Indefinite stay
‘Lost,” ABC’s megahit about the survivors of an airplane crash on a deserted island – which turned out to be not so deserted after all – returns tonight with its first new episode in a while.
According to ABC, in “The 23rd Psalm,” tail-section strongman Mr. Eko (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) quizzes recovering addict Charlie (Dominic Monaghan) about his heroin-stuffed Virgin Mary statue; upon discovering Charlie’s secret, Claire (Emilie de Ravin) loses faith in him; and Jack (Matthew Fox) looks on as Kate (Evangeline Lilly) gives Sawyer (Josh Holloway) a haircut.
As hinted at by the guest-star list, the episode, written by executive producer Carlton Cuse and series co-creator Damon Lindelof, appears to include a flashback relating to Eko’s Nigerian past.
But viewers probably shouldn’t get their hopes up that it will provide a complete explanation for any one of the show’s myriad mysteries.
As Lindelof points out: “When have we given you a definitive answer to anything?”
Adds Cuse: “Basically, ‘Lost’ is one of those things where you have to appreciate the journey and try not to worry about the endpoint. We’re not in control of the endpoint.”
Serialized television is a curious thing. The writers control where a story begins, but networks usually say when it ends.
That’s especially true with a show that’s a hit, whether it’s “The X-Files” or “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” or “Lost.” Networks want hit shows to stay on as long as possible, even when the original story arcs should have long since come to natural conclusions.
“The reality is,” Lindelof says, “that Carlton, myself, J.J. (co-creator J.J. Abrams), the creative brains behind the ‘Lost’ universe, we could all band together and say, ‘We’re ending the show after three seasons because that’s the arc. They get off the island, and we reveal all the things we want to reveal.’
“And the network would say, ‘No, you won’t.’ They will hire somebody and do ‘Lost,’ with or without you.”
Beyond the network, real-life events can affect storytelling. On Dec. 1, two cast members who play recently introduced tail-section characters were arrested 15 minutes apart on charges of drunken driving in Hawaii, where the show is filmed.
The attorney for Cynthia Watros, who plays psychologist Libby, requested and was granted a continuance of the arraignment until Thursday, when she is expected to plead guilty. Michelle Rodriguez, who plays tough LAPD officer Ana-Lucia, has pleaded innocent; trial is set for March 30.
Rodriguez, who has had several brushes with the law, is on probation for previous traffic offenses in Los Angeles. Prosecutors there are expected to ask the court to schedule a probation-violation hearing.
Asked if producers have a contingency plan should Rodriguez fail to prevail in court, Cuse says, “We’re just going to see how things play out, and we’ll deal with it accordingly. She’s a really good part of the show. We really value her and her character and hope things work out in her favor.”
Apparently, Watros’ Libby will come to the fore in future episodes.
“She’s a little bit of a stealth surprise that we have cooking on the island,” Lindelof says. “That is going to be very cool, when the longer game reveals itself.”
No doubt Libby’s revelations will answer a few questions but also add to the ever-growing list of inexplicable things on the island – which includes unseen monsters, a polar bear, underground bunkers, a slave ship and a horse.
On the other hand, if you’re a dedicated fan of J.J. Abrams’ other ABC show, the spy drama “Alias” – which has a plot so convoluted that explaining it could cause a cerebral hemorrhage – you’ve long since learned not to sweat the small stuff.
“We suggest you do the same on ‘Lost,’ ” Lindelof says. “That’s between the lines here. If you’re watching the show because you’re waiting for the big answers to come, you have to understand that by the nature of what it is – it’s not a movie, it’s not a series of movies, it’s not a trilogy, it’s not a miniseries – it’s going to be on the air for as long as ABC wants to keep it on the air.
“How can you ever possibly think that ‘Lost’ will end in a satisfying way? Carlton and I can almost guarantee you that it will not.”