May 13th was Day 2 of Upfront Week. Tuesday featured schedule announcements by both ABC and CW.
From a sci-fi perspective, ABC is renewing three genre and fantasy series: “Pushing Daisies” (staying on Wednesday at 8pm), “Eli Stone” (moving to Tuesdays at 10pm) and “Lost” (returning in January 2009). Also returning for its last season is “Boston Legal.” While not a sci-fi series, Boston Legal does feature Star Trek legend William Shatner as well as “Stargate: The Movie” star James Spader.
New in Fall 2008/2009 is “Life on Mars” (scheduled for Thursday at 10pm). According to ABC honcho Stephen McPherson, the network had been hoping to produce a U.S. version of this British series for a few years now. For mid-season, ABC has announced a program called “The Goode Family” from Mike Judge. “The Goode Family” is not sci-fi, but rather an animated program probably somewhat similar to “King of the Hill” (and from the same creative team). They also have a series of other mid-season shows in development (including a remake of the show “Cupid”) with more information forthcoming.
The highlight of the presentation was probably a clip from the upcoming finale of “Lost.”
As for CW, there were no new sci-fi shows announced. Instead all of their new programming choices are more akin to “Gossip Girl” targeted for women 18-34. However, they have renewed “Smallville” for its 8th and final season, as well as “Supernatural” (with both returning on Thursdays). For mid-season, “Reaper” will be returning.
“LOST” — Please Note: MAJOR SPOILER to follow –
Continue at your own risk!
[Please note that it is unclear if the scene is from this Thursday or next Thursday as I believe both weeks are considered part of the finale]
The scene features Jack, Hurley, Kate (holding Aaron), Sun and Sayid on a cargo Coast guard plane. A representative for Oceanic Airlines (played by Michelle Forbes) informs them that there will be press when they land, but it is up to them if they want to talk to the press. Jack indicates that they are willing to talk to the press.
After Forbes’ character walks away, Jack talks about them having their story straight. He mentions how people will just assume they are in shock (as they all looked shocked). Someone (I believe Sun) indicates that they are in shock.
The plane lands. Hurley is greeted by his mother and father (Cheech Marin), Sun is greeted by her mother and father and Jack is met by a woman (who I assume is his mother?). As there is no one there to meet Sayid, Hurley introduces him to his own family. The clip ends as Kate looks around and does not see anyone waiting for her.
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