Fans Rejoice: “LOST defeated the State of the Union today!”
EmailABC News’ Jake Tapper and Karen Travers report:
Fans of ABC’s “Lost” can breathe a sigh of relief.
The millions of viewers eagerly waiting to see what happened to Juliet, Jack, and the Swan station at the end of last season’s cliff-hanger no longer have to worry that the answers to their questions will be delayed because of President Obama’s first State of the Union address.
President Obama will not pre-empt the premiere of the show’s final season, set to air on Tuesday Feb. 2, the White House said today.
Asked by ABC News’ Ann Compton if the president was aware of the recent Internet kerfuffle over the potential scheduling conflict, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs indicated today that Feb. 2 is safe.
“I don't foresee a scenario in which millions of people that hope to finally get some conclusion in "Lost" are preempted by the president,” Gibbs said, referencing the show’s 6th and final season.
Diehard fans of the show have been in a tizzy over the possibility of the president addressing the nation on the same night as the highly-anticipated season premiere, having been left handing since the end of the 5th season last May.
“We will answer a lot of the mysteries,” executive producer Carlton Cuse was quoted saying in the Daily Mail. “For example, what's the Four-Toed Statue? What's the Smoke Monster?”
Matthew Fox, who plays Dr. Jack Shepard on the show, told E! online that the show’s conclusion is “going to be very satisfying and cathartic and redemptive and beautiful.”
The season premiere will begin by answering the question as to what happened after Juliet detonated the hydrogen bomb.
"It's very surprising and probably fairly confusing initially to the audience,” Fox said. "Like, a third of the way in [to the season], I would guess we are going to [settle] into one time frame, and it will be very linear—no more flashbacks, nothing. It will be on the Island and sort of a final conflict to the end.”
Fox also said the conflict between his character and Locke "will come head to head.”
Internet message boards have been burning up with worried fans. On Twitter, one fan started the hashtag #NoStateofUnionFeb2 to dissuade the White House from picking the date they have had circled on their calendars for months.
But today’s White House announcement brought relief to the Lost community online. “LOST defeated the State of the Union today!” was one topic on ABC’s Lost message board.
The State of the Union is traditionally in late January. One possible date being considered is Jan 26 – the night of the American Idol season premiere of Fox. Will karaoke fans start a drumbeat online now too?
-Jake Tapper and Karen Travers
ABC News' Ann Compton contributed to this report.
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I LOVE “Lost” and am glad we will be able to watch it on Feb. 2. Not too many good shows on but this is one of them and I will miss it…too bad they can do a spinoff? :–)
Posted by: Barb | January 8, 2010, 4:29 pm 4:29 pm
Ok so I expect he will not interupt 24 or American Idol when they have their season premiere. This is really kind of stupid. At least this is their last year.
Posted by: 'Un-American' | January 8, 2010, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm
Seems to me that “Lost” is a fairly apt description of the current State of the Union under Obama.
Posted by: natasha | January 8, 2010, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm
Drudge thoughts on American Idol versus the State of The Union
“The U.S broadcast TV audience would rather watch freaks sing out of tune than President Bush and Democrats wax politics, overnight ratings show.”
SOTU 2005
Posted by: Ryan C | January 8, 2010, 4:48 pm 4:48 pm
“Seems to me that “Lost” is a fairly apt description of the current State of the Union under Obama.”
I wonder how we could describe the State of the Union under Bush? Perhaps “Six Feet Under”?
Posted by: Michael | January 8, 2010, 4:51 pm 4:51 pm
Should we thank him for this kind gesture?
Posted by: Riki_m1 | January 8, 2010, 5:01 pm 5:01 pm
We all know the state of the union….it SUCKS. So let the millions of us who have waited 7 long, financially tough, employment challenged, terrorist threatened months, enjoy our last season of LOST. Obama has nothing new to say to us at this point.
Posted by: Coastal | January 8, 2010, 5:05 pm 5:05 pm
For the sake all tele prompters in the world, leave this one alone. And by the way, enough with your prime time rhetoric. For a change, show us some concrete action
Posted by: Riki_m1 | January 8, 2010, 5:06 pm 5:06 pm
“And by the way, enough with your prime time rhetoric.”
Its the State of the Union, not just some speech.
Posted by: Ryan C | January 8, 2010, 5:18 pm 5:18 pm
Seriously!! I’m sure Lost fans could wait an hour or so until after the State of the Union address. The idea that the government would or would not do anything because of a tv show is just ridiculous!
Posted by: wyndsayl | January 8, 2010, 5:18 pm 5:18 pm
Why would I want to watch the State of the Union when all we get is lies anyway?
Posted by: Kathy | January 8, 2010, 5:52 pm 5:52 pm
Lost fans do not care what “the teleprompter” has to say. He has not kept one campaign promise and has continued the democrats economic destruction of America since they gained control in 2006. He needs to find a brain, any brain but find one!
Posted by: HH | January 8, 2010, 6:14 pm 6:14 pm
“Republicans are kinda bitter – and they have good reason to be – we lost”
G.W. Bush
Erie, PA
Posted by: GWB | January 8, 2010, 6:22 pm 6:22 pm
We already know how the state of the Union is.
It is bad.
We don’t need to hear obama try to dress up the situation with lies. We will be tuning in to Lost.
Posted by: ceeLeelee | January 8, 2010, 6:29 pm 6:29 pm
i’m a fan of ‘lost’, but i care much more about the state of the union. had the speech preempted the show, i’m sure that the network would have made scheduling changes.
however, i’m curious as to why ‘political punch’ felt the need to give us all a recap of ‘lost’s’ cliffhanger ending…
Posted by: justsane | January 8, 2010, 6:47 pm 6:47 pm
Seriously? People wonder what is wrong with America? We have a citizenry so addicted to the inconsequential that they would rather watch a drama’s premiere instead of listen to the state of the union? Ridiculous. This country is pathetic.
Posted by: Electricgrendel | January 8, 2010, 7:00 pm 7:00 pm
Let me fix that for you:
We would rather watch a drama’s premiere instead of listen to obama.
Posted by: ceeLeelee | January 8, 2010, 7:04 pm 7:04 pm
Watch Lost..or watch Obama read to us again.
I choose Lost.
Obama reads to us every day.
But it might be interesting to see if Obama, out of habit, looks side to side while addressing the nation–while sitting at his desk in the Oval Office.
Posted by: kandy | January 8, 2010, 7:07 pm 7:07 pm
Tune in to watch Obama brag about all that he has done, blame Bush, and whine about his full plate? No thanks.
I’ve heard that story for a year.
Posted by: ollie | January 8, 2010, 7:09 pm 7:09 pm
Lost or Biggest Loser
Both a pretty good description of the Obama’s first year.
Posted by: kyle | January 8, 2010, 7:14 pm 7:14 pm
Kathy | Jan 8, 2010 5:52:44 PM posted, “Why would I want to watch the State of the Union when all we get is lies anyway?”
I’m curious. Do you honestly believe ALL we get are “lies”? And are those “lies” from every President, or just this one? One more question, sorry for taking up so much time….but, do you think negative or hostile posts are the best way to educate Americans about these “lies”?
Posted by: CenterOne | January 8, 2010, 7:17 pm 7:17 pm
It is too bad when you have some real talented and intellegent news people,to pre-empt the State of the Union, because “Lost” is more popular. I guess it speaks for ABC’s audience. They are truely lost in today’s world. I wonder if there was another 9-11 like event if ABC would have to keep it’s regular schedule in order to not upset the mindless who watch ABC?
Posted by: John Magnusson | January 8, 2010, 7:41 pm 7:41 pm
It is our choice to make and it has nothing to do with being “mindless.”
Get over it.
Posted by: ceeLeelee | January 8, 2010, 7:49 pm 7:49 pm
I would say it is silly to set aside or reschedule a state of the union because of LOST, or any show – but Obummer is so over exposed, and is on the tv day in and day out – that the state of the union is no special broadcast for this administration. It used to be that the state of the union was a time where the nation got to hear from the president for an extended period of time on the status of the us – as seen by the whitehouse. now we hear this adnauseum, in a biparisan manner that is only directed at a small subset of this country.
Posted by: clr | January 8, 2010, 8:01 pm 8:01 pm
Isn’t the State of the Union address supposed to be on January 20th ?
Posted by: Gary A lucas | January 8, 2010, 8:12 pm 8:12 pm
We need to ship Obama’s butt to the island! OBAMA SUCKS!
Posted by: Miguel | January 8, 2010, 8:18 pm 8:18 pm
What about the State of the Island?
P.S. But if Obama’s healthcare plan addresses island fertility issues, I definitely woon’t miss it.
Posted by: Nathan | January 8, 2010, 9:50 pm 9:50 pm
The State of the Onion needs to be on 1/20, just one day after a Republican wins Ted Kennedy’s old seat and becomes the 41st Republican vote which will derail the “0bowMao/Pelousy War Against America.”
Posted by: DJ | January 8, 2010, 10:01 pm 10:01 pm
Actually .. in thinking about it .. this just might be an entertaining State of the Onion to watch! Just to see how 0bowMao tries to put lipstick on the pig that is *HIS* failed economy, and the recent terrorist attack. Now, I’m certain that he will continue to “Blame Bush, Blame Bush, Blame Bush, ..” and continue his “The Buck Stops With Everyone Else *BUT* Me!,” but at least we can watch him squirm. Or something.
Posted by: DJ | January 8, 2010, 10:10 pm 10:10 pm
“Lost”? Obama’s “State of the Union?”…what’s the difference? Oh, yeah….”Lost” is intentionally confusing.
Posted by: ncpilot10 | January 8, 2010, 10:18 pm 10:18 pm
Lots of scorn here too. I love it. I think they are waiting to see if they can do the state-of-the-whatever shindig at the Kennedy Center as part of a surprise showing of the new German musical Hope!
Posted by: john 2000 | January 9, 2010, 2:46 am 2:46 am
Obama is pathetic and he is not worth a moment of my time.
Posted by: Ian | January 9, 2010, 4:26 am 4:26 am
I don’t need to listen to Obama give the State of the Union -we all know what it is. Unemployment is high…the government keeps bailing out financial institutions (just this week it was GMAC for an additional $3.8 million, the day before their sponsored bowl aired)…credit card interest rates are through the roof for no reason other than banks trying to eke out as much revenue before the new rules come into effect… we are getting blown up in the Middle East….terrorists are making it dangerously close to another attack on US soil….we are about to be thrown into the abyss that is government controlled healthcare (and it will end up being government controlled once they determine that your employere based plan doesn’t meet whatever random criteria they decide to use)…we are going to be taxed excessively for liking a light or two on at night……
Posted by: ellsbells930 | January 9, 2010, 8:40 am 8:40 am
Hey, Obama… we’ve heard your worthless, empty “speeches” (or rather, readings from a teleprompter) before.
SAVE YOUR BREATHE!!!
If you feel that you MUST yack away, then you have my permission to preempt that twit Rachel Maddow, or that dolt Keith Olbermann. Neither of them have anything to say either.
I’d rather watch commercials 24/7 than listen to YOU!!
Posted by: Laughin__ALL_The_Way | January 9, 2010, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
It’s nice to know that the
Obama Administration has its
priorities straight!
A little more than two weeks after
a major screwup by Obama and Co almost
cost 300 Americans their lives these
bumbling fools are worried about disrupting a TV Show!
2012 can’t come soon enough!
Posted by: reaganfan | January 9, 2010, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
Let’s face the facts….
Whatever happens on “LOST” is FAR more important than anything our reigning Demo_rat puppet of a President has to say.
I’d rather watch fiction than listen to a real-life MORON!
Posted by: Laughin__ALL_The_Way | January 9, 2010, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
Where is our respect for our President of the U.S.A. I did not care for Mr. Bush or reality shows. No reason to be hateful. Step up and do his job or give worthwhile suggestions to your Senator. Can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything.
Posted by: martha jorgensen | January 9, 2010, 8:02 pm 8:02 pm
Unbelievable. Another Obama embarrassment. It’s quite obvious that he (and a fair portion of this nation’s populace) certainly have their priorities straight. Let’s face it – we all know Obama himself didn’t want to miss that episode of *crap* either. The ineptitude of this administration absolutely astounds and confounds me.
Posted by: Ill Bill On Capitol Hill | January 9, 2010, 8:14 pm 8:14 pm
martha jorgensen – The Constitution gives everyone the right to say both good & bad things. It does not limit us to just “nice” things. I’ve given my representatives an earful – not that they have listened at all. If anyone wants to come on here & complain they can.
I, for one, have been waiting anxiously since last May to see the beginning of the final season of LOST. I already know what the State of the Union is – and I really don’t need to watch the Democrats fawn all over the President – applauding after every sentence, no matter what he says. (Something I can’t stand no matter who is in office).
Posted by: ellsbells930 | January 9, 2010, 8:38 pm 8:38 pm
THANK YOU BILL ON CAPITOL HILL!!
It’s really sad how little respect US citizens have for OUR president. We have so many good things in this nation to be proud of, and to appreciate, but the only thing you ignorant, disrespectful, unappreciative people can do is call Obama’s speeches “worthless and empty” (have you seen any of his speeches, reaganfan?), “HIS failed economy”, and perhaps, the most blatantly ignorant statement: “a major screwup by Obama and Co almost
cost 300 Americans their lives…”
Please, disagree all you want with our leaders! But please stop disrespecting our President, and blaming him directly for terrible things happening; instead, sit back and think about all the luxuries we have in this nation that other countries do not have. Sorry for the immature statement I’m about to make, but some of the people who have commented before me simply sound like big, spoiled, ungrateful babies. GROW UP!
Posted by: skh | January 10, 2010, 11:04 am 11:04 am
i love it. republicans and conservatives are actually foaming at the mouth over obama and the dem sweep over their vaunted moral stance that they know best for america. you call names, and spit baseless vitriol at the drop of a hat. you have no ideas or answers to todays problems, but find the strength to criticize people doing a job you could never be qualified for. keep it up, you’ll be the impetus of your own downfall!
Posted by: jaime pridemore | January 10, 2010, 4:03 pm 4:03 pm
Y’all some haterz. The SotU isn’t getting “rescheduled” because the date for it had not been set, and it doesn’t normally occur in Feb anyway.
And Mr. Obama has been a part of my life for 2-ish years. Damon, Carlton, and the polar bear have been there for 5. Easy choice, if I actually had to make it.
ABC is getting some great press for this joke. Sorry, John Magnusson. They win this one.
PS. Nathan- “State of the Island.” LOVE IT.
PPS. Let’s all just breathe deeply and renew our chakras now, shall we?
Posted by: LostANDpoliticallyactive | January 10, 2010, 6:32 pm 6:32 pm
Are some of you who don’t happen to watch Lost (nmp if you do, nmp if you don’t) suggesting that this administration schedule the speech on Feb 2 on purpose, to prove a point?
Posted by: Catch-22 | January 10, 2010, 6:39 pm 6:39 pm
Wow. Spell check needed more. Thesaurus needed less.
Posted by: Grammar ninja | January 10, 2010, 7:03 pm 7:03 pm
I thought the constitution mandated the State of the Union be in January? Either way it still shows a problem with making decisions and keeping your house in order.
Posted by: Jeckhardt | January 11, 2010, 10:16 am 10:16 am
Like the President or not, the lack of interest in real world issues and obsession with “fiction” is how he got elected n the first place. So quit yer bitching, fantasy addicts. This summer after LOST mercifully ends, you’ll still be unemployeed, or standing in security lines at airports or cowering in your parent’s basement. And Locke ain’t gonna save you. Pay attention sometimes….there’s a “real world” outside the Matrix.
Posted by: Kilroy | January 12, 2010, 11:53 am 11:53 am
Whatever someone might think of the ABC drama, the fiction of LOST is far and away better than the fiction Barack Obama is trying to pass off on all of us.
Posted by: Brett | January 13, 2010, 5:02 pm 5:02 pm
It is very sad to see this bickering because of two show, one on ABC and the other on Capital Hill. When they both are over it will be the same ending. Some will be saddened it is over and look back with fond memories and others will be glad that space in their life can be filled with other possibilities.
Anyway, if you all could call Nebraska and thank them for their free healthcare at other taxpayers expenses that would be appreciated.
Good day,
Posted by: Rich7769 | January 14, 2010, 11:44 am 11:44 am
I want to donate up to 10 trillion dollars
Posted by: bryan | January 16, 2010, 11:47 am 11:47 am
I am laughing at all of you republican haters. This is how we felt the last eight years. How is it possible that you could watch this country go to hell and deeper for eight yes let’s say that again EIGHT years and then expect Obama to come in and magically fix it over night. It take 2X as long to fix something as it does to break it. That means even for those of your rep that cant do math that is 16 years of reformation to fix the mess that Bush did. Only my GOD can do it sooner! Get over it
Posted by: laughing | January 19, 2010, 11:49 am 11:49 am
HAHA YES VIVA LOST!! WHOO!
Posted by: Nadia | January 24, 2010, 11:44 pm 11:44 pm
fact: jan. 26th is definitely not the season premiere of american idol, which has been on for a couple of weeks now.
Posted by: j-wash | January 25, 2010, 3:38 pm 3:38 pm
Nadia,
The country went to hell because the banks lent out money to people they souldn’t have. And they did it to allow minorities to buy homes they couldn’t afford at the pressure of the Clinton administration, not the Bush administration. Get your facts right before you criticize.
Posted by: General Electrics BIG DOG | January 27, 2010, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
Wow, it’s simply amazing how such a petty waste of time has delayed a scheduled historic tradition such as the annual State of the Union address. It’s even more shocking and depressing that individuals in this country are so indifferent about the policies being written and enforced whether it helps them or hurts them. It’s like these people would rather bury their head in the sand than take responsibility and hear the truth.
That’s just simply pathetic.
Posted by: James | January 27, 2010, 6:24 pm 6:24 pm
The advantage is that now people can watch both as they happen.
Posted by: Sam | February 2, 2010, 11:58 pm 11:58 pm
It was interesting reading the racist comments saying the people that bought homes that couldn’t afford them were minorities.
Posted by: Mitur Binesderti | February 4, 2010, 8:47 pm 8:47 pm
it’s also interesting reading the anti-American diatribes against our president. These are the same people that were calling anyone that disagreed with Bush a traitor.
Well tea-baggers, if you hate America so much why don’t you go back to where you came from?
Posted by: Mitur Binesderti | February 4, 2010, 8:49 pm 8:49 pm