The Travails of the Astounding!

Boasting a cast of second billing stars, Lost seems to have plucked half a dozen stellar, bit part players that I've seen a million times and thrown them into the spotlight. It's a Who's-Who of "Holy shit, it's that guy!!" Anyway, the first episode of the second season continues the shows tradition of mixing a personal dramatic flashback subplot while the main thread marches enigmatically forward. What's so unusual about this is that A) the flashbacks are not only unintrusive but welcome (well, most of the time). And B) most importantly, the time travel blends together to weave a strong, ever engaging narrative. Part character study, part adventure serial, each episode has a cinematic feel that is hard to come by outside of HBO. As usual by the end of the first new episode you've learned more about the island yet come away feeling like you know less of the big picture at the same time. Furthermore, I don't get around to watching much network television, however I'm willing to bet Lost is also one of the best shot shows on the (free) air, and if its even possible the first episode of the second season looked even better. A shrewdly cast, finely crafted show about people stuck on an island of mystery. Yeah, that's Lost. Check it out.