EVIL Stirrings

Article first published as TV Review: EVIL on Seat42F.

CBS has an EVIL new drama, which premiered last week. It’s about a team of investigators who try to determine if miracles and possessions are real. They are skeptics, not believers (for the most part), and the series is about them as people as much as it is about their cases, a departure from the network’s typical procedural formula (though there’s a bit of that in there, too). Will they prove a god and/or Satan exist? Or will their job be a series of debunks?

EVIL was created by Michelle King and Robert King, the minds behind The Good Wife and its spin-off, The Good Fight. Both of those shows, while legal in nature with specific trials and negotiations dealt with, were far from the basic procedural, and provided some wonderful characters over the years. Two episodes in, my impression of their new series is that it will be the same, a rare gem on a mostly has-been network.

The clear lead is Katja Herbers (Westworld, Divorce), who plays Kristen Bouchard. Fired from her job for not being willing to bend the truth on the witness stand while professionally testifying, Kristen is desperate. She’s at home with four daughters (Brooklyn Shuck, Rise; Skylar Gray, Married; Maddy Crocco; and Dalya Knapp) while her as-yet-unseen husband guides mountain climbing expeditions. Thankfully, her mom, Sheryl (Christine Lahti, Chicago Hope), lends a hand, but that’s not nearly enough.

A quick note about the kids: They seem pretty interchangeable and generic at the start, but I don’t believe they’re likely to stay that way. There are a lot of characters and a lot of story threads in EVIL, and for now, the girls are mostly a plot device to ratchet up the stress on Kristen, seen almost exclusively in a group. However, episode two started to distinguish one from the herd, and based on the creators’ past works, I find it probable that viewers will soon be able to distinguish them as individuals quite easily. It just may take a bit of time.

Back to Kristen, she is saved from unemployment by none other than the Catholic Church. Specifically, would-be-priest David Acosta (Mike Colter, Luke Cage), who asks for her help. The two, along with Ben Shakir (Aasif Mandvi, The Daily Show), make up the team that drives the A story of the initial offerings.

However, EVIL is more than one woman’s work and home life. We see her in therapy with Dr. Boggs (Kurt Fuller, Psych), which strangely ties into the first case. She is visited in her dreams by a demon named Georgie (Marti Matulis, Teen Wolf). And David is taunted by a man who might be supernatural, or at least have supernatural connections, named Leland Townsend (Michael Emerson, Lost).

That’s an ambitious workload for a broadcast network show, especially one on this particular channel. It’s a complex, well-developed world that presents a lot of questions without giving a lot of answers. I wouldn’t call EVIL particularly religious, but it’s not exactly not religious, either. It doesn’t have a point of view or agenda that it’s pushing, with various characters representing varied viewpoints, and none seeming to be more correct than any other. It’s a setting and premise to dwell in, showing us possibilities, rather than telling us what to think.

I like EVIL a lot. Already a fan of the Kings, I think this is every bit as intriguing as their previous shows, as well as being quite a bit weirder. The opening credits of EVIL are reminiscent of The Good Fight, while its lead has echoes of an in-over-her-head Alicia from the beginning of The Good Wife. It seems an evolution of their writing, and one that will probably be quite compelling.

EVIL airs Thursdays on CBS.

Why ‘Once Upon a Time’ Is the New ‘Lost’ : Part Deux

Article first published as Why ‘Once Upon a Time’ Is the New ‘Lost’ : Part Deux on Blogcritics.

I began my Jerome-ing the TV Landscape column just about a year ago, and for my 25th column, I decided to go back and revisit the very first. Entitled Why Once Upon a Time Is the New Lost, it examines the similarities between the ABC shows, which share writers and producers. After watching last night’s Once Upon a Time mid-season finale, the parallels are even more striking, providing new fodder to muse over, without repeating the same points as before.

At the end of season three of Lost, the Oceanic Six left the island. This was a huge deal because it took many of the main characters home and turned a corner in the storytelling, focusing less on the characters’ pasts and more on the present and future. In fact, when talking about the series as a whole, this makes a very specific break, and Lost can be discussed as two separate halves that fit together nicely.

Once Upon a Time is only midway through its third year, but something very similar has happened. As the most recent episode ends, Emma (Jennifer Morrison) and Henry (Jared Gilmore) leave Storybrooke, their memories wiped, and everyone else returns to the Enchant Forest. This effectively find the characters split up and returning home, which obviously ruins the premise of the show.

“We have to go back!”

Those words, echoed repeatedly by Jack (Matthew Fox) on Lost apply. The aforementioned episode doesn’t even close out before Hook (Colin O’Donoghue) is knocking on Emma’s door, trying to tell her that the family she doesn’t remember is in danger. Emma is the Savior, as Jack was, and they have to be where the action is in order to save the day. I don’t know how Emma will get back and if that journey will be quick (it’s likely to be a great deal easier for her than it was for Jack, though both south places not on any map), but that has to be an immediate focus when the show is next on the air.

A hero’s accomplishments are not just given, they must be earned. Emma has done a few notable things, such as breaking the original curse, but she hasn’t really lived up to her power or potential yet. I do not know if this will be her moment, but it seems an opportune time, based on the tiny bit of magic we’ve seen her produce before now and her being in a unique position, outside of the Enchanted Forest, to do things those within surely cannot.

Plus, Emma’s choice between Hook and Neal (Michael Raymond-James) is eerily similar to Kate’s (Evangeline Lilly) decision of Jack or Sawyer (Josh Holloway). You could compare Emma to Jack, who had Kate or Juliet (Elizabeth Mitchell), but the swarthy, smarmy Hook is absolutely a Sawyer, so I like the first triangle better.

This entire fall run, in which a number of main characters were in Neverland instead of Storybrooke, feels like when several of the castaways went back in time and worked for the Dharma Initiative in the 1970s. They were separated from their friends, but their actions were still relevant to the normal setting. They were in an unfamiliar place, but adapted as they needed to in order to get by, biding their time until they could get home.

Of course, the daddy of all comparisons is that of daddy issues. Lost‘s Jack and Christian (John Terry) have nothing on Rumple (Robert Carlyle) and Peter Pan (Robbie Kay). There is some death and disapproval involved, but the most similar thing about both is that a father and son just can’t get along, since one show takes things to a whole other plane above the other. A plane that won’t crash like Oceanic 815 did.

Emilie de Ravin was benched twice. Granted, Lost left her out her for an entire season and Once Upon a Time just skipped most of the fall episodes, but still, she was missing and her absence was felt.

Lastly, as OUAT fans saw in the preview for the spring return, Rebecca Mader, a Lost alum, will be playing the Wicked Witch of the West. Funnily enough, Lost also contained Wizard of Oz references, with Ben (Michael Emerson) originally claiming his name was Henry Gale.

Sadly, Once Upon a Time still falls short of Lost. Even in the best of episodes, there are usually lots of places to poke holes in the writing or the continuity on OUAT. Yet, it remains an entertaining series, so should it never rise to Lost‘s lofty heights, it doesn’t shame its forefather, either.

Why Once Upon a Time is the new Lost

 Lost was a seminal television series that changed the face of network offerings. Steeped in mystery, staffed with a large cast, questioning human nature and philosophy, the show took six years to play out, sometimes doling out the clues in tidbits, other times in waves.

When it came to an end in 2010, whether fans loved the ending or hated it, many were saddened. Why not? They devoted years of their lives watching the show, countless hours debating it with their friends, and became extremely invested in the characters. Losing such a treasure is a big blow, and not one easily recoverable. It takes a very, very special series to replace such a loss.

I believe that Once Upon a Time has the potential to be that replacement.

How can I say that, considering that the beginning of both shows are quite different? On their faces, one is a modern day tale about a group of strangers trapped on an island, while the other involves fairy tale characters traversing world and possessing magic. And yet, there is so much the two have in common. While Once Upon a Time fervor may not yet have hit Lost heights, it still can, especially if it continues to travel the same path, and as more viewers discover it online and on disc.

Some of these similarities are obvious. Both shows air(ed) on ABC. They share producers Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis. Both count Emilie de Ravin among their stars and Alan Dale as a recurring, but vital, player. One of the most beloved actors from Lost, Jorge Garcia, recently guest starred on Once Upon a Time. Both delight in surprising the fans, making quick turns that change the game.

But it goes deeper than that, by far. For one thing, both deal with differing personalities within the same person, and how these people present themselves to the world. When we meet John Locke (Terry O'Quinn) on the island, he seems confident and sure of himself, not afraid to take a leadership position. Then we learn his back story, and see what has led him to this moment, discovering he was once a very different person, but is now embracing the new Locke. Yet, he is still not done growing. Similarly, Regina (Lana Parrilla) is an evil Mayor / Queen, who has a past that has changed her into this person, which she embraces. Until she doesn't.

Both shows have very complicated characters that look a little odd, and may or may not be bad, but are played by such fantastic actors that the audience cannot get enough of them. I refer, of course, to Ben Linus (Michael Emerson) and Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle). Do we root for them? More than we'd like to, sometimes. They have done detestable things, and deserve to be reviled. But any excuse to see them on screen is a good one, and when exposing their vulnerabilities, they are at their best.

Both shows feature different worlds. On Lost, this was a little less obvious, but the present day mainland is quite different from the island locale, and, in turn, the 1970s Dharma compound, in which several characters from this millennium spend some time. On Once Upon a Time, they've gone the more literal route, presenting Storybrooke, fairy tale land, Wonderland, and even a black and white horror realm. Each of these places has different rules and different players that familiar characters must navigate and interact with. But Storybrooke might as well be an island, isolated from the rest of the world, and obeying different laws of nature.

Both shows like to begin a season with a new setting and character, startling the audience, and making the series feel fresh. Desmond's (Henry Ian Cusick) introduction in the hatch is one of Lost's most memorable moments, making an impression that still amazes to this day. Meeting Neal (Michael Raymond-James) at the start of season two of Once Upon a Time feels like it is exactly in the vein.

Both shows have a huge supporting cast of characters, some of which appear often, and some only pop up from time to time. These characters can be connectors, tying central players together in unexpected ways, or they may arrive to teach a lesson, or begin a quest, or fall in love, or they may just be interesting side stories. Everyone has their favorites (Nestor Carbonell's Richard, or Jessy Schram's Cinderella, or Amy Acker's Astrid, or Katey Sagal's Helen, or Sonya Walger's Penny), but there is no telling how often they may appear, or what importance they will or will not hold.

Both shows have an annoying kid, and benefit when he is featured less. I'm sorry, even though Henry (Jared S. Gilmore) can be a decent addition to certain episodes, he is also a drag on plenty of others. Lost kind of has a similar problem with Walt (Malcolm David Kelley), whom they promptly have kidnapped, and then send home. This wouldn't work with Henry, as Emma (Jennifer Morrison) would become just as obsessed with finding her son as Michael (Harold Perrineau) does, which would ruin her character on the show, and she isn't as expendable. Walt still appears from time to time throughout Lost, and it he ends up furthering the plot and becomes not as grating over time. But less is more with many child actors, and the writers would do well to remember that.

Both shows feature a flawed savior. Everyone believes in Jack (Matthew Fox) most of the time, but he isn't always capable of making the best decisions. He is reluctant to assume the leadership role, but it is something he naturally falls back on because he wants to save everyone. He also has made mistakes in the past. Emma is like Jack, trying to be a good person and do the right thing, despite what she may have previously done, and she has the ability to be a protector, unlike most other characters.

Both shows are willing to execute major characters, or send them away, leaving room to inject new blood, or expand a smaller role. Lost did this repeatedly, with some of the casualties including Boone (Ian Somerhalder), Charlie (Dominic Monaghan), and Libby (Cynthia Watros). Once Upon a Time, not quite halfway through season two, has already killed off Sheriff Graham (Jamie Dornan), had August (Eion Bailey) go missing, demoted Jiminey (Raphael Sbarge), and promoted Belle (de Ravin) and Ruby (Meghan Ory). But as any good Lost fan knows, characters can return at any time in the most unexpected places, so I wouldn't count out any of these people yet. Not even the deceased Sheriff Graham, because...

Both shows feature flashbacks heavily, and often. Everyone knows that a good way to learn about a character is to explore their past. But most television shows use this element sparingly. Lost and Once Upon a Time build entire episodes around such back stories, making them significant chunks of the episodes on a weekly basis, and tying the past to the present. When done right, it's clever and entertaining.

Mysteries abound. Why can't the Storybrooke residents leave their town? How can the island move? Where is Rumple's son? What is the sideways universe? Who is Dr. Whale (David Anders)? How did polar bears get on the island? Some of these questions are answered quickly, others take a longer period of time. Some things will never fully be explained. But always keeping questions coming, never telling the full story, keeps the show energized, and brings fans back week after week.

Plus, they both like smoke (purple or black, it doesn't matter) a whole lot.

Will Once Upon a Time catch the wonderment and following that Lost possessed at its height? Does that really matter, as long as it is allowed to run for years, and play out a sprawling, intricate story? The point is, if you are a Lost-ie looking for something to fill that hole in your life and you haven't given Once Upon a Time a chance yet (past the first few, admittedly poor, episodes), you are missing out. They may seem like very different series, but they have major similarities that should definitely appeal to the same types of people.

Did I miss anything? The answer is most definitely (SPOILER ALERT!) yes. Feel free to weigh in on the comments below.


Jerome Wetzel has been reviewing television shows for years now. However, not every thought can be contained in an article about a single episode, and sometimes it's fun to look at the bigger picture. Join him each week in this wandering essay column as he ponders trends and genres, giving you his insights and opinions into the current state of television.

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 published as Why Once Upon a Time Is the New Lost on Blogcritics.

Person of Interest searches in vain for the "Root Cause"

CBS's Person of Interest's newest installment is "Root Cause." The latest number to pop up from the machine is for a man named Scott Powell (Myk Watford), who, after losing his job and lying to his family about it, wracked by debt, and pushed to the breaking point, sure looks guilty. But Reese (Jim Caviezel) realizes, almost too late, that it's a frame job, set up to make it look like Powell assassinates a Congressman, through Powell is really innocent. Finch (Michael Emerson) looks for a way to prove that innocence, relying on Carter's (Taraji P. Henson) inside info, and bringing in a previous P.O.I., Zoe Morgan (Paige Turco, Damages, April O'Neal from the early '90's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies), to help. But he is thwarted by an expert hacker, the woman behind the frame job, who calls herself Root (Rachel Miner, Californication, Guiding Light), and knows Finch's name. 

Person of Interest is shaping up to be a mostly procedural series, but with enough serial elements to keep things interesting. For instance, the Congressman that is killed in "Root Cause" has been seen on posters and in the background during other episodes. Which leads one to believe that Root is involved in other events in prior episodes, but has just never been seen before this week. What is her connection to Finch? How does she know him? Does she have a grudge, or fancy herself in competition with, the fellow computer whiz? Or is he merely just crossing paths with her because her goals run contrary to his? There are so many questions, and so few answers. It seems Person of Interest will likely continue to dole out information in small, tantalizing pieces, thus keeping interest high.

Which is good, because the initial arc, that of Finch and Reese clashing with Carter, seems to be at an end. She still doesn't completely trust the pair, but seems to have acknowledged that they work for the greater good. Until they cause something really bad to happen, or betray her trust in a very serious way, she will probably stay on board. She is actively helping them a little, keeping the lines of communication open, and has stopped hunting them. She's kind of unneeded in "Root Cause," but it's been better in other episodes.

While her turnaround does seem a little too easy, and a waste of a great dynamic, it's also nice to have things resolved. Of course, that basically makes Fusco (Kevin Chapman) expendable, and true to that form, he does not appear in "Root Cause." Of course, this story may be reawakened if Fusco and Carter, who each do not realize that the other knows Finch and Reese, ever come to odds. Will they be the pawns in a Reese versus Finch battle?

That is a whole other ongoing story that is barely touched on this week. Reese is secretly investigating Finch, as Reese is more suspicious of his partner than Carter is of either of them. It really makes sense for Reese's character to be paranoid, despite the ways that Finch has been shown to earn Reese's trust. Still, as Finch's past remains unclear, it would not be surprising if Reese uncovers something very bad that leads to a (temporary) falling out between the two. Which could be a heck of a story.

As Person of Interest continues to take shape as a series, it's inevitable that recurring characters get added to the mix. Zoe looks to be the first one, and is a fine choice. Turco hasn't been in the Hollywood spotlight all that much lately, so she seems like a fresh face. She serves as a love interest for Reese, someone Finch is intrigued by, and a wild card, as she has her own agenda and past, as well as a murky job description. The character is great, and is welcome as much as the writers can find ways to use her.

As for "Root Cause" itself, and the case of the week contained within the episode, it's a thrilling, tightly played out plot, with some terrific twists, and wonderful action sequences. The case of Powell being framed and hunted is intriguing, and Reese crossing a major line by breaking Powell out of federal custody in the way that he does is fantastic. There really can be no complaints about this story, making "Root Cause" another excellent installment in a series that is quickly becoming a favorite.

Watch Person of Interest Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Save your "Judgment" for Person of Interest

     On this week's episode of CBS's Person of Interest, "Judgment," Finch (Michael Emerson) identifies a judge (David Costabile, Breaking Bad, Damages) that might be in danger. Before Reese (Jim Caviezel) can figure out the threat fully, the judge's young son is kidnapped. Reese reveals himself to the judge, hoping he can rescue the kid before the judge is forced to throw a case, the ransom that the bad guys demand. Finch is not pleased, wishing Reese would stay behind the scenes. The case is lost, but the kid is rescued, and the villains get arrested.

     "Great procedural" is a term that should be rarely, if ever, used. Procedurals are, by definition, very similar from week to week, as the good guys solve new criminals and try to stop them by hour's end. Even if an individual hour is well made, or most of them are, the same premise week to week finds the series getting stale for regular viewers fairly soon. Procedurals are popular for people bouncing in and out when they have the time, but for regular television watchers, it is very difficult to make one good enough to repeatedly, episode after episode, hold one's interest. Generally, this is done by putting together a colorful ensemble cast. Person of Interest has the odds stacked against it, and makes things even tougher with what is basically a two man show. Yet, Person of Interest is a great procedural.

     The most important element of Person of Interest are the two leads. Yes, there are four main characters, but the central duo are much more important, and get much more screen time, than the other two. While both leads have many mysteries surround them, the series starts revealing things about both immediately, and still maintains many unanswered questions. Emerson and Caviezel are expect performers, capturing nuance brilliantly. Both characters see much more going on in the world, as well as everyday situations, than the average person. Watching the show, viewers will be moved to start to do the same.

     In "Judgment," Finch grows suspicious when Reese asks the seemingly innocent question, "What's good here?" at a restaurant. Finch sees any response to those seemingly innocent words as important clues about his habits and living space. He doesn't want to give Reese any inkling of personal information when not necessary. But in the end, after Reese solves the case, Finch admits to frequenting the establishment, clueing Reese in, but in a small, controllable way. It's exchanges like these that keep Person of Interest highly engrossing.

     "Judgment" brings the other two central characters closer to each other. Carter (Taraji P. Henson) begins to appreciate Fusco (Kevin Chapman) when he helps her solve a murder. Fusco knows the woman's death is connected to the kidnapping because Reese is using him as a spy, but Carter is in the dark. It's a delicate balance, requiring an excellently choreographed dance. Reese must know when to push Fusco, and what to tell him, but also massage the details he needs from the source, without letting Fusco learn too much. The fact that Fusco is able to work both sides, while keeping Carter, an incredibly intelligent detective, in the dark, is fantastic. And it won't last.

     The story in "Judgment" is pretty darn good all by itself. Person of Interest struggles to keep fans guessing what is going on. With a few 'surprise' bad guys already under its belt, the series wisely makes the judge, who looks a good man, an actual good man. But considering that the protagonist is a judge, this provides a particular conundrum, especially when the stakes get higher, and Reese must reveal himself. Having a judge in their corner may help keep Finch and Reese a step ahead of the law. On the other hand, it exposes them to someone in the legal system, something they try to avoid. Hopefully, the judge character will return, and it's anyone's guess, given Finch and Reese's differing opinions, as to whether he will prove a help or hindrance in the future.

     Person of Interest airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Person of Interest has some interesting persons

     CBS's newest drama is Person of Interest, which comes from J.J. Abrams's production company. John Reese (James Caviezel, The Passion of the Christ, The Prisoner), a former special forces soldier, lost the woman he loved, so now he rides the subway and drinks a lot, looking like a bum. After being picked up by Detective Carter (Taraji P. Henson, Boston Legal, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Reese is recruited by Mr. Finch (Michael Emerson, Lost).

     Finch developed a complex tracking system to determine when crime is going to happen. The government uses it to find terrorists, but Finch builds himself a back door, and gets social security numbers of people about to be involved in something bad, non-terrorist related. These people may be criminals or victims, and Finch would like Reese to help him track them down and stop the bad thing from happening. Reese reluctantly agrees, and convinces a dirty cop with redeeming qualities named Fusco (Kevin Chapman) to be his man on the inside.

     Yes, Person of Interest is a crime procedural, but it's a damn good one, far better than the tons currently polluting the airwaves. One reason is the concept of the super computer that can warn of future events, but many crime shows have unique hooks. Another is the editing that often makes bits appear to come from various cameras, but again, that isn't the whole story. What raises Person of Interest to a whole other level, one that will make it a fantastic series, is the writing and the acting. With a movie-quality cast, and intense sequences that one would expect from film, there is a cinematic quality and weight to the proceedings. Maintained week after week, this could signal a whole new type of procedural.

     The two main characters are both interesting men, with tragic back stories. While Finch remains mostly a mystery, there is a reason he is haunted by the crimes he could prevent, but doesn't. Reese needs a purpose. Though they both understand they will likely die during one of their cases, they don't care. They both need a reason to live, and this gives them one.

     Another positive is that J.J. Abrams is involved. Not all of Abrams's shows run for years, but he's not made a bad one. Remember a unique little procedural called Fringe? It sure didn't stay static for long, and hopefully Person of Interest will not either. Of course, it is on CBS, a network renowned for crappy, same-thing-every-week, crime series. But even if Person of Interest stays in a case of the week format, the talent involved will raise it befor the standard fare.

     In the first episode alone, the show proves its mettle. Reese and Finch follow an assistant district attorney (Natalie Zea, Justified). They assume that she will soon be attacked by a corrupt group based on a case she is working on. Given Zea's usual roles, and the manner in which she plays this part, that seems safe. So when Reese discovers she is the ring leader behind the bad guy gang, it's a shocker. It shouldn't be, given the reminder that the person of interest could be victim or perp, but it is.

     Person of Interest is definitely worth your time. Watch it Thursdays at 9 p.m.ET on CBS.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

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.

2010 Emmys: Drama Part 2

     Last week, the Emmy nominations for this year were released.  This is television's biggest awards show, and as a television reviewer, I couldn't help but be excited.  Sure, there were some snubs, but there were also some pleasant surprises.  With 51 days left until the statues are handed out on August 29th, there is plenty of time to examine who's up for what.  In this second in a series of articles, I'll look at the the supporting player categories for Dramas.

 Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Aaron Paul, Breaking Bad (AMC), Martin Short, Damages (FX), Terry O'Quinn, Lost (ABC), Michael Emerson, Lost (ABC), John Slattery, Mad Men (AMC), Andre Braugher, Men of a Certain Age (TNT).  This is a very tough category.  I didn't initially like Mad Men, but am just now getting around to watching it, as I purchased the first three seasons on DVD some time ago, and I'm tired of them just collecting dust.  I'm still on season 1, so I don't know how Slattery did this year.  I watched all the episodes of the shows the other five nominees are in, though.  Braugher was good, though I was surprised to see him in the Supporting category instead of Lead.  And where are his co-stars?  O'Quinn and Emerson area always good, but neither match previous season appearances.  Not that it's a detriment to them, but their earlier work on Lost was so spine-tingling good, I just can't see them taking it for the final season.  Short was also incredibly enjoyable, and proved he can do serious drama just as well as he does comedy.  However, as tempted as I am to support Short this year, Aaron Paul was incredible.  Season 3 brought so many big moments for his character, from dealing with the death of his girlfriend, to struggling to stay sober, to almost getting killer, and then contemplating murder.  I have to say, Paul all the way.

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Sharon Gless, Burn Notice (USA), Rose Byrne, Damages (FX), Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife (CBS), Christine Baranski, The Good Wife (CBS), Christina Hendricks, Mad Men (AMC), Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men (AMC).  I am ashamed to say that I only saw two of these fine women in their entirety.  As stated above, I'm way behind on Mad Men.  I missed the boat on The Good Wife, though in my defense, I already have the season one DVD pre-ordered, and I certainly won't continue to be delinquent any longer than necessary.  That being said, I always love Baranski, so maybe she should get.  Byrne did a fine job on Damages, but like some of the man above, she had a much better chance to stretch her talent prior to this season.  She was relatively balanced by this past year, so I wouldn't give it to her.  I am pleased to see Gless in this category, a completely unexpected turn.  When Burn Notice began, I really didn't care for her character.  But now she was forced her way into the group and proven her mettle, so I do enjoy her contribution.  I guess, still being unsure, as this is the rare category I don't feel prepared to judge because of all the Good Wife and Mad Men nominees, I am still putting my money (figuratively) on Baranski.

     The 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards will air live Sunday, August 29th at 8pm on NBC.

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 wows, saddens, as things wrap up

    Last night's episode of ABC's Lost, "The Candidate", like most this season, blew my socks off.  Or it would have, had I been wearing socks.  The story is winding down with just two more installments before the series finale, which airs on a Sunday, mind you, instead of the usual Tuesday, so don't miss it.  Also, it was announced today that the finale will be TWO AND A HALF HOURS long!!!  Gone are the single-character stories, though a large part of the flash sideways this week was Jack (Matthew Fox) attempting to help Locke (Terry O'Quinn).  But on the island, everyone is gearing up for a big showdown, and more than couple of characters left the island for good.

     The biggest, most emotionally moving death scene that Lost has delivered in years concerned that Kwons, Sun (Yunjin Kim) and Jin (Daniel Dae Kim, no relation).  Hours after being reunited, the two having been separated in the world and the time line for over three years, Jin refused to leave Sun to die.  And so he stayed in the sinking submarine with her, allowing them to pass from the world together.  It was incredibly sad, a fitting ending to two of the original cast.  Sure, moments later we saw sideways Jin alive and well walking down the hall of a hospital.  But in the story of the show as we know it, he's gone.

     Which begs the question.  Is the flash sideways our happy ending?  Most of the main characters of Lost have died over the years, but almost every single one has been revealed to be alive and well, usually happier, in the sideways universe.  With only nine main characters left on the island, perhaps this odd parallel is as close to satisfying closure as we are going to get for many.

     Speaking of the nine, Jack, Sawyer (Josh Holloway), Kate (Evangeline Lilly), and Hurley (Jorge Garcia) crawled out of the watery death trap and onto the beach.  These four, along with Locke, who has been recast as the big villain, have always been the core of the series.  They seem unlikely to die, at least not until the finale.  The other four did not star in all six seasons, although Desmond appeared in all six, and only one was in this week's episode.  Ben (Michael Emerson) and Richard (Nestor Carbonell) seem likely to simply pop up and get a little icing before disappearing.  Claire (Emilie de Ravin) could go either way, as she seems to be the henchwoman of Locke.  And Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick), perhaps my favorite character, surely figures very prominently into the end, but even his use will probably be up an hour or two before the curtain.  It's sad to see these important, but not quite essential, characters in their swan songs, but in a show as sweeping as Lost, it's time to lose them so we can wind it all down.

     Original cast member Sayid (Naveen Andrews) also bowed out in heroic self-sacrifice, although not much was said about it afterwards.  My biggest regret was the quick, apparent death of Frank (Jeff Fahey), who had more to do in previous seasons, when he wasn't a main character, and then all we saw of his demise was a door slam into him.  He has to be dead, or he would have attempted to help our heroes, but it was a sad, dismissive way to go.  I wish he had gone out earlier, in some better fashion.

     The final season of Lost will continue for two more Tuesdays at 9pm, and then conclude on Sunday, May 23th on ABC.

Benjamin Linus: Great character, or greatest character?

     Last night's episode of ABC's Lost was called "Dr. Linus", and assuming it was clearly a Ben story, I eagerly tuned in.  I was far from disappointed.  Ever since we caught a glimpse of Dr. Linus, the history teacher at the high school where John Locke (Terry O'Quinn) was working as a substitute teacher, I yearned for more information.  Last night, we got it.
     Dr. Linus cares as much about his students as the Ben of the island cared about the people he lead.  And what's more, even though he seemed like a much better man, he is was still ready to resort to the deep, dark tricks he pulled in the other timeline.  Yet, here, he did not pull the trigger.  He did not call a bluff.  He held back, and it proved that Ben has something in him better than anyone expected.
     This brings up to further debate on an age old questions: do circumstances determine who you are?  In Ben's case, yes.  Island Ben was pushed to the breaking point over and over and it led him do become a pretty nasty psychotic.  When we saw young Ben in the 1970's, clearly he was not that way.  Alternate path Dr. Linus was not either, and it was with supreme irony that his father told him they should have stayed on the island, it would have been better for him.
     Back on the island, Ben had a breakdown that reminded us once more why Michael Emerson wins Emmys for the role.  He proclaimed he would go with the smoke monster because no one else would have him.  True, at this point, who would take that Ben?  But Ilana (Zuleikha Robinson) took pity on him, and agreed to take him, just when the audience needed to see someone accept Ben.
     You seen, while Ben has done unspeakable evil, the writers of Lost have somehow managed to make us see why he did what he did.  After last night, we also saw the potential for greatness in him.  Does Island Ben deserve redemption and a happy ending?  Probably not.  But he should get one.  He should get one because they made the viewers truly care about him, and many of us will be highly disappointed if he does not.  Ben Linus will go down as one of the most truly interesting, complex, dynamic characters ever created in any medium.  Michael Emerson, Damon Lindelof, Carlton Cuse, be proud of your creation.  We are.
     Plus, the episode had Leslie Artz (Daniel Roebuck), and that's always a good time.
     ABC will present 9 more episodes of Lost before the series finale Tuesday nights at 9pm.

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.