While saying that ABC’s Lost was a series that began and ended in the blink of an eye may be thematically accurate, it would also be a huge disservice and gross understatement to the phenomenon that captivated millions of people worldwide. The series officially concluded its six-year run on May 23rd, 2010. During its course, it raised many questions, a good portion of which still remain unanswered. At its core, however, the primary question attempts to answer how we, as humans, get along with one another and work through a tragedy.
Self-proclaimed “Losties” (as opposed to Trekkies) have been treated to a bombardment of cultural references and clues that add to the joy of watching the show. Instead of just mindlessly watching 45 minutes that does not have any relevance or important to one’s own life, viewers are challenged to actively engage in what they are seeing. One definitive moment in the series was an episode that was perceived to be another flashback, but only to be revealed at the end as a flash-forward. Instances like these are what make the show such a thrill for each viewer. There is no better proof of this than the “Final Transmissions” that aired during the commercials of the series finale where fans were able to text in how the television program changed their lives and what the show meant to them. Delving into the mythology of the island wasn’t just fun for fans of the show, but it had a cultural impact as well, with the show and its mysteries being fodder for comedians (Aziz Ansari’s Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening stand-up routine) and a reference for films alike (I Love You, Man).
Often regarded as a show that is too time-consuming to get involved in, I will venture to say that for those who have put in the time, they felt rewarded for it more often than not. Of course it is difficult to be completely satisfied without each and every question answered and every loophole explained. Even still, just like with the theme of the characters, Lost is better viewed as a whole whose sum is greater than its individual parts. Keep in mind that the individual parts were quite brilliant as well - monsters, time travel, and polar bears! Oh my!
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