Tomorrow I will review the interviews with Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly, Angel, Dollhouse) and Phil Rosenthal (Coach, Everybody Loves Raymond).  And I hope to provide reviews in the near future of the interviews with Tim Kring (Heroes), Doug Ellin (Entourage) and Sam Simon (The Simpsons).

But of course I have to start with Damon Lindelof, writer/co-creator/co-executive producer of Lost.

The interview was shot like an intimate, well-produced home video and gives us a very cool glimpse into Lindelof’s office; the comfortable space of his actual writing environment, surrounded by Lost props and various pop culture toys and posters.

Without giving away too many details, I can tell you that Lindelof discusses both his writing process and details about his vision for Lost from conception (the pilot) through completion (the last episode of Season 6). He talks about how the serialized storytelling and character-driven elements of comic books influence him and also gives advice to those who seek careers as writers.

This may be old news to some, but Lindelof is writing scripts for the Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk comics and is producing the new Star Trek film (directed by Lost co-creator/executive producer J.J. Abrams), in addition to writing and producing episodes of Lost. 

You can pre-order this DVD right now; it will be released on November 26, and would make a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer!

I can’t drive until later next week, so I should be taking more advantage of this ‘free’ time. I am failing miserably. Except for the nap part.

Movie-wise…I tried to get through In Bruges but could not, endured 30 Days of Night even though Josh Hartnett is painfully miscast as a leading man once again, enjoyed the highly recommended/cheesy awesome Boondock Saints, gave M. Night’s Unbreakable another look and loved Iron Man even more upon a second viewing.

TV-wise…I attempted to watch The View but wanted to flick Hasselbeck in the head, finally had time to watch and appreciate Rachel Maddow, painfully giggled at Ellen on a daily basis, sat through my first ever episode of Dancing with the Stars with and on behalf of my parents, was pleasantly surprised by Heroes, rediscovered It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia online, and loved Life, Dexter, Brothers & Sisters, Bones, Eli Stone, and 30 Rock (except for Jennifer Aniston). The Office was a bit stale but I really liked Andy and Oscar’s banter. I am secretly disappointed that Lipstick Jungle was canceled, and am anxiously awaiting word on the future of Pushing Daisies. I also decided to stick with Grey’s Anatomy, but only because of my affection and respect for Sandra Oh and Sara Ramirez (who, I admit, made me tear up this week during that ER scene).

On second thought, I did do more than just nap. Sweet.

Thanks for reading an absolutely rambling mess of an entry. Good times, and good night!

It’s not too late to RSVP or simply stop by!

I hope to see you there, and will report back here this weekend with photos and details!

And I wanted to thank you. Yes, you. For leaving comments, referring your friends, listening by reading and returning time and again. Without you I would quite literally be talking to myself on paper.

I realize that it can be a huge commitment for some to read blogs, let alone two of them. There are millions of others out there, thousands of which cover pop culture and Lost. I truly appreciate every set of eyes upon these pages.

Clearly, I’m feeling rather sentimental. In addition to the day’s online milestones, I decided it was time to share something of a more personal nature.

Without getting too detailed and entering TMI territory…in a few weeks I will be having major surgery to remove a non-cancerous mass that is 7.5 cm wide (imagine a small, filled water balloon) and obstructing essential areas. My friend Jaime has aptly assigned it a name – Fiona.  She is my ogre, and once we’ve parted ways, my life and health will greatly improve. I’ve never been a fan of Cameron Diaz anyway…

So I will be home for 4-6 weeks starting in early November; stay tuned for very random movie reviews and blog entries written while under the influence of (prescribed) meds. Once again I will turn to you for DVD recommendations, from fabulous indies to guilty pleasure comedies!

You all rock and allow me to roll. Thanks again, and see you soon.

- Jo

 
I have created a few related quizzes for the occasion, with gift cards and cool Lost and Comic-Con prizes to give away (as well as Matt Nathanson CDs and merchandise). 

So grab a friend and come on down to the 55 Degree Wine cellar lounge to say hello on October 16, have a glass of vino and chat with other people who speak our pop culture language! Light snacks will be provided, and there will be a no-host cash bar for the wine.

If you’re planning to attend, please RSVP to jo@jopinionated.com. I look forward to seeing and meeting you!

Rather than attempt to predict the winners in the major categories (because these are the same people who infuriatingly reward Spader & Shatner year after year, and have now adopted Sheen & Cryer), I’ve selected those shows and individuals who I believe deserve the Emmy this year.

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
30 Rock
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
Two and a Half Men

I don’t think there has been a  more entertaining series or cast since Arrested Development.

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies
Steve Carell, The Office
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Comedic timing is everything. A victory for Pace would be just as sweet.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Jeremy Piven, Entourage
Kevin Dillon, Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Rainn Wilson, The Office
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men

I do not watch How I Met Your Mother (but I should and I will), and wasn’t that impressed with the nominees in this category. Dillon is underrated in the shadow of Piven.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
Mary Louise-Parker, Weeds

What an amazing category; every one of these women should win. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy Applegate in this role; I see more nominations in her future. I would have chosen the consistently stellar Parker, but Weeds is more a comedy of errors than a traditional comedy.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies
Jean Smart, Samantha Who
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty

Another tough choice; Poehler is the saving grace of SNL, but Smart could pull an upset victory. She makes me laugh out loud and deserves her own series.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
30 Rock (2 episodes)
Flight of the Conchords
Pushing Daisies
The Office

Wow. FotC may steal this one away from 30 Rock.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

I am not just choosing Lost because it’s my favorite show; I believe that Season 4 was extremely strong across the board (acting, writing, direction, cinematography, etc.), from start to finish. Second choice would be Dexter. I love Mad Men but feel that the current second season is far superior to the first. And I will simply never understand the allure of Boston Legal.

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
James Spader, Boston Legal
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Hugh Laurie, House
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Jon Hamm, Mad Men

The buzz is for Cranston, but I am absolutely mesmerized by Hall week after week. To be honest, I thought that this was Matthew Fox’s year for Lost; what an omission! Not to mention Kyle Chandler for Friday Night Lights…

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
William Shatner, Boston Legal
Ted Danson, Damages
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages
Michael Emerson, Lost
John Slattery, Mad Men

If it weren’t for Emerson’s eye-bugging, jaw-dropping role on Lost, my vote would have been for Danson in a heartbeat; his performance was the surprise revelation of the season.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Sallie Field, Brothers & Sisters
Glenn Close, Damages
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

No question. Glenn Close knocks it out of the park, and she scares me. But where’s the recognition for Connie Britton on FNL?

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Candice Bergen, Boston Legal
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment

Dr. Bailey is the heart and soul of Grey’s, but frankly I’m surprised by Oh’s nod; she wasn’t given much to work with this season.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Battlestar Galactica
Damages
Mad Men (2 episodes)
The Wire

Again, where is a nod for Lost? I really tried to get into The Wire, because some critics feel it is one of the best shows of all time, but I lost interest.

OUTSTANDING REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
The Amazing Race
Top Chef

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Thoughts?