instant dharma

Have you been debating about polar bears, glowing caves and alternate timelines for the better part of six years? Find yourself humming those catchy Drive Shaft lyrics every now and then? Maybe you've been staring at Weezer's new "Hurley" album cover a little too much?

Diagnosis: You're missing 'Lost' as much as I am.

As the release date for the final season DVD nears (Tues., Aug. 24), I can't help but imagine what special features we'll find on those precious discs. (And for those of you who watched the leaked epilogue, never fear -- there's still more bonus material where that came from.)

Emmy-winning star Michael Emerson tells me all about the mechanics and lighter tone of that now-infamous epilogue, in which he's compelling as ever. He also talks about the finale (he approves), the upcoming cast reunion at the Emmys, his 'Lost' houseguests and life on another island. Then he humors me with talk of the much buzzed about project with him and fellow 'Lost' alum Terry O'Quinn, his love of TV and mixing things up.

Hey guys at 'Big Bang Theory,' are you reading this? Call the man now!

How do you say goodbye to your favorite show? A show that actually inspired you to do your own show, just so you could talk about that show? Well, you throw a party, you have tissues on hand and you get as many fellow fans and friends to watch with you.

That show for me is 'Lost,' and the series and our weekly Instant Dharma debates were given a fond farewell party Sunday night, complete with 'Lost'-themed food (Desmond Hume-mus, Mr. Clucks Fried Chicken Bites with Dharma Ranch Dressing, Charles Widmore submarine sandwiches, Jacob and Man in Black & White Cookies and, yes, some Dharma Beer).

Even more special: almost all of the guests you've seen throughout the season returned to share their finale reactions with us.

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, Orientation: Ryan Station podcasters Ryan McGee (@Zap2ItLost) and Mo Ryan (@moryan) -- also of Zap2it.com and Chicago Tribune, respectively -- join me to talk about 'What They Died For,' the big-moment-every-moment penultimate episode of the final season of 'Lost.' Seriously ... could you ask for a better lead-in to the series finale? And now can we stop complaining about last week's Jacob/Man in Black episode?

Watch, share with your friends and come back Monday morning for more 'Lost' questions, answers and reactions in our very special supersized finale episode of Instant Dharma. (Man, I'm gonna miss this.)

The stars were out for 'Lost' Live: The Final Celebration, a festive evening full of 'Lost'-ies past and present, a preview screening of this week's amazing episode and composer Michael Giacchino leading a live orchestra playing eerily familiar 'Lost' tunes.

Read the full report here
We caught up with executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse -- as well as castmembers Josh Holloway, Michael Emerson, Daniel Dae Kim, Harold Perrineau, Ian Somerhalder, Titus Welliver and too many more to list -- to talk 'Lost' memories, theorize about Island mysteries still unsolved (why doesn't anyone have sunglasses?) and add to Jorge Garcia's already epic "Dude!" mashup.

There's also cartwheels and cussing and jaw-dropping silence as the stars explain their reactions to the show's big finale (Sun., May 23, 9PM ET on ABC). In a very serene, very Rose-like way, L. Scott Caldwell tells fans to "go with it and trust that there's a plan," while Sonya Walger admits she knows how it ends and that it's "a very emotionally satisfying place."

Are you prepared to say goodbye? Yeah, me neither, but this fun walk down memory lane might just help.

I've done some cool things for my job, but last night's 'Lost' Live event in Los Angeles will be a tough evening to beat.

Honoring Academy Award-winning 'Lost' composer Michael Giacchino -- who is responsible for the chilling main theme and every note of every episode that makes the scenes of the show that much stronger -- fans gathered at UCLA's Royce Hall to enjoy Giacchino leading a full live orchestra playing some of the show's most memorable tunes in time with a comprehensive slideshow of key moments. Proceeds from the event's ticket sales benefited The Colburn School for the performing arts in Los Angeles.

As if that weren't enough, we were then treated to an early screening of the penultimate episode of 'Lost,' which won't air for another five days. All that in the company of some of the show's biggest stars ... just amazing.

Here are some of the highlights ...

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, the authors of the official 'Lost' Encyclopedia, Paul Terry and Tara Bennett (@TaraDBennett), join me to talk about 'Across the Sea,' an episode that delved deep into the origin of the smoke monster, the Adam and Eve skeletons and, of course, Jacob and the Man in Black.

Watch, share with your friends and tell us what you think is going on -- the author of the most insightful 'Lost' theory in the comments here will receive a sweet 'Lost' poster by graphic designer Ty Mattson (@TyMattson), which you'll see at the end of the show. (If you don't win but still want the poster, it's now available here for $45.95 at the ABC store.)

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, I dive in to 'The Candidate' with Kate Aurthur (@KateAurthur) from The Daily Beast and Jace Lacob (@televisionary), a.k.a. Televisionary. There was lots of water, some really major deaths, another failed getaway attempt and the reminder that none of these people are strangers anymore -- they're family.

Watch, share with your friends, send us your questions and tell us what you think in the comments. We'd love for you to geek out with us every week.

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, Brian Ford Sullivan (@thefutoncritic), also known as The Futon Critic, and Natalie Abrams (@NatalieAbrams) from TVGuide.com join me to talk about 'The Last Recruit,' a jam-packed episode with more explosions, a heartfelt (if not too short) reunion for two loves and a boat ride for Sawyer, Jack, Kate, Sun, Hurley, Claire and a pilot who "looks like he stepped off the set of a Burt Reynolds movie" (Lapidus!).

Watch, share with your friends, send us your questions and tell us what you think in the comments. We'd love for you to geek out with us every week.

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, our own Jo Garfein (@jopinionated), also known as Jopinionated, and Dave McCoy from MSN TV (@MSNtv) join me to talk about 'Everybody Loves Hugo,' the explosive Hurley-centric episode that gave us another long-overdue love connection, a new leader and the answer about those pesky jungle whispers.

Watch, share with your friends and tell us what you think is going on -- the author of the most insightful 'Lost' theory in the comments here will receive an awesomely number-ific 'Lost' poster by graphic designer Ty Mattson (@TyMattson), which you'll see at the end of the show.

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, Megan Masters (@MegMasters) of E! Online and Marc Istook (@MarcIstook) from TV Guide Network join me to talk about 'Happily Ever After,' the Desmond-centric storyline that has me replacing 'The Constant' as my favorite 'Lost' episode of all time. There was electromagnetic stuff, an underwater revelation, an epic search for love and some very satisfying run-ins with bruthas (and sistahs) that we'll be seeing Des with again very soon.

Watch, share with your friends, send us your questions and tell us what you think in the comments. We'd love for you to geek out with us every week.

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, Kate Aurthur (@KateAurthur) of The Daily Beast and Kristin Dos Santos (@kristinalert) from E! Online join me to talk about 'The Package,' this week's Jin- and Sun-centric episode. There were subtitles in unexpected places, symbolic tomatoes, old friends finally returning and even a shirtless Daniel Dae Kim, if that's your thing. We also got an annoying countdown clock for 'V,' but I think enough has been said about that nuisance.

Watch, share with your friends, send us your questions and tell us what you think in the comments. We'd love for you to geek out with us every week.

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, Brian Ford Sullivan of The Futon Critic (@thefutoncritic) and the man behind ABC's official 'Lost' podcasts, Kris White, join me to talk about 'Ab Aeterno,' the first glimpse into the mysterious history of Richard Alpert and the Island. We got the Black Rock, some vintage Smokey, more Jacob/Man In Black rivalry and plenty of subtitulos en Español -- ole!

Watch, share with your friends, send us your questions and tell us what you think in the comments. We'd love for you to geek out with us every week.

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, Jace Lacob of Televisionary and The Daily Beast (@televisionary) and IGN TV editor Matt Fowler (@Fowler_IGN) join me to talk about 'Recon,' a fun adventure with our favorite con man Sawyer that was chock-full of familiar faces. (Charlotte! Charlie's brother! That kid from 'Kate & Allie'!)

Watch, share with your friends, send us your questions and tell us what you think in the comments. We'd love for you to geek out with us every week.

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, Brill Bundy from Zap2it.com (@zap2itbrill) and celebrity DJ and 'Lost' super fan Mike B. (@theemikeb) join me to talk about 'Dr. Linus,' this season's stellar Ben-centric episode. Michael Emerson was on top of his game, on and off the Island, but we were also treated to great moments from Richard, Ilana, Jack, Miles and a certain submarine.

Watch, share with your friends, send us your questions and tell us what you think in the comments. We'd love for you to geek out with us every week.

Welcome to Instant Dharma, where we break down all things 'Lost' every week -- equal parts for our own sanity and for your entertainment.

This week, PopEater's freelance geek Jenna Busch (@JennaBusch) and Todd VanDerWerff, who blogs about TV for the Los Angeles Times & A.V. Club (@tvoti), join me to talk about 'Lighthouse.' It was a particularly awesome Jack episode ... especially if you consider Claire's craziness, Jacob's reflection stalking and a new generation of Shephard men with daddy issues awesome. I know I do.

Watch, share with your friends, send us your questions and tell us what you think in the comments. We'd love for you to geek out with us every week.