I am definitely worried about the ratings that ABC's "Lost" has been pulling in as of late. And the most recent numbers -- where we finally get to meet Eyepatch Man -- may make for good end-of-the-world type stories, but don't be getting that grave ready just yet for ABC's former breakout hit.

There I go again. "Lost" pulls in just a mere 14 million viewers, and all I can do is try to mix optimism with feelings of dread. I guess I just want the good ol' days back when 23 million people would be clamoring to see the survivors marooned on an island, with Jeff Probst not in sight. Losing 9 million people is a tough pill to swallow, especially if you're ABC, but don't consider "Lost" dead. Not by a long shot.

It is so damn easy to write off a series, just because it's not as great as it used to be. But so is trying to say that Elton John isn't as popular as he used to be, or Disney World is no longer the one place in Orlando to go.

Wednesday has some tough competition for the show, and its move to 10 p.m. following a lengthy break sure didn't help.

It's hard to follow a story with heavy arcs if it's not even on half the time. And now not only do we get episodes again after several weeks off, we get them in the middle of the NCAA basketball tournament, more affectionately known as March Madness.

While I might not be writing my eulogy for "Lost" yet, I do feel that keeping it on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. is suicide. The show has to move. Preferably not in the path of "American Idol," but definitely somewhere. Or we'll all be in trouble.

Just keep watching, and if you happen to know any Nielsen families ... well, you know what to do.

SyBits

I tried to keep the commentary brief this week because there is a bunch of mail to read this week. So please, let's not waste another second!

You know what a fan I am of Airlock Alpha. I'd love to see some sort of editorial by you or Scott Nance specifically on the topic of humor. I nearly dell out of my chair watching the "Tanaka is Dead" episode of "Lost." "Battlestar Galactica," for all its strengths, can add humor to that list. Your writing is very thoughtful and that would be a great topic for some reflection.
-- Neal Matherne

Neal, and you know how much of a fan I am for people who are a fan of Airlock Alpha. So of course brownie points will get you to the top of the e-mail list.

But what do you mean that there is no humor in BSG? Did you watch "Dirty Hands"? When that kid who was working the tylium ship simply because someone had him listed as a farmer when all he wanted to be was an architect pulled his arm out of the jammed belt and started bleeding everywhere, I was on the floor laughing. When Adm. Adama, after losing a pilot he loved dearly, took his model ship and shredded it with his bear hands, my stomach was hurting from all the convulsive laughter.

Some people think BSG is closer to a depressing soap. Me? I think it should be added to NBC's Must-See Thursday lineup.

After seeing the 'Battlestar Galactica' episode 'Maelstrom,' do you think that Starbuck is dead, or is she a Cylon? Also, if she is a Cylon, do you know if she will be returning for a fourth season?
-- Julian

Julian, I recently spent a few moments talking to BSG writers Anne Cofell Saunders and Jane Espenson, and brought up this very question. Here is what they had to say, just for you!

MICHAEL HINMAN: Killing characters, including important ones, is nothing new to some of the previous universes both of you worked on like "24" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." But how does the death of Starbuck change things for the two of you as writers for the series?

JANE ESPENSON: You write less Starbuck when she's dead. I'd guess that's the main change.

ANNE COFELL SAUNDERS: Definitely.

If that didn't answer your question, Julian, don't blame me. They're the ones holding all the cards when it comes to BSG secrets.

After reading some of the questions presented to you by readers, I couldn't help but break my silence.

The back story fot he high-tech Ancients being brought down by the less technological Wraiths [in "Stargate: Atlantis"] is a story almost as old as civilization itself, best typified in the fall of the Roman Empire, when the Barbarians were at the gates. If anything, this is the weak point of the entire story and why we all feel we heard this before: We have! In school.

Yet. it's not been the concept of "Stargate: Atlantis" that's been weak, it's been the execution. I've been a fan of the Stargate universe for years, yet while 'Atlantis' is enjoyable, it's more like a small piece of chocolate: sweet, but no real substance. I watch every week a new episode is on just to be left feeling that there could have been more.
-- Keith Kitchen

Keith, I'm with you. Watching "Atlantis" can be painful sometimes. But I've watched the second half of the show's third season already (it premieres in April in the United States), and I can tell you that at least in my very skeptical opinion, the episodes are by far worth watching. I will have more on this closer to when the show comes back on SciFi Channel, but let's just say that I think "Atlantis" is finally starting to mature.

Why not take a few minutes and share your opinion with me. Just send an e-mail to mhinman@airlockalpha.com, and if you're lucky, I could use it in an upcoming column. Please include a name we can use, as well as where you're writing from.

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Have a great week, and don't be a stranger!

Michael Hinman, recently named Time magazine's Person of the Year, is the founder and site coordinator for Airlock Alpha, writing out of Tampa, Fla. He can be reached at mhinman@airlockalpha.com.