Lost in Transition

By: Reach For The Sky

Well I had my doubts about this show; Back when I was a non-believer, unaware of how great the television phenomenon really is. Lost is a show about...something. I'm not entirely sure at this point. There's definitely an island involved, maybe. And maybe some people? they haven't quite made that entirely clear. The characters on LOST seem to know what's going on, I only wish they would occasionally inform the clueless spectators of the audience. I'm sure ol' J.J. knows best. Sure the writers occasionally forget which characters have already died, and sure they occasionally forget which of his characters are still alive, But I'm confident they'll answer all the 1,472 questions I have before the end of the series; although I wouldn't blame them if they left out the answers for a few of the 213 mysteries created by this season alone. I bet they'll fool every single one of the 23 million LOST theorists out there, and that the outcome will make complete logical sense. I bet the finale will satisfy every single fan, many of whom have a microscope over the story looking for plot-holes and inconsistencies.

In all seriousness, Lost has really been written into a corner. It hasn't explained many of the ever-expanding mysteries behind it, and the final episode is nearing fast. So why is that Lost seems to never answer any of the questions it creates? In reality, it has. Often, a question is raised; Then another. Then question 1 is answered, but nobody cares because everyone is focused on question 2. This continues ad nauseum. Take the polar bears for instance. When the first one showed up in season 1, it did a fair amount of jaw dropping. By the time it was finally explained what they were doing there, there was so much going on no one payed it any mind. Plots get resolved, unnoticed because something new has sprung up in the mean time. This makes it seem like questions are never answered.

As for public opinion, I generally find most either hold the show in extremely high or low regard, unless they simply don't partake. Some people, like myself, are okay with being kept in the dark, content on simply riding the roller coaster. Then there are those who don't like being baffled. Lost exists in its own universe and follows its own set of rules*, making it quite unpredictable at times**, which some simply don't appreciate. Both are understandable, it's simply personal preference. What I never hear are complaints about its presentation. The directing and orchestral score are exemplary, the mythology and setting unique and interesting, and the acting and dialogue...good for a television drama. If you haven't checked it out yet, I would highly advise grabbing the pilot off of iTunes, It says a lot about the show in general. Just be ready for a wild ride.

*You're a loose canon, Lost! I got the mayor breathing down my neck, you're off the case! I'll have your badge for this!!!

**By "at times" I of course mean, "every second of the show"