Surprise hit show enters DVD market
- by Joshua Rouse: A&E Editor

The ABC network was last place in the ratings when, on Sept. 6, 2004, a freshman TV show called “Lost” aired. ABC banked on the hope that viewers would flock to watch the pilot about survivors of a plane crash on an island in the middle of the ocean. But this was no ordinary island, as viewers soon found out.

“Lost” was the breakthrough show of the season.

According to scifi.com, it averaged 12 million viewers each week. It appeared ABC was coming out of their slump and “Lost” was here to stay. “Lost” was created by “Alias” director and writer J.J. Abrams, who is also directing “Mission: Impossible 3.”

With 48 survivors, “Lost” combines a wide variety of characters throughout the show.

Each of the 13 main characters has secrets that are revealed throughout the season, along with the secrets of the island. The two central figures are Jack, the doctor, who is reeling from the death of his father and Kate, who has a shadier past than Richard Nixon. Other characters include Charlie, the dope addict and Locke, the hunter.

The pilot began with the plane crashed on the island and a massive panic among the survivors. In the same episode, a mysterious creature is heard inside the jungle.

As the show continues the secrets become deeper and the questions multiply. A hatch leading to the unknown is uncovered in the jungle; it is discovered they are not alone on the island and talk of “Others” circulates through the band of castaways.

Any fan of the “X-Files” will enjoy this show. “Lost” has a mix of drama, suspense and the occasional bit of action. The show is rated TV-14; some scenes push the limits of the FCC’s standards for decency on television and may not be suitable for children.

“Lost” debuted on DVD on Sept. 6 in a 7-disc set loaded with extra features. The special features include including deleted back stories from the survivors, audio commentaries from cast and creators and a preview of the second season which begins on Sept. 21 on ABC.