I Say It Every Day.

But is it original recipe, or butter-flavored?

That's what I want to know.

My Love Letter.

Has there ever been a program that so seamlessly united science fiction, literature, philosophy, religion, medicine, metaphysics, comedy and drama, along with helpings of romance and fantasy? An hour of television not only critically acclaimed, but also a pop culture phenomenon beloved by a completely fervid fanbase?

Doubful.

The zeitgeist known as Lost began on September 22, 2004, and I was hooked from the moment Charlie Pace questioned, "Guys...where are we?"

This week I've read brilliant summaries of the show, written by minds far sharper than my own, printed in publications such as Vanity Fair, Time, TV Guide, and Entertainment Weekly. I'm not going to do the same, because my efforts would fall embarrassingly short.

Instead I'm going to say thank you to the cast and crew of the show. Thanks for giving me six years of pure entertainment. When it comes to the heart of the matter, I don't care to know all the secrets of the island: polar bears, Dharma food drops, or all those notebooks sent via pneumatic tubes. Nah! I don't need to know every answer to every mystery.

My devastation at the completion of this series is that I'm bidding farewell to some of the most brilliantly written characters to ever grace the screen, big or small. These deeply flawed, hurting people, all of whom are seeking some form of redemption, all of whom have made me laugh, cry, scream, sigh, and applaud...all of whom I've grown to love these past six years.

I will miss them.

My favorite moment in Lost occurred in Season 3...

This clip, more than any other, embodies what Lost means to me. It begins with a huge measure of confusion, which rapidly becomes terrifying, before turning into an overwhelming release of joy and relief. ELATION! That, my friends, is the perfect summary of my Lost-viewing experience.

(Also...Three Dog Night. I mean, come on..."Shambala" is only one of the best, classic rock songs ever and perfectly synced in this scene.)

Thank you, Carlton Cuse, Damon Lindelof, and the entire cast and crew (both in Hawaii and California) of my most favorite television series of all time. Whether you go out with a bang or a whimper, I'll never be ashamed to admit that I am a Lostie! It's been a heck of a ride...and I'm glad I was there for it...hanging on with all my might.

Edited to add THIS:

"It's just a show but it feels like losing a friend."

Indeed.

Nickelodeon Vampire

I love Rachelle Lefevre's gorgeous red mane:

I thought she did a fine job portraying evil, nomadic vampire Victoria (as shown in the above photo) in the screen versions of Twilight and New Moon. If you're planning to see Eclipse next month, know that Victoria has a new face (and much less lustrous hair), as Ms. Lefevre was fired by the suits at Summit Entertainment and replaced by Opie Taylor's daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard. Sad.

I'm willing to give Richie Cunningham's daughter a fair chance, however, but only because Rachelle Lefevre has found an even bigger audience than the Twilight crowd:

The Fresh Beat Band!

We love us some Fresh Beats*.

And cropped leggings.

Wholesome.

She's going by the name "Marina" on this half hour of song, dance, and zany fun for kids and adults, but she can't fool me. Marina is really Rachelle Lefevre.

And...check it...she got Marissa Tomei ("Kiki") to join in the good times, as well as Don Cheadle's younger brother ("Shout"), and some white guy ("Twist").

I love a great comeback.

*No, that's not really Rachelle Lefevre playing Marina. But I do think that's really Marissa Tomei. Is all I'm sayin'.