FLASHFORWARD + V = LOST Wannabes

Tuesdays and Thursdays have been invaded by LOST wannabes. V and FLASHFORWARD are two new shows that air on these two nights (respectively) on ABC. There are some major similarities between these new shows and the mega-hit LOST (which will end it's sixth and last season this May). Here is the breakdown for how these shows rip-off LOST and other major sci-fi shows.

1) CASTING. A major grievance of mine is the casting. In both of the new shows, casting directors pulled from LOST. Elizabeth Mitchell plays Juliet on LOST and now is the lead FBI agent in V. This could just be a coincidence, but then comes Dominic Monaghan who was Charlie on LOST playing the bad-guy scientist in FLASHFORWARD. We get it, ABC, you want the success of LOST to carry over to these two series. We get it. And you are using actors from LOST to make the connection for the audience. It's a bit overkill.

2) PLOT SIMILARITIES. Sure there is no magical island as in LOST on the two new shows, but there are some serious similarities between the three shows. Both FLASHFORWARD and LOST are about normal human beings dealing with magical, unexplainable forces that change their lives. For LOST it is the island, for FLASHFORWARD it is the seeing the future part. However, LOST comes with a bible courtesy of J.J. Abrams the show's creator. And with that bible comes numerous seasons each richer than the last. As for FLASHFORWARD, it seems hard to see it coming into its 5th or 6th season with the expiration date that is the entire focus for the show's first season, unless it changes dramatically. Cause what happens when we get to that date in April? Then, for V it so clearly rips off BATTLE STAR GALACTICA (BSG). The idea of aliens coming to Earth, disguised as humans who befriend humanity and then pillage the Earth has been done. Not only has it been done, ABC, but its been done better. Sorry ABC, you're too late.

3) CINEMATICALLY SIMILAR. While I am all for cinematically interesting television shows that elevate the level of taste for a network series, these new shows are just too similar. I watched V and FLASHFORWARD back to back and the cinematic style between the two are just way too similar. I even wonder if they aren't using the same sets, just dressing them differently. If I didn't know any better and muted them, I might think they were the same show. This is especially upsetting since these are the shows slated to replace the multi-Emmy winning LOST. LOST's cinematic look is due to a few things. 1) It's shot on location in Hawaii, that's right FLASHFORWARD and V, on a real island. 2) It has a cinematic point of view. It is not the typical three camera set-up from age-old television. The camera is in the action, making it feel more like an hour film. 3) It has a distinct look. Unlike V and FLASHFORWARD (which are insanely similar in looks), LOST looks like nothing else on television.

4) TITLE CARDS. V is totally ripping of the famous LOST title card that happens before the first major commercial break. However, LOST is still superior in this strategy as it has major cliffhangers before the title card appears. Also the ominous LOST sign is absolutely terrifying with its creepy music and spiraling motion. Not only does V lose here as it is clearly a rip-off on LOST, but it doesn't even beat LOST's epic title card. Sorry, V.

5) V's OTHER RIP-OFFs. V rips from more than just BSG and LOST. The name V with its blood-stained look comes from a few other entertainment mediums. V is trying to get audience members by having a similar name as the movie V FOR VENDETTA. ABC execs are not dumb. They are using the times (harsh economy, political unrest etc...) to stir audiences into a revolutionary minded show. In the show, a revolution is about to begin between the visitors and the humans-in-the-know (total rip-off of BSG!). And one way to do this is to reference to revolutions is use iconography from a movie about social unrest. Enter V FOR VENDETTA which had an eerily similar V symbol. Hmm. Also, let's not forget about the new craze for vampires everywhere. ABC wanted to capitalize on this without actually making a vampire series (and thus joining the bandwagon). Anyone watch TRUE BLOOD on HBO? Well the vampires' blood on that show is called (unsurprisingly) V. Of course since the show is about vampires and blood is in the title of show AND since the noun "V" means blood in the contextof the show, why shouldn't blood be associated with TRUE BLOOD's V? That's right ABC'S V, TRUE BLOOD was there first, too.

Now in all fairness, both of these new shows are interesting. However, I think V has more staying power since it can take off in many directions. Unfortunately I find this to be the weaker of the two. FLASHFORWARD deals with issues of fate v. free choice, past v. present v. future, and what Time means. Most interesting, FLASHFORWARD has found a way to incorporate the ideas like if reading a horoscope before your day happens, will it influence you and your choices? Far more interesting then V's alien landing.

FlashForward: The Ironically Unknown Future

FLASHFORWARD aired its second episode last night (October 1st, 2009) on ABC. This new hit television drama stars Joseph Fiennes (recognizable from Oscar winning SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE). It follows Fiennes character as he (and the rest of the world) try to piece together why a massive, worldwide blackout occurred causing everyone to lose consciousness and see their futures.

This plot is very innovative and falls under the unreal tv genre. This genre is for the supernatural aspects of television shows. To be honest, it seems as though ABC is preparing for the end of LOST (their major, and established unreal television show at present, which premieres its final season early 2010). The two shows share similar qualities, beyond the supernatural realm of their narratives. Both shows select a core group of individuals who are "destined" to solve the mystery. In LOST its the Oceanic 6 survivors, and in FLASHFORWARD its the FBI team, particularly the Fiennes character who saw the investigation in his own vision.

Secondly, the two television shows are aimed at the same demographic: the under 35 year-olds. With their sci-fi and conspiracy theory styles, this key audience is satisfied. This is a crucial demographic to win over because they are often the ones who spend more freely. If they spend more freely, the ad execs will raise their prices for ads during the show due to the high demand for this captive audience.

Thirdly, this audience is more likely to investigate alternative ways to access the show's "bible." They will take advantage of conventions, webisodes, fanfiction, message boards, facebook groups, twitter tweets, watching episodes online and the like. These will provide extra information that will give a more in-depth look at the episodes. These alternative ways to surround an audience with the show, which proved very successful for LOST, is just another way to earn more revenue from ad sales and other ancillary products.

And lastly, and most importantly perhaps, just like LOST, FLASHFORWARD has a definite expiration date. ABC chose not to bestow the curse of GILLIGAN'S ISLAND on LOST and have the Oceanic 6 live forever on the island, they knew they need (in order to make the most money through rise of anticipation of the final season) to kill the show at its peak. Similarly, FLASHFORWARD has already proven one major point at which it could be killed: once the mystery is solved, when the characters reach the day they envisioned in the blackout. This is a major concern for the execs up at ABC. Perhaps there will be curve balls to throw this off a bit, but regardless of whether that is in fact the end point or not, there is definitely going to be an endpoint for this new drama.