More seriously, re: keeping track of television programs
There are a lot of shows on television that are wildly popular which, for one reason or another, I have never watched. Seinfeld was one of them, Friends another. I've never watched an episode of 24, although der Brucer has recently discovered the show.
All the same, I try to have some kind of awareness of what these shows are about, if simply so that I don't look like some kind of dork when someone else I know professes a love of a show. I personally would be very uncomfortable condemning a show I've never watched - it would make me feel as if I were condemning anyone who was a fan, and that would be unseemly. Yes, I've slipped up on this stance on occasion. I'm not comfortable with that.
When it comes to the particular, yes, I do watch Lost, or try to. There are times, like last Wednesday, when I end up too tired, and fall asleep. What do I do in cases like this?
I CHEAT!
You heard it here first, kids. I actually seek out the spoilers, in order to find out what has happened, and get a general idea on how to keep up. When I get the chance to actually watch the show, sure, I know what's going to happen in general, but I figure this gives me the chance to watch the actors and listen to the dialogue more closely.
It's not a solution that would work for everyone. But it sure works for me.
(Politely bows to the audience, and steps down from the soap box.)