When the writers are away, it's interesting the things you discover

OK, I am the first to admit I am watching WAY too much political commentary on CNN, MSNBC and yes, FoxNews. This is a product not merely of the historic significance of the time and election but certainly the state of the fact that the writers’ strike is well into its third month.

What I have discovered without a selection of scripted series to choose from is that there are gems of programming scattered throughout the airwaves. I have become a regular of two programs over most - Frontline and Iconoclasts. The simplest way for me to describe Frontline is 20/20 with depth of reporting. What prompted me to mention it here is a recent piece that examined the first generation of youth and the Internet called "Growing up Online". The examination was interesting not for highlighting the well publicized fears of internet predators and the ignorance gap of adults and their children. Rather, it examines how youth as young as 8 years old are seeking and creating their identities online. While MySpace and Facebook are the platforms we most hear about, it goes beyond that to look at how children are dangerously exploring in a world without boundaries and trying to define themselves among cyber bullies, predators and open access. It is terrifying as a parent to imagine and know there is an entire world that children are creating outside of their parents. Frontline is on PBS for those who don't know and with the joys of modern technology you can view 70 of their best episodes whose topics range the gamete.

Iconoclasts is a distinct shift from the above on Sundance Channel. It pairs two icons, often from differing aspects of life. My most recent episode viewing was Norman Lear (creator of All in the Family) and Howard Shultz (Starbucks). It's nothing more than a roaming conversation between two people. It has eclectic pairings, my personal favorite being Dave Chappelle and Maya Angelou. What is engaging about the conversations is that through conversation you see the connectivity between two people who on the surface would appear to have little to share and learn from one another. It is a different approach that talks to larger ideals and bringing differences to light. What I find appealing is similar to what I love and enjoy about Inside the Actors Studio. It is a voyeuristic peek into conversations we would not otherwise be privvy to and that to me is always intriguing.

HOUSEKEEPING

LOST -- Yes I am loving the fact that one of my favorite shows is airing original episodes right now. The season premiere did not disappoint with its forward "life after the island" flashes and stake that was put in the ground that six people leave the island. Especially since it is obvious that last season’s cliffhanger flash forward sequentially happened after the one the revelation that Hurly is one of the survivors. The one question I was left with when pondering who I think the "Oceanic 6" are besides Hurly, Jack and Kate is if Michael and Walt are included in that mix. Less we forget that they sailed off the island at the end of season 2. The other interesting side note is that Michael is coming back at some point. His name was in the opening credits this week (yes, I note such silly things). This week I felt like the flashbacks of the new "rescuers" were not helping the storyline and left me more perplexed than anything else. Also, am I the only questioning the fact that when we saw the Oceanic flight crash information in the flashbacks the plane was completely submerged under water? We know from season 1 that the front piece of the plane crashed on the island and was in the tree - the pilot was killed by the 'black smoke' thing that we still don't have clarification on. What plane is in the ocean? I am still not entirely convinced that my alternate plane/universe - purgatory theory is not completely off base. The show has me to the bitter end; I am invested in the characters, the mysteries and the intrigue of what comes next.

Eli Stone -- OK, I could not resist a show that stars Angelina Jolie's ex husband where his character hears George Michael tunes in his head. After two episodes the show has a solid cast and some interesting storylines. Johnny Lee Hooker (aka ex- Mr. Jolie) is crafting a solid core character at the crossroads of who he has been and who his circumstances are pushing him to be. His acting alleviates above the absurd pieces of the storytelling. The jury is still out on the show's long-term possibility, but for now it has me intrigued enough to see what's the next George Michael tune to pop into his head.