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
If you Digg this Delicious post, perhaps you could StumbleUpon a favor for me? Turn your Face,Book mark the post so people know you Reddit and let others enjoy MySpace just as much as you have.
About Sean Platt
That’s a pretty serious commitment.
I mean, when you say best TV show ever … are we including The Brady Bunch, Gilligan’s Island, I Love Lucy, The Muppet Show, … etc.?
This sounds pretty serious. I might need to give LOST a shot.
That’s a pretty serious commitment.
I mean, when you say best TV show ever … are we including The Brady Bunch, Gilligan’s Island, I Love Lucy, The Muppet Show, … etc.?
This sounds pretty serious. I might need to give LOST a shot.
J. D., if you love those shows, then Lost is for you. It has elements of each!
There are castaways like Gilligan’s Island, fuzzy bears like The Muppet Show, women who are “enceinte” like I Love Lucy . . . as for The Brady Bunch, I believe the Dharma pantry stocks pork chops and apple sauce.
J. D., if you love those shows, then Lost is for you. It has elements of each!
There are castaways like Gilligan’s Island, fuzzy bears like The Muppet Show, women who are “enceinte” like I Love Lucy . . . as for The Brady Bunch, I believe the Dharma pantry stocks pork chops and apple sauce.
I must be so lame. I have NEVER seen Lost.
Or Twenty Four. Or Prison Break. Or the Amazing Race.
Don’t like the long-term commitment. You have to keep following the shows to keep track of them. You miss one key episode, and you’re screwed.
I’m more into one-night stands. Like South Park, or Mythbusters.
I must be so lame. I have NEVER seen Lost.
Or Twenty Four. Or Prison Break. Or the Amazing Race.
Don’t like the long-term commitment. You have to keep following the shows to keep track of them. You miss one key episode, and you’re screwed.
I’m more into one-night stands. Like South Park, or Mythbusters.
J.D: Just start from the beginning, and be patient 2/3 through to the end of Season 3. You’ll end the 5th with a holy wow.
Henry: LOL! Cool beans.
Friar: Alright Friar, help me out. I LOVED Myth Busters… on paper. Then I rented it from Netflix and was disappointed. Which episodes are good? I’d love to give it another shot.
J.D: Just start from the beginning, and be patient 2/3 through to the end of Season 3. You’ll end the 5th with a holy wow.
Henry: LOL! Cool beans.
Friar: Alright Friar, help me out. I LOVED Myth Busters… on paper. Then I rented it from Netflix and was disappointed. Which episodes are good? I’d love to give it another shot.
I hear you Writer Dad, LOST is the BEST TV show EVER! J.D. mentioned some great shows (who doesn’t love The Muppet Show), but LOST wins in my mind. Can you believe we have to wait until 2010 for the next episode? This gives me many months to play outside, but I’m looking forward to the next season.
I hear you Writer Dad, LOST is the BEST TV show EVER! J.D. mentioned some great shows (who doesn’t love The Muppet Show), but LOST wins in my mind. Can you believe we have to wait until 2010 for the next episode? This gives me many months to play outside, but I’m looking forward to the next season.
I hear you Writer Dad, LOST is the BEST TV show EVER! J.D. mentioned some great shows (who doesn’t love The Muppet Show), but LOST wins in my mind. Can you believe we have to wait until 2010 for the next episode? This gives me many months to play outside, but I’m looking forward to the next season.
I agree WriterDad. LOST is one of the best shows ever. Others are terrific for other reasons (The Wire comes to mind) but LOST is the one that take me to multiple places all at once. I can’t wait til the final season and am glad I can watch it all from the beginning on disc. Good stuff.
I agree WriterDad. LOST is one of the best shows ever. Others are terrific for other reasons (The Wire comes to mind) but LOST is the one that take me to multiple places all at once. I can’t wait til the final season and am glad I can watch it all from the beginning on disc. Good stuff.
I agree WriterDad. LOST is one of the best shows ever. Others are terrific for other reasons (The Wire comes to mind) but LOST is the one that take me to multiple places all at once. I can’t wait til the final season and am glad I can watch it all from the beginning on disc. Good stuff.
Wow, I would never have guessed. We don’t have any TV, even snow, so I’ve never watched LOST. I think I watched the first episode when I was prego with Gus and that’s when we gave our TV the boot. The only show I have to watch online is the Office, because it is SO funny. We did watch the Rome series and the Deadwood Series which we have on DVD and were really good.
Wow, I would never have guessed. We don’t have any TV, even snow, so I’ve never watched LOST. I think I watched the first episode when I was prego with Gus and that’s when we gave our TV the boot. The only show I have to watch online is the Office, because it is SO funny. We did watch the Rome series and the Deadwood Series which we have on DVD and were really good.
Wow, I would never have guessed. We don’t have any TV, even snow, so I’ve never watched LOST. I think I watched the first episode when I was prego with Gus and that’s when we gave our TV the boot. The only show I have to watch online is the Office, because it is SO funny. We did watch the Rome series and the Deadwood Series which we have on DVD and were really good.
Stacey: If you don’t love the Muppet Show, you’re dead inside for sure, but LOST is just unbelievable. I can’t wait until 2010. That’s why I’m starting at the beginning next week and watching the whole thing through with another set of eyes.
James: Hi James, nice to know you! The Wire is another one of my favorites. Phenomenal across the board. For sheer writing, I might even have to slip the blue ribbon to the boys in Baltimore. But for action, intrigue and What Da WHAT!?! it’s all about the LOST.
Karen: Trust me on this Karen, you will LOVE it. Rent it from Netflix and hit Cindy and I with the emails when you’re confused. It’s the coolest mystery to unspool. Jason will love it as well. It’s a big swinging sack of super cool. I promise.
Stacey: If you don’t love the Muppet Show, you’re dead inside for sure, but LOST is just unbelievable. I can’t wait until 2010. That’s why I’m starting at the beginning next week and watching the whole thing through with another set of eyes.
James: Hi James, nice to know you! The Wire is another one of my favorites. Phenomenal across the board. For sheer writing, I might even have to slip the blue ribbon to the boys in Baltimore. But for action, intrigue and What Da WHAT!?! it’s all about the LOST.
Karen: Trust me on this Karen, you will LOVE it. Rent it from Netflix and hit Cindy and I with the emails when you’re confused. It’s the coolest mystery to unspool. Jason will love it as well. It’s a big swinging sack of super cool. I promise.
Stacey: If you don’t love the Muppet Show, you’re dead inside for sure, but LOST is just unbelievable. I can’t wait until 2010. That’s why I’m starting at the beginning next week and watching the whole thing through with another set of eyes.
James: Hi James, nice to know you! The Wire is another one of my favorites. Phenomenal across the board. For sheer writing, I might even have to slip the blue ribbon to the boys in Baltimore. But for action, intrigue and What Da WHAT!?! it’s all about the LOST.
Karen: Trust me on this Karen, you will LOVE it. Rent it from Netflix and hit Cindy and I with the emails when you’re confused. It’s the coolest mystery to unspool. Jason will love it as well. It’s a big swinging sack of super cool. I promise.
@Writerdad
Some episodes are better than other. Basically, the best shows are when they smash or blow sh*t up.
Like the one where they blew up a cement truck with 1000 lbs of explosives. Or they recreated a medieval weapon that fired 500 exploding rockets. One smashed a car into a snowplow at 70 mph and peeled it apart like a tin can.
@Writerdad
Some episodes are better than other. Basically, the best shows are when they smash or blow sh*t up.
Like the one where they blew up a cement truck with 1000 lbs of explosives. Or they recreated a medieval weapon that fired 500 exploding rockets. One smashed a car into a snowplow at 70 mph and peeled it apart like a tin can.
You’re absolutely right; this has to be the best drama in the history of TV. The best thing about it is that you are incapable of looking away as soon as it comes on each Wednesday night.
You’re absolutely right; this has to be the best drama in the history of TV. The best thing about it is that you are incapable of looking away as soon as it comes on each Wednesday night.
Friar: Alright, now THAT sounds like some hellz yeah! I’ll add another season to the queue.
Jake: I have to wait until Thursday, but that it’s always the carrot at the end of my Thursday for sure. If network TV has done drama better than that, I need to be reminded what it was.
Friar: Alright, now THAT sounds like some hellz yeah! I’ll add another season to the queue.
Jake: I have to wait until Thursday, but that it’s always the carrot at the end of my Thursday for sure. If network TV has done drama better than that, I need to be reminded what it was.
@Writer Dad
How about this for a “HELL YEAH?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSVfYwdGSsQ
@Writer Dad
How about this for a “HELL YEAH?”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSVfYwdGSsQ
Never watched an episode. But then again, I rarely (if ever) watch tv, so it’s not surprising that I haven’t seen it. Too many other things to do than to park my butt in front of the telly…
Never watched an episode. But then again, I rarely (if ever) watch tv, so it’s not surprising that I haven’t seen it. Too many other things to do than to park my butt in front of the telly…
Never watched an episode. But then again, I rarely (if ever) watch tv, so it’s not surprising that I haven’t seen it. Too many other things to do than to park my butt in front of the telly…
I’ve never tuned in, but such a sincere recommendation has certainly piqued my curiosity. I’m always intrigued and Cherise-cat happy when I can fall in love with a show’s writers.
I’ve never tuned in, but such a sincere recommendation has certainly piqued my curiosity. I’m always intrigued and Cherise-cat happy when I can fall in love with a show’s writers.
I’ve never tuned in, but such a sincere recommendation has certainly piqued my curiosity. I’m always intrigued and Cherise-cat happy when I can fall in love with a show’s writers.
Friar: Alright, that totally works.
GreenJello: I agree. We don’t even have a TV, but we download LOST every week and watch with baited breath. It’s a big boiling pot of cool beans.
Tricia: It’s only good if you like stuff that starts out awesome and is awesome the whole time and then never stops being awesome. : > )
Friar: Alright, that totally works.
GreenJello: I agree. We don’t even have a TV, but we download LOST every week and watch with baited breath. It’s a big boiling pot of cool beans.
Tricia: It’s only good if you like stuff that starts out awesome and is awesome the whole time and then never stops being awesome. : > )
I totally agree. I heart Lost! Have you seen Breaking Bad. It’s on AMC. It’s nothing like Lost but still very good.
I totally agree. I heart Lost! Have you seen Breaking Bad. It’s on AMC. It’s nothing like Lost but still very good.
Most certainly a ground breaking show, and one that media students will be picking apart for quite some time. I can’t remember anything else that’s packed in so many twists, turns and innovations while developing ‘real’ characters that you can invest in and cheer for.
Sometimes I just wanna get a whiteboard on the wall while I’m watching so I can map it all out. How does he know that again? When did he tell her that? How did she get there?
Best show ever? It’s up there. But don’t forget other ground breaking episodic TV that changes how shows are written. I’m thinking Moonlighting and Twin Peaks.
Most certainly a ground breaking show, and one that media students will be picking apart for quite some time. I can’t remember anything else that’s packed in so many twists, turns and innovations while developing ‘real’ characters that you can invest in and cheer for.
Sometimes I just wanna get a whiteboard on the wall while I’m watching so I can map it all out. How does he know that again? When did he tell her that? How did she get there?
Best show ever? It’s up there. But don’t forget other ground breaking episodic TV that changes how shows are written. I’m thinking Moonlighting and Twin Peaks.
Most certainly a ground breaking show, and one that media students will be picking apart for quite some time. I can’t remember anything else that’s packed in so many twists, turns and innovations while developing ‘real’ characters that you can invest in and cheer for.
Sometimes I just wanna get a whiteboard on the wall while I’m watching so I can map it all out. How does he know that again? When did he tell her that? How did she get there?
Best show ever? It’s up there. But don’t forget other ground breaking episodic TV that changes how shows are written. I’m thinking Moonlighting and Twin Peaks.
I don’t watch it, not because I don’t like it, but simply because I don’t watch TV. :)
I don’t watch it, not because I don’t like it, but simply because I don’t watch TV. :)
I don’t watch it, not because I don’t like it, but simply because I don’t watch TV. :)
LOL! I can’t believe you’re a Lost fan. I have these really good friends who are hardcore Lost fans. I used to always call them in the middle of episodes just to mess with them.
I must admit, I’ve never seen a single episode. It seems like a more advanced version of Gilligan’s Island. Plus, I’m sure it’s too high-brow for me. I can’t dedicate more than 30 minutes of my dwindling attention span to a single activity. Thus, I watch shows like Seinfeld and The Office. I love Mary Tyler Moore reruns. Oh, I also watch History and Discovery shows. I guess I either love sitcoms or shows about Hitler.
LOL! I can’t believe you’re a Lost fan. I have these really good friends who are hardcore Lost fans. I used to always call them in the middle of episodes just to mess with them.
I must admit, I’ve never seen a single episode. It seems like a more advanced version of Gilligan’s Island. Plus, I’m sure it’s too high-brow for me. I can’t dedicate more than 30 minutes of my dwindling attention span to a single activity. Thus, I watch shows like Seinfeld and The Office. I love Mary Tyler Moore reruns. Oh, I also watch History and Discovery shows. I guess I either love sitcoms or shows about Hitler.
LOL! I can’t believe you’re a Lost fan. I have these really good friends who are hardcore Lost fans. I used to always call them in the middle of episodes just to mess with them.
I must admit, I’ve never seen a single episode. It seems like a more advanced version of Gilligan’s Island. Plus, I’m sure it’s too high-brow for me. I can’t dedicate more than 30 minutes of my dwindling attention span to a single activity. Thus, I watch shows like Seinfeld and The Office. I love Mary Tyler Moore reruns. Oh, I also watch History and Discovery shows. I guess I either love sitcoms or shows about Hitler.
Elle: I haven’t seen Breaking Bad, but I’m always on the lookout for something new and cool. There’s only one LOST, but plenty of room for more that’s awesome. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check it out.
Steve: “Most certainly a ground breaking show, and one that media students will be picking apart for quite some time.” I fully agree with that. I think that for the most part, people don’t quite realize how groundbreaking this show is. History will be kind. Twin Peaks and Moonlighting were both awesome, but (especially Twin Peaks) ended up not blossoming to full fruition. I don’t see that happening with LOST. I feel like we’re about to have a ful final season of WOW. You are right though, that the best shows of today are standing on the shoulders of the past. I can’t wait to see what will be standing on LOST.
Vered: I’m with you. TV can be totally soul sucking, but LOST isn’t. We download it and watch it every Thursday, one day after it airs. It is yummy. Check out a few episodes (commercial free) on DVD and see if your mind is blown.
Steely Dad: Nothing like Gilligan’s Island. Them being stranded is like (maybe) 10% of the show. It probably has more in common with the History and Discovery shows you’re watching now. I swear.
Elle: I haven’t seen Breaking Bad, but I’m always on the lookout for something new and cool. There’s only one LOST, but plenty of room for more that’s awesome. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check it out.
Steve: “Most certainly a ground breaking show, and one that media students will be picking apart for quite some time.” I fully agree with that. I think that for the most part, people don’t quite realize how groundbreaking this show is. History will be kind. Twin Peaks and Moonlighting were both awesome, but (especially Twin Peaks) ended up not blossoming to full fruition. I don’t see that happening with LOST. I feel like we’re about to have a ful final season of WOW. You are right though, that the best shows of today are standing on the shoulders of the past. I can’t wait to see what will be standing on LOST.
Vered: I’m with you. TV can be totally soul sucking, but LOST isn’t. We download it and watch it every Thursday, one day after it airs. It is yummy. Check out a few episodes (commercial free) on DVD and see if your mind is blown.
Steely Dad: Nothing like Gilligan’s Island. Them being stranded is like (maybe) 10% of the show. It probably has more in common with the History and Discovery shows you’re watching now. I swear.
Elle: I haven’t seen Breaking Bad, but I’m always on the lookout for something new and cool. There’s only one LOST, but plenty of room for more that’s awesome. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check it out.
Steve: “Most certainly a ground breaking show, and one that media students will be picking apart for quite some time.” I fully agree with that. I think that for the most part, people don’t quite realize how groundbreaking this show is. History will be kind. Twin Peaks and Moonlighting were both awesome, but (especially Twin Peaks) ended up not blossoming to full fruition. I don’t see that happening with LOST. I feel like we’re about to have a ful final season of WOW. You are right though, that the best shows of today are standing on the shoulders of the past. I can’t wait to see what will be standing on LOST.
Vered: I’m with you. TV can be totally soul sucking, but LOST isn’t. We download it and watch it every Thursday, one day after it airs. It is yummy. Check out a few episodes (commercial free) on DVD and see if your mind is blown.
Steely Dad: Nothing like Gilligan’s Island. Them being stranded is like (maybe) 10% of the show. It probably has more in common with the History and Discovery shows you’re watching now. I swear.