Les Aventuriers du monde perdu

For those of us who love living in fantasy worlds, The Lost World series is all you could ask. The show, not only has action, but a continuing story line, growing relationships between the characters, and both actors and characters that you can care about(a hard to find combination on TV or at the movies). I love "tough women", women who can hold their own and slug it out with the best. Rachel Blakely and Jennifer O'Dell prove to be that and more - You grow to love both, for their faults and blessings. Also a rarity is a show that teaches a worthwhile moral: Being willing to sacrifice self for your friends, family or loved ones is more important than gold and jewels. I only wish there were more episodes to relive the fantasy.

The Lost World admittedly has diverted from the ORIGINAL book. Unlike other shows that are based on books and end up leaving the central story L.W. finds interesting and new stories to tell which I feel, after reading the original story, are true to Sir Arthur Conan Doles essence of story writing. The characters are developed nicely. Every episode reveals a slightly different part of each character. This was real evident in this past season (three I think), throughout the season we find out about Malone's past and some of Marguerite's and Roxton's and even something surprising about Challenger. The season finale reveals what really happened to Veronica's family and her true past and something surprising about the plateau.

What else can i say? This show RULES! excellent, delightfully campy (in the best way) has the powerful, nostalgic sense of some good old (and underrated) series like the "Tales of Golden Monkey", "Adventure Island"... films like "The Man of Bronze" or these Kevin Connor's camp adventure classics like "Warlords of Atlantis" (all of them as "the missing link" between the old Republic Serials and "Raiders of the Lost Ark"). I've been wondering myself why these TV guys have forgotten how to do a good, enjoyable TV show á la old fashion style and the answer came to me as this wonderful piece of fantasy.

All on this show works with the accuracy of a clock, the main characters, the story, the locations. Even each time, over and over again, when i see the powerful main titles it turns me on like the most childish kid (the images... the amazing and far over the average "heroic" score). The following has all which anyone could ask for: lots of adventure, beautiful and wild babes, really bad guys and terrible monsters (well, still a bit cheesy but... who cares? "Valley of Gwangi" is, even today, a hell of entertaining despite the Harryhausen's ancient models).

Beyond the fact they grabbed only the name of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's to make their very own gem, this TV show has a strong spirit as i haven't seen since much time ago, and i'm seriously considering into my all-time classics (sharing honors with Twilight Zone, Miami Vice or Airwolf). Many people could think i'm exaggerating a little, but i fell this one has something else than many other (may be much more successful), but cold and empty programs, and i'm not talking only to the people who think Simon Wincer's "The Phantom" was a misunderstood good movie.

My only wish is to know if they going to release the seasons on DVD. And my suggestion is to give the creatures a major presence on the story... the dinos still look like the "guest stars" in many chapters.

"Two Thumbs Up!"

The Lost World is an excellent action/adventure series inspired by the Conan Doyle book of the same name. Unlike the book, the characters here are trapped in the Lost World and struggle weekly against hostile creatures, inhabitants, and against the mysterious force which created the Lost World.

The show, however, is much more than a simple run of the mill science fiction series, although it works quite well that way as well. The characters are complex, well rounded and interesting. Sometimes they struggle with their relationships with each other as much as with their environment. The growing romance, despite the obstacles presented by their vastly different and emotionally scarring backgrounds, between the Roxton and Marguerite characters has become a centerpiece of the show. The character of Challenger, so brutish and one dimensional in the book, has grown and changed over over the course of the series into a fully developed and interesting character while still maintaining his core focus and scientific genius. The addition of the character of Veronica Layton as the explorer's guide and host on the Lost World was an inspired addition. Veronica brings a humanity and nurturing presence and provides the emotional glue that hold the group together.

Altogether, The Lost World is a unique and compelling show which is well worth your time. Only the most superficial of reviews would dismiss this show as nothing more than another science fiction show. The show offers something for everyone and I highly recommend it.

If you are looking for a show that is pure Sir Arthur Conan Doyle then this may *not* be the show for you. However, if you enjoy elements of ACD's "The Lost World" along with a wonderful, fresh new twist on the story you will love this series!

Many wonderful elements make up TLW. There is fantasy and adventure: dinosaurs, mysteries, exciting near escapes and heroics galore - but also comedic moments and dramatic elements that come from crisp scripts and clever direction.

What's more, there truly *are* a wonderful cast of characters -- some of which are the true "lost" of the plateau they are trapped on. Not only is the Challenger Expedition fighting the elements, strange occurrences and the general dangers of the world surrounding them but they are also learning, as the months pass, to live with one another and become a family.

Wonderful friendships and romances have developed over the last few years that are very appealing to both young and old alike.

Kudos to all cast members: Peter McCauly (Professor Challenger), Rachel Blakely (Marguerite Krux - a character not in the book but mysterious and lovely -- a favorite!), William Snow (Lord John Roxton), Jennifer O'Dell (Veronica - Another new character but a welcome addition), David Orth (Edward "Ned" Malone), Michael Sinelnikoff (Professor Summerlee - Season One) and Lara Cox (Finn- a young woman from our world's potential future - New character in season 3).

Sit back, watch a few episodes -- and become enthralled. It's great fun, holds your interests, and you will grow to the this show and its characters -- whether you want too or not (but you WILL want to!).