An unexplainable, epic event is only one of the elements ABC's new drama FlashForward shares with Lost, its predecessor. Some of the other similarities are blatantly obvious - used perhaps more as inside jokes for Lost fans and as a tribute to the show that has paved the way for sci-fi epics on ABC. Other commonalities are more subtle, but also build wisely on the legacy Lost has already created.
Development Similarities Between Lost and FlashForward
Lost uses edge-of-the-seat cliffhangers and a slow unraveling of plot to convince its viewers that they are close to discovering everything the show has kept revealed. As they near the answers they've been looking for, the story pans out and creates even bigger mysteries. For some viewers the excruciating wait for answers has taken too long; but while the show has lower ratings now than in its first season, its loyal fanbase has kept it on the air to see it through to its conclusion.
FlashForward is depending on the same desire in its audience to see a detailed, epic mystery unfold. In order for this to happen, there needs to be a game plan on the part of the creators.
Lost creators Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse became famous for such a game plan during pre-production on Season 3 of Lost, when they demanded the network give them a fixed number of episodes to work with in order to map out the rest of their story. Such planning will likely pay off during Lost's final season, which premieres this February. Loyal viewership has remained relatively consistent in the previous seasons primarily because the producers have promised a complete ending that ties up all of the questions raised by the show.
FlashForward's creator David S. Goyer has the same goal. He has a five-year plan for the show that can be made shorter by two seasons or longer if needed.
Lost and FlashForward Onscreen Siblings
The similarities between the two dramas exist outside of the writing room as well. In the pilot episode of FlashForward, viewers can see an Oceanic advertisement in a background shot. The themes of time travel and destiny are important aspects of both shows.
Lost and FlashForward both have certain cast members in common as well: Sonya Walger plays Olivia Benford in FlashForward and Penelope Widmore in Lost; and Dominic Monaghan plays Charlie Pace in Lost and will make an appearance in FlashForward beginning in the second episode
And for one unforgetable moment in the FlashForward pilot, a kangaroo jumps down a Los Angeles street. It is very reminiscent of a certain polar bear seen on the island in the first season of Lost.
What Lost and FlashForward Can Do for ABC
As Lost completes its series run this coming May, ABC viewers will be left with a solved mystery. FlashForward might have just what the network needs to take Lost's place. And if the viewers who gave up on Lost mid-run can see from its conclusion that the creators kept their promise and closed up all the loose ends, they might be willing to commit more wholeheartedly to FlashForward's unusual and exciting premise.
FlashForward will premiere Thursday, September 24th, at 8/7c on ABC.
Lost will return to ABC in February 2010, with the series finale scheduled to air in May 2010.
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