This post has been brewing a while. I suppose I needed to wait until the end of the season to write it. There was one episode about midway through the year that melted my mind enough that I woke up the next morning wanting to do nothing but write about it. I rather irresponsibly set aside my day’s work and wrote several thousand words on the awesomeness of LOST.
Finished, I sent it to Blogger Dad who returned my email many minutes later. “Errrr….” he said,”that was a nice summary of the last four seasons and everything, but what are you trying to say?
It was an excellent question. I ended up scrapping the post and dragging it to the folder called, “MISC. Writing – never throw away.” I got some of it out of my system when I wrote the post, “What Lost Taught Me About Writing Great Copy,” over at the Inkwell. But still, the itch isn’t scratched.
What I was trying to say is that LOST is the best show ever, at least for me. For my money and the way my mind works, no show has ever engaged me quite so much. In a way, it seems a disservice to simply label LOST as just another television shows. Though it will undoubtedly hit the pop culture history books as one of the finest shows ever sent to syndication, it’s elegant beauty lies less in it’s episodic television nature than it does in the total mind frolic it gives to its viewers once a week.
It’s tough to commit to such a statement as, such and such is the best show on television, but I feel like I need to commit. I won’t allow the argument to drift to cable, there are just so many boundaries they’re able to cross, but as far as network television goes, I’m confident that elapsed decades will declare LOST as one of the best stories told in any medium ever. I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to see the story unfold as I have.
Here are 5 reasons why I declare LOST as the best TV show ever. I promise, no spoilers.
1) Total unpredictability. The elaborate fractured narratives about a handful of plane crash victims surviving on a not-so-deserted island intersecting like star crossed lovers is only the beginning. There’s also a smoke monster, a taciturn international organization, and enough threads to fully unravel the tapestry of what we’ve come to expect from everyday TV. Each season has ended with a game changer that ushers in adventure you could not have predicted without driving a Delorean at 88 MPH.
2) The content of its character. Some fair weathered fans complained the second and third seasons moved too slow. That might be true when compared to the amazing action and intoxicating exposition, peeling layers of mythology like skin from an onion, but I’m a writer and would prefer to use a different description: character development. LOST has never been afraid to spend time with its characters. By showing us who these people are, and how their individual actions influenced the others by either butterfly effect or accidental fate well before the crash of Oceanic flight 815, they become more than the wallpaper in motion that so many other shows are so content to settle upon. Six years after the pilot, I’m more interested than ever, and not just in what will happen, but how the next string of impossible events will affect the lives of characters I’ve come to care about. Like the best literature, I’m still left lingering long after.
3) An elegant cocktail of science and mythology. Readers can correct me if I’m wrong here, but I believe we’ve yet to see a single thing that couldn’t be explained by science. LOST leaves its viewers with far more than the sum total of 42 minutes. When that bone white logo floats to the top of the black behind a single beat of percussion, I’m always left with a head saturated by the staggering sum of mysteries, so deftly juggled. The multitude of mysteries, hints, red-herrings, literary and historical references, and elaborate science rarely fails to invite further research and repeat viewing, along with the occasional freeze frame (yes, I’ve done this and no, there has never been a show more riddled with Easter eggs). No other TV show, for me, has ever begged for more reflection, discussion, and dissection than LOST.
4) Unafraid. While it seems as though networks are by in large terrified to support challenging material, LOST has proven that millions of viewers will support a sometimes difficult, always intelligent, and occasionally frustrating narrative, so long as it’s handled well. LOST marches to its own beat and in five years has never fallen victim to dimming the material. LOST rewards patience and those viewers who are more curious about the continuous questions than they are eager to arrive at the answers.
5) Confidence. It could be argued that this is little different than number four, but I’m not talking about the show this time. I’m talking about me. A turning point for me as a viewer was at the end of the 3rd season. It felt like the show was about to drive a robin egg blue VW right off the bluff (island humor). Viewers were abandoning the show as if Fonzie was strapping on water skis. The writers had no idea where the show was going, they said. Turns out, the writers knew exactly where they were going and knew precisely how much story they had left to tell. They wanted to pull the plug after two more seasons, but the network said no. The writers threatened to walk and ABC caved, agreeing to three abbreviated seasons. The show’s been on fire ever since. When was the last time you watched a show that gave you an end date three years ahead of time? Any doubt I had, instantly evaporated like midday dew.
I think I’ve managed to write this without a single spoiler. Believe me, the show is infinitely better if you go in knowing nothing and allow it to frolic you. There has never been a better time to start from the beginning. There are 96 episodes to watch before the final 16 air, starting in January. When you get to an episode called, “The Long Con,” pay attention. Not only is this one of my favorite episodes, but I can practically see the writers’ smiles spreading across their face as they twiddle their thumbs, twirl their mustaches, and think about their endgame.
Question: Do you watch LOST? If not, what’s kept you away?
Writer Dad
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About Sean Platt
Hi Sean: I’ve never watched an episode of Lost, but this reminded me of something I read recently from Margaret Atwood. A few times she’s devoted months to writing a novel, only to realize that it wasn’t really going anywhere. Each of these times the novel has reappeared as a chapter in another book, or even as a sentence :-)
Hi Sean: I’ve never watched an episode of Lost, but this reminded me of something I read recently from Margaret Atwood. A few times she’s devoted months to writing a novel, only to realize that it wasn’t really going anywhere. Each of these times the novel has reappeared as a chapter in another book, or even as a sentence :-)
Actually, Lost made me start blogging. It involves one thing you don’t mention: that game they had between seasons, where you had to find clues on various fake sites and various fake profiles on real sites, like Flickr. I wanted to write a book and give the invented characters fake web presence, but I didn’t know anything about blogging, so I started a blog. Never did the fake thing, though.
Actually, Lost made me start blogging. It involves one thing you don’t mention: that game they had between seasons, where you had to find clues on various fake sites and various fake profiles on real sites, like Flickr. I wanted to write a book and give the invented characters fake web presence, but I didn’t know anything about blogging, so I started a blog. Never did the fake thing, though.
…I’ll admit. I was sucked into LOST for the first couple of seasons. I even went as far as watching them back to back at period where I took a month away from writing. However, right before they were about to be rescued…for the millionth time…I soon gave up.
I think I’m an instant gratification type gal. I get really antsy and I want it all now. This was no different w/ LOST. I just couldn’t sit through the prolonged agony and so I eventually fell off the LOST bandwagon.
However, I see I probably didn’t miss much as the latest episode preview I glanced at showed Jack right back on the island.
….I digress…
…I’ll admit. I was sucked into LOST for the first couple of seasons. I even went as far as watching them back to back at period where I took a month away from writing. However, right before they were about to be rescued…for the millionth time…I soon gave up.
I think I’m an instant gratification type gal. I get really antsy and I want it all now. This was no different w/ LOST. I just couldn’t sit through the prolonged agony and so I eventually fell off the LOST bandwagon.
However, I see I probably didn’t miss much as the latest episode preview I glanced at showed Jack right back on the island.
….I digress…
…I’ll admit. I was sucked into LOST for the first couple of seasons. I even went as far as watching them back to back at period where I took a month away from writing. However, right before they were about to be rescued…for the millionth time…I soon gave up.
I think I’m an instant gratification type gal. I get really antsy and I want it all now. This was no different w/ LOST. I just couldn’t sit through the prolonged agony and so I eventually fell off the LOST bandwagon.
However, I see I probably didn’t miss much as the latest episode preview I glanced at showed Jack right back on the island.
….I digress…
I’ve tried once or twice to watch Lost…I think it is outside my bandwidth. I’m more of a Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters kind of girl.
BTW, thx for stopping by my blog — why so disappointed in the CSA in your area?
I’ve tried once or twice to watch Lost…I think it is outside my bandwidth. I’m more of a Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters kind of girl.
BTW, thx for stopping by my blog — why so disappointed in the CSA in your area?
I’ve tried once or twice to watch Lost…I think it is outside my bandwidth. I’m more of a Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters kind of girl.
BTW, thx for stopping by my blog — why so disappointed in the CSA in your area?
Mare: That’s how it is for me, and one of the reasons I so love watching LOST. While watching, I imagine all the story threads and all the places it could take my own writing.
People in the Sun: That’s really cool! I never played any of the online stuff, but I AM one of the seven people who read that spin off book that came out a few years ago (I think in between the second and third seasons) Not very good, but hey, it was LOST.
Yolanda: I hear ya, Yolanda, but I swear, it has little to do with the Island. It’s not about the rescue, it’s about the connection, mystery, and intrigue.
Miko’s Girl: It’s just that there’s nothing there. Honestly, the local dive market that buys their produce from local farmers has WAY better produce than the “Farmer’s Market” that’s just a few blocks away, and at a fraction of the price.
Mare: That’s how it is for me, and one of the reasons I so love watching LOST. While watching, I imagine all the story threads and all the places it could take my own writing.
People in the Sun: That’s really cool! I never played any of the online stuff, but I AM one of the seven people who read that spin off book that came out a few years ago (I think in between the second and third seasons) Not very good, but hey, it was LOST.
Yolanda: I hear ya, Yolanda, but I swear, it has little to do with the Island. It’s not about the rescue, it’s about the connection, mystery, and intrigue.
Miko’s Girl: It’s just that there’s nothing there. Honestly, the local dive market that buys their produce from local farmers has WAY better produce than the “Farmer’s Market” that’s just a few blocks away, and at a fraction of the price.
I LOVE this post and LOST. Thanks for the BLOG comment the other day and for subscribing! I look forward to your future posts.
I LOVE this post and LOST. Thanks for the BLOG comment the other day and for subscribing! I look forward to your future posts.
Rachel: Hi, Rachel. My pleasure, I’m thrilled to meet you!
Rachel: Hi, Rachel. My pleasure, I’m thrilled to meet you!
A show that’s made up as it goes. Even the writers have no clue season to season. Totally weak.
A show that’s made up as it goes. Even the writers have no clue season to season. Totally weak.
Clarkson: IF the writers have no clue what’s up season to season, then they are that much more amazing for creating a show so unbelievably well threaded after five years. That alone would add an exponent to my awe.
Clarkson: IF the writers have no clue what’s up season to season, then they are that much more amazing for creating a show so unbelievably well threaded after five years. That alone would add an exponent to my awe.
I whole-heartedly agree with your spiel here….I had been a huge fan of Lost, until the writer’s strike. Since then I have gotten behind and need to brush up on what I have missed.
Another show I feel had and perhaps still does have some excellent potential was/is HEROES.
I whole-heartedly agree with your spiel here….I had been a huge fan of Lost, until the writer’s strike. Since then I have gotten behind and need to brush up on what I have missed.
Another show I feel had and perhaps still does have some excellent potential was/is HEROES.
I watched the first season and loved it. Got through about half of the episodes of the next season and then refused to watch any more. It just didn’t go anywhere, I felt like they were repeating the same kind of events just for effect and there wasn’t any point to the events anymore. (Am I making myself clear? This is my second language and I’m not sure about the words here. I’m sorry if I’m making a confused impression!) I felt the same about Prison Break I might add.
Great blog btw, found you through Zen Habits and your recent guest post :)
I watched the first season and loved it. Got through about half of the episodes of the next season and then refused to watch any more. It just didn’t go anywhere, I felt like they were repeating the same kind of events just for effect and there wasn’t any point to the events anymore. (Am I making myself clear? This is my second language and I’m not sure about the words here. I’m sorry if I’m making a confused impression!) I felt the same about Prison Break I might add.
Great blog btw, found you through Zen Habits and your recent guest post :)
Yes, our family, too, is a big fan of Lost.
I’ve also wondered about the writing of TV shows. I guess they must lay out everything at the beginning of the show so they can wrap it up in the end.
Monk is another example. They finally brought it to an end. I assume they must have planned how she (Trudy) was killed from the very beginning and then intertwined little hints here and there throughout the entire run of it. Good show but not as much in-depth or twist or turns as in Lost
Yes, our family, too, is a big fan of Lost.
I’ve also wondered about the writing of TV shows. I guess they must lay out everything at the beginning of the show so they can wrap it up in the end.
Monk is another example. They finally brought it to an end. I assume they must have planned how she (Trudy) was killed from the very beginning and then intertwined little hints here and there throughout the entire run of it. Good show but not as much in-depth or twist or turns as in Lost
Great blog. But I must disagree (sort of) with one thing you said. Lost is not the best show on network TV, it is the best show on ALL of TV. Cable included, regardless of how many boundaries they can cross.
I watch almost nothing on network TV because of the superior quality of cable programming, but Lost is still the best, so that says a lot about Lost.
No show before or after will even come close to Lost.
Hi there, Clarence!
Yeah, as far as ambition. I’d have to agree. LOST is the best show ever. I can’t wait for it to start again! Counting the days in fact. : )
Thanks for dropping by!
Great blog. But I must disagree (sort of) with one thing you said. Lost is not the best show on network TV, it is the best show on ALL of TV. Cable included, regardless of how many boundaries they can cross.
I watch almost nothing on network TV because of the superior quality of cable programming, but Lost is still the best, so that says a lot about Lost.
No show before or after will even come close to Lost.
Hi there, Clarence!
Yeah, as far as ambition. I’d have to agree. LOST is the best show ever. I can’t wait for it to start again! Counting the days in fact. : )
Thanks for dropping by!
Great post, exactly how I sum it up!
It is true, no other show can come close to Lost. Compared to the rest of TV, there are a handful of shows that actually make you think, and Lost tops them all.
I feel so sad that it’s ending. It’s become such a big part of my life. But, on the other hand, I want to see how it ends. Mixed emotions plus me equals bad.
Hi there Ian, nice to know you!
Yeah, I feel the same way. I marvel at its beauty and mourn it’s passing. :(
I missed the premier last night, but I’m super excited about watching it this evening.
I think LOST is the best too and I cannot stop thinking about it. I am going to be so gutted when it ends and, at the same time, I cannot wait to know the end. Mostly I want all the characters to be there again and none of them to be bad or dead. I love Richard Alpert and I love Jack etc. and Jacob is awesome. If I had thought up this series I would wear a t-shirt saying how brilliant I am. It is sensational and what I love most is how it makes my mind keeping working long after an episode finishes, piecing all the narratives together and the characters.
Clarkson, LOST a weak show? No, your brain is just not up to following the patterns and parallel scenes. It is amazing and highly intelligent. Stick to cartoons, you will follow them.
I can't it's the best show ever just because I find it hard to define anything that way. BUT, I have absolutely loved Lost. I find it hard to think of another show I've savored like I have this final season. It's moving incredibly fast but doesn't feel rushed like some shows (BSG hint, hint). I have to say TV has some incredible shows these days. The Shield was excellent, Sopranos, Damages, Rescue Me… but Lost is so different. Fantasy without being silly, sci-fi without the lasers, the cultural references, the amazing story arcs. I can go on and on. The acting is good but not great. The writing is really the star.
I regret reading an article giving away the time-travel aspect. I read it, I think, after season 3. I knew right away they had it right. I maybe could have figured it out, and I though about it at one point, but after reading it i knew for sure. Still, it's been an incredible ride.
Acting not great? Are you blind? It is amazing, the guy who plays Ben for instance, every single movement of the guy's body has a story to tell. I would say it is your interpretation skills that are rather limited. The acting in this even beats the UK shows which is unusual.
Wow, I am so glad I just read this. ” I feel fortunate that I’ve been able to see the story unfold as I have.” That is exactly how I have been feeling since the start of this season. I feel so fortunate to be lucky enough to have been watching it since the end of the 1st season. I own all the DVD's and it's great watching them. But it is a totally different experience watching it episode by episode on tv.
Just think about the first season. Theories and speculation back then were NOWHERE NEAR what the show became. Watching it on DVD I feel as if you miss this total view of the show that can only be attained for those of us that have gotten to watch it most or all of the way through on TV. I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of this amazing weekly mindtrip.
I didn't get to see the Grateful Dead in the 70's, and many other things, but one of my favorite things to be a part of this past decade is Lost, without a doubt. I don't care what anybody might say about this, but I will boldly state that Lost is the best television show I have ever watched. I've lived in this house since last June, and I didn't physically hook my cable up to the tv until Feb 2(the day of the season premiere). I only hope I will be able to find a show I can enjoy half as much as I have loved being a part of this crazy ride for the past 6 years.
I could not agree more Adam and I watched the series through from Series 1 again during recent mobility problems. It was mind boggling the way I could see the patterns and clues in every episode. A masterpiece of skilful writing and the acting is first rate too. I agree with Adam, nothing gets better than LOST.
Brilliant. Could not have put it better myself. An excellent summary of the greatest series ever to be written. I love it and will weep buckets when it ends.
I will cry and cry and cry and cry and then I'll cry some more.
Not really, but kinda sorta inside. :)
Yeah, that science thing. Four people are in a submarine; FOUR BLOCKS of C4 explode – and the people swim out. Not only scientifically unbelievable, but extremely horrible writing. The show is filled with crap like this and it is amazing how many people eat it up thinking it to be intelligent.
It isn't.
Not Hurley, no it is you who are not intelligent as that is the point, 4 people and 4 sticks, that is how the entire parallels work. You just do not have a creative brain that thinks in a certain way and I feel very sorry for you but nothing any of us can do. You miss out on an awesome show and just look stupid writing a comment that is the point not the criticism.
LOST is the greatest show IMO ever made if you watch it al the way trough and I watched it back with my friends and it’s fun to see their reactions to what I like to call WTF moments like when locke died without warning (he is my favorite) and if you look up john locke and his other name jeremy Bentem they were both great philioshophafers (sorry about spelling can’t figure out how to spell it.) but other great ones are Heroes, Prison Break, Jericho