Revisiting the Lost series finale 14 years later: Is it really a bad ending?

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Revisiting the Lost series finale 14 years later: Is it really a bad ending?

As a long-time fan of “Lost,” I can’t help but reflect on the series with a sense of nostalgia and appreciation. The show, which I first discovered over a decade ago, has been an integral part of my life experience in many ways.

There are different types of endings to a story: some are disappointing, others satisfying, and some leave viewers debating the meaning. ABC’s “Lost” falls into the debatable category as its finale left many fans puzzled. The resolution seemed to dismantle the complex mythology that had been developed over the series, and the more fantastical ending contradicted it, sparking ongoing discussions among viewers.

After carefully watching “Lost” again and seeing it back on Netflix, I’ve noticed how the crucial scenes and intricately designed characters resonate with me. As I reflect on the series finale, “The End,” there’s a profound meaning woven into the fabric of “Lost” and its mythology. Despite enduring the catastrophic crash of Oceanic 815, fighting against the island’s enigmatic forces, and eventually leaving the island and returning to everyday life, hope and unity emerged among the survivors. This connection, forged through adversity, brought people together, even those who had passed away before the finale.

Why the Lost finale wasn’t a bad ending after fourteen years

The finale of “Lost” surprised many fans with unexpected twists, but it also delivered heartfelt resolutions. Dr. Jack Shephard (Matthew Fox) found closure with his deceased father (John Terry), while Sun-Hwa Kwon (Yunjin Kim) and her husband Jin-Soo (Daniel Dae Kim) were overjoyed as they finally saw their daughter on the ultrasound. Previously, Jin-Soo’s infertility had hindered their ability to have children, making this moment all the more meaningful.

Using the flash-sideways method, the characters reconnect their past lives on the island with their current ones, bringing everyone together in the Afterlife. The church represents various faiths, as the passengers held diverse beliefs about their deities. However, they shared a common bond: the island, considered the most significant period in each of their lives.

As a gamer, I’ve come to realize that the word “lost” in this survival story holds a deeper meaning beyond just describing the survivors of Oceanic 815. Metaphorically speaking, we, the survivors, were lost before the plane crash. Our souls were drifting aimlessly through life. But as we faced the challenges on the island and began to search for what truly matters, we discovered a sense of inner peace. It was as if we were found again, rediscovering our purpose and meaning in this new world.

Either through Desmond’s experiences with “The Heart of the Island” or their personal epiphanies, the solution to the mystery remains unclear – it could be a result of one or both factors.

To put it another way, the characters weren’t technically deceased while living on the island, and they weren’t in a state of limbo. Instead, all the events that unfolded on the enigmatic island were authentic, resulting in some of the most captivating character growth seen on television. I found Hugo’s (Jorge Garcia) development particularly engaging, as he transitioned from a comic relief figure during dire situations to becoming the Island’s Guardian. Surprisingly, his carefree demeanor complemented this significant role well.

Later on, Hugo was teamed up with Ben (Michael Emerson), the infamous island antagonist, taking on the role of the second-in-command protector. Quite an unexpected turn of events, isn’t it?

From a spiritual standpoint in the show’s narrative, I identify as someone who embraces both faith and scientific reasoning. However, I’m left pondering an unanswered question: What awaits us when it’s time for us to depart from this world? Will we find solace in eternal love and serenity? Or is the afterlife merely an empty void, leaving no trace behind unless our legacies live on through our descendants?

The answers to these questions in “Lost” may remain elusive, but the show effectively explored and conveyed their meanings. Given that all characters experienced hardships throughout the series, regardless of their actions or individual struggles, they each merit a satisfying conclusion.

Including Ben.

All six seasons of Lost are currently streaming on Netflix.

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2024-07-20 17:23