TV: Lost

[badboybrian]

NSFW:

The sets and special effects were cheesy at times -- I'm thinking specifically of the scene of Jack down the hole with the light. The stained glass windows with the many religious symbols was a little un-subtle for this show.

NSFW:

I couldnt get over the falling styrofoam boulders.

 

[MyDoorsAreOpen]

^ Yeah I think their budget got a bit curtailed by the end of it all.

 

[Finder]

Good analysis, Fjones. That's the same conclusion I drew. I thought the episode went well and was solid enough, at least I was not disappointed. For one, I am definitely glad we didn't get a Spielberg-style over-explanatory ending. A lot of the more supernatural stuff was just plot device used to propel the characters forward which is really what the show was about--the characters and their relationships and abilities to adjust whether they are a good or bad person throughout their lives. It seems religious symbols in the stained glass windows were more to defend the fact story wasn't being told from the standpoint of any singular religion.

Quality show. I was late to the party and only started watching late last summer (thank jebus for DVDs) but I am happy I made the effort over the last six months to watch.

 

[Special_Monster]

I loved the ending; people who complain missed the whole point of the series.

It was beautiful and all the symmetry with the ending was perfect and the sideways world in a sense was parallel to the whole story of the island.

In the end the last person to believe was Jack since he was a man of science unlike John who believed from the very start in them having a purpose and so the sideways world ended the same, with Jack the man of science coming to the church last. I could go on about the subtle beauty of it all but I won't. Jack said at the very beginning they needed to work together or they would die alone, that turn out to be the actual truth for they needed each other in the end to move on and leave purgatory (which is what I believed the sideways world was in a sense).

There are so many links in the whoe series that it would end this way, Jack and vincent, Jack closing his eyes, Locke teaching Walt backgammon (two teams white and black). Jack havinga son the parallel world because he needed to resolve his own father issues still.

It got the emotional ending it needed; too many tears were shed by me through it. Definately a summer rewatch

 

[change-jug]

At first I was let down(or at least underwhelmed) with the ending. But the more I think it over the better it becomes for me. Sure, it bugs me that a lot was left unanswered and yeah, what the hell was up with the lame shaky camera and foam boulders towards the end. But over all I thought it was pretty good. I just wish more things had been answered. Like the tunnel with the golden light.I was kinda put off that there was man made stuff down there. Who built it? And who`s skeletons where those? Up till the end I thought they might be Jack`s and Desmond and there was going to be another time warp. I`m glad there wasn`t.
So yeah, I guess I liked the ending.

 

[Finder]

Why do you need to know what the glowing light is or who built it? Answers to these kind of questions with shows or films like this usually end up being disappointing. Somethings are best left to the imagination.

 

[grimble crumble]

I loved the ending, and felt very satisfied. I wish a little more detail as to the origin of the evil (black smoke monster) could have been explained. but all in all I one of the best tv series ive ever watched. although I never really stick it out with tv series like I did lost

 

[doesntmatter]

The show as a whole was good. I'm still chewing on the last 10 minutes or so.

So Desmond was filled with electromagnetic energy by Widmore which allowed him to temporarily go into "purgatory?" This led to him starting a sequence of events that would put Jack in a position to destroy the smoke monster.

The way I interpreted it was that each of them had something they needed to let go of. The woman said there is a little bit of that "light" in everyone. The part of the person that is not of the "light" is represented by the smoke monster (thats what came out of the cave when his body went in, the human darkness.) They had to kill this part of themselves to allow them to move on.

 

[Psilo707]

LOST WRITER SPILLS INFO:

NOTE: LONG



I found this on an anonymous site and although there is no way for anyone to tell if it's REALLY from one of the Lost Writers, I truly believe it is after reading it. It is the best description of the entire show from beginning to end and beyond. This guy breaks it down so fucking hard. He singlehandedly has changed my opinion on the ending from "crap/mediocre" (which was previously "horrible"), to... "interesting".

I've never been persuaded that much over someone explaining something to me. I guess I just wasn't paying as much attention to Season 6 as I thought. It was still boring. Season 6 & Flash Sideways were boring as fuck generally. But the FINALE and general content makes way more sense to me now, here it is:
(everything below is not me typing)


***************************************************




An Anonymous Lost Writer from Bad Robot sums up the Lost Finale Beautifully:

First …

The Island:

It was real. Everything that happened on the island that we saw throughout the 6 seasons was real. Forget the final image of the plane crash, it was put in purposely to f*&k with people’s heads and show how far the show had come. They really crashed. They really survived. They really discovered Dharma and the Others. The Island keeps the balance of good and evil in the world. It always has and always will perform that role. And the Island will always need a “Protector”. Jacob wasn’t the first, Hurley won’t be the last. However, Jacob had to deal with a malevolent force (MIB) that his mother, nor Hurley had to deal with. He created the devil and had to find a way to kill him — even though the rules prevented him from actually doing so.

Thus began Jacob’s plan to bring candidates to the Island to do the one thing he couldn’t do. Kill the MIB. He had a huge list of candidates that spanned generations. Yet every time he brought people there, the MIB corrupted them and caused them to kill one another. That was until Richard came along and helped Jacob understand that if he didn’t take a more active role, then his plan would never work.

Enter Dharma — which I’m not sure why John is having such a hard time grasping. Dharma, like the countless scores of people that were brought to the island before, were brought there by Jacob as part of his plan to kill the MIB. However, the MIB was aware of this plan and interfered by “corrupting” Ben. Making Ben believe he was doing the work of Jacob when in reality he was doing the work of the MIB. This carried over into all of Ben’s “off-island” activities. He was the leader. He spoke for Jacob as far as they were concerned. So the “Others” killed Dharma and later were actively trying to kill Jack, Kate, Sawyer, Hurley and all the candidates because that’s what the MIB wanted. And what he couldn’t do for himself.

Dharma was originally brought in to be good. But was turned bad by MIB’s corruption and eventually destroyed by his pawn Ben. Now, was Dharma only brought there to help Jack and the other Candidates on their overall quest to kill Smokey? Or did Jacob have another list of Candidates from the Dharma group that we were never aware of? That’s a question that is purposely not answered because whatever answer the writers came up with would be worse than the one you come up with for yourself. Still … Dharma’s purpose is not “pointless” or even vague. Hell, it’s pretty blatent.

Still, despite his grand plan, Jacob wanted to give his “candidates” (our Lostaways) the one thing he, nor his brother, were ever afforded: free will. Hence him bringing a host of “candidates” through the decades and letting them “choose” which one would actually do the job in the end. Maybe he knew Jack would be the one to kill Fake Locke and that Hurley would be the protector in the end. Maybe he didn’t. But that was always the key question of the show: Fate vs Free-will. Science vs Faith. Personally I think Jacob knew from the beginning what was going to happen and that everyone played a part over 6 seasons in helping Jack get to the point where he needed to be to kill Smokey and make Hurley the protector — I know that’s how a lot of the writers viewed it. But again, they won’t answer that (nor should they) because that ruins the fun.

In the end, Jack got to do what he always wanted to do from the very first episode of the show: Save his fellow Lostaways. He got Kate and Sawyer off the island and he gave Hurley the purpose in life he’d always been missing. And, in Sideways world (which we’ll get to next) he in fact saved everyone by helping them all move on …

Now…

Sideways World:

Sideways world is where it gets really cool in terms of theology and metaphysical discussion (for me at least — because I love history/religion theories and loved all the talks in the writer’s room about it). Basically what the show is proposing is that we’re all linked to certain people during our lives. Call them soulmates (though it’s not exactly the best word). But these people we’re linked to are with us duing “the most important moments of our lives” as Christian said. These are the people we move through the universe with from lifetime to lifetime. It’s loosely based in Hinduisim with large doses of western religion thrown into the mix.

The conceit that the writers created, basing it off these religious philosophies, was that as a group, the Lostaways subconsciously created this “sideways” world where they exist in purgatory until they are “awakened” and find one another. Once they all find one another, they can then move on and move forward. In essence, this is the show’s concept of the afterlife. According to the show, everyone creates their own “Sideways” purgatory with their “soulmates” throughout their lives and exist there until they all move on together. That’s a beautiful notion. Even if you aren’t religious or even spirtual, the idea that we live AND die together is deeply profound and moving.

It’s a really cool and spirtual concept that fits the whole tone and subtext the show has had from the beginning. These people were SUPPOSED to be together on that plane. They were supposed to live through these events — not JUST because of Jacob. But because that’s what the universe or God (depending on how religious you wish to get) wanted to happen. The show was always about science vs faith — and it ultimately came down on the side of faith. It answered THE core question of the series. The one question that has been at the root of every island mystery, every character backstory, every plot twist. That, by itself, is quite an accomplishment.

How much you want to extrapolate from that is up to you as the viewer. Think about season 1 when we first found the Hatch. Everyone thought that’s THE answer! Whatever is down there is the answer! Then, as we discovered it was just one station of many. One link in a very long chain that kept revealing more, and more of a larger mosiac.

But the writer’s took it even further this season by contrasting this Sideways “purgatory” with the Island itself. Remember when Michael appeared to Hurley, he said he was not allowed to leave the Island. Just like the MIB. He wasn’t allowed into this sideways world and thus, was not afforded the opportunity to move on. Why? Because he had proven himself to be unworthy with his actions on the Island. He failed the test. The others, passed. They made it into Sideways world when they died — some before Jack, some years later. In Hurley’s case, maybe centuries later. They exist in this sideways world until they are “awakened” and they can only move on TOGETHER because they are linked. They are destined to be together for eternity. That was their destiny.

They were NOT linked to Anna Lucia, Daniel, Roussou, Alex, Miles, Lupidis, (and all the rest who weren’t in the chuch — basically everyone who wasn’t in season 1). Yet those people exist in Sideways world. Why? Well again, here’s where they leave it up to you to decide. The way I like to think about it, is that those people who were left behind in Sideways world have to find their own soulmates before they can wake up. It’s possible that those links aren’t people from the island but from their other life (Anna’s parnter, the guy she shot —- Roussou’s husband, etc etc).

A lot of people have been talking about Ben and why he didn’t go into the Church. And if you think of Sideways world in this way, then it gives you the answer to that very question. Ben can’t move on yet because he hasn’t connected with the people he needs to. It’s going to be his job to awaken Roussou, Alex, Anna Lucia (maybe), Ethan, Goodspeed, his father and the rest. He has to attone for his sins more than he did by being Hurley’s number two. He has to do what Hurley and Desmond did for our Lostaways with his own people. He has to help them connect. And he can only move on when all the links in his chain are ready to. Same can be said for Faraday, Charlotte, Whidmore, Hawkins etc. It’s really a neat, and cool concept. At least to me.

But, from a more “behind the scenes” note: the reason Ben’s not in the church, and the reason no one is in the church but for Season 1 people is because they wrote the ending to the show after writing the pilot. And never changed it. The writers always said (and many didn’t believe them) that they knew their ending from the very first episode. I applaud them for that. It’s pretty fantastic. Originally Ben was supposed to have a 3 episode arc and be done. But he became a big part of the show. They could have easily changed their ending and put him in the church — but instead they problem solved it. Gave him a BRILLIANT moment with Locke outside the church … and then that was it. I loved that. For those that wonder — the original ending started the moment Jack walked into the church and touches the casket to Jack closing his eyes as the other plane flies away. That was always JJ’s ending. And they kept it.

For me the ending of this show means a lot. Not only because I worked on it, but because as a writer it inspired me in a way the medium had never done before. I’ve been inspired to write by great films. Maybe too many to count. And there have been amazing TV shows that I’ve loved (X-Files, 24, Sopranos, countless 1/2 hour shows). But none did what LOST did for me. None showed me that you could take huge risks (writing a show about faith for network TV) and stick to your creative guns and STILL please the audience. I learned a lot from the show as a writer. I learned even more from being around the incredible writers, producers, PA's, interns and everyone else who slaved on the show for 6 years.

In the end, for me, LOST was a touchstone show that dealt with faith, the afterlife, and all these big, spiritual questions that most shows don’t touch. And to me, they never once wavered from their core story — even with all the sci-fi elements they mixed in. To walk that long and daunting of a creative tightrope and survive is simply astounding.

-Anonymous Lost Writer

 

[33Hz]

They were NOT linked to Anna Lucia, Daniel, Roussou, Alex, Miles, Lupidis, (and all the rest who weren’t in the chuch — basically everyone who wasn’t in season 1). Yet those people exist in Sideways world. Why? Well again, here’s where they leave it up to you to decide. The way I like to think about it, is that those people who were left behind in Sideways world have to find their own soulmates before they can wake up. It’s possible that those links aren’t people from the island but from their other life (Anna’s parnter, the guy she shot —- Roussou’s husband, etc etc).

I find it extremely hard to believe that Shannon was Sayid's soulmate considering how much he loved Nadia and pretty much did a deal with the devil (MIB) in order to see her again. Why not choose Shannon instead if she meant that much to him? Massive fail. it undermines the whole soulmates theory.

There are plenty more unanswered questions that the last episode didn't even bother to address as well which left me quite disappointed with the whole show. As if they were just making shit up as they went along to pad out for money purposes only, and never had any intention of answering them.

 

[Finder]

After reading a lot of reactions to the finale the last few days, why do so many feel the need to have everything spelled out in an obvious, perhaps itemized fashion? Broken imagination maybe?

 

[33Hz]

After reading a lot of reactions to the finale the last few days, why do so many feel the need to have everything spelled out in an obvious, perhaps itemized fashion? Broken imagination maybe?

There's a difference between having everything explained and blatantly ignoring long standing plot lines. I blame Walt getting old too quick and fucking everything up for the writers.

 

[Finder]

If the whole Walt thing ruined the entire show for you...well, that sounds like your own problem. There was a lot more interesting stuff that went on than what happened to Walt. That's a question I wouldn't mind an answer to, but it doesn't even come close to ruining the show. Sorry you are having trouble getting past it.

 

[Finder]

Alternate ending:

NSFW:

 

[33Hz]

If the whole Walt thing ruined the entire show for you...well, that sounds like your own problem. There was a lot more interesting stuff that went on than what happened to Walt. That's a question I wouldn't mind an answer to, but it doesn't even come close to ruining the show. Sorry you are having trouble getting past it.

Ha, no, I didn't say that at all. If you read my previous post you'll see that I was just highlighting what I thought was one of many unanswered parts of the show. I meant It in the sense that I think it put the writers on the back foot for a bit and they started to wing it a little bit from then on. Only little things at first, but by the time the 5th series had started it was clear to me that a lot would probably go unanswered, and not in a positive way to get you to try and come to your own conclusion, but simply because they didn't have a detailed enough story before they began to produce it.

Obviously you have your view and I have mine, so let's just leave it at that.

 

[Fjones]

So Desmond was filled with electromagnetic energy by Widmore which allowed him to temporarily go into "purgatory?" This led to him starting a sequence of events that would put Jack in a position to destroy the smoke monster.

I don't think this is correct. I am not sure I entirely understand what you are saying, but if I understand you correctly, that is not my interpretation of what happened.

 

[Fjones]

Why do you need to know what the glowing light is or who built it? Answers to these kind of questions with shows or films like this usually end up being disappointing. Somethings are best left to the imagination.

Agreed. I don't understand why people are unhappy that every minor detail wasn't addressed, or that every loose end wasn't tied. It's a work of fiction. Answer the questions however you wish; after all, if the writers decided to answer the questions, that's just their opinion on how to do it.

 

[doesntmatter]

I don't think this is correct. I am not sure I entirely understand what you are saying, but if I understand you correctly, that is not my interpretation of what happened.

You remember how Desmond jumped around in time after being hit with the burst of electromagnetic energy released when the hatch imploded/exploded? I got the feeling when Widmore pumped him full of the juice, he jumped again, but this time to the sideways dimension. When he touched Pennys hand in the sideways world, he fainted and jumped back.
It played the scenes in a very similar way to what he experienced jumping through time. He went unconscious in the cage, and we're brought to this other sideways reality at a moment where he looks as if something inside of him just awakened. Eventually he's shown what his flashback(sideways?) was when he's driven off the dock. Yadayadayada...he shakes Penny's hand and faints. Bam, he wakes up in the cage with a new found purpose, but his sideways self has this same purpose.

 

[Fjones]

You remember how Desmond jumped around in time after being hit with the burst of electromagnetic energy released when the hatch imploded/exploded? I got the feeling when Widmore pumped him full of the juice, he jumped again, but this time to the sideways dimension. When he touched Pennys hand in the sideways world, he fainted and jumped back.
It played the scenes in a very similar way to what he experienced jumping through time. He went unconscious in the cage, and we're brought to this other sideways reality at a moment where he looks as if something inside of him just awakened. Eventually he's shown what his flashback(sideways?) was when he's driven off the dock. Yadayadayada...he shakes Penny's hand and faints. Bam, he wakes up in the cage with a new found purpose, but his sideways self has this same purpose.

That is a good theory. Assuming it is true: Do you think this was an accidental side effect of what Widmore did to Desmond? I don't think Widmore planned it; I think Widmore was just trying to see if Desmond would survive the electromagnetic blast because he needed to know whether Desmond would survive the trip into the light cave.

I think your theory makes a lot of sense and I had not thought about that. But I am still not certain it is accurate, because when Desmond was time jumping earlier, he actually was, since time travel is possible and does happen in LOST. But your theory says that he is able to "time jump" between the island real life and the afterlife in the "flash sideways." That seems somewhat unfeasible, even for LOST.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

[grimble crumble]

That is a good theory. Assuming it is true: Do you think this was an accidental side effect of what Widmore did to Desmond? I don't think Widmore planned it; I think Widmore was just trying to see if Desmond would survive the electromagnetic blast because he needed to know whether Desmond would survive the trip into the light cave.

I think your theory makes a lot of sense and I had not thought about that. But I am still not certain it is accurate, because when Desmond was time jumping earlier, he actually was, since time travel is possible and does happen in LOST. But your theory says that he is able to "time jump" between the island real life and the afterlife in the "flash sideways." That seems somewhat unfeasible, even for LOST.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

I always thought that in that episode it was obvious that desmond traveled to the sidways demension, or at the very least became aware of it.