Stephanie Morrill

Why I'm addicted to FlashForward

16 November 2009

My favorite show at the moment is FlashForward on ABC. I saw the preview for it months ago when I was at a movie with my friend, Kelli, and it’s the first show since Lost that I’ve been like, “Oooh … that looks good.”

The premise of FlashForward is that everyone on the planet blacks out simultaneously for two minutes and sixteen seconds. During that time, everyone sees a glimpse of what their life will be like six months later. It’s an adaptation of Robert J. Sawyer’s novel, which I’m now dying to read, but of course I don’t want to spoil what happens later in the show. (As a side note, talk about a fascinating premise that makes writers drool. These are the kinds of high concepts we’re supposed to come up with, and it’s so freaking hard!)

But my husband and I weren’t really looking to add a show to the list of ones we watch. (24, Lost, The Office, and usually 30 Rock.) I could watch a lot of TV, but recognize it’s really not the most productive way to spend my evenings. Because I was excited about FlashForward, Ben was like, “Okay, let’s give it a try.”

We’re five or six weeks into the season, and that show is GOOD. While the concept was amazing enough to hook me, the writing and the characters are what keep me tuning in. I want to know if Mark starts drinking, if Olivia does what she never thought she’d do, and if Demitri didn’t see anything because he’s dead in six months or (what I’m holding out for) because he’s unconscious.

Something else that makes me really, really happy about this show is their endings. Every single episode has ended with something haunting or enticing that makes me say, “Nooooo! Don’t make me wait a whole other week!” Every. Single. Episode. That’s takes skill. And challenges me as a writer.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

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