While this topic crosses over ...

Question: While this topic crosses over into film territory, it could have major ramifications for a certain top TV series. It was recently announced that Lost cocreator J.J. Abrams is now going to direct a prequel Star Trek movie for release in 2008. And he's bringing along producers and current show-runners Damon Lindelof and Bryan Burk as copilots on this adventure (though in a reduced capacity). I personally think this is very bad news for Lost fans. While I feel that Lindelof and Burk have been handling the series quite well, there was a sense of excitement for Abrams' return to a series that seems strongest when he and Lindelof are conspiring. Now it seems like he won't ever be back. And to make matters worse, Lindelof and Burk are now going to have added distraction. Season 3 is such a vital season for a show like this; the last thing Lost needs is its three brains distracted by Kirk and Spock. Additionally, Abrams is one of the brightest, most creative people in television, having built two franchises that are superior to most movies. And his first two film-directing forays are television remakes? It sounds lazy and unoriginal. It looks like he's going to make Mission: Impossible 3 his own, but does anyone really even care about Star Trek anymore? What are your thoughts?
Answer: Honestly, Jason, you do not want to rattle the cage of Star Trek fans by suggesting no one cares anymore. While I, too, would prefer that J.J. spent a little more time on small-screen matters, I can't blame him for pursuing his movie career at full speed while he's white-hot. And far from being lazy and unoriginal concepts, sequels and prequels to some of the most enduring pop-culture franchises in entertainment history present a challenge, and being asked to work on them is an honor, I would think. There's no shame in that line of work, unless they produce junk, I suppose. But where Lost is concerned (and that's my main concern as well, since I don't get out to the movies much), I agree it's a risk for the show to have so many of its creative captains otherwise engaged. On a week-to-week basis, the show can do fine churning its compelling character-based stories. But I would hope Abrams, Lindelof, et al would return to the fold whenever the time comes for pivotal events and revelations. It's at those critical times when having the original brain trust at the helm will be most necessary. I'm not particularly worried about this show just yet, but given how hot the Lost crew has become, it is a valid concern. For questions about the creative aspects of Lost, keep reading.