Dude. "Lost" is over. I don't know if you're all aware of that, because it wasn't hyped really.
I've been a fan since day one. Even when the show got "weird" or "confusing" and fans turned their backs on these castaways, I stuck by their side. Why? Because I am a committed and loyal fan. That's why.
I can also officially say that "Lost" is the first, and probably only, show in my lifetime that I have watched in its entirety, from pilot to finale, on air. I didn't utilize the aid DVDs, or Hulu, or ABC.com for anything other than rewatching. I was there when it was born, and I was there when it died. I kind of feel like delivering the graveside speech from "Steel Magnolias" right now, but I will refrain. (In case you're confused, M'Lynn (portrayed by Sally Field) feels lucky that she is a woman because she was there when her daughter (Julia Roberts) drifted into the world and when she drifted out.) So, you can say I felt a little nostalgic last night.
Folks are pissed,though, because folks get pissed. That's just what people do. "Arg. Gah! "Lost" is so confusing. They don't answer any questions."
I can say, being an avid viewer and message board enthusiast, that "Lost" never promised answers to all the questions asked. That's what made for captivating television. It was different. It got under your skin kind of like that first guy I wanted to date in college but couldn't because he was a maniac. It's like that. You want more, but you don't know why. Quite frankly, if we'd known why the polar bear was living on a tropical island by the end of the second episode, what would have been the point of continuing the journey? It kept you guessing and speculating. Some people hate that. I love it. I like a relationship with a bit of a challenge.
If you haven't watched the finale yet, I will tell you now that the remainder of this review is nothing more than a spoiler, so stop reading this, go watch the damn show, then come back. So, we now know that all of our beloved (and hated) castaways have been dead. The sideways reality was nothing more than a place of limbo so they could all find one another again...and then move on. Many people are crying bullshit at the creators because the purgatory theory was tossed out years ago and shot down. Let's say you've written a hit show with lots of twists and turns for the masses to obsess over. And let's just say that some people in the world have hit the nail on the head with the direction in which you're taking this mysterious series. Do you say flat out, "Yep. You're right. It's purgatory. I hope you stick with us, because we've been picked up for a second season,"? No. You simply don't. Think about it.
You should also think about this though: the island was
not purgatory. Everything that happened post crash really happened. So, when did they die? Doesn't matter. Who the piss cares? What matters is they got the band back together, cleaned them up, put them some place beautiful, said some meaningful shit, and played that music they always play when they want to get me sobbing like a baby. Then, just as it opened at the very beginning of the pilot, Jack's eye poignantly closed as he lay amongst the bamboo.
Yes. "Lost", lost its footing a bit along the way. There were slips and mistakes made by the writers. Anyone who knows the name "Ana Lucia" can attest to that shit. But it was a phenomenon. There's no denying it. And you can't hate on a show for pulling in a cult following overnight. You just can't. The creators didn't know that would happen. You aren't guaranteed six seasons when you write a pilot. You take a chance. They did. They succeeded. The story may have gotten muddled in the middle a bit, but I believe, after watching last night's finale, they did have an out. They knew where this was headed all along. Looking at the beginning and the tail end of this romance with "Lost," I'm completely satisfied. Not every love affair remains in its honeymoon phase. Relationships are tough. They're rocky. The middle can get a little yucky and monotonous. Such was "Lost."
"Lost," I'm glad I knew you, lover. Looking back on our affair, it was a brilliant six years, and I wouldn't change a thing. (Except maybe watching Charlie die. That was just fucking ridiculous.) I wish you the best and hopefully, once your final season is released on DVD, we can remain friends after this split. Goodnight, sweet one.
