Good Fiction

Good fiction, you know, CAN be television, and I believe that one of the best written TV series to air in my life is “Lost”, which I am OBSESSED with.  I listen to a number of podcasts about it, and I’ve realized that good storytelling lessons can be learned.  The writers of “Lost” have created a VERY detailed storyline.  There are past and future episodes but thus far, the central focus is the CURRENT action that takes place on the island. Thus far, the castaways have been on the island for 69 days.  When you plot something this tightly, continuity is crucial (storyline continuity, film continuity is  a separate issue).

The creators have very detailed storyboards, including a board specifically for characters who have died.  They have solidly planned out the complete story arc (before the show aired, I believe) and have sufficient backstory for each character that requires it.

They have also put a compelling amount of mystery AND suspense (I would argue) in the plotline, keeping viewers coming back for answers, which are doled out conservatively.  In addition, the characters have enough of a personal life to keep you interested in them, either as heroes or vilians or crossover characters, part villian, part hero (Ben, Sayid, Sawyer).

Ok, maybe my Lost obsession is just that, but I can pretend that it’s not just good fantasy but I’m also LEARNING. Can’t I???