TVSquad

For those of you who love behind-the-scenes details, ABC has just posted a new Lost audio podcast on its website. As usual, the podcast is hosted by producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, and includes a recap of "Not in Portland." Fans can also get a sense of what to expect from this week's Desmond-centric episode, "Flashes Before Your Eyes." Among the more interesting details: Ben might not be Alex's biological father; there will be at least one more episode on Alcatraz (where Jack is being held); and, the dreaded Nikki and Paulo will be getting more screen time. In addition, Josh Holloway sheds light on Sawyer's nicknaming habit in a short interview.

After learning that the producers of Lost have been seriously considering a planned endpoint to the show, I was a little relieved (and, frankly, impressed). This could be the best thing to happen to Lost since the appearance of Ben Linus. Think about it:

• Remember Rose and Bernard? With an established timeline, perhaps the writers will take more of an interest in some of the long-neglected supporting cast members. Now that most of the Tailies have gone to that big traffic court in the sky, it's become likely that they were never essential to the plot. The Tailie-centric episodes gave us no vital information, with the possible exception of "The Other 48 Days." An endpoint would give the writing staff a chance to concentrate on Sayid, Claire, and the rest of the forgotten island gang.

Anyone see Nightline last night? It was basically a commercial for Lost.

I know that the show has sorta steered away from the typical hard news that Ted Koppel used to do in almost every single episode, but this was rather odd. They were talking about the Lost phenomenon as if it was brand new and some cultural force they had to talk about. But it wasn't even that serious, it was really just a fluff piece on the show, the theories, and the web world it has spawned. An informerical for another show on the ABC network (and conveniently timed for a day before tonight's episode airs).

Not that it wasn't interesting to Lost fans. The three producers they had talking about the show (J.J. Abrams, Carleton Cuse, and Damon Lindelof) had some cool tidbits, but I don't think that at this point they're going to add any new fans. And I thought it was odd that an ABC news show would take an entire half hour to talk about their own sci-fi drama.