When ABC's Lost debuted in 2004, it was hailed as richly original. It was a character story first and foremost. What really intrigued most viewers was how and why these characters were connected. What tied them together with their situation. Five season later...we still have no idea. Granted, it still is one of the more compelling shows on television. The problem is that it constantly gives and gives and gives in aching inches and then takes away feet.
Lost is a story about a plane crash that stranded a number of passengers on a mysterious tropical island. These characters are all different and have unique histories. This dynamic alone made the show watchable. Throw in a faceless monster, some terrorizing island natives, supernatural occurrences and baby you got a stew goin'. Like I said before though, we still don't know enough. Now I shall rant.
From season to season the show has changed dramatically in narrative. Seasons one and two were chalk full of intrigue as we were introduced to our characters and their pasts. The island and it's mysteries were like icing on the cake. Gradually this balance has changed. The island is now the character and the people we've come to enjoy have become worn. But the way in which we learn about the island is too close chested compared to the way we learned about the characters. We learn too little in too much time to satisfy the changes in our characters. YOU KNOW WHAT I'M SAYIN'!?!?!?
I am going to watch Lost until the end, no matter how bitter it may be. Producers have promised that season six is going to be one of explanation and not deception. I somewhat fear that. Lost is a magic trick. Like any shows that depend on the tension of what's 'inside the box' and considering how Lost has built a really big mother of a box.....well, it better be a mother of an answer.
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