What is it about "Lost"? Obviously, there's something beyond the smoke monster, the polar bears and time travel--its the characters! Duh, we all know this. Their back stories are what kept us wanting more. But I'm going to take it a step further.

Their REAL lives! Don't they all seem so down to earth and natural, considering we are so used to actors at least presenting themselves to be pretty superficial? Here, for your and my entertainment, some of my favorite "Lost" characters, and their spouses and children! I just love it!

Okay--this one's pretty questionable, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt since they are "at the beach" probs.

My Two Favorite Dramas

I steer clear of most TV dramas. They can be a time vacuum and of dubious quality. Few things frustrate like a TV series, formerly good, which recently stinks but has yet to resolve the lives of its characters, forcing you to watch more.

My two favorites drag out their plots, big time, but fool constantly about what turns they will take. I want to watch each episode, rather than feeling compelled. Those programs are DEXTER and LOST. (Aren't they in all-caps?)

Dexter the serial killer murders those who have murdered. That's all the evidence he needs to off someone, and he is an expert at killing and staying out of trouble. Like any series, DEXTER strives to keep an audience on its toes, but does so by killing important characters and speeding the action. I thought I knew how season 3 would end, but the action came in the episode prior. (At 12 episodes the seasons are shorter than on the networks.)

No series baffles its audience like LOST. That the show has a predetermined ending since its debut gives it a fighting chance to be dubbed "Drama of the Decade," and perhaps of all-time. Its third season dragged in a negative way, only because the producers did not know how long the series would run. Once they got an end date, LOST fired on all cylinders.

The series mystifies with its science (fiction) and mythological foci, allowing the producers to do anything they want with the final season. DEXTER takes place in the real world, where gods and time warps can't help him elude a rival killer. Jack, Kate, and company can and will need the aid of both to achieve their ends, whatever they be.

DEXTER and LOST offer superlative alternatives to TV's traditional doctor/lawyer/cop drama triumvirate. What shows, current and past, do the same for you?

Let's Talk: TV shows

2 new shows I started watching over the break: Freaks and Geeks and Weeds. I'm nothing if not current! Let's profile both shows.

Freaks and Geeks: I've never heard anyone say anything bad about this show...and I'm not going to start now. It's hilarious, and the episodes fly by. It does remind me of a later Wonder Years, and Sam alternately makes me laugh and cringe. Catching on to this show so late is interesting because practically everyone on the show is famous now. All the freaks are in Judd Apatow movies and the main actress (Linda Cardenelli) was on ER. James Franco even surprised me - I had no idea he'd ever done anything worth watching.

Weeds: I'd heard a lot about this show and because it's been nominated for Golden Globes and Emmys, I thought it would be good. I guess it's marginally funny? Conrad and Kevin Nealon are the only standout characters so far, but Nancy just drives me nuts. Between her kids, her constant breakdowns, and her habit for latte drinks - I just can't stand her. And the theme song! What the heck is that about?? It reminds me of nails on a chalkboard. I can't believe they're about to start their 6th season. How many storylines for Nancy are out there??