Lost Finale Review, Take Two: What About the Storylines? Comments (Page 3)
64 Comments
Ausman
May 24th, 2010 4:44 PM
To amplify my last point. Some here--including the author of this blog--are disappointed that what seemed like essential or very important storylines or character motivations were never explained or fully resolved. But isn't that what life is like--even at the end? Over time, we get glimpses of the big picture. When we do, many of the issues we treated so prominently take on a new reality; a new perspective emerges. Instead of burning questions, they become curiosities or even distractions. But for a while they served a purpose. Once that purpose is over, the yield to a higher level of consciousness and their importance fades. They become less than they once appeared. They may also become contrivances formed by ourselves or others for their own purposes. People usually keep their motivations private and they only become apparent in the fullness of time. I could go on, but I hope you get the point. Not saying I have all the answes... but this speaks to me. I loved the whole
Ausman
May 24th, 2010 4:24 PM
It all seems quite simple to me. In the end, all the mythologies end up being just that--artificial constructs designed "on the run" in order for the characters (and mankind) to explain what seems complicated and unexplainable at the time certain events are experienced. MIB was believed to be the immortal essence of evil... he even believed it himself. What a surprise to him and Jack (and ultimately Kate) that in reality he was something less and not insurmountable, no matter what identity he acquired--once the myth was stripped away. But that is not to say that all that goes on about them (and us) is unimportant or unreal. In a way, both Sartre and Jesus (at least as interpreted by much of Christian teaching) are wrong. What happens in the here and now (wherever that is) does matter. Our experiences are not illusion and are not meaningless. And one does not have these experiences ONLY to serve supernatural or spiritual ends.
What matters most in the end are the relationship
Matt
May 24th, 2010 4:23 PM
After reading these comments and others on this site and elsewhere I wonder if the reason I really liked the finale was that I never got too into the mythology, nuance and all of that. I never posted on a forum, or really had any long discussions about the show with friends. If I had--if I had gotten absorbed on the week-to-week mysteries, got into furious online debates over Walt or the numbers or the time travel stuff, then I'd probably be let down.
If you look at some (not all) of the negative comments, many inevitably speak to a particular unanswered thread in the story--why did X happen!? That doesn't make sense! And what about Z!? What the hell!! After about season 3, I gave up looking for specific answers to specific questions. To be honest, when I start thinking about the multitudes of red-herrings and aborted story lines, I start to get frustrated, but right now I'm resisting that temptation and just trying to enjoy the story for what it was--a story about people, redempt
DeAn
May 24th, 2010 3:42 PM
I disagree that ‘David Shepard’ was an extraneous character. The relationship between Jack and David mirrored the relationship between Christian and Jack. That was a big hurdle for Jack to overcome to understand why he was the way he was, with regarding to relationships.
Mike C
May 24th, 2010 3:42 PM
Basically all we learned is that Rose was right. All this darn running around, setting off bombs, blowing up subs, opening hatches was all pointless. Everybody dies. Everyone should come to grips with their life. Okay, true. It's a simple, universal answer. I think after six seasons, it's pretty darn boring too.
It was definitely a disappointing finale. Everyone is talking about characters but the one thing that makes lost special is the SPECIAL ISLAND and the characters were then wined around the island. That's why we felt more related to characters. The Alt-time line has been explained ok. But what we always wanted was WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT THE ISLAND? ELECTROMAGNETISM? THE STATUE ETC? Damon and Carlton really ruined my expectations. I definitely would not watch a show or movie written by Damon and Carlton any more. Anyone can write mysteries or weird things if they don't need to explain what exactly are they. I feel cheated for believing in the show all the SIX YEARS. I even forced many of my friends to watch LOST for exhilarating scenes and mysteries. Complete BULLS**T !!!!!!!
chuckles
May 24th, 2010 3:29 PM
"Lost" has never been about a coherent narrative. Please witness the ongoing arbitrary and weightless convolution of story line, a pretty ribbon unspooling in the wind. The show survived as a state of tension, populated by cuddly characters shuffling through the random vignette du jour. Tie it together? Why bother? A kiss and a hug and they all wave goodbye.
KNB
May 24th, 2010 3:27 PM
It was definitely a disappointing finale. Everyone is talking about characters but the one thing that makes lost special is the SPECIAL ISLAND and the characters were then wined around the island. That's why we felt more related to characters. The Alt-time line has been explained ok.But what we always wanted was WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT THE ISLAND? ELECTROMAGNETISM? THE STATUE ETC? Damon and Carlton really ruined my expectations. I definitely would not watch a show or movie written by Damon and Carlton any more. Anyone can write mysteries or weird things if they don't need to explain what exactly are they. I feel cheated for believing in the show all the SIX YEARS. I even forced many of my friends to watch LOST for exhilarating scenes and mysteries. Complete BULLS**T !!!!!!!
@Tina: We're not missing the point. To many, that IS the point.
It's a slight cop-out to just write off any inconsistencies and dead-ends as "the details don't matter." That makes viewers feel duped for investing themselves in certain aspects of the storytelling. No matter how it concluded, we should feel satisfied b/c the characters reached a certain place and the "details" from significant storylines were just fodder to get them there? That's very frustrating.
Tina
May 24th, 2010 2:48 PM
I think you are all missing the point. It doesn't matter that the MIB couldn't have really been shot, or what Eloise's role was. The details don't matter, because everything was synthesized by the victims of the plane crash in order to work out their issues. They all, pretty much, died alone. They had to figure out how to live together in order to move on.
Jacob and the MIB were not, when you really look at them, either really evil or really good. Just like the characters. They were both symbols of the characters working out the incongrous aspects of their lives and their choices.
Patricia
May 24th, 2010 2:03 PM
Look, i'm really sorry to be the shipper fangirl but i was a little disappointed with the complete lack of Sawyer Kate action. Okay fine, she truly loved Jack I can make my peace with that but Sawyer and Kate barely SPOKE during the finale. Seriously, does anyone remember any exchange of words? I know people have been all lik "they could have spent the rest of their lives together, we'll never know" but my inner fan girl needed at least one glance or something.
Jesus i can't believe Lost is over. I cried like four times.
Steven
May 24th, 2010 1:52 PM
A show spoiler below in 2nd paragraph.
I liked the Actors, Characters, Character Development and Interaction along with Backstory. Liked that there was a scifi story thread interweaved into the tapestry. Didn't like that that thread was a mishmash of ideas that didn't blend together or obey it's own logic, and hoped that aspect would get mended before the end. It didn't. So to sum up that thought, from my view, the show was a roadtrip where the journey and the company that was along for the ride, was better than the destination.
Also, just to make a random comment about the way the Locke-ness Monster died... He was a noncorporeal entity. Jacob Brother's body was buried or laying decaying in the cave beside that of his foster-mother. Locke's body was buried in the ground, despite fake-locke wearing his guise. I would rather they not killed a noncorporeal entity who hovers and flys, and only walks because he wants to, by having his butt kicked and then shot and then fall off a
Granto7
May 24th, 2010 1:49 PM
I really could not agree with the reviewer more. However, I must say that my gripes with this "finale" stem from the entire story of lost and not just the dead end story telling of season 6.
There are a few examples that I could cite however i'll stick with one for now. Right from the begining of Lost we were lead to beleive in not just the characters but the island as well. Both Linleoff and Cuse have stated that the island is a character in and of itself. Yet we have absolutely no idea what the island actually is, or its relationship with the myriad of characters that were introduced in the show. As the original reviewer said we are left wondering why Desmond was labbled important, why Jacob even brought these candidates to the Island, and why it was such a bad thing for MIB to leave.
In no way did this ending succeed in fufilling the original promises of this show. Instead of attempting to give some closure on certain key issues, again I am the same as the reviewer i dont need
Please keep these comments clean, everyone. The show is clearly divisive, but let's be respectful of each other's views. Otherwise, we'll be forced to delete the Comments section.
pja
May 24th, 2010 12:58 PM
JB You are and asshole
pja
May 24th, 2010 12:49 PM
Will are you kidding me? The light was not electromagnetic. That was by the hatch. You make no sense. Only the protector of the island could place the stone where it belonged.
Ryan
May 24th, 2010 12:45 PM
I would have to agree that the finale was a let down. It didn't answer the big questions that I wanted to find out in the episode. They completely exaggerated Desmond's purpose for saving the island and left Lost fans (including myself) questioning the purpose of the "side flashes". After last night's special, these flashes were really flashes into a random future gathering where the main characters of Lost passed into the after-life.
They did a good job but played it safe. I am hoping for at least some explanation in the aftermath episode.
Chris
May 24th, 2010 12:44 PM
What else do you want to know about the polar bear? Wasn't it a Dharma test subject?
JB
May 24th, 2010 12:43 PM
2 word review: Shit sandwich!
Lostie Dude
May 24th, 2010 12:25 PM
So cliche. If you told someone who hasn't seen the finale that "Everyone dies in the end"they would think you were joking. How unoriginal is that? So many dead end plots that will never be answered. Zero-re-watch factor. There will never be any a-ha moments like that in sixth sense or something(after seeing that ending I immediately wanted to rewatch from the start). I think the DVD sales are going to fall off a cliff cuz word will get out that its a pointless show to watch now. I now think this was a write as you go show. I remember a few years back when there was a backlash by alot of fans saying that there were more and more questions and nothing was being answered. The creators assured us that everything was going to be answered. I am still waiting.......LAME!
Sue
May 24th, 2010 11:50 AM
I disagree with your premise of good vs. evil.
I personally never thought that Jacob and MIB were the classic good vs. evil characterizations. The taunt of that notion was there, but like everything else in LOST, nothing was that easy or -- that black and white. MIB was raised by a crazy lady who murdered his mother, forced him to stay on the island, and killed the people he chose to spend his adulthood with. His "good" brother Jacob murdered him and turned him into a smoke monster where he had to live a tortured existence forever. All MIB wanted was to get off the island and back to where he felt he belonged. So how is MIB the pure evil one? MIB had a lot of good in him and I had a lot of empathy for him. And how is Jacob pure good? He may have been quiet, kind, and a sympathetic 'lost' soul, but he wasn't pure good. He didn't care that his fake mother was a murderess. He beat his brother as a child, murdered him as an adult, and never did anything to support his broth
NICK
May 24th, 2010 11:40 AM
desmond was important... he shut off the light, the power source. which only he could do.. making MiB vunerable...
Vinnie
May 24th, 2010 11:36 AM
Thank you Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse for ruining what used to be one of the best shows on television with your petulant refusal to address the mythology of Lost in any substantive way. Like several commenters above me have indicated, I will never again watch any production, be it on television or theatrical, in which either of you are involved in any capacity.
You are terrible writers who seems to think that writing “weird things” into the plot for the sake of being “cool” is acceptable. PROTIP: It is not.
The last 6 seasons of Lost have all the coherence of the tales that a gaggle of stoned teenagers would produce, all of which invariably start with the phrase, “Dude! You know what would be AWESOME?” This is largely due to the phenomenon termed “Making it up as you go along.”
“Dude! You know what would be AWESOME? A giant statue! What? What do you mean who built it? It’s a giant Egyptian Goddess! Just, y’know, just go with it!”
“Right, so the
John
May 24th, 2010 11:23 AM
The ending didn't make sense about them being dead. After the explosion a second reality was created. They contradicted themselves by saying everyone died. And what about Desmond, did he flash to being dead, and then back to alive when he had his flashbacks in the last couple of episodes. I don't mind about the little questions not being answered, but the big questions were never answered. Maybe they will write a book.
Alex
May 24th, 2010 11:19 AM
Not sure how much more closure you can ask for. The ending paralleled the beginning. Character story-arches were developed and ended to perfection. We got a few answers on the way but were left with the bigger, unanswerable questions of life. Some can call this a cop-out and there is an argument to be made that it is, but I felt a sense of completeness after the Finale.
May 24th, 2010 4:44 PM
To amplify my last point. Some here--including the author of this blog--are disappointed that what seemed like essential or very important storylines or character motivations were never explained or fully resolved. But isn't that what life is like--even at the end? Over time, we get glimpses of the big picture. When we do, many of the issues we treated so prominently take on a new reality; a new perspective emerges. Instead of burning questions, they become curiosities or even distractions. But for a while they served a purpose. Once that purpose is over, the yield to a higher level of consciousness and their importance fades. They become less than they once appeared. They may also become contrivances formed by ourselves or others for their own purposes. People usually keep their motivations private and they only become apparent in the fullness of time. I could go on, but I hope you get the point. Not saying I have all the answes... but this speaks to me. I loved the whole
May 24th, 2010 4:24 PM
It all seems quite simple to me. In the end, all the mythologies end up being just that--artificial constructs designed "on the run" in order for the characters (and mankind) to explain what seems complicated and unexplainable at the time certain events are experienced. MIB was believed to be the immortal essence of evil... he even believed it himself. What a surprise to him and Jack (and ultimately Kate) that in reality he was something less and not insurmountable, no matter what identity he acquired--once the myth was stripped away. But that is not to say that all that goes on about them (and us) is unimportant or unreal. In a way, both Sartre and Jesus (at least as interpreted by much of Christian teaching) are wrong. What happens in the here and now (wherever that is) does matter. Our experiences are not illusion and are not meaningless. And one does not have these experiences ONLY to serve supernatural or spiritual ends.
What matters most in the end are the relationship
May 24th, 2010 4:23 PM
After reading these comments and others on this site and elsewhere I wonder if the reason I really liked the finale was that I never got too into the mythology, nuance and all of that. I never posted on a forum, or really had any long discussions about the show with friends. If I had--if I had gotten absorbed on the week-to-week mysteries, got into furious online debates over Walt or the numbers or the time travel stuff, then I'd probably be let down.
If you look at some (not all) of the negative comments, many inevitably speak to a particular unanswered thread in the story--why did X happen!? That doesn't make sense! And what about Z!? What the hell!! After about season 3, I gave up looking for specific answers to specific questions. To be honest, when I start thinking about the multitudes of red-herrings and aborted story lines, I start to get frustrated, but right now I'm resisting that temptation and just trying to enjoy the story for what it was--a story about people, redempt
May 24th, 2010 3:42 PM
I disagree that ‘David Shepard’ was an extraneous character. The relationship between Jack and David mirrored the relationship between Christian and Jack. That was a big hurdle for Jack to overcome to understand why he was the way he was, with regarding to relationships.
May 24th, 2010 3:42 PM
Basically all we learned is that Rose was right. All this darn running around, setting off bombs, blowing up subs, opening hatches was all pointless. Everybody dies. Everyone should come to grips with their life. Okay, true. It's a simple, universal answer. I think after six seasons, it's pretty darn boring too.
Rank: New User
May 24th, 2010 3:32 PM
It was definitely a disappointing finale. Everyone is talking about characters but the one thing that makes lost special is the SPECIAL ISLAND and the characters were then wined around the island. That's why we felt more related to characters. The Alt-time line has been explained ok. But what we always wanted was WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT THE ISLAND? ELECTROMAGNETISM? THE STATUE ETC? Damon and Carlton really ruined my expectations. I definitely would not watch a show or movie written by Damon and Carlton any more. Anyone can write mysteries or weird things if they don't need to explain what exactly are they. I feel cheated for believing in the show all the SIX YEARS. I even forced many of my friends to watch LOST for exhilarating scenes and mysteries. Complete BULLS**T !!!!!!!
May 24th, 2010 3:29 PM
"Lost" has never been about a coherent narrative. Please witness the ongoing arbitrary and weightless convolution of story line, a pretty ribbon unspooling in the wind. The show survived as a state of tension, populated by cuddly characters shuffling through the random vignette du jour. Tie it together? Why bother? A kiss and a hug and they all wave goodbye.
May 24th, 2010 3:27 PM
It was definitely a disappointing finale. Everyone is talking about characters but the one thing that makes lost special is the SPECIAL ISLAND and the characters were then wined around the island. That's why we felt more related to characters. The Alt-time line has been explained ok.But what we always wanted was WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT THE ISLAND? ELECTROMAGNETISM? THE STATUE ETC? Damon and Carlton really ruined my expectations. I definitely would not watch a show or movie written by Damon and Carlton any more. Anyone can write mysteries or weird things if they don't need to explain what exactly are they. I feel cheated for believing in the show all the SIX YEARS. I even forced many of my friends to watch LOST for exhilarating scenes and mysteries. Complete BULLS**T !!!!!!!
Rank: Staff Member
May 24th, 2010 3:11 PM
@Tina: We're not missing the point. To many, that IS the point.
It's a slight cop-out to just write off any inconsistencies and dead-ends as "the details don't matter." That makes viewers feel duped for investing themselves in certain aspects of the storytelling. No matter how it concluded, we should feel satisfied b/c the characters reached a certain place and the "details" from significant storylines were just fodder to get them there? That's very frustrating.
May 24th, 2010 2:48 PM
I think you are all missing the point. It doesn't matter that the MIB couldn't have really been shot, or what Eloise's role was. The details don't matter, because everything was synthesized by the victims of the plane crash in order to work out their issues. They all, pretty much, died alone. They had to figure out how to live together in order to move on.
Jacob and the MIB were not, when you really look at them, either really evil or really good. Just like the characters. They were both symbols of the characters working out the incongrous aspects of their lives and their choices.
May 24th, 2010 2:03 PM
Look, i'm really sorry to be the shipper fangirl but i was a little disappointed with the complete lack of Sawyer Kate action. Okay fine, she truly loved Jack I can make my peace with that but Sawyer and Kate barely SPOKE during the finale. Seriously, does anyone remember any exchange of words? I know people have been all lik "they could have spent the rest of their lives together, we'll never know" but my inner fan girl needed at least one glance or something.
Jesus i can't believe Lost is over. I cried like four times.
May 24th, 2010 1:52 PM
A show spoiler below in 2nd paragraph.
I liked the Actors, Characters, Character Development and Interaction along with Backstory. Liked that there was a scifi story thread interweaved into the tapestry. Didn't like that that thread was a mishmash of ideas that didn't blend together or obey it's own logic, and hoped that aspect would get mended before the end. It didn't. So to sum up that thought, from my view, the show was a roadtrip where the journey and the company that was along for the ride, was better than the destination.
Also, just to make a random comment about the way the Locke-ness Monster died... He was a noncorporeal entity. Jacob Brother's body was buried or laying decaying in the cave beside that of his foster-mother. Locke's body was buried in the ground, despite fake-locke wearing his guise. I would rather they not killed a noncorporeal entity who hovers and flys, and only walks because he wants to, by having his butt kicked and then shot and then fall off a
May 24th, 2010 1:49 PM
I really could not agree with the reviewer more. However, I must say that my gripes with this "finale" stem from the entire story of lost and not just the dead end story telling of season 6.
There are a few examples that I could cite however i'll stick with one for now. Right from the begining of Lost we were lead to beleive in not just the characters but the island as well. Both Linleoff and Cuse have stated that the island is a character in and of itself. Yet we have absolutely no idea what the island actually is, or its relationship with the myriad of characters that were introduced in the show. As the original reviewer said we are left wondering why Desmond was labbled important, why Jacob even brought these candidates to the Island, and why it was such a bad thing for MIB to leave.
In no way did this ending succeed in fufilling the original promises of this show. Instead of attempting to give some closure on certain key issues, again I am the same as the reviewer i dont need
Rank: Staff Member
May 24th, 2010 1:05 PM
Please keep these comments clean, everyone. The show is clearly divisive, but let's be respectful of each other's views. Otherwise, we'll be forced to delete the Comments section.
May 24th, 2010 12:58 PM
JB You are and asshole
May 24th, 2010 12:49 PM
Will are you kidding me? The light was not electromagnetic. That was by the hatch. You make no sense. Only the protector of the island could place the stone where it belonged.
May 24th, 2010 12:45 PM
I would have to agree that the finale was a let down. It didn't answer the big questions that I wanted to find out in the episode. They completely exaggerated Desmond's purpose for saving the island and left Lost fans (including myself) questioning the purpose of the "side flashes". After last night's special, these flashes were really flashes into a random future gathering where the main characters of Lost passed into the after-life.
They did a good job but played it safe. I am hoping for at least some explanation in the aftermath episode.
May 24th, 2010 12:44 PM
What else do you want to know about the polar bear? Wasn't it a Dharma test subject?
May 24th, 2010 12:43 PM
2 word review: Shit sandwich!
May 24th, 2010 12:25 PM
So cliche. If you told someone who hasn't seen the finale that "Everyone dies in the end"they would think you were joking. How unoriginal is that? So many dead end plots that will never be answered. Zero-re-watch factor. There will never be any a-ha moments like that in sixth sense or something(after seeing that ending I immediately wanted to rewatch from the start). I think the DVD sales are going to fall off a cliff cuz word will get out that its a pointless show to watch now. I now think this was a write as you go show. I remember a few years back when there was a backlash by alot of fans saying that there were more and more questions and nothing was being answered. The creators assured us that everything was going to be answered. I am still waiting.......LAME!
May 24th, 2010 11:50 AM
I disagree with your premise of good vs. evil.
I personally never thought that Jacob and MIB were the classic good vs. evil characterizations. The taunt of that notion was there, but like everything else in LOST, nothing was that easy or -- that black and white. MIB was raised by a crazy lady who murdered his mother, forced him to stay on the island, and killed the people he chose to spend his adulthood with. His "good" brother Jacob murdered him and turned him into a smoke monster where he had to live a tortured existence forever. All MIB wanted was to get off the island and back to where he felt he belonged. So how is MIB the pure evil one? MIB had a lot of good in him and I had a lot of empathy for him. And how is Jacob pure good? He may have been quiet, kind, and a sympathetic 'lost' soul, but he wasn't pure good. He didn't care that his fake mother was a murderess. He beat his brother as a child, murdered him as an adult, and never did anything to support his broth
May 24th, 2010 11:40 AM
desmond was important... he shut off the light, the power source. which only he could do.. making MiB vunerable...
May 24th, 2010 11:36 AM
Thank you Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse for ruining what used to be one of the best shows on television with your petulant refusal to address the mythology of Lost in any substantive way. Like several commenters above me have indicated, I will never again watch any production, be it on television or theatrical, in which either of you are involved in any capacity.
You are terrible writers who seems to think that writing “weird things” into the plot for the sake of being “cool” is acceptable. PROTIP: It is not.
The last 6 seasons of Lost have all the coherence of the tales that a gaggle of stoned teenagers would produce, all of which invariably start with the phrase, “Dude! You know what would be AWESOME?” This is largely due to the phenomenon termed “Making it up as you go along.”
“Dude! You know what would be AWESOME? A giant statue! What? What do you mean who built it? It’s a giant Egyptian Goddess! Just, y’know, just go with it!”
“Right, so the
May 24th, 2010 11:23 AM
The ending didn't make sense about them being dead. After the explosion a second reality was created. They contradicted themselves by saying everyone died. And what about Desmond, did he flash to being dead, and then back to alive when he had his flashbacks in the last couple of episodes. I don't mind about the little questions not being answered, but the big questions were never answered. Maybe they will write a book.
May 24th, 2010 11:19 AM
Not sure how much more closure you can ask for. The ending paralleled the beginning. Character story-arches were developed and ended to perfection. We got a few answers on the way but were left with the bigger, unanswerable questions of life. Some can call this a cop-out and there is an argument to be made that it is, but I felt a sense of completeness after the Finale.