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Without Hope, All Is Lost
Today’s TV sermon, inspired by tonight’s wonderfully entertaining Hurley-centric episode of Lost, is all about hope. About not giving up hope, even when the TV gods seem to be working against our innate optimism that all good things come to those who patiently wait and watch.
I have hope for Lost, always have had. The show may never regain the mass audience of its first season, and that was probably inevitable. As the show got denser and the island more cluttered with new characters and enigmas, not all created equal, the impatient among us gave up, screaming “not another Twin Peaks!” and drifted away to more predictable shores. Their loss. Even at its worst, which arguably came in the ill-conceived six-episode “pod” last fall, Lost is still one of TV’s most ambitious and spectacular productions, blessed with a fascinatingly diverse cast (this year, largely underused until now) that reveals new depths with each flashback into their back stories. For all of the whining about the withholding of answers, some absolutely justified and some just an example of whining for whining’s sake, the level of storytelling on Lost is generally among TV’s most absorbing.
(Wasn’t it interesting that when Heroes employed the Lost approach this week, giving us compelling flashbacks into HRG’s history and revealing unexpected connections with characters like Claude and Hiro’s dad, all of this framing a thrilling real-time adventure, the show delivered its first truly four-star episode.)
Anyway, back to Hurley (the invaluable Jorge Garcia), who in this week’s episode decides to snap himself, and by extension Lost itself, out of the funk everyone has been in since the Others took Kate, Sawyer and Jack captive, altering the show’s focus in a way very few found satisfying.
“We could all use some fun,” Hurley declares after discovering the ruins of a car in the jungle. Said car triggers (what else) flashbacks to Hurley’s pre-island life, including his abandonment by his father (Cheech Marin) and more fallout from the “curse” of those blasted lottery numbers.
Is Hurley’s curse related to the woes of Charlie, who’s still haunted by Desmond’s premonitions of his impending doom? Don’t look for answers. Instead, roll with Hurley’s life-affirming watchcry: “Let’s make our own luck!” The end result is an uplifting joyride that reminds us that, as with most classic TV shows, Lost’s greatest asset is its indelible characters.
As someone says tonight, it’s never too late for a fresh start. In the case of Lost, it’s absolutely not too late. In fact, it’s just in time. If you’re so inclined, enjoy.
And while we’re on the subject of hope, here’s what else I hope:
That NBC will do the right thing and renew Friday Night Lights for a second season. As people slowly discover it, and realize that it’s about so much more than football, I believe its audience will grow. Not into a blockbuster, but into the sort of prestige item that NBC can not only be proud of but make money from. (The recent episodes, dealing with racial tensions on the team and parental tensions as the coach’s daughter considered losing her virginity, have been the best yet.)
That Veronica Mars, when it returns from hiatus in (presumably) late April, will go out on a high with self-contained episodes that illuminate character over convoluted mystery. The who-killed-the-Dean denouement this Tuesday wasn’t as ludicrous as last season’s rooftop climax, but it felt rushed and ultimately a bit ridiculous. Forget Veronica being a modern Nancy Drew. This time she was acting more like Perry Mason. (Have I given up hope, refuting today’s gospel, for a fourth season? A bit. I still enjoy the characters, but feel it has kind of played itself out. I’d be happy to be proved wrong, especially if it means we get to see Veronica get the FBI internship poor Professor Landry helped set up for her.)
That Heroes can sustain its momentum from this week’s best-ever episode.
That Supernatural fans will forgive me for my churlish response in Monday’s Ask Matt column to the e-mail blitz from those desperate to keep the show alive. I was overwhelmed, to be sure, but I hear your pain and am glad to share your concern. I also hope the network gives me a third season to finally get with the program.
What do you hope for? Let me know below or in the Ask Matt forum.
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Feb 28, 2007 12:24 PM
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Matt,
Thanks, as always, for keeping the love alive for Friday Night Lights.
And regarding Supernatural, you're forgiven from this fan. Thanks for the shout-out.
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Feb 28, 2007 1:26 PM
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Ditto to your hopes for Heroes, Friday Night Lights, and Veronica Mars. I also hope Gilmore Girls continues on its current path and the end of SG-1 is a credit to the series.
As for Supernatural (other than praying for more fans and a third season), my hope is simply that you will continue to watch. If season two doesn't cause you to join in our enthusiasm, so be it. At least you'll have all the evidence. No matter what your ultimate opinion, I think you'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the show itself and everyone involved.
ETA: I would gladly forgive you, but the only part that upset me was that you weren't through season one, yet!
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Feb 28, 2007 1:47 PM
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Re: Supernatural - You are definitely forgiven!
I share your hope for Friday Night Lights. I am one of those fans who discovered it late. And the only reason I even gave it a chance was the high accolades it was given on this site, from both the critics and the bloggers who share my taste in shows. I never thought I'd like a show "about football", but it is soooo much more than that. Anyone who hasn't given it a shot yet should definitely do so!
I'm still hoping for a fourth season of Veronica Mars. I would love to see Veronica at the FBI internship....
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Feb 28, 2007 1:47 PM
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Thank you Matt!
I'm often mystified by your often sour comments towards TV shows that I love, but your comments about tonight's Lost, and for the show in general have given me not only a renewed interest in your thoughts, but also a renewed interest in the show. I've always loved it, but I agree with you almost 100% about the show's recent failings (not counting the first two episodes back from the hiatus), and tonight couldn't come soon enough.
Also, kudos on keeping up with Hereos, despite your mild dislike. Monday's ep was beyond amazing, and it appears that next weeks will be just as great. I feel like this show delivers when it promises a fantastic episode (unlike last week's disappointing Lost), so I have hope that the show is only moving up in terms of quality. Its finding its footing, and its doing so with flying colors.
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Feb 28, 2007 1:51 PM
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Matt,
Thanks for your take on Supernatural's return and for acknowledging those of us who are the faithful and who only rage against the injustice because we do care a great deal about the show and it's wonderful crew and outstanding cast. As someone who doesn't always fit the demographics that networks and advertisers strive for (48 years old), it's sometimes nice to know that they hear our voices, not dismiss them. There's a sense of helplessness as viewers and fans that sometimes requires venting and I, for one, appreciate that you acknowledge that we were heard.
Thanks again!
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Feb 28, 2007 1:53 PM
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Thanks Matt for not being affected by over exuberance towards supporting our Supernatural. I hope you get to watch the second half of the season...especially Born Under a Bad Sign...you'll like it!
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Feb 28, 2007 2:01 PM
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Yes, we want Friday Night Lights to renewed. You are so right - it is about much more than football. Family, relationships, friends, cultural diversity. I just love this show. And it seems to get better and better.
Heroes is awesome. I don't think we have to worry about this show.
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Feb 28, 2007 2:09 PM
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Hi Matt - I posted your paragraph of hope for Supernatural to the SN "watercooler" blog and feel compelled to say a big "THANKS" for your support! Season 2 is, indeed, exceeding expectations in both the storytelling and character development aspects.
And can Friday Night Lights get any better?! What a fantastic show! Let's hope that NBC recognizes the preoccupation with American Idol that grips the nation this time of year is TEMPORARY and that there are more of us without those nifty ratings boxes who tune in and log on to watch this outstanding show!
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Feb 28, 2007 2:11 PM
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You are certainly forgiven Matt, I'm sure we obsessive Supernatural fans can be overwhelming at times. Thank you for being patient with us, and joining us in our hopes for a third season. I'm sure by the time you've seen all of season 2 you'll understand our exuberance.
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Feb 28, 2007 2:15 PM
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I hope:
That your FNL hopes come true!!
That Gilmore Girls stays on it's path to recovery to at least end on a high note. (Great to see Lorelai back in Lorelai form this week)
That the Addison spin-off doesn't suck and ruin the original. And if it does suck, that we can just bring Kate Walsh back to Seattle Grace and forget the whole thing ever happened. (And sticking with Greys----That Katie Heigel figures out the contract issues and sticks around)
That Lindelof/Cuse/Abrams get to finish Lost the way they want to.
And that I never have to read another letter as horribly disturbing as the one in Ask Matt on Monday regarding gays on Men In Trees. I realize this is unfortunately the least likely to happen of all my hopes, but I sat there with my jaw on the floor so amazed that someone would send that in that I had to put it in this list.
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Feb 28, 2007 2:36 PM
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Thank you, Matt, for generously apologizing to the Supernatural community. Here's hoping that you (and the rest of us) get to keep traveling with the Winchesters for not just a third, but many seasons yet to come!
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Feb 28, 2007 2:38 PM
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Matt, we Supernatural fans are forgiving folks 
As an X-Files/Buffy/Angel/Firefly/SportsNight fan, it's difficult to find intelligently written and witty shows with compelling characters these days (and a little spooky doesn't hurt). They usually get cancelled after only a season or two.
That's why I watch shows like SN, Lost and Veronica Mars - so thank you for the shout-out to them! Lost is as good as its ever been, in my opinion and I'm glad lots of us are still watching!
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Feb 28, 2007 2:42 PM
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This Supernatural fan forgives you for your "churlish" response. I can understand it was a little overwhelming being bombarded by so many emails. LOL I just hope that you will continue to watch and voice your support and would you get caught up on the season already....geesh! :p BUABS had to have been the best ep since the Season 1 finale!!!
HOPING & PRAYING FOR A SEASON 3!!!!
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Feb 28, 2007 3:02 PM
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My hopes:
That Lost is given the green light to end on its terms; that the majority of the survivors do not survive the series finale; that we get to see Michael and Walt again; and that the so-called "fans" would stop griping about the lack of answers and just enjoy the ride.
That Battlestar Galactica is not granted a 22 episode fourth season, as that would apparently mean the end of the series.
That Veronica Mars find a way to use all the characters that we have grown to love in the final 5 episodes; that the Pussycat Dolls show does worse in the ratings than Veronica Mars (doubtful); and that Gilmore Gilrs is canceled in favor of a VM renewal (again doubtful).
That FOX stop saying "Coming Soon" for the premiere of Drive and actually promote the show's premiere date; that Drive live up to the promise of the previews; and that Nathan Fillion and Amy Acker finally find something they can stick around on for a while.
That David Boreanaz get off his high horse and acknowledge that Angel is a career-defining character for him, and that there is nothing wrong with that.
That I never hear the name Anna-Nicole Smith again.
And finally, that Matt Roush shows up as a special guest star on a tvguide.com podcast soon!
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Feb 28, 2007 3:04 PM
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