TV Jots

Well, Join the Club Then

As everyone who has glanced at a television in the last month or so already knows, J.J. Abrams’ contagious island-castaway thriller Lost returns tonight at 9pm EST to begin its fifth season. First up is the double-episode premiere “Because You Left” and “The Lie.”

Since my memory isn’t what it used to be and I prefer not to obsess over TV shows during their off-seasons and hiatuses, count me among the many people who are extremely grateful to ABC for starting the evening at 8pm with the hourlong overview “Destiny Calls.”

In addition, check out a few sneak peeks below, courtesy of ByCarLost, if you don’t mind being a bit spoiled, and then tune in tonight for what is easily the TV event of the week. I also recommend TV Guide’s helpful pre-premiere character guide Are You Lost?.

Speaking of which, I feel kind of bad for the buzzed-about new Fox crime drama Lie to Me, which stars English film actor Tim Roth and launches tonight at 9:03pm. Given the show’s considerable competition — it also airs opposite CBS’ heavy-hitting FBI procedural Criminal Minds — I’m wondering what programming genius chose Lie to Me‘s time slot, even if its lead-in is the ratings behemoth American Idol. Can’t wait to see the results of the Nielsen duel tomorrow.