Tagged: television

Every so often there is a television show that redefines what can be done with the form and ABC’s [[[Lost]]] was just one of a string of series that have successfully gotten out attention. It also spawned numerous imitators, none of which have managed to actually build enough suspense to overcome weak writing and lackluster characterization.

Lost today is a sprawling series that can be maddeningly frustrating as it failed to resolve every dangling plot thread nor did it make every character feel significant. But, when it debuted, we were fascinated by the concept of these survivors on an island that with every passing week proved to have as many secrets as its inhabitants. We were fascinated, and the flashbacks that enriched the core cast was a brilliant touch as were the subtle bits showing that they were connected in heretofore unknown ways before anyone boarded Oceanic Flight #815.

Wisely, the producers and ABC recognized that the show was rapidly losing its way without an end date and the minute one was selected, and it was decided to stockpile episodes and run them without interruption each spring, the show was strengthened. Still, there were tremendous expectations for the sixth and final season, wondering if even 18 hours of programming would sufficiently tie up the loose ends and give us a satisfactory conclusion. The season is being released on DVD this week from ABC Studios and it holds up to revisiting.

Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof threw us for a loop by introducing two entirely new concepts in a season that was billed as the one that would bring things to a close. First, there was the discovery of the Temple along with its harsh leader, Dogen. And there was the introduction of the Flash Sideways which gave us the Earth-2 version of the characters. The later was actually a brilliant touch, allowing us to see what might have been and allowing departed cast members to return for farewell appearances without spoiling their mostly satisfying exits. Every passing week allowed us to see things slowly come together, leading to the inevitable melding of universes in the finale. (more…)