"...the beginning of the end"

(life gets better tonight)

actually, life got a little better last night with the encore performance of one of the best two hours of television i have ever witnessed. those two hours were the lost, season 3, finale, "through the looking glass.", the episode that redefined the endless possibilities for the show through the mind-blowing realization at the end of the event that we had just witnessed lost's first "flash-forward". not only was taking that trip again last night a more than pleasurable experience even on the second go-round, but abc made it even more worthwhile in creating a "pop-up" experience to go along with the show. unbelievable. i was tense as i watched (and read) last night, though i knew everything that was about to happen. that's one of the reasons that my crush on this show grows worse with each new chapter. not only is the story as deep and interesting as anything that's been on television since the x-files, but the creators and masterminds that make and design the show are absolute experts in pacing and suspense. in addition to that, they are so fully aware of the universe they've created and the (larger than your average) cult that lives vicariously in it that they know exactly what buttons to push in order to manipulate our experience into being as gripping as possible.

have there been a couple missteps along the journey? sure. the nikki and paulo storyline was annoying. the nikki/paulo-centric show that buried them for good was an unnecessary exercise in style and a bit too reactive to every lost fan wanting them to go away, but it was still worth watching. the weird scheduling of the show has been bothersome and after finally getting it right and deciding to do the final three seasons in three separate, 16 consecutive week jolts, this idea looks now to be interrupted by the stupid writer's strike. when will we get to see the second half of season four??? who knows. let's wait and worry about that two months from now.

and so, tonight, season four cometh. if you are not on the island yet, it's not too late. the two-hour night of fabulous-ness this evening kicks off with a recap hour that will take a look back at the main storylines that we've followed through the first three seasons. the most reverential to the show, mainstream media critic you will find, doc jensen of entertainment weekly, gives us his preseason cheat sheet here.

if you are not watching this show and claim to like things that are better than american idol, you are either being stubborn or foolish. if you like suspense, this show is for you. if you like romance, there is a romantic quadrangle (thank you, pop-up lost) to die for. if you've ever questioned your faith, the island can be your sanctuary. if you've ever found yourself blindly following or in love with someone or something so deeply that you would risk your life and the lives of others for it, there are at least four separate storylines, just tonight, you could find solace in. if you like being invested in something that you can talk about with your friends for hours, watch the premiere and you'll be hooked. i promise. if i am wrong, you can tell me tomorrow.

do i sound urgent? am i placing too much importance in my (and your) viewing a television show? you are damn right i am. because even the most enlightened of us watch tv. sometimes to escape. sometimes to drone out. sometimes, selfishly, to remind ourselves that our lives aren't as crappy as the people on reality tv or that "we" are a lot smarter than "them". so, if we are all going to waste some time with our friend, the tv, you might as well waste time with the best it has to offer, right?

in the season 3 opener, the image of others-ville was branded into my long-term memory. i can only imagine what awaits tonight.

jacob, my initial reaction will be on your blog tonight. fare thee well to those that think they are too cool, too good, too smart, too busy or "watch too much tv already to add another show to my free time." it's your loss.

it's my lost.