I have given the show Lost the time it requires (and a chance) in order to study J. J. Abrams at work. He did great in Alias, but Lost's storyline seems to be pushing TV forward. While any TV show, especially that which is dramatic and scary, is unusual for me, but I'm giving it a go. Lost is demanding attention from its viewers, bringing characters' lives alarmingly close, and including minute, minute details (a continuing result of the fabulous invention of TV on DVD). It is a challenge to watch, to follow- it's work. And, how complete it is- being written entirely, planned and connected, giving people and experiences purpose. And how complex and mysterious. The themes of forgiveness, acceptance of a higher, yet ambiguous power, real purpose for human life, on television! All with characters who have failure, lies, and hidden disgraces! And of course some gratuitous scenes of nudity and near-nudity! There's a beautiful moment of near infinity when three of the women characters have a discussion in the face of doom in the 1st season's finale (I've watched 1.5 seasons)- each a different perspective the culminates in a Greek chorus of human searching. In that moment I signed on for the remainder; I'll finish the series.
I had read only 2.5 of Ms. Rowling's books (grade school) up to this point of my self-hood. A couple of weeks ago, I restarted. I'm on Prisoner of Azkabam now. I'll be done with the series by the time school starts in four weeks. Nick's got all the books and movies, so it's conveniently free. I dig. I'm impressed with J.K.'s ability to wraps lives and meanings together; she not only creates a world, but gives it a faith and purpose. I'm genuinely interested in it. The children (the heroes!) are so endearing, partly because of their human imperfection. Potter's a great read for me because it's such a break for me from my major's required reading (Let's just say that some of my professors pick books solely on the books' moral vacuousness or/and labyrinthine nihilism {too much meaningless incest}...). It's nice to see some real heart in the pain of wizard world.
Lost and Harry Potter seem to reveal information to the audience in the most tantalizing and necessary ways. They encourage the reader/viewer to follow in a search for something of meaning. If anything, they both are certainly thought out. Classic, classic human pain, struggle, and achievement.
Nick's not afraid to admit that he loves stories; I, and all of us, do too.
