Island-Shift.

After 4 seasons of twist, turns, dedicated writers, bored writers and for a moment striking writers … LOST has concluded, for another Summer.

To say that my interest in the show, the story has been renewed would indicate that at some point, I was disengaged. This is not, nor do I think will ever be the case.

From the introduction / initial explanation (finally!) of time travel, to the continued faith vs. reason conversation, to the development of Benjamin Linus as one of TV’s baddest-of-asses (albeit, just a semi-normal guy following the island; like the rest of them)… It is apparent to me that whereas it may have lost its crown as “best on TV,” the show still proudly boast the title of “coolest shit currently broadcasted.”

And what is there to thank for a rejuvenated entertainment juggernaut?

One, I say, is the shortening of episodes/season from 24 to 16. This allows for more focus, more attention to detail, as paid by the writing staff. Most importantly, it is a filter for those fans who couldn’t cut it. A show, for some viewers, that cuts its episodes can be seen as declining in quality… rendering it a target to be replaced in viewing schedules (hey what’s that Billy Ray Cyrus doin’ on TV!?).

The next reason is represented by the writer’s strike. Again, it was an indication that the show could continue an already perceived slide… thus turning off more viewers. What both of these factors have contributed to are dedicated production / writing / acting units, determined to provide a solid, oft-bat-shit-crazy and always gripping (save the uber-lame Jack and Kate bullshit) product. Fuck the storylines intended to rope in new fans, or retain those on the fence …

We’re behind the fence now and the gate won’t be opening.

We’re too far down the rabbit-hole, if you will. The fans who have stuck with it (the researchers, the forum posters, people like myself, and whoever else watches the show) will now be rewarded. Greatly.

Answers? A few were offered in the S04 Finale.

Questions? More new ones than answers, per usual.

I am satisfied with this season, my hunger for new episodes subsided for at least the Summer.

I’ll see you next Fall, brother.

Netflix.

I have Netflix.

Who doesn’t have Netflix?

Each and every month, to me, is viewed as a battle. A battle of who wins the value out of the membership I have for this service. There are months, where yes, I take (not full) advantage and can exchange a DVD every other day, running to my inbox like a child to a stocking. These are times of rich movie / documentary / general DVD viewing.

Then, there are the times that a single DVD will sit on the coffee table for 2 weeks, staring me down each time I pass by. Said DVD is not returned because if it were, without viewing, I feel more than a stroke of guilt for not viewing an item that I personally placed in my queue, expressing interest in viewing. Two weeks become 4 and the disc is further relegated to the end-table, with my thinking of “out of site, hopefully a little less out of mind.” This yields one of two situations: 1) forcing yourself to view the dvd, whether you want to or not or 2) succumbing to the fact that you do not wish to view something that you originally found important enough to not only put on your list, but bump to the top.

I’d say I win 35% of the months.

And it’s a damn good thing you have your “auto-withdrawl” hooks in me, Netflix, otherwise I may be forced to think harder on the benefits of our relationship.

But instead, you’re there. Always.