Losing Lost
So Lost ended last night. I’m not going to review the show or express my feelings now but rather speak about the changes and influence Lost had on television, and how much I appreciate that.
Lost was amazing specifically because it had never been done before. Serialized story telling, huge ensemble cast, sci-fi plot on network television, nothing should have worked, and yet the show is one of the most successful shows ever. Without Lost Heroes would not have existed, Flash forward, and V would not have been attempted, and in this world of Hulu and Youtube no one would have paid $900,000 for a 30 second commercial spot.
Yet, this all did happen. It was the right show at the right time. You could watch live to avoid spoilers and then review and search for Easter eggs on Hulu the next morning. You could discuss on message boards, and watch sneak peak clips on fan sites. Lost worked not only because of its incredible story telling but also because of its ability to transcend television, to reach out online and for fans to reach out to each other.
It’s over now, but Lost will have forever changed television. Not only what networks are willing to endorse, but also the ways we can and do interact with the stories we love.
Super Science
Wolverine, Clair Bennet, Superman, they don’t have problems healing themselves, why should we? Well, it may take a little longer for the average less than super human being to have especially spontaneous regeneration, but it does sound like we’re on our way.
Researches have made a way to inject nanoparticles into stem cells to help them heal faster. Its worked pretty well with mice so far, helping all but 20% of those injected get over their injuries.
The current problems include expense, a less than long lasting effect, and the possibility of cancer. But hey, give them a little more time, and lets see what happens.
Super Powers
Well, it’s not Heroes but it is mind reading, and it is real.
Canada’s largest children’s hospital has come up with a way to read infrared light absorbed in the brain to decode a person’s feelings. They specifically tested drink preferences with subjects. They hope it the technology can be used to look at the true feelings of people who can’t speak.
So maybe you won’t be able to cheat off the kid sitting behind you during an exam, but helping those with physical limitations seems like a more heroic use of the skill anyway.
Heroic Television
In honor of the official beginning of the new television season (and specifically the premiere of my favorite show) I’ve decided to write about the phenomenal NBC hit Heroes.
The premise of the show is there in the title and the first season tag line, Heroes, “ordinary people discovering extraordinary abilities”. I could review and gush over the incredibleness of the show itself but I’ve decided to stay true to the realm of technology.
It’s been said the the internet is the main media of the future, or perhaps even of right now, depending on how you look at it. To that end Heroes, in my opinion, has been the most successful show in breaking barriers and reaching out to fans online.
On NBC’s official Heroes web site there’s an array of options and opportunities to enhance the viewer experience (without alienating those fans content with there simple one hour a week show commitment). Besides your average screen caps, cast photos, and even interviews and episodes, Heroes has reached new heights with its tie in experiences of Heroes Evolutions.
Evolutions is basically the interactive online universe of Heroes. With six extra web sites that tie directly into the Heroes show itself (companies, blogs, and election sites) that’s just the beginning. Fans can sign up for text message updates from the different sites and play along with interactive mysteries and games.
In addition Heroes also posts a weekly online comic that expands on stories from within the series. From online mysteries to the back stories of secondary characters the whole show is enhanced by the deeper fabric created in the online universe.
Heroes knows its fans (new and old) are devoted and interested. In response they work as best they can to promote fan involvement and enjoyment. From full cast appearances and show previews at Comic Con, Greg Beeman’s (a director and producer on the show) blog, to star Adrian Pasdar’s (Nathan Petrelli) Youtube channel with extra cast videos, the internet connects fans and creators to the series they love.
If I haven’t made it clear already, you should watch the show, it’s excellent. Season 3’s two hour premiere tonight: 8/7 central (in case anyone’s interested). 
