Henry Ian Cusick

CHICAGO – Shonda Rhimes has made waves on network TV with her unique, stylized approach to characters on hit shows “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice.” She occassionally has a gift for pulpy TV and her latest, “Scandal” sometimes hits that nerve that wants an escapist soap opera after a long day at work. More often, it feels over-done, like someone trying to stir controversy with outlandish, unbelievable behavior.

CHICAGO – A Blu-ray review of the controversial final season of “Lost” is not the place to get into arguments over the quality of the actual finale, so I’ll get my opinion out of the way quickly and then we can discuss the Blu-ray release more than the ending specifically — the final season of “Lost” is arguably the best final season of any program ever and the last episode is the perfect bookend for a show too ambitious to be truly influential.

CHICAGO – With its fifth season Blu-Ray release, “Lost” continues to make a case as the TV series with the most remarkable season DVD sets alongside award-winning season sets for shows like “24” and “The Simpsons”. With a technically flawless presentation and unique, in-depth special features, these sets perfectly balance an appeal to casual fans while also satisfying the hardcore one.

Television Rating: 5.0/5.0

CHICAGO – ABC’s “Lost” returns next Wednesday, January 21st, with a pair of episodes that more than live up to the expectations and the high bar set by season four, one of the best of 2008.