They do believe in ‘Modern’ love

Q. Thoughts on “Modern Family’’? I’d say it’s the best new comedy since “Seinfeld.’’

A. I’m loving “Modern Family.’’ I don’t think it’s quite as much of an original breakthrough as “Seinfeld,’’ and I’m hesitant to say it’s the best since “Seinfeld’’ because, well, uh, “ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT.’’ But it’s so well done. The “Modern Family’’ lines are clever, and yet the humor is character-based. A great mix. I laugh out loud at least once per episode. When Manny asked, “Do I have time for a steam?’’ last week — I loved that. They’ve built a lovely rapport between Manny and Jay. Touching and funny.

Q. I like the mockumentary style of “Modern Family.’’

A. I agree. There’s something about the looser filming style of a mockumentary that gives the actors room to breathe, to embellish, without worrying about hitting marks. You see it often on “The Office,’’ where the silences and the eye-rolling reactions have a nice incidental feel to them. I also think dramas shot with hand-held cameras allow the same freedom for actors, as you can see on “Men of a Certain Age’’ and “Friday Night Lights.’’

Q. What would a “satisfying’’ ending to “Lost’’ mean for you?

A. Great question. For me, I think, satisfaction would come in the form of denouement — tying up everything. Kind of like Dickens did so famously. All the pieces would fit together into one preconceived vision. With Dickens, that kind of order gives a sense of an orderly universe of some kind. On “Lost,’’ it would just make all the years of watching and guessing feel worthwhile. Some people are more comfortable with disorderly series endings, though. And it is true, the disorder may reflect real life more accurately. But “Lost’’ isn’t real life! It’s a game, and I want a certifiable end. For me, if the end is sloppy, it will definitely lower the show in my estimation. I’ll always value “Lost,’’ and the way it has changed TV; but the end needs to be solid if I’m going to put it on an all-time Top 10 list. “The X-Files’’ really blew its legacy by petering out so lamely.

Q. Can they add one more season of “Lost’’ where Leno, Ellen, and whoever plays Sarah on “Parenthood’’ are stuck on an island?

A. Now that you’ve said that, someone will do it . . . with dolls on YouTube!

Q. I don’t understand how “America Idol’’ continues to be this big thing when they’ve really only turned out two valid superstars — Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson.

A. “Only’’ two superstars? That’s a lot. Plus, you’re forgetting performers such as Chris Daughtry, Clay Aiken, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson, all of whom have done quite well. And ultimately, the show isn’t about the success of the competitors in the outside world so much as it is about the contest, and the judging. People who would never listen to these artists in a million years are addicted to the show and its formula.

Q. I think “Idol’’ has to die or be totally reformatted. The judges offer no good criticism. They tell the contestants one thing and then another.

A. Yes, there are mixed messages afoot, for sure. But it’s not what they say so much as the presence of judges that makes “Idol’’ work. I think that’s what audiences truly resonate to on “American Idol,’’ more than anything. We all identify with the role of judging.

Check out the full chat transcript at www.boston.com/viewerdiscretion.