Producers of "Lost" discuss series' end

**Laurent** · January 15th, 2007, 04:44 PM

'Lost' producers discuss series' end
By DAVID BAUDER, AP Television Writer
Mon Jan 15, 1:41 AM ET

PASADENA, Calif. - Makers of the tropical island drama "Lost" say they're talking with ABC executives about setting an end date for the series.

There's no sense the finale is coming anytime soon. But knowing they have a deadline will help writers of the convoluted drama lay out how they want the story to end, producers said Sunday in a meeting with TV critics here.

"Once we figure out when that will be, a lot of the questions will go away," said Carlton Cuse, an executive producer. "Lost" is in its third season.

The producers, citing Fox's "The X-Files," said they didn't want to wear out their welcome. "That was a great show that probably ran two seasons too long," Cuse said. "That is a cautionary tale for us."

"Lost" is due back on ABC's schedule next month following an extended hiatus after the season's first six episodes and will air uninterrupted through May. The schedule was a direct result of fans' complaints about reruns disrupting their concentration in past seasons, producers said.

It's likely next year that all 22 episodes will run consecutively, much like Fox is doing with "24."

One prominent critic — ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson — said he thought the first six episodes this season concentrated too heavily on the stories of Jack, Kate and Sawyer at the expense of other members of the large cast.

The producers said that will be rectified right away for the season's second half as "Lost" goes back to the beach.

"Lost," which is shifting back an hour to 10 p.m. Eastern time, Wednesdays, on ABC's schedule, has seen a 14 percent drop in its audience this year, according to Nielsen Media Research. Producers contend the numbers are deceptive because of a comparison with the second season, when "Lost" was a cultural sensation.

The producers concede that it's a demanding story for viewers to keep up with, and not one that people can join in the middle.

"We want them back," executive producer Damon Lindelof said of the lost fans. "We really believe in the show and the audience we're getting. But if we write towards getting them back, we may alienate the audience that we already have."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070115/...tv/tv_abc_lost

**MsTangerine** · January 15th, 2007, 04:53 PM

I don't think going back to the "love" aspect is
going to make the ratings go up.
I could be wrong. They need to quit messing with it and let
it play out. The show is great. Still mad Eko had to go.

**xoxo** · January 18th, 2007, 02:26 PM

i like the show..i will still watch in february.
lost and house are my favorite american tv shows to watch..

**Mira** · January 18th, 2007, 03:28 PM

I've never watched even one episode! I understand the first season was very creative and well-written but that wasn't enough to make me invest time in it.

**SVZ** · January 18th, 2007, 03:30 PM

Don't care for this show anymore. Pity since it had so much potential

**heather.rn** · January 18th, 2007, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by SVZ

Don't care for this show anymore. Pity since it had so much potential

Ditto that.

**xoxo** · February 5th, 2007, 01:42 PM

**just wanted to bump this thread to let everyone know there is new episode of lost the day after tomorrow..wednesday, feb. 7th.
hope it will be good..

**xoxo** · February 7th, 2007, 07:41 PM

new episode is in a few hours..i don't remember where we're at or what's going on tho..hope they'll have a recap of some sort..there seem to be 2 episodes on tonight, back to back...anyone else going to watch tonight...?

**NoDayButToday** · February 7th, 2007, 08:08 PM

The first episode isn't the real thing. It looks like it's recap episode according the ABC site.

**sputnik** · February 8th, 2007, 03:09 AM

i'm glad they're keeping an ending in mind. just because a show is successful doesn't mean it has to last 7 seasons. they need to stop when they run out of ideas and it starts to suck.

**xoxo** · February 9th, 2007, 09:37 AM

^^agree in the complete..prolonged, drawn-out shows are the worst..

**xoxo** · February 23rd, 2007, 01:18 PM

anyone watch this week's episode..? what did you guys think of the bai ling guest spot? i thought it was romantic

**MsTangerine** · February 23rd, 2007, 10:03 PM

She was horrible, I didnt see what the hell that flashback
was for. There was no reason for it.
They could have used that time to explain where
the hell Walt and Michael and the dog went..LOL

**xoxo** · February 23rd, 2007, 10:13 PM

^^i liked it but maybe i am one of a few who did like it lol..i thought the night-scenes were shot really well..like in her tattoo parlor and whatnot...