May 02, 2008

Something Nice Back Home

Welcome to another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Ari and Lauren are in Costa Rica, so I am flying solo tonight. Let's roll ...

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April 25, 2008

The Shape of Things to Come

My friend Chris has been great about IMing me the morning of "Lost" and giving me a good one-liner that really sets me up for this blog. Thursday morning he only sent me this: "I totally forgot that 'Lost 'started back up tonight. That's like f**king Christmas." Couldn't have said it better myself.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I am watching tonight's episode of "Lost" solo -- I needed to watch the East Coast feed so I wouldn't end up staying up all night. Gotta get my shuteye. Let's roll:

10:02 -- Previously on "Lost" has never been so useful. I almost forgot what was going on, it's been so long. So there was a plane crash, right?

Continue reading "The Shape of Things to Come" »

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April 07, 2008

What?

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April 03, 2008

LDQA -- 4/3

Finally!!!

Ok, a few quick things I want to get off my chest before we get started:

-- I am finally all caught up on "Battlestar Galactica." It's good, for sure. Great? I don't know if I can go that far. I was a HUGE fan of the show as a kid, and what they have done with it is amazing -- but sometimes I feel like the show tries a little too hard.

-- I feel like I did you all a disservice by not bringing this up sooner, but "In Treatment" is just beyond phenomenal. It's certainly not for everyone (it's essentially two people talking for 25 minutes) but the writing is amazing and every performance in it is top notch. The girl who plays Sophie deserves an Emmy now for sure. If you can On Demand it, I suggest you give it a shot.

-- If you want to see a totally f'ed up movie that is incredibly good, go see "Funny Games." It's about two yuppy kids who hold a yuppy family hostage and torture them. Is it a downer from start to finish? Absolutely. Is it a superbly-directed, amazingly well-acted movie? Definitely. Not for the faint of heart though, that's for sure.

-- I read every question that comes in. Some I include in the column, some I don't. What makes me pick some over others? I don't know -- I am just looking for the ones that sparks something in me. Most of the time I don't pick a question simply because I don't have a good answer. But keep 'em coming, please. They're all great.

Let's roll:

Q: Now that we know who the Oceanic 6 are, does it make sense to assume that the two other survivors who "died on the island" would have to be Claire (because she birthed Aaron) and Jin (because he had to have impregnated Sun)? -- Jenny

A: Yes. With everything we know now, that would make the most sense to me. But I don't think we know everything there is to know yet. I reserve the right to change my answer on this one.


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Posted by Daniel at 01:33 PM | | Comments (47)

April 02, 2008

LDQA MIA

Here's the deal ...

I planned on working on it Sunday, but I called into work.

I planned on working on it Monday, but I got sucked into finishing season 3 of "BSG." 

I planned on working on it Tuesday, but as I literally sat down to write it, I got called into work again.

I am cursed.

Barring an "American Idol" being rushed to the ER, I am plowing through it tonight. Honestly, it's my favorite thing to write and I hate letting questions sit there for a month. I plan on unleashing the biggest, baddest LDQA I have ever done.

In fact, I need your help with the first question ...
 

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March 21, 2008

Meet Kevin Johnson

I took off Thursday and Friday from work so I can stay home for four days straight and watch nothing but college basketball. Now that "Lost" is on, I kind of don't know what to do. Who would be the four number one seeds in the "Lost" tournament? I go with Ben, Locke, Jack and Sayid -- I think they best represent what "Lost" is about. I'd have to put Widmore in my Final 4 though somehow, he's becoming more and more of a player as things go on.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I am watching tonight's episode of "Lost" alone as Lauren is MIA and Ari wanted to wait and watch with her. Lauren's commitment to "Lost" is embarrassing these days and frankly I think it's time I take the show on the road once "Lost" comes back from hiatus. Anyone got room on their couch for me? I'll bring the chips! Let's roll ...

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March 14, 2008

Ji Yeon

LostAfter this episode, we only have one more left until we go on Writers Strike hiatus. It's been a good run so far and I will be curious to see how the writers adjust after the hiatus. Here's a suggestion: Answer some questions. Just a thought.

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March 07, 2008

Another Woman

"So because last week's 'Lost' was so good, does that automatically mean that this week's has to suck?"

That was the IM I got from my friend Chris on Thursday morning and now I have the fear of God in me. Is it possible? Can "Lost" be that good last week and this week too? One can only hope ...

Continue reading "Another Woman" »

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February 29, 2008

The Constant

Hey, it's Daniel here, back with another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

To battle through the doldrums of the week, several TMZ staffers compete in a weekly tournament of a game we invented called Dartball. I had never won a Dartball tournament until February 1 -- the day after "Lost" premiered. I have now won four in a row, meaning I am undefeated for as long as "Lost" has been on this year. Coincidence?

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This Is Why We Watch

This is an email I got tonight before I went to sleep. My full rewiew in the morning, obviously, but this is just something to hold you over, courtesy of Angie ...

Hi Daniel,

Just finished watching this week's episode of LOST (2/28) and I HOPE you give it an A in tomorrow's recap.  I LOVED IT!!!! and not ashamed to say so. Any episode with Desmond has proved to be a memorable episode in my opinion.  My youngest daughter (12) and I are avid fans and I'm happy this show keeps us talking to each other (you know how teenagers can be - well I'm not THAT old but still). My oldest (15) joined us tonight and while trying to explain just a fraction of what was going on proved to be so confusing to her she said "Now I know why its called LOST".   *SIGH*

I won't speculate on anything that happened in this episode as apparently I'm not that smart (my only speculation is that Sayid is 'the man on the boat' that Ben/Henry Gale is talking about) all I can say is I was breathless, my skin was tingling throughout the episode and hearing my oldest daughter saying "this is scary" was good enough for me. Maybe its back to what LOST was all about - where you are on the edge of your seat waiting for what is going to happen next and then CURSING (okay in my brain, not outloud due to children in the room) that it was over for the week!

Thanks for your recaps, I really appreciate your wit.  My most favorite line you have ever written was "Red Rover, Red Rover, send John Locke over".  I still laugh when I think about it. 

Keep up the great writing and THANK YOU for the LOST Diary I LOVE IT!
Angie

Posted by Daniel at 12:08 AM | | Comments (93)

February 28, 2008

LDQA -- 2/28

Friends don't let friends blog angry.

That's what my friend Chris told me earlier this week and he's right. I was in a bad mood when I watched "Lost" and I don't think it affected my opinion of the show (it wasn't that good no matter what mood I was in) but it did affect my ability to write about it. I left things out I probably should have mentioned and didn't really bring much to the table -- though, as you'll see now, I had a lot to offer.

So that was my bad. Let's forget about it and move on ...

Q: Does anyone remember that Claire is Jack’s half sister??? So that would make Aaron Jack’s nephew. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t want to see him? Or wouldn’t he want to see him if he was family? -- Rebecca

A: Among my regrets from last week's Diary is not making some mention of this. Yes, obviously we know that Jack and Claire are half-siblings. And yes, it is conceivable, maybe even probable, that Jack has learned that by the time last week's flashforward takes place. I didn't mention it because we don't know what Jack has learned at that point, so it felt fruitless to guess. Here is what feels important to me ...

Continue reading "LDQA -- 2/28" »

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February 22, 2008

Eggtown

Hey, it's Daniel here, back with another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

I want to touch on two things I mentioned last week -- real quick. First, I like the flashforwards, but I don't think I want them to be an every week thing. I'd still like flashbacks on Danielle, Richard and Ben, at the least. Second, if "The Economist" scored a solid 9.5 on the Creepy Episode Title Scale, then "Eggtown" is 2.5. I almost hope this episode sucks so I don't ever have to say, "You know, 'Eggtown' is one of the best episodes of 'Lost' ever." Ugh, even typing that hurt a little.

Continue reading "Eggtown" »

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February 21, 2008

LDQA -- 2/21

Welcome to the first LDQA for season four of "Lost." I think the first three episodes have been quite solid, but maybe not earth-shattering. But there is no denying they have left us with plenty of questions, so let's get to 'em.

Q: I love the blog but....since it doesn't appear until the next day...how do we know you typed it as  you watched it, and that all your predictions are not cooked up after the fact? Still think its really clever but... I do wonder.... -- ElChe

A: How dare you?!?!?!?! Just kidding. Ok, here is how it all goes down -- and not even Lauren knows this.

Continue reading "LDQA -- 2/21" »

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February 15, 2008

The Economist

Hey, it's Daniel here, back with another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

I believed in my heart of hearts that last night's episode of "Lost" was going to be epic. I even told someone at work as much. Now, mind you, this is based on nothing. I haven't seen one commercial, read one article, or heard one thing to make me believe this. But I had two "reasons" for believing it anyway. First, the first two episodes of the season were appetizers. They were good, but I am far from full. Second, tonight's episode is called "The Economist." WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!? It's a perfect 10 on the creepy scale.


Continue reading "The Economist" »

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February 08, 2008

Confirmed Dead

Hey, it's Daniel here, back with another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

In the week since the premiere aired, I think I've had about 1,500 conversations about "Lost." I don't understand how people watch the show on DVD and just plow through episode after episode. I need the full week to digest what just happened.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Tonight I am watching the show by myself -- time constraints prevented me from watching it with the whole crew.

Then there's this: I'm hosting "TMZ" tonight. Weird, right? Click here to find out when it's on in your area.

Let's roll:

6:01 -- With the title of this episode being "Confirmed Dead," I have a feeling this underwater camera we're looking it is looking for the survivors of the crash of Oceanic Flight 815. As Naomi said last season, everyone thinks they're dead -- and as I said, someone probably went through a lot of trouble to make that happen. This could be that story.
Lost
6:02 -- Yup, it's the plane. Wow, a major prediction of mine from last season has just been proven right. Hang on a sec while I pat myself on the back ... Ok, done.

Continue reading "Confirmed Dead" »

Posted by Daniel at 07:51 AM | | Comments (181)

February 01, 2008

The Beginning of the End

Hey it's Daniel here with the first edition of the "Lost" Diary for 2008 -- man, that felt good to write.

If you're like me -- a crazy TV fan with more season passes on his TiVo than you can keep track of -- 2008 is off to a terrible start. The writer's strike has basically grounded TV to a halt. "The Moment of Truth" and "American Gladiators" will never be shown on my TV, ever. So the premiere of a "Lost," an event unto itself, takes on extra meaning this year.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes. I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Since I've moved into a nice new place, complete with a brand new comfy couch, I am hosting tonight's festivities -- just Ari and Lauren (aka the "Lost" Nazi). I couldn't be any more excited. Let's roll:

9:00 -- Previously on "Lost" features Charlie's death (memories, like the corners of my mind) and Ben uttering the words "Making that call is the beginning of the end." Not only is that the title of tonight's episode, but given what Jack's flash forward showed us, it's also the theme of the season.
Lost

Continue reading "The Beginning of the End" »

Posted by Daniel at 07:37 AM | | Comments (209)

January 31, 2008

One more thing ...

Let's not post anything about tonight's show until the Diary goes up tomorrow.

Thanks.

 

Posted by Daniel at 03:52 PM | | Comments (6)

LDQA -- Twas the Afternoon Before "Lost" Edition

So people keep asking me, "Is the Lost Diary going to be on TMZ again?" And the answer is ... I don't know. My boss hasn't decided if he wants to post it yet, but hey -- that's what this site is for! So either way, check back here tomorrow around noon ET. Good times.

Let's roll:

Q: Hey Daniel. I was wondering who "he" was (the "he" that Kate mentions in last season's awesome flashforward) and I was wondering if it was possibly Kate and Sawyer's baby. I think that would be pretty cool. I just don't think that it'll be Sawyer though, that's just too obvious. If it isn't baby Skate then the guy will be someone we haven't met yet- or maybe she's looking after someone, like Locke? Just thought of that now. Well, just wondering your opinions. -- Jonty, from the U.K.

A: What a great name, Skate. Anyway, Sawyer seems too obvious, yes. So I like "person we haven't met yet." For the record, I also like Michael for "guy who died that left Jack a sniveling mess."

Continue reading "LDQA -- Twas the Afternoon Before "Lost" Edition" »

Posted by Daniel at 01:46 PM | | Comments (15)

What Was That?

Is it me or did last night's enahanced version of "Lost" suck? I turned it off after 20 minutes because I didn't really need to know that "Ben is angry" or "Shephard must lead his flock." Who wrote that crap?

Question, did it get any better? 

Posted by Daniel at 07:44 AM | | Comments (30)

January 30, 2008

Top Ten Shows on Television -- #5

5. Pushing Daisies

"Pushing Daisies" is not the best show on TV (duh, it's 5th!). But I will say this: it might be the best example of television.

What I mean to say is this: a lot of people like to bash television as a whole. I call them "idiots." These are the people that brag, "I don't even own a television." How do they know where all their furniture should point? I loathe these people. My saying is, "I look down on people who look down on television."

Anyway, if you had to show someone who hated TV one show, why not this one? Unless you just don't "get it" ("too sugary" was a complaint I got from some friends) this show is almost flawless. It looks amazing, the writing is top notch (I get choked up every single week) and it has a very fantastical feel to it that is just unmatched by anything else.

In a pilot season completely devoid of anything good -- "Chuck," "DSM" and "Gossip Girl" are the only other shows worth watching -- "PD" has immediately entrenched itself as one of my favorite shows on TV.

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