Fret Not, Would-Be "Fringe" Fans

With a past that includes creating mind-boggling spy series "Alias" and intricate hit "Lost," JJ Abrams has earned his reputation as a cryptic guy. But don't worry, future fans of his new Fox series "Fringe" ... he's on your side.

Variety reports that at the Television Critics Association press tour on Monday, the 42-year-old writer told reporters about a recent experience watching an "Alias" episode with pal Greg Grunberg. "It was so confusing, it was impenetrable," Abrams confessed. "It was, 'Who the f*!% is this guy?'"

And so, he promises, the new series will be a little easier to follow. "'Fringe' is an experiment for us; a show with an overall story and end game. This is a show where you don't have to watch episodes one, two and three to understand episode four," he explained. "This show will have a different paradigm. We're trying very diligently that this doesn't require the insane dedication that if you miss an episode, you have no idea what's going on."

Somewhere, the little TiVo guy "bloop bloops" in relief (followed by a "*ding* thumbs up! *ding* thumbs up!" happy dance).