Die verlorene Welt

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!).

I actually enjoy this series. I was hesitant at first because, frankly it didn't seem like it would be any good. However I watched an episode and got hooked. It's a great mixture of humor, adventure and mystery. The show is a cross between Indiana Jones, Earth 2 and any show where the characters are trying to find a way home(too many to list). I think the actors do a good job at keeping the show light and there is the odd line that is pretty funny. All in all it's not bad and if you like Indiana Jones, and can put up with seeing a fake dinosaur once and a while then I recommend that you give it a chance.

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.

The best thing about this show was the chemistry between the characters. Everyone was energetic in their roles, and it really drew me in and made me feel a part of their "family". The action was usually a bit on the silly side, though always entertaining. It struck a nice balance there. The special effects were good for a TV show, though still not too realistic, which added to the wonderful cheesiness of it. The writing was always creative. They would take just about any idea that popped into their heads and make an episode out of it, meaning that it never got bogged down in a handful of similar plots like so many other action/adventure shows. The fact that it never took itself very seriously was key to its charm.

All in all, a wonderful bit of escapism that was always a hoot. I'm glad it's available on DVD.