’m also happy to enjoy the ride getting there.

The cast is phenomenal. Besides those mentioned above, the ensemble includes Jeremy Sisto (Suburgatory), Michelle Forbes (The Killing), Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), Sandrine Holt (House of Cards), Kevin Alejandro (True Blood), Leah Gibson (Rise of the Planet of the Apes), Agnes Bruckner (Private Practice), Dylan Kingwell (Big Eyes), Mat Vairo (Revolution), and Rhys Ward (Heartland). Not all of these people are well known, but most are, and have been in some of the best shows on television in the past decade. There aren’t any huge movie stars present to distract from the others, but these are some strong small screen performers.

The cast is super important to THE RETURNED because the program will hang on the characters. With the mystery of the show being so strange and obtuse, there aren’t likely to be any major clues anytime soon. Instead, the drama will live in the interaction of the players, and how the various people deal with coming home having lost years or welcoming back someone they believed gone forever. Not everyone handles it the same way, one person tragically unprepared, but this what viewers are going to want to see.

THE RETURNED is also a little creepy. The living dead do not appear to be monsters or killers, but who has brought them back and why? One of the main characters (not one of the returned) is exposed as having done something really horrible to another. Human nature can be dark, and pairing THE RETURNED with Bates Motel likely signals that this more negative side of personality will be explored, at least in conjunction with the positive.

I don’t know what THE RETURNED has in store, and I’m likely to still watch Les Revenants in the meantime, which could change my opinion. But for now, I’m very interested to see where the series is going.

THE RETURNED airs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on A&E.

Not Yet TOMORROW, PEOPLE

Article first published as THE TOMORROW PEOPLE Review on Seat42F.

The CW doubles down on the Amell family this fall by launching THE TOMORROW PEOPLE, starring Robbie Amell (1600 Penn), airing on the same night as Arrow, which is fronted by Robbie’s cousin Stephen. To make things more confusing, Robbie’s character is named Stephen. Both shows are action-packed and dabble in abilities not normally attributed to human beings, but both are grounded in the real world, as well.

THE TOMORROW PEOPLE introduces us to the next stage of mankind’s evolution in the “Pilot.” Genetic mutations are creating a new form of the species with three abilities: telekinesis, telepathy, and teleportation. Stephen Jameson is one such person, though he doesn’t understand that as the show begins, accidentally teleporting in his sleep to end up in bed with the neighbors, even when he straps himself down. This is causing no end to the stress and frustration of his mother, Marla (Sarah Clarke, Covert Affairs, 24), and Stephen’s own bad attitude about his situation has driven away all of his friends, save Astrid (Madeleine Mantock, Casualty).

Is Stephen’s tale a metaphor for adolescence, hit a little too squarely on the nose? Well, yes, but then again, so are a myriad of other shows and books involving super humans and supernatural types. THE TOMORROW PEOPLE is a superhero tale, though one more firmly rooted in science than most, and set during the present day as homo sapiens boldly move into the future and the next stage of life as we know it. And while Stephen is a familiar “savior” type, I still find him interesting.

It may be a stretch to define THE TOMORROW PEOPLE as realistic. After all, for decades much the same developments have been predicted by the more fanciful dreamers among us. But there’s just enough authenticity and earnestness present to make for a convincing plot, dare I say a step higher in ambition than the fare the CW is mostly known for? I’m not saying THE TOMORROW PEOPLE quite hits that upper level, but at least it’s trying.

Stephen isn’t left to fend for himself in the “Pilot,” soon introduced to two distinct groups, each offering a choice. The first is made up of other teenagers, instantly recognizable to viewers as the “good guys.” The faces THE TOMORROW PEOPLE focuses on in this gang are Cara (Peyton List, Mad Men), Josh, (Luke Mitchell, Home and Away), and Russell (Aaron Yoo, 21). They have a secret base in the subway tunnels, complete with other fellows, whom are just extras thus far, and a super-computer named Tim. They want Stephen to live with them.

What’s interesting to me is how underdeveloped these characters are, and that’s the “Pilot”’s biggest weakness. Yes, the trio who are main characters have their own personalities, but they don’t have a clearly defined mission, other than just to try to find others like themselves. They need Stephen because of who his father is, but don’t have a cohesive plan on how to recruit him and get him to help them. They just expect Stephen to go along with whatever they say. And they seem to have no lives or relations outside of this group.

Stephen has a second option in Dr. Jedikiah Price (Mark Pellegrino, Being Human), the man at the head of Ultra. Ultra wants to protect mankind by neutralizing the powers of THE TOMORROW PEOPLE, and uses some of those abilities for its own purpose. It’s shady, both in description and action, and so we immediately know these are the villains.

Stephen doesn’t immediately recognize that, though, even when Jedikiah’s claims seem suspect. Considering himself a member of the human race, although many on both sides insist that he’s not, Stephen is sympathetic to Jedikiah’s mission statement, even after he is mistreated by Ultra.

Now, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why Stephen would work for the bad guys, secretly staying friends with John, Cara, and Russell: Jedikiah can hurt Stephen’s family and friend. With something to lose, Stephen is vulnerable to manipulation. The “Pilot” makes it seem like Stephen realizes this, and may decide to cooperate with Jerikiah as a ruse, to protect those he cares about. Yet, the story is murky on this, making it feel like Stephen betrays those we want him to work with, even as the show doesn’t quite lay all this out.

It’s this lack of definition that seems the most obvious failure of THE TOMORROW PEOPLE. A few extra scenes, some more dialogue, and the vulnerabilities in the “Pilot” can be patched up. Which is why I think this will probably be a pretty good show, even if the first episode is only good, not great. That, and Jedikiah is a little too evil for my taste, leaving me wishing the complexity he exudes could be taken further, but there is wiggle room to grow.

THE TOMORROW PEOPLE premieres Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on the CW.

Being Human has no shame, about Ray or otherwise

Grade: 95%

BEWARE! SPOILERS BELOW!

SyFy’s American remake of BEING HUMAN is back for a third round this week with “It’s a Shame About Ray,” airing Monday at 9 p.m. ET. It’s been fifteen months since we last saw the roommates, and fifteen months since they last saw each other. Josh (Sam Huntington) and Nora (Kristen Hager) search in vain for Sally (Meaghan Rath), still trapped in limbo, and Aidan (Sam Witwer), still buried in the ground.

Fifteen months. I can’t believe that the series make such a time jump, but it really works. The past year plus hasn’t been all that interesting for the characters, with little happening, so it makes sense to skip over it. It also allows a reset, of sorts, and puts everyone in different places from where we left them. It really starts the year off interestingly.

What a way to live, though! Josh’s frustration as they visit with psychic after psychic is understandable. For over a year, he and Nora have been looking for a way to bring their friends home, and to no avail. It’s amazing that Nora still has the patience she has, and that Josh is still participating. Most people would give up after a year. Which just goes to show how strong a bond the main characters of BEING HUMAN have.

Of, course, Josh has other issues, too. He definitely feels guilty about killing Ray (Andreas Apergis), and that doing so only cured him of the werewolf curse, not Nora. Apparently, murdering one’s maker does not extend the fix to the next limb of the family tree. For Nora to be a human again, Josh must die, and Josh has to live with the knowledge of what he has done to her, and that he can’t do anything about it, other than killing himself, which would also hurt her deeply.The U.S. version of BEING HUMAN has differed pretty drastically from its UK counterpart by this point, and Josh being human again is just one of the many ways. One wonders if Nora satisfies the werewolf contingent for the series, or if Josh will have to be turned back, possibly by Nora in some sort of poetic justice. Josh as a human or as a werewolf both present intriguing possibilities, so hopefully the human thing will be explored, at least for a little bit.

Nora and Josh do catch a break when they find a witch named Donna Gilchrist (Amy Aquino, The Finder, Harry’s Law). Donna can bring Sally back, but she needs $2000, the heart of someone Josh or Nora have murdered, and Sally’s body. And the spell will return Sally as a human.

It’s a dark spell, to be sure, but I like how it all ties into Ray’s body, and Josh and Nora’s story. I do think that Donna has some dark plans having to do with Ray, as glimpsed at the end of the hour, and I don’t know what her motivations are to help, because I doubt it’s just for the money. There’s a mysterious and enticing character here, and I hope Aquino sticks around for awhile.

So Sally is brought back to life in “It’s a Shame About Ray,” as a human. Before you say “like Josh,” though, there are complications with Sally’s resurrection. Namely, she stuck close to Nick (Pat Kiely) and Stevie (Robert Naylor) while in limbo, and brings both of them through the door into her body with her, not realizing the consequences.

From the way that Sally lies gasping on the bed, one has to wonder, is she suffocating because three souls don’t fit in one body? Or is that just a symptom of her recovery from the traumatic ordeal of being resurrected? Will the three take turns sharing control of Sally’s body? If so, will the writers make the obvious sex-related jokes out of the situation? Or might the boys have woken up in their own bodies, buried under ground and decomposing, not having the suave made from Ray’s heart to restore their physical forms, like Sally did? What will happen next? So many questions, AND we get a Stevie Nicks joke out of it! Well done!

The third member of the trio, Aidan, is the most alone, as usual. And yet, he’s not. He hallucinates Sally and Josh with him every step of the way, below and above the dirt, proving his feelings for them are just as strong as how they feel about him, something that one might have doubted earlier in the series.Aidan has been through a terrible experience, being buried alive and left there, then dug up by a crazy member of the Amish cult, who subsequently dies after trying to kill Aidan. He needs Josh and Sally, and yes, Bishop (Mark Pellegrino), too, to help him will the motivation to survive, being close to a final death repeatedly. Aidan isn’t as much a loner as he would have his friends believe, and with their moral support, imagined or real, he should eventually be able to get home.

As “It’s a Shame About Ray” gives us this very personal story for Aidan, we also get clues as to bigger going-ons in the vampire world. Mother (Deena Aziz) is dead, as is much of her order, due to a very timely human flu. Their civilization is crumbling around them. Will Aidan want to get involved, and if so, how might he see himself in the new power structure?

The only thing I didn’t like in the hour was the flashback where we see Josh not turn into a wolf, and Nora does. It seems unnecessary, and as the only glimpse we get of that time period, extraneous. It is already explained well enough without showing it, and the scenes does almost nothing to add to what is already understood about the characters.

This episode of BEING HUMAN is probably one of my favorites of the series, giving three separate stories for the three main characters, and yet, connecting them in intimate ways. It balances the character-driven plot with the larger action arcs, and does so in a way that feels completely organic. It may have taken three years, but if this episode is any indication, BEING HUMAN is truly finding its stride.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted on Seat42F

Being Human (US) - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Me Killing You"

     It's going to be hard to write a review based solely on this episode after so recently watching all three series of the British version. Comparisons are easy to make, such as that the American Being Human on Syfy goes a little more for the humor than its counterpart. Look at the episode titles, and it's apparent. So perhaps a little look at the differences before the real reviewing of the episode's own merits begins?

     Despite packing in plot from much of the first two series, Syfy's chose to end differently. In the British, George (who is the equivalent of Sam Huntington's Josh) went through with his plan to tear Herrick (Bishop (Mark Pellegrino)) to pieces. Mitchell (who is like Sam Witwer's Aidan) didn't get the chance to fight the foe. In the American finale, Aidan beheads Bishop, sparing Josh the feelings that will come with killing. Also, no surprise resurrection of the dead vampire leader at the end, so no idea if Bishop will ever be seen again.

     It's not clear if the American ending is more satisfying, but it certainly explores a different avenue that could have been taken. In the British, Herrick is scarier, and so it seems doubtful that Mitchell would have had the ability to take him down. Herrick was never shown to have a human girlfriend, which makes Bishop more sympathetic. That being said, Aidan still needs a distraction to finish the job, so it's not Bishop is fangless.

    One other major difference is that George and Nina (think Kristen Hager's Nora) got pregnant in the third series, after having intercourse as wolves. As such, it is perfectly reasonable to think that the baby is going to be different, and aging rapidly isn't out of the question. In the American, Nora is still one hundred percent human, and Josh hasn't even changed yet when she gets pregnant. This is an inferior choice, with the biology not making as much sense. Also, Josh and Nora have not had as much time to grow as close and understand each other as George and Nina did, so it's likely to be a whole different situation. While the change with Bishop is neither better or worse, this difference is not as good as the original.

     Because of these shakeups, both pretty large in overal effects, it looks unlikely a second season of the Syfy show will continue to recycle the British series's plot, as is mostly done during season one. From this point on, the two shows will likely diverge into entirely their own enterprises. Which, while not complaining about SyFy's freshmen year, will be better for fans on both sides of the pond.

     Syfy's Being Human has been a fun ride thus far. With many supporting characters coming in and out, the finale really refocuses on the central trio. Josh (Sam Huntington) and Aidan (Sam Witwer) both face down a serious fear, and both are willing to stand up to their enemy when the going gets very tough. Josh, especially, is maturing into a braver, more stable man, possibly at least partially owing to the fact that he is expecting child, and is already thinking like a father.

     Aidan's time spent dealing with Bishop (Mark Pellegrino) and his vampire cronies is at an end. He has taken down his own maker, his friend, in a way, and now is put in charge of Boston's vampire population. Aidan has never seemed completely comfortable with the other vampires, except in flashbacks set prior to the series's beginning, so he likely will not embrace the mantle willingly or enthusiastically. Will he set the coven free to take care of themselves? Or will he actually commit himself and try to change them? Either option could set up a good second season.

     Josh looks primed to reconnect with his family. While they flitted in and out, especially his sister, during the first season, it appears he may be ready to make a serious go at reconnection, especially now that he is starting his own family. Expect to see more of Josh's kin when the series returns.

     Sally (Meaghan Rath) discovers she has more power than she first imagined. Now that she can interact with physical objects and make herself seen when she really wants to, she can do more than stand around and bemoan her fate, as has been her main purpose thus far. This sets her up to be far more integral and interesting in season two.

     Sally really gets the shaft in season one. Her revenge plot is fascinating, watching what evil acts will turn such a sweet girl into, but she is mostly annoying and incapable of improving her situation. That is going to change, and Sally should at least become equal to the other two. As to what her range of powers are, and what she will be able to do, and why she is still on earth, all of that is still anyone's guess. 

     Being Human has already been renewed for a second season on Syfy, being a ratings and creative winner. If you missed it, it's time to check it out.

Article first published as TV Review: Being Human (US) - "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Me Killing You" on Blogcritics.

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More Being Human Reviews
Being Human moves into the neighborhood (US series)
Being Human (UK) fires "The Wolf-Shaped Bullet"
Being Human (UK) searches for "The Pack"
Being Human (UK) meets "Lia"

Being Human Moves Into the Neighborhood

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

     SyFy premiered a new show, Being Human, last night. Not that it's really all that new. Made in Canada, and also airing up there, the series is based on the British series of the same name, that is about to start a third series. As such, this isn't exactly an original, fresh show. However, for most of us residing here in the states, this will be our first taste of the show, and it left a happy flavor in my mouth.

     It was hard to miss the promos, so you've likely heard the basic premise: a vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost share an apartment. But from the wonderful monologue that opened the episode, it was clear that this series was about so much more that kitschy comedy with popular monsters. Vampire fans, especially, are not hard up for material at present. From Twilight to True Blood to The Vampire Diaries, all of which I do enjoy to varying degrees, we seem inundated with the stuff. Luckily, this show appears (judging only by one episode) to be different.

     We first meet Josh (Sam Huntington, Superman Returns, Fanboys), a werewolf who ran away from his family after the change. We're told that because of his condition, he hasn't had sex in two years. I don't know why, since I thought werewolves only turned on the full moon. That still leaves plenty of free nights. But Josh is the soul of the piece, the one who voices the alienated feelings. He also seems to be a truly good person. He's a dear friend to the vamp, finding in him a kindred outcast, earnestly suggesting they get an apartment together. Within moments of the pilot starting, I was hooked on Josh's arc and character, completely identifying with his emotions, if not his monster-ness. A line about how most people get to wake up from their nightmares sealed the deal. Josh is the best.

     Then there's Aidan (Sam Witwer Smallville, Battlestar Galactica), the vampire. The audience is led to believe that Aidan is also good, having been off of human blood and away from his kind for some time, not unlike most of the vampire heroes modern audiences root for. Yet, his behavior in the first episode tells a different story. First he kills a girl named Rebecca (Sarah Allen) while sleeping with her. Then he allows his sire, a vampire named Bishop (Mark Pellegrino, Lost, Dexter), who would like to bring Aidan back to his roots, to lead him to some sort of feeding club, where he drinks more human blood for the source. In case you didn't catch it, Bishop is a bad influence. I assume Aidan will turn out to be good, since he's billed as one of the main characters, and never portrayed in a dark, sinister light in advertisements, but I didn't see much to like about him this week.

 

     Rounding out the central trio is Sally (Meaghan Rath, 15/Love), who already inhabits the apartment that Josh and Aidan make their home in. She doesn't know how she died, can't leave the apartment, can't touch or move anything, and basically just spies on whoever comes in. She seems surprised that Josh and Aidan can see her, but whether that's because they're also supernatural beings, or whether she didn't know how to manifest herself visually until they came, or some other explanation, it wasn't made clear. In the British version, Sally was killed by her boyfriend, the owner of the building. Going by the small bit we've seen of the guy so far, I can't see him doing that. But I could be wrong.

     Sally is foisted on the guys more out of circumstance than want. In a personality swap from the rest of the episode, Aidan sticks up for her, while Josh wants her gone. Stuck in one place, Sally didn't figure much into the first episode, and it's hard to image she will truly ever be important unless she can leave the house and / or interact with her environment. As such, I predict she'll accomplish both soon.

     I felt like the first hour of the show was too short. Next week's episode is called "There Goes the Neighborhood (Part 2)", so I can't help but wonder if this was supposed to be a two-hour series premiere. Don't get me wrong, the cliffhanger ending where Josh is trapped in a room with his sister, Emily (Alison Louder), who has just found him, and he's struggling not to transform and kill her, was intense. However, the lighthearted preview for future episodes that ran just after that scene took away some of the tension, as if Josh did kill Emily, surely we'd see his character a lot more depressed than he was shown. Sometimes, I really wish networks would consider story when putting together commercials! Still, Aidan and Sally were dealt very unsatisfactory, open ended endings, so I'm anxious for another hour.

     Overall, I am quite pleased, more so than I expected to be, with this pilot. SyFy more often than not makes lousy or cheesy shows and TV movies (Battlestar Galactica and Caprica excepted), so I'm glad to see some high quality programming. I can get past some of the corniness of other series on the network, but I think Being Human is already the best made, best acted, best written show on the network currently. I look forward to watching some more, and urge you to check it out.

     Being Human airs Monday nights at 10 p.m. on SyFy.

Article first published as TV Review: Being Human Moves Into the Neighborhood on Blogcritics.

 

Lost Season 6 worth buying immediately

     It had to end sometime.  After six spectacular seasons, ABC's Lost came to an end last May.  Although Lost usually waits to put out their DVDs until late in the fall, Season 6 is already out, and I highly recommend going to the store and purchasing it at your earliest convenience, if not sooner.  All sixteen episodes, including the two hour premiere and two and a half hour finale are included.  This was the season that tied it all up.  From the flash sideways universe, to Richard (Nestor Carbonell) and Jacob's (Mark Pellegrino) origins, to the tear jerking series finale, it was a hell of a year.

     But, of course, if you're like me, you've already seen the episodes.  The most exciting thing in this DVD release is the special features.  There are a few, though not more you easily get through in a couple hours, audio commentaries aside.  There's here forty minute "THE END: Crafting A Final Season" which shows clips and interviews from throughout the last year.  It brought almost as many tears as the episodes did to me eyes.  "A Hero's Journey" is about how Lost set out to tell the classic hero tale, times sixteen.  "See You in Another Life, Brotha" tackles some of mystery surrounding the sideways universe, and why the alternate characters were always looking in mirrors.  "LOST on Location" takes you to the set for six episodes, mostly revealing how the special effects and water scenes were created.

     The crown jewel of the DVD, and the reason you must buy now, is the twelve minute epilogue to the series, "The New Man in Charge".  It finds Ben Linus (Michael Emerson) arriving at the warehouse that puts together all those nifty food drops to the island to fire the two employees.  Half of the minisode is Ben and the guys watching a tape on the function of the Hydra Station, which didn't reveal a lot of new information, so much as confirmed widely held theories.  And then Ben goes back to Hurley's old mental institution to tie up one of the show's biggest loose ends.  I won't reveal who he finds there, as the surprise was great, but it is a major player who was not brought back like so many others were.  And there's a brief appearance by Hurley (Jorge Garcia), too.

Lost finale leaves many viewers elated, confused

     ABC's Lost, arguably a significant cultural phenomenon, came to an end last night after six seasons with the two and a half hour long episode, "The End".  The ending was cryptic, as much of the show had been, and today theories are debated back and forth around water coolers and over the web.  Was the island real?  Did any of it happen?  Was it purgatory?  Where did they go at the end?  Why wasn't Michael (Harold Perrineau) at the church?  Why was Penny (Sonya Walger) there?  No one knows the answers for sure, and with Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, the show's creative force, taking a media break, no one is likely to know anytime soon.  But that doesn't stop anyone from trying to figure it out.

     The episode centered, as most of the series has, on Jack (Matthew Fox).  After taking up Jacob's (Mark Pellegrino) mantle as island protector, he gave up his life to save the island.  The series began with Jack's opening in the jungle, and ended with that same eye closing in death in the same spot.  Vincent the dog was there, too, making it a perfect bookend.

     I always thought Jack the too obvious choice for the job, and wanted to see Hurley (Jorge Garcia) get it.  I was not disappointed then when Jack handed the reigns to Hurley just before his sacrifice.  Even better, Ben (Michael Emerson) was chosen as Hurley's number two guy, giving him both a happy ending and a position he had always desired.  Though sadly we did not get to see how Hurley and Ben fared, it was revealed that they seemed to do a good job together.  Even more curious, what happened to the six survivors who left the island on the plane?

     In the alternate world, things ended in a much more satisfying way.  Each island dweller remembered their time during the series, though it seemed to have never happened in this reality.  It brought them together and reunited all the couples of the show, including ones separated by death.  Most notable was Sawyer (Josh Holloway) and Juliet (Elizabeth Mitchell), which left Kate (Evangeline Lilly) for Jack, and prevented anyone from losing love altogether.

     Many of the major recurring characters and dead main characters appeared, all of them with their names added to the opening credits under "Starring", making for a lengthy list, and hardly leaving anyone to be listed as "Guest starring".  It ended with almost everyone important gathered together in a church, a bright light taking them on the next place.  Each had great moments in the finale, but unfortunately, I do not have time to touch on everyone in this article.

     My theory is that they all died in the original plane crash, and that the island was a way for them to sort out their flaws and learn to rely on one another.  Most of the main characters that died over the run had a breakthrough shortly before they passed.  Also, Christian (John Terry) said that they had created this place, and though he may have meant the church they were gathering in, I took it to mean the island and that world.  What cemented the theory for me was the grim shots of the lifeless plane wreckage over the ending credits, showing no survivors.  But feel free to make your own theories and debate them.  Until CUse and Lindelof come forward, that's all we can hope to do.  The only real mystery left without any hint was, what ever happened to Walt (Malcolm David Kelley)?

Lost: Ab Aeterno

     This week's episode of ABC's Lost was called "Ab Aeterno", which translated to English means 'from the beginning of time'.  This was highly appropriate, as it was a very heavy mythology story.  Almost the entire installment was dedicated to the long awaited back story of Richard Albert (Nestor Carbonell).  As previously suspected, he did arrive on the island on The Black Rock, an old sailing ship.  It was revealed that he actually got there in 1867, and why he still looks the same as he did back then.

     The episode was also heavy on plot between Jacob (Mark Pellegrino) and the Man in Black (Titus Welliver) who have been on the island for a very long time, seemingly since the beginning of time, if the episode title is to be believed.  The big reveal here was why people were brought to the island, and to confirm that perhaps some castaways died when they made the right choices and atoned for their sins.  But this one was about Richard, and most of the Jacob / MIB plot was more reassuring past hypothesis than anything.  Obviously the MIB has chosen to take the form of now-deceased Locke (Terry O'Quinn).  This is just a guess, but perhaps he had to take a form other than his own to leave the island?  That's the only reason I can think of, besides O'Quinn's popularity and contract, that Welliver hasn't played him all season.  The question now is, who will step up and assume Jacob's role in the ultimate showdown between good and evil at the end of the season?  There will be another big mythology episode coming up shortly before the series finale, and presumably that one will tackle all further revelations about the duo that the series creators intend to reveal.

     That being said, we still don't know why Hurley (Jorge Garcia) can see and talk to the dead.  Obviously this is an extremely important point, and I want to know why.  My first instinct is to say that this rules him out as being Jacob's successor, but come on.  Many of the fans will be disappointed if it's Jack (Matthew Fox), thinking they took the easy way out.  Many of the fans will be disappointed if it's not Jack, because he is the obvious choice, and deserves the mantle.  Either way, it's going to be a delicate balancing act to satisfy all of the fans, though if any show can do it, Lost can.

     What's next for the Losties?  Well, obviously there is showdown of ginormous proportions coming.  It's good vs. evil.  People are choosing sides or trying to stay out of it, but everyone will be involved.  With only ten hours left, next week marks the halfway point.  And we've barely seen Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick).  Obviously, that's the real crime.

Lost leaving viewers more... well, lost

     Four hours of the final season of ABC's Lost have already been aired in the last three weeks, which is about a quarter of the season.  Despite being promised many answers as the season progresses, so far there is much more confusion than explanation.  We saw the island on the bottom of the sea, and as many expected, Oceanic 815 landed without problem at LAX in 2004.  However, our favorite castaways are also still on the island, clearly not at the bottom of the ocean, and I have no idea why.  Gone are the flashbacks, flash forwards, and time jumps, but here to stay is presumably either alternate realities or parallel dimensions.

     The people that landed in Los Angeles are clearly not the same ones we met throughout the series.  There are a number of differences in their lives from the ones we previously saw.  Hurley (Jorge Garcia) is lucky, not unlucky.  John Locke (Terry O'Quinn) is planning a wedding to his fiance, Helen (Katey Sagal, Married With Children, Sons of Anarchy, Futurama) and seemingly getting along with his father.  And the paths of our beloved characters keep crossing uncontrollably.  Kate (Evangeline Lilly) unwittingly kidnaps Claire (Emilie de Ravin) during her escape from the police.  Locke talks to Jack (Matthew Fox) at baggage claim, then after seeking work from Hurley and Rose (L. Scott Caldwell), he runs into Benjamin Linus (Michael Emerson) while substitute teaching.  Seemingly it is destiny that they meet.

     Also curious is that the episodes featuring certain characters are airing in the same order as in the first season.  First we had a hodge podge in the two hour premiere, then Kate was the first standard episode, and Locke was second.  Following that logic, Jack and then the Kwans (Daniel Dae Kim and Yunjin Kim) should be next.  Of course, not every character from the first season is still starring, and there are plenty of new ones, so it seems doubtful this pattern will last.

    Back on the island in 2007, the Smoke Monster posing as Locke showed Sawyer (Josh Holloway) a list of names of the survivors that Jacob (Mark Pellegrino) had written on a rock, and most were crossed out.  All the names left were people Jacob was shown visiting throughout their lives in last season's finale. Except he visited Kate, and she wasn't on the list.  And all six of Hurley's lottery numbers were taken, so it must be significant that she isn't there, not just a simple edit mistake.  Is she something special and different, or did Jacob just not find her worthy when he visited her?  And does Kwon refer to Sun or Jin, and if it is Jin, is that why Sun wasn't tossed back to the 70's with everyone else?  Not only that, Jacob had a thing for J names, as the numbers in question name Jack, John, James, Jin (maybe), and Jarrah (Naveen Andrews).  But that leaves out Hurley, though Hugo can be spelled with a J for Spanish names.  All are male, too.  Also, screen caps reveal Claire's last name as #313, Charlie's (Dominic Monaghan) as #195, and other last names from island characters, including Linus and Goodspeed, which could refer to several people.  Why?  Weird.

     Lots more questions and answers await, and Lost will continue to air Tuesdays at 9pm on ABC.

Lost: it's time to be found

    ABC took a chance five years ago on a series called Lost.  Steeped in mystery, it was the ultimate serial.  The survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 find themselves on an island, where all sorts of unexplained things occur, from a paralyzed man who can walk, to a polar bear, to a smoke monster.  Not only that, each of these castaways had a story, and each week we got a piece of the puzzle.  It was extremely popular at first, then fans tapered.  Yet, except for arguably season two, the show has only continued to get better with age, as the flashbacks became flash forwards, the Oceanic Six got off the island and returned, many of the characters did a stint in the 70's, and time became completely unhinged.  Tonight, the final season of the show begins.


     When we last left Jack, (Matthew Fox, Party of Five) Kate, (Evangeline Lilly, The Hurt Locker) and Sawyer, (Josh Holloway) the love triangle had fought, but decided to detonate a nuclear device that could possibly stop the entire series from happening.  It appears that may have worked, as the show began on a flight from Sydney to Los Angeles, the characters kept talking about how they would awake on their plane on course if it worked, and the two part premiere tonight is called "LA X".  This is great news for Sayid (Naveen Andrews), who was bleeding to death, and to Sun (Yunjin Kim) and Jin (Daniel Dae Kim, 24, Angel), a couple trapped more than three decades apart in time.  But what about the woman who actually set off the bomb and laid next to it as it went off, Juliet (Elizabeth Mitchell, V)?  Is she dead?  She is not among the principal cast for this final season.

     Of course with Lost, nothing is certain.  Many dead characters are signed on to appear this year.  This has happened plenty of time before on the show, most notably with Jack's father, Christian (John Terry, Trauma), who despite having been dead when the flight left, appeared several times on the island.  But was it him, or the mysterious Man In Black (Titus Welliver, Deadwood), who possibly can appear as dead people, such as John Locke (Terry O'Quinn, Alias), who remains a main character despite his demise?  Other deceased characters slated to appear at least once this year, although in what form is unknown, include Charlie (Dominic Monaghan, FlashForward, Lord of the Rings), Michael (Harold Perrineau, Oz), Boone (Ian Somerhalder, The Vampire Diaries), Shannon (Maggie Grace, The Fog), Libby (Cynthia Watros, The Drew Carey Show), Charlotte (Rebecca Mader, Justice), Daniel (Jeremy Davies), Alex (Tania Raymonde, Cold Case), and even Arzt (Daniel Roebuck).  Also, rejoining the cast full time is Emilie de Ravin (Roswell), whose character, Claire, disappeared without explanation at the end of season four.

     I can't end this article without mentioning the other huge plot point left hanging from last season.  Locke, or perhaps the ghost of Locke, persuaded Ben (Michael Emerson) to kill Jacob (Mark Pellegrino, Dexter).  We also found out that Jacob visited many of the main characters in the past, although as to what purpose is unknown.

    The series also stars the wonderfully talented Jorge Garcia (Becker) as Hurley, my personal favorite character.  My other favorite character, Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick) no longer stars, but will play an important role in the final season.  The show stars Ken Leung as Miles.  Joining the principal cast this season are longtime guest star Nestor Carbonell (Suddenly Susan, The Dark Knight), Jeff Fahey, and Zuleikha Robinson (The Lone Gunman).  Lost's sixth season will begin with a two hour premiere tonight at 9pm, and will air Tuesday nights through the spring.