Blog From The Bench

With the spoiler-moratorium expired, it's finally safe to talk about this.

The first major character on Lost has met his maker.

I can't say I'm shocked or disappointed. He was arguably the weakest member of the cast. Besides, with Boone gone, it leaves Locke as the only survivor with knowledge of The Hatch, the small plane, and a ten year supply of Heroin that would put Charlie into a drug-induced coma. His death has also directly affected Shannon and Sayid's blossoming relationship, Jack's control issues, Sun's position within the group, and most importantly Locke's emotional stability. And the writers now have many new angles to explore.

Given that model/actor Ian Somerhalder has reportedly signed a new one year deal with ABC, this could indicate that Boone will continue to haunt the remaining survivors in Season Two. After all, nobody really stays dead on this island anyway. Speaking of which, has anyone seen Jack's dad lately?

Melissa and I were at Steppenwolf Theatre last weekend to see John Malkovich in Stephen Jeffrey's Lost Land.

The show was interesting but not exceptional. Malkovich was surprisingly flat, playing a turn of the century Hungarian aristocrat with his own Midwestern affect, while the supporting cast (save co-star Martha Lavey who set forth her own New England affect) all carried thick eastern European accents. Quite distracting and disappointingly ineffective.

However, there were three highlights to the evening...

1) The always impressive Yasen Peyankov. This man never fails to deliver any role he undertakes.

2) James Schuette's set design, an imposing yet simple castle veranda overlooking the valley and the family's expansive acreage of vineyards. Using only lighting and some minor set pieces, the audience was trasported from the lush hey day of the region, to the desolate after effects of war.

2) Odd Obession. We arrived at the theatre early and were wandering around the upstairs when, across the street, Melissa spotted a garden apartment Video store named Odd Obsession. The sign out front read "Rare, Hard to Find Releases: Independent, Foreign, Hong Kong, Tokyo Shock, French New Wave, Film Noir, Experimental, Gay/Lesbian, Cult, Criterion, and More!" In short, a collection of all the films we cover here at DVD Verdict. We have been in the neighborhood hundreds of times and never knew this place existed. With time to kill, we went across the street and wandered around this treasure trove of filmdom. It's unlike anything I have ever seen. You would be floored by the wealth of fantastic films available for rent and sale at this little hole in the wall. I had to get home and check out the website to make sure this wasn't some sort of BRIGADOON experience. It really, truly does exist and you owe yourself a favor to check it out!

The bitch is back, as the sinfully delightful Lena Olin returns to Alias.

Garth Franklin, the Lord of Dark Horizons reports:

Irina Derevko, the dangerous mother of Sydney Bristow (Jennifer Garner) is back. Lena Olin, who played the role throughout the show's second season, is confirmed to be returning for the 90-minute fourth season final on May 25th.

I've also heard reported that Isabella Rosellini will return (from the dead apparently) as Sydney's aunt, Katya. Needless to say the Derevko sisters are sure to make life hell for the Syd, Nadia, and Jack.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but there is a strangely addictive quality to JJ Abrams shows. While I cannot claim to have ever seen an episode of Felicity, I was hooked on Alias from the word go. It's intricately woven storylines, whose plot points were seeded early on and cultivated throughout the first two seasons, always managed to bloom at the most unexpected times. It's terrific ensemble cast -- Jennifer Garner, Carl Lumbly, Victor Garber, Ron Rifkin, Greg Grunberg, Michael Vartan, and Kevin Weisman -- only adds to the mystique. While it's true, Season Three -- mired in Syd's two missing years and the plodding, redundant Vaughn/Syd/Lauren love triangle -- lost the interest of a great number of viewers (including myself), the delayed Season Four has returned the series to its original formula, kicking ass and taking names.

It doesn't hurt that the show's lead-in is another compelling JJ show, Lost. But that's a story for another time.

We went to see Duran Duran this past weekend. Now I know what you're thinking -- DURAN DURAN?! Yes, the fab five from across the pond have reunited for a new album, ASTRONAUT, and a world tour. Granted, I was never a huge fan of the band, or most the '80s British Invasion for that matter. But if Friday night was any indication, there's no denying that Simon, Nick, and the Taylor boys have done nothing but improve with age.

Unfortunately, guitarist Andy Taylor had to return to England earlier in the week to be with his ailing father. To avoid cancelling any shows, friend Dominic Brown flew in from England on Wednesday, rehearsed on Thursday, and played the show Friday night. If it weren't for the sheet music and notes scattered at his feet, you would never have been able to tell.

One of the interesting highlights of the evening was a new KILL BILL inspired short film of the boys as anime superheroes that played behind "Careless Memory."

I've been to a number of concerts over the past year and I'm surprised to say this one ranks right up at the top. I'm also surprised at how much of their music I remember, and how well it holds up. For those of you who had even the slightest inkling to go see the boys when the tour rolls into your town, go for it! You won't be disappointed.

For those of you who love soundtracks as much as Judge Patrick Naugle and myself, I highly recommend checking out Jim Aquino's A Fistful of Soundtracks online radio station hosted by Live365.com. A great mix of new releases, old favorites, and some tracks you may not have ever heard before. While Jim might not be the world's most polished DJ, he makes up for it with energy and enthusiasm.

If you're looking for a hot new composer to check out, look no further than Michael Giacchino of ALIAS and THE INCREDIBLES fame. He's a throwback to 1960's style action and adventure (John Barry), with a touch of high-tech David Arnold thrown in for good measure. Enjoy!