Lost has a knack for taking an idea and expounding it several times over.  While most viewers will leave the sixth and final season premiere of Lost baffled, ‘LA X’ is by no means all tease and no reward.

The Smoke Monster

This is by no means a surprise, but the reveal of Other Locke being a human form of the Smoke Monster is still an immensely gratifying moment.  For loyal fans, it might feel like a great weight has been lifted.   Of course, the massacre that ensues doesn’t hurt either.  What’s interesting is that despite its polymorphic ability, Other Locke might not be accountable for Jacob’s apparition soon after his demise.  Something tells me even Smokie has a hard time being at two places at the same time, but what do I know.

The new question the premiere raises is where Other Locke’s home lies.  Due to the premiere’s extra dose of biblical imagery, I immediately thought of hell…but that would mean Richard is an angel?  Well, I’m too seasoned at this to overthink the subject matter and give myself a headache.  Only time will tell.

The Temple

Apparently, the Temple is where old cultures come to die.  Somehow, team Darlton has managed to illustrate a mystical place that seems to give hints of Egyptian, Incan, Tibetan and many other cultures.  While the sudden introduction of this new atmosphere is alright by me, I do wonder exactly how this particular brand of Others have managed to keep themselves isolated for so long.  After all, tunnels and guns do not necessarily equate to an impenetrable fortress.

What is the relationship between the Others on the beach and those at the Temple?  Despite that hint that they are allies, the difference between them seems night and day.

The Top of the Food Chain

Every season, Lost develops a figure (or figures) who represent the key to the island’s many secrets.  Since the show’s usage of characters is often compared to pawns in a chess game, you have to wonder just how many other pieces there are.  With the likes of Ben, Charles, Eloise, Richard, Jacob, Other Locke, and now “mysterious Japanese fellow,” the number of key holders keeps on expanding.  Is there a definitive hierarchy in terms of wealth of knowledge here?

This is the dilemma that I feel Lost has warped itself into.  After all, the great Benjamin Linus seems nothing more than a broken, feeble doll.  Yet, after 30 years of loyal service, his curiosity has never once gotten the best of him regarding the Monster or Jacob?  Yes, he’s a mastermind manipulator, but describing him as a blind fool might not be all that inappropriate, especially since he’s asking the same questions we are.  It makes me question the origin of conviction of previous island leaders as well.

And with Richard knocked unconscious, the food chain continues to transform…

The Two Timelines

The basic principles of Lost’s new plot device is not that uncommon.  In fact, J. J. Abrams’ other baby a.k.a. Fringe is entirely centered around this concept.  What, then, makes this special?

Again, the premiere remains most rewarding for those of us still sticking around for the end game.  Ultimately, the alternate timeline relies mostly on emotional resonance rather than plot twists.  It is incredibly disconcerting at first, but the two timelines just might help balance the emotional and mythological needs of the show.  It has always been my hope that Lost would eventually bring back old characters in some manner as a form of tribute, so you can imagine my giddy at seeing Boone, Charlie, Arzt and even Frogurt.

However, this feeling of satisfaction is entirely contingent upon what I hope is an eventual coming together of these two worlds.  While I trust the writers, I am stating right now that delivering two different endings would be the absolute worst way to end the series and a complete cop-out.  Still, I’m hopeful until proven otherwise.

The Verdict

As with any Lost premiere, this one left me slightly dizzy but ultimately exhilarated.  While nothing compares to the awe of the pilot, this premiere currently holds steady at second place.  With lots of catching up, resolutions, reveals and yes, twists, ‘LA X’ is quintessential Lost through and through.

Rating: 9.4/10

Popularity: 16% [?]

Ever wondered what Sheldon might be like without sleep?  ‘The Einstein Approximation’ feels like a step up from the world of The Big Bang Theory by introducing a bigger, crazier Sheldon.  The results is to be expected: entertainment at its best.

2+2+1+1

For some reason, the presence of two taken scientists is starting to cause a rift between the characters with girlfriends and those without.  Suddenly, all interactions either revolve around Sheldon or relationships.  This is by no means a bad thing, but it does limit the number of storylines the show can substantially explore.  It’s all comaraderie on The Big Bang Theory, but what about individual development?  The unfortunate few like Raj gets to be the definitive sidekick without a chance to ever evolve.

This would be a major detriment to the show, but thanks to its constant barrage of jokes and hilarious storylines, the show remains top notch.  However, here’s to hoping that some change comes to the show comes its fourth year.  There’s consistency and then there’s risk taking.  The Big Bang Theory is not the latter.

Rating: 8/10

Popularity: 8% [?]

The message of this week’s Fringe?  Talent runs in the family.  ‘The Bishop Revival’ is more or less an episode dedicated to the Bishop family tree.

Air Track

The case of the week is not one of my favorites.  For some reason, the various traits of the toxin reminded me a great deal of last week’s case.  Perhaps it is the similarities, but the episode felt more procedural than ever before.  Somehow, the crime, the investigation, the follow-up and the resolution has slightly decreased in entertainment over the past few weeks.  In any case, Fringe has had much more interesting cases in the past.

Interestingly enough, the case does provide an Easter Egg for fans still paying attention to the symbols during commercial breaks.  The sea horse has officially made its way into the show.

Walter Bishop

Aside from the regular investigation, the episode does show a darker side to Walter Bishop, one that is reminiscent of the original Walter Bishop before his hypocampus was removed.  For cutting edge science, the ethics behind experimentation is always explored on Fringe.  So many villains on the show agrees with the philosophy that the end justifies the means.  It is surprising that Broyles would let Bishop’s murder go so casually.

It is another day as usual on Fringe this week.  Despite my lackluster reception of ‘The Bishop Revival’, what does excite me is the promo for next week’s episode.  Once again, Fringe comes back with another mythology-driven episode right as I am about to be bored.  Good riddance.

Rating: 7/10

Popularity: 8% [?]

While a reboot does not feel necessary for a young show like Damages, its Season 3 premiere feels exactly as such.  Despite the presence of several familiar elements, the show has mysteriously shifted gears in more subtle ways to once again catch viewers off guard.

Bad Bad Better

The show is notorious for its morally corrupt, self-serving set of characters.  Yes, they are intelligent and intriguing, but a day without lies is nonexistent in the world of Damages.  In this sense, the premiere still retains its infamy with the underhanded dealings of Patty Hewes.  However, the dosage and extremity of everyone’s actions are significantly toned down in this episode.  No, it doesn’t mean they are innocent in the long run (the flashforwards implicate pretty much every cast member to some very form shady business), but the introduction feels much more character-driven rather than plot-centric.

Therefore, viewers are no longer barraged with a constant sense of corruption.  Instead, ‘Your Secrets Are Safe’ develops a sense of pause and evolution, especially for Ellen and Patty, who seem more human than ever before.  The introduction of the new cast also establishes their personality rather than their guilt.  While there is a prevailing sense of secrecy at every turn, it is not the focus, at least not this week.

Is it possible the show is allowing viewers to care about the characters?  This is the biggest twist of all.

Time Relativity

There is also a noticeable difference in the usage of the time jump.  The previous two seasons employ the time jump to discombobulate viewers.  By showing a past that bares no resemblance to the inevitable future, the intrigue is figuring out how the characters get there over the course of the show.  The premiere still retains this relationship, but also establishes several key elements six months earlier that is later seen in the flashforwards (i.e. the purse, the homeless man and Tom Shayes).  Given their connection to a mystery yet unknown, it is not simply our job to be thrown off course, but to put together the pieces of the puzzle in a much more deliberate manner.  Thus, the relationship between the present and the future is not only seeded in the characters, but a Lost-like commentary between two disparate time periods.

Talent

I won’t mention this every week, but the immense talent Damages attracts continues to impress me.  With a stellar cast that includes Lily Tomlin, Reiko Aylesworth, Martin Short, Campbell Scott, and of course, existing powerhouses Glenn Close and Rose Byrne, it is not only a trust in the writing that keeps me returning.  With a group like this, they can do the chicken dance and still manage to get an emotional response from me.

All in all, ‘Your Secrets Are Safe’ delivers in an unexpected yet understated manner.  After two seasons, it seems like a guarantee that the third installment if Damages will continue to surprise viewers.

Rating: 9.6/10

Popularity: 9% [?]

Chew, an American comic series by John Layman and Rob Guillory, is one of those rare treats where you truly feel like you’ve never read anything quite like it.  The result is an interesting blend of comedy, mystery and an over-the-top tale of violent, futuristic crime drama.

Cibopathy

The story centers around Tony Chu, one of few cibopaths in the world.  With cibopathy, Tony can eat anything and recall its history.  With the illegalization of chicken, Tony’s position at the FDA makes him a member of one of the most powerful organizations in the world.  It is with this crazy premise that the series begins, and it only gets more insane as it continues.

All the Right Ingredients

It is not simply the original premise that sets Chew apart, but the writing as well.  Despite Tony’s habit of biting his way through crime, the witty writing helps alleviate some of the more unappetizing scenes.  The cast of characters never experiences a dull moment, especially since they are as off-kilter and they come.  In terms of tone, Chew has a wide array of tools at its disposal.  At times, it has the airy, fairytale-like delivery of Pushing Daisies.  Other times, it is reminiscent of the bloody carnage of a Quentin Taratino film.  Couple that with its crime investigation and out-of-this-world assassins, there is something for everyone.

The Mythology

The series starts off with a bang and never looks back.  It does so convincingly because the creators have a distinct plan for the show.  Every element introduced in the series feels decisive and with a purpose.  Don’t let its premise fool you; Chew has plenty of meat to its mythology.

This is a series that has found incredible success recently.  After reading a few issues, it’s clear why.  In addition to originality, Chew has the artistic flare and witty writing to back up its crazy story.  You won’t want to put this bad boy down.

Popularity: 12% [?]