IN DEFENSE OF LOST
Let me tell you about the conversation that I’ve had at least six times today.
ROB: So excited for the LOST season finale tonight.
SOMEONE: (response #1) I know. I can’t wait.
SOMEONE: (response #2) You still watch that?
So first, here is why you should be watching LOST. It is a show that loves it’s characters. It’s a show centered around providence, faith, philosophy, literature, and it is a show that is redefining the very nature of what television and storytelling can be. And that just doesn’t come around very often.
Still, there are reasons that so many people are frustrated with LOST and they are good reasons. Or at least understandable reasons. But those need to be defused so you can go watch this great show. It’s not for everyone, but there are really smart people who I respect who should be watching this show. So this is my attempt to debunk all of your excuses.
Reason #1 What up with the polar bears and black smoke?
When LOST premiered people expected a show about beautiful people running around on beach. It would be a hybrid between Survivor and Baywatch. But then something went wrong. It started with the dinosaur sound in the pilot. Soon there were polar bears, the black smoke which sounded like a printer circa 1986 when it moved around, and a hatch with a button that had to be pressed everyone 108 minutes. All the sudden everyone wanted to know what’s going on here? Are we watching a Sci-Fi? This isn’t what I signed up for.
People felt like there was a bait and switch.
But the reality is LOST always has been a human story. But it’s also an allegory, a fantasy, a mythic and an epic. It the 2000’s Star Wars or The Lord of The Rings. The elements of the supernatural and science make the show much more than just an adventure show about people hunting for pigs and trying to stay alive by the fire. And like I said, you just don’t see these types of shows on Network TV.
Reason #2 I don’t have time
Come on. You’re reading my blog. You spend half the day on twitter and facebook. You can watch LOST.
Reason #3 It’s just one big confusing soap opera.
Wrong again. A Soap Opera equals lame writing, acting, music, sets, and just all around badness. 10 years from now Soap Operas won’t exist. Whereas LOST has the most compelling storytelling this side of HBO, the effects (minus the lame CGI sub last week), the performances, the writing are all the best on Network television.
Reason #4 It’s too geeky
Greatness inspires geekyness. People are geeks for The Rolling Stones, Elvis, Star Trek, Star Wars, and DC Talk. None of these people, movies, or bands can be held responsible for the lame keychains and geeky tee-shirts that spring up as a result of fandom. It just comes with the territory.
Anyway, there are lots of other reasons to be frustrated with LOST that I just don’t have time for. If there are more reasons you can’t stand LOST leave them in the comment section and I will tell you where you are misguided.
And to all the Losties I can’t wait for the finale tonight. I got money that Charlie is going to show up somewhere.
