The CBC posted an article about Lost. The first paragraph deals the dope:

The end is in sight for ABC-TV hit Lost, as the network has struck a deal with the show’s producers to end the island mystery series after three more seasons.

While I’m no television executive, suggesting the program will go on for three more seasons shows a lot of faith … faith that television often does not deserve.

The most interesting part to me is this quote by ABC Entertainment president Steve McPherson. He says, “Due to the unique nature of the series, we knew it would require an end date to keep the integrity and strength of the show consistent throughout, and to give the audience the payoff they deserve.”

I’m very pleased he’s realized this type of program just can’t keep going on indefinitely. The problem is the strength he speaks of in Lost is already long gone. The show was a disaster for most of this season and harkens back to the X‑Files with its habit of offering up secrets and then yanking them back at the last moment.

Although I’m glad to see there’s a set end-date so the writers and figure things out, three years leaves them plenty of time to flounder and get the program cancelled because viewers won’t put up with it. They’re doing the right thing, but it’s too late because the dollar signs are too bright. They’ll be lucky to get three more years out of it, and my fear is it’ll be a tired beast if the show lasts another three years.

Image courtesy of ABC Studios