What? THE EVENT is an emotional, high-octane conspiracy thriller that follows Sean Walker, an Everyman who investigates the mysterious disappearance of his would-be fiancée, Leila, and unwittingly begins to expose the biggest cover-up in U.S. history.  Sean’s quest will send ripples through the lives of an eclectic band of strangers, including newly elected U.S. President Elias Martinez ; Sophia Maguire, who is the leader of a mysterious group of detainees; and Leila’s shadowy father. Their futures are on a collision course in a global conspiracy that could ultimately change the fate of mankind.

Who? Stars Jason Ritter as Sean, Sarah Roemer as Leila, Blair Underwood as Martinez, Laura Innes as Maguire, and Scott Patterson as Leila’s dad.  Also stars Ian Anthony Dale, Clifton Collins, Jr, Taylor Cole, Lisa Vidal, Bill Smitrovich, and Željko Ivanek.  THE EVENT is a product of Universal Media Studios and Steve Stark Productions. Evan Katz (24) serves as executive producer/showrunner; Stark (MEDIUM, FACING KATE) serves as executive producer; Jeffrey Reiner (FNL, TRAUMA) is the director/executive producer; and Nick Wauters (THE 4400, EUREKA) is creator/co-executive producer.

Where/When? NBC, 9/8c Mondays following all new episodes of CHUCK.

Why (Why Not)? Currently being billed as “the next LOST” among people looking for something to take the place of the overwhelmingly confusing but incredible drama that we lost last season, THE EVENT does definitely share qualities of the Dharma-heavy series – the overwhelmingly confusing parts (at least upon first and second viewing).  The show is difficult to describe because it’s 100 times more involved than what the basic description would have you believe, and yet to say what does happen, you wouldn’t believe me.  You would think that I just threw together every possible plot contrivance to throw you off course.  THE EVENT is by no means a bad show.  It has the makings of a very good show that I will tune into on a weekly basis, but the amount of questions that are answered in the pilot episode alone leave me with a bad feeling, like I don’t want to invest for fear of no pay off.  It’s worth noting that Jason Ritter could not look and be better in this role.  This could be the breakout role he needs to cement himself as a star, if viewers make it that long.

How? DVR it and watch after LONE STAR.