FlashForward
The new LOST?
ABC knows that LOST only has one more season and this is definitely their attempt to find LOST fans something to do with their lives.
FlashForward is the story of how everyone in the world goes unconscious for 2 minutes and 17 seconds. During this time, nearly everyone sees themselves exactly 6 months ahead in the future. The main characters are FBI against and doctors, who now must determine what exactly happened and why.
As soon as I’d heard of this show, I loved the concept. Unfortunately, it takes more than a good concept to have a good show.
Let’s reference Jericho, a show about a group of survivors in Kansas after the US is obliterated by nuclear bombs. Great idea, terrible execution.
That was my main concern with FlashForward. Plus, ABC went for the teaser viral marketing campaign that has worked so well for LOST, but also increases the hype and the probability for failure.
That all being said, the first episode did not disappoint. Of course we have to deal with the character introductions and the plot exposition, but overall it was well put together and interesting. A well-balanced amount of teasers and solid information that will keep the viewer on board, at least for the time being. And like it’s LOST sister, it ends with a catchy hook to bring you back for the next episode.
One problem shows like this have and will continue to have is what I call the “LOST Syndrome”. Six years ago, this FlashForward would’ve been mind-blowing. The endings, the clues, the hints, all would’ve been cool. Now, LOST-esque viewers are accustomed to keeping a close eye out for these things. We are in the position where you don’t just watch a show, you investigate it. Subtle hints, clues and surprises are sometimes more obvious than meant, simply because the viewers have become more intuitive. This is just something that I think the writers and producers need to keep in mind.
Overall, I liked the show. I will need a few more episodes to be 100% on-board, but I think this might be a keeper.
September 25th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Seth MacFarlane? What?
September 30th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
One of the creaters of this show was one of the main writers of Batman Begins. This show does a good job because it interests people who aren’t interested in Lost, like myself.
October 1st, 2009 at 6:39 am
And of course the fact that it has several Lost characters in it is pretty cool, but yeah, Seth McFarlane? That threw me for a loop, I keep waiting to hear that this is Stewie’s latest invention.