Destiny Found
The tagline for Lost's fifth season, "Destiny Found," would more properly be applied to this, the show's sixth and final season. In season five, the characters and the show was plagued with confusion, mystifying questions, and very bad advice (the two worst ideas being the killing of Jacob, and the attempt to change history by blowing up a nuclear bomb). In Lost's sixth year, however, things finally come to a point and the survivors face the reasons they were brought to the Island, while learning more about it itself and its history, mostly the history of Jacob and the smoke monster. Jack finally accepts his destiny, becoming an admirable and mature hero. John Locke is in the end vindicated, even as his memory is deeply dishonored by the series' central antagonist. At times the season falters, such as with the explanation of the Whispers, a central mystery present in the show's background. To me, this was a question that didn't need to be answered. Strange whispers heard in the jungle are more powerful and interesting as mysterious phenomenon than as solved mysteries. And much of the philosophical content of the two mythology-centered episodes, "Ab Aeterno" and "Across the Sea," are illogical at best. Mankind is neither good nor evil, but a tragic mixture of both. Evil is not a positive substance that can be contained or allowed to escape; and different religions that differ from each other in basic and essential ways, that advocate conflicting and opposing paths, cannot lead to the same end. But what show is perfect? As long as these flaws are taken as what they are -- flaws -- the show still shines despite them, giving Lost a very satisfying ending. Lost is a great show because it is one whose mysteries and the answers to those mysteries enrich the experience of watching the show over again. In a way, the passing of a show that has tackled such interesting and important questions as skepticism vs. faith, and in such a compelling and character-driven way, is sad; yet the way in which it passes is beautiful. The action and adventure of the series finale, "The End," matches the series' highest points of excitement and thrills; the final confrontation between Jack and his unholy adversary is breathtaking. And the final revelation of the "Sideways world"'s true nature is an interesting treatment of a challenge that is necessary for every human being to face. All told, Lost has always been an ambitious show that never shied away from taking risks, and in the end it was inevitable that some would be disappointed. Certain things could have been done better, but then a great many things could have easily been done much, much worse. One thing is certain: this kind of a show, with such great characters, such deep themes, such great daring in storytelling, is rare, possibly coming only once in every generation.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback.
Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Product Details