I can perfectly relate to an individual’s commitment to a element of pop culture. I have devoted a serious portion of my time for the past handful of years reading, viewing, researching, and pondering Harry Potter. If someone tells me who gets voted off Survivor before I’ve viewed the episode it takes all of my willpower to keep from decking them. However, I did not follow Lost. The concept always intrigued me and others swear by its “awesomeness” but for whatever reason I ignored those who preached its graces.
Since my family has tuned in every week since I got home from school, I’ve been passively watching the lead-up to the finale, and then the marathon final episode. It was quite exciting for me as I’m sure it was for everyone who knew all of the cameos and tidbits shown throughout. But, I can’t help but wonder if the fact that I understood the outcome with such a minimal knowledge of the show speaks against the intricacy of the resolution. I know the show had so many questions on a weekly basis that the end was a kind of easy way out.
Please don’t get me wrong. I thought it was a strong finish that allowed a happy ending out of an impossible conflict, and gave every character a positive resolve to end their story arch. It was just that I was shocked that they actually answered the program’s main question of why are they there? I’m glad they did. If Harry Potter ended right before Harry’s final battle with Voldemort I would have ransacked the Barnes & Noble. So, even if you Lost fans are disappointed with the ending just be happy you got one. Sopranos fans weren’t as lucky.
I commend the writers for the amount of religious symbolism planted throughout the script. The finale especially saw quite a bit of not-so-subtle iconography, which I think is bold in 2010 network television. The characters were not saints or anything, but when it all ended they were good people. They chose to have the happy ending, well all except for one. But the happy ending wasn’t even that ambiguous. They were clearly in heaven with the white light and all. It’s hard to believe 15 million “equal rights” Americans watched a sci-fi show that concluded with being in heaven. I wonder if they’ll show an atheistic alternate ending on the DVD extra features. I sure wouldn’t want anyone to be left out.
So, I will cave. I am going to watch the complete six seasons of Lost this summer. Yes, I know the ending but I’m o.k. with that. If the plot, characters, and entertainment value are there I will still enjoy the show. If not, then it was all a cheap gimmick.
Lastly, don’t spoil the end for anyone who’s trying to catch up before they watch the finale. That’s just annoying and not funny. In that situation just tell them a more shocking spoiler… Snape kills Dumbledore.
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