Expect more heat on Lost this season
HONOLULU— After guardedly making his way through a darkened tunnel, Dr. Jack Sheppard found himself bewildered and facing a harrowing decision.
His trust and character are tested again in ABC’s Lost, which won the best drama series Emmy on Sunday and returns for its highly anticipated second season tomorrow.
“ Anytime people are in very extreme circumstances, dealing with life and death and dealing with survival — I think we can find truth in those moments,” said Matthew Fox, who plays the reluctant leader of a group of plane crash survivors stranded on a mysterious island.
Lost fans, who have patiently waited all summer for answers following last season’s two-hour finale, will finally find out what’s beyond the metal hatch that leads deep into the earth. The answer — while still cryptic — was revealed last week to thousands of frenzied fans who turned out at Waikiki Beach for a special screening of the new season’s first episode and to catch a glimpse of the Lost stars. It was a red carpet event like no other, complete with screaming fans, crashing surf and a sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
It was in marked contrast to last year where the crowds who turned out to see an unknown ABC pilot filmed in Hawaii didn’t know who the actors were. “ There is a slight difference, isn’t there? It’s quite shocking,” said Naveen Andrews, who plays former Iraqi soldier Sayid. With thrilling twists, unpredictable story lines and a diverse cast, Lost has attracted a loyal following.
“ The success of a show to this level is always surprising. It takes on a level of pop culture which you can never fully predict,” said Dominic Monaghan, who plays rock-star junkie Charlie. “Because of that, it’s a little trippy.’’ The show’s first season was so well received, cast members realize they must deliver a standout sophomore season.
“ We’re dealing with an immense kind of pressure to keep the quality up,” Andrews said. “ It’s make or break this season, quite frankly. . . . We have an audience now. We can’t let them down.’’
Lost co- creator Damon Lindelof said viewers can relate to the characters, often picking their favourites.
“ At the end of the day, the show at its core is about the characters,” he said. “ I think the reason people really love this show is they find the island mysteries are compelling, but they watch every week because they really bond with the people.’’ One of the most popular characters is the enigmatic outdoorsman Locke, played by Terry O’Quinn, the oldest cast member at 53.
“ One of the reasons I’ve been able to make it work is because I’m very sympathetic with the character,” O’Quinn said. “ He’s a seeker for answers and for something to believe in. He’s skeptical. He’s dubious and he’s been burnt and I’ve been all those things.’’ Fox said his character is trying to rationalize the paranormal experiences on the island.
“ Jack is a very scientific man, very logical and obviously with everything he has seen on this island, he’s going to have to find a way to snap out of this denial and start confronting this real reality he’s existing in,” Fox said.
Evangeline Lilly, who plays sexy jailbird Kate, said viewers will see a more aggressive character. “ I just think the environment she’s in is very savage and eventually the savage side of Kate is going to have to come out a little more than we’ve seen so far,” she said.
Michael, played by Harold Perrineau, struggles this season. In last season’s finale, Michael’s young son Walt is kidnapped by a group of men. Walt makes a startling appearance in tomorrow’s episode. “ After the plane crash and all the other stuff, someone snatches your kid. It can’t get any worse than that,” Perrineau said. “ Michael goes from bad to worse this year.”
In all the madness, there will be some love on the island this season.
“ We’re in the 9 o’clock slot now,” Andrews said, referring to the show’s new time. “ Men and women alone on the island, they have needs. Needs that must be fulfilled.”