Lost for the Final Time

The wait is nearly over and soon the last episode of Lost will be aired.

Some have been billing it the television event of the year and further proof of how momentous it is, the episode will be simulcast over parts of the world when it's aired at the same time as the U.S. West Coast.

Sky1 in the UK, Fox Italia and Telecom Italia in Italy, Cuatro Spain, Fox Spain and Portugal, Digiturk Turkey, HOT Israel will broadcast the airing despite the time difference. While CTV Canada will broadcast the finale at the same time as the U.S. East Coast. Other international networks will air the finale in 24-48 of the broadcast.

It's hard to fathom the significance of this simulcast which is normally reserved for award shows and sport events. I do wonder if other shows that have a big international audience will get the same chance to broadcast their final episode.

One thing that has helped this show is the fact there was a clear time frame for when the show was to end. Heroes, which was also an international hit was recently cancelled. If a rumoured 2 hour movie does happen will NBC do the same?

Over the past six seasons I've enjoyed the unexplained elements of Lost. There are many things that I don't understand and I'm not sure I ever will. I believe there are questions that won't be answered in the finale. Regardless of this I've enjoyed the whole series from the smoke monster to polar bears, time jumping to flash forwards, backwards and sideways.

One day I'll sit down and watch all the episodes over again and I'm sure I'll discover things that I missed the first time. Until then I've got my snacks ready to enjoy the ride for one final time.

Is ABC's Wednesday Night Complete?

Ugly Betty had it first airing at 10pm on Wednesday but is it a good fit with ABC's comedy block.

It's now been established that ABC has hit the right note with new comedies Modern Family and Cougar Town. With these breakout shows and The Middle, Wednesday has become a success for the network. There have been obvious hiccups, with the now cancelled Hank and Eastwick. Repeats of Modern Family have since taken Hank's spot but this week a new episode of The Middle was aired.

Eastwick's lost has been Ugly Betty gain. As soon as news broke of Eastwick's cancellation, talk was being made about Ugly Betty receiving that slot. The show had been struggling on Friday and fans thought a move could save the show from possible cancellation.

This meant Lost had to move to Tuesdays; I guess the network didn't want to change a winning team. With Lost airing its final season, it could be seen as ABC testing what could possibly be the line-up come September. It's a safe bet that Modern Family and Cougar Town will be renewed. The Middle has a good chance and this week's ratings will help their case, achieving 8.2 million, with a little help from an appearance from Brooke Shields.

The 8pm slot is still up for grabs and Better Off Ted fans would like the show to be moved there. Unfortunately with low ratings and the network burning off double episodes to finish its order in January, its unlikely to return for a third season. Scrubs will get the 8pm slot on January 27th and February 3rd, to finish off its current season. Ratings for them has also been disappointing. The show has been less impressive and should have ended last season.

Ugly Betty's Wednesday debut only managed 5.1m, less then the average of the cancelled Eastwick. Some of the episodes have been better than last season and Justin's growth has been interesting and touching to watch. Part of the problem is that once people stop watching, it's hard to get them back. When people are raving about other shows, then you end up checking those out instead; too many people have given up on this show. If ratings don't improve for the next few episodes, then I think I'll be proved right in my prediction of this show being cancelled.

Lost Catchup in 8 minutes

If you've missed any of Lost, check this 8 minute catchup

My Hits List of 2009

There have been a lot of best and worst of 2009 lists floating around and I thought I'll do my own little list. My previous post listed my misses of 2009 and now I give you my hits.

Not sure why I started to watch you but you're actually quite good - The Good Wife

Breakout star in a bad show - Katie Cassidy, Melrose Place

I can't believe you're not watching this - Better Off Ted

You're a star - TNT for picking up Southland

I can't stop watching this scene - Kurt and the football team doing Beyonce's Single Ladies, Glee

Outstanding multi performances - Jane Lynch (Party Down and Glee) and Toni Collette (United States of Tara)

Most improved but I always thought you were good - Parks and Recreation

Your character annoys other people on the show but I think you're brilliant - Sheldon, The Big Bang Theory

Best network manoeuvre - ABC's Wednesday night comedy trio

I can't believe you've left me hanging - Lost's season 5 finale

Best new shows that more people should talk about - Nurse Jackie and United States of Tara

Got cancelled just as the show hit its a storyline high - Dollhouse

Best answer to a question - Quagmire answering Brian's question 'why don't you like me', Family Guy