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Finalewatch: 'Lost' messes with our heads again
Well, the producers of Lost promised a season finale that would bring about a pretty big shift in the way we view the show, and you can't say that didn't happen.
Now that it has, though, I don't know whether to be deeply frustrated (again), really, really confused (a distinct possibility) or just in awe of the incredible mind-[ahem] showrunners Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof, who wrote Wednesday's finale, have pulled off.
(And here's the part where we start discussing that in detail. You know what to do.)
Here's one thought I had, soon after I saw the second car pull up to meet Jack at the airport and noticed that its driver was ... Kate. (The first thought being, "What?" Followed by, "Oh, crap.") Feel free to shoot this full of holes in the comments, because I know there are problems with it. But what if:
What if everything we saw on the island tonight, the trek to the radio tower and Locke's return and the disabling of the Looking Glass and the call to the freighter -- what if that was the flashback, that was the stuff bearded Jack was remembering?
Granted, there are problems with that idea, not the least of which is that a whole lot happened away from Jack. Prior flashbacks have pretty much been confined to the featured character's point of view, and so much else went on at the beach and in the Looking Glass station that it's tough to believe he'd know all about it.
But whatever the scenes with bearded, pill-popping Jack were, they weren't flashbacks. Yet they also don't seem to be part of a timeline that jibes with what we've seen so far. For one thing, it sounded an awful lot like Jack's dad was still alive -- the fake prescription Jack tried to pass to get oxycodone, the way he challenged Mike from Las Vegas to get pops to the hospital to see who's drunker.
Furthermore, if the Flight 815 survivors were rescued after 90-some days of being stranded -- as the final island scene hinted at -- wouldn't it be reasonable to expect Jack and the rest to be somewhat famous because of that? If so, you'd think the ER doctor tending to him or the guy at the pharmacy might recognize him for something more than saving the woman and her son from the car crash.
Jack, in this future, is also actively looking for the island, with the piles of maps in his apartment and his speech to Kate about flying all over the place hoping he'll crash again so he can get back.
And, of course, there's this: Who died? In this screen cap of the story Jack tore out of the newspaper, the headline appears to read "Man found in [or at] downtown loft," and the person's name includes the letters "Jo" and "antham." Far as I know, that doesn't match up with any of the principal characters.
So am I confused about what this means for the (finite) future of the show? Heck yeah. Frustrated? Somewhat, because the final twist posited one other huge question (and several other sizable ones as well) without answering many others. Although that's pretty much par for the course now. And in awe? Yeah, that too, because there was much to savor in the rest of the finale as well. Such as:
Charlie. After thinking he had cheated fate, our man had to die his noble death after all, and even managed to relay a crucial piece of information to Desmond before he went ("Not Penny's boat"). He handled himself with aplomb throughout the ordeal with Bonnie (the blonde one) and Greta (the brunette) in the hatch, playing mind games with both them and Mikhail the Indestructible Soviet to help achieve his goal. Cuse and Lindelof certainly did right by him in what appears to be his final episode as a regular.
Locke. Not dead. And still a true believer in the island, which I guess makes sense after Walt(!!) told him he could still move his legs and that he had work to do. Based on the final bearded Jack scenes, Locke's final line -- "You're not supposed to do this" -- seems prophetic.
Ben and the Others. The group is clearly not all with Ben anymore, at least not in lockstep, which helped Sayid, Jin and Bernard take out a few Others at the beach and led to the disabling of the Looking Glass. But knowing now as we do that Naomi wasn't part of Penny's expedition, might Ben be have been telling the truth (I'm sure he thinks it is, anyway) when he told Jack that Naomi was one of the "bad guys"?
Side note: Anyone have a clue as to what Ben's moral compass is? Here's a guy who has killed, or allowed to be killed, a few dozen people at the Dharma compound and whose people have been responsible for several others, yet he bluffs Jack into thinking he's ordering the deaths of Sayid, Bernard and Jin. I'm glad they're all still alive -- and how awesome was Hurley driving the van onto the beach? -- but I don't get the guy's logic. Which, I suppose, may be the point.
Side note No. 2: That was one cold-blooded act Sawyer committed in shooting Tom. Just saying.
The outside world. If Naomi wasn't with Penny, who was she with? And how, exactly, did Penny end up talking with Charlie in the Looking Glass? Penelope's family is somehow tied up with the Hanso Foundation and, presumably, Dharma, so it's possible she could have been broadcasting to a Dharma frequency on a regular basis. Aside from cult deprogrammers, who outside the Dharma/Hanso circle would be looking for the island or Ben or the Others?
There's more to discuss, surely, but this is already a long post, so I'll turn it over to you.
Mind blown, ticked off, counting the days until next February? Posit your theories on the Lost season finale.
I loved this season finale that proves Lost is still one of the best and most creative shows out there. I too am thinking the past three seasons have all been a flashback. But who's and how do they know about everything? While this episode totally changes everything for the series, I'm kinda upset that it APPEARS next season will be future focused instead of island focued. But then again, this is LOST so who knows.
My favorite part was seeing Hurley mow down the Others. That and Sayid killing one of them with his feet was worth the wait. Also, I don't think the funeral was for Ben. I'm leaning more towards the Locke side of things (or maybe Michael??) A lot must have happened since they were all rescued.
I'm so looking forward to next season, but do we really have to wait until FEBRUARY????
Aaron | May 23, 2007 9:57:20 PM | #I'm still in shock over the things I saw. I do think it's a flashforward even with the prescription and reference to Jack's Dad. The script pads could have been something Jack just took from his Dad's stuff and I think the reference he made to his Dad was him being a smart aleck....a line to throw us off of it being a flashforward. I'm so tired right now that I can't think anymore about this but I know I'll be dreaming of it. Great episode! Oh...and there were teary eyes when Charlie died.
Tanya | May 23, 2007 10:03:11 PM | #I loved this episode, but can't believe there are 9 months till we see what happens. I knew they (Carlton and Damon - we're on a first name basis) referred to this as a snake in a mailbox and I will be using that phrase from now on. Poor Charlie. And I really want to know who died. And whether they'll be doing everything from the future from now on.
That was great!
A foreshadowing episode, hmm. I think it is pretty clear that this finale was the first time the writers showed the future as opposed to the past. Future Jack (yes, he did look terrible) is clearly blaming himself for the events after escaping the island. Can it be that all the 815'ers slowly die once removed from the island? It seems Jack is blaming himself for something pretty serious there.
My best guess is Locke is in that casket(no family or friends), especially the way Kate reacted when Jack asked her about going to the funeral. And she needed to leave this "reunion" cause "he" (James?) will be wondering where she is?
Does this mean we get to see how they are all rescued in the begining of next season? And how they return to their former lives?
This is quite a "reboot" of LOST if this is the case.
It was cool seeing Walt again, but boy did he look ALOT older!
BTW, Tom had it coming! Good riddance!
they killed off Charlie - i guess i knew it was coming, but I was hoping...
And Jack loves Kate? that was totally random, although an interesting twist. I don't know if there's enough to keep me interested for next February... it was good, but a little disappointing.
I thought it was a flashforward from the beginning and certain when jack took out his slim-cellphone! All of jack's flashbacks have been played out, we know all there is to know about him. I also knew Kate would walk out of the car. It was still a cool moment.
All in all it was a great episode, can't wait for next season. There is still 3 seasons to go and so many more questions to answer, just because they made contact doesn't mean their safe. I think it still going be a battle to get off the island based on how it has effected Jack in his flashforward.
Morgan | May 23, 2007 10:55:48 PM | #I'll be coming back. That was a most satisfying season finale. Opens up a whole bunch of questions, but isn't that we all initially loved about this show? I also loved Damon Lindelof's line in Lost: The Answers that they couldn't get off the island, because then the show would be over, right?
What I'd like to know is, how can Future Kate not be in jail? She looked awesome though. Better living through cosmetics! No wonder she doesn't want to go back to the island.
I wonder how much time had passed between Ben's genocide and the 815'ers arrived.
Bye Charlie! :( You'll be missed.
Siansonea | May 23, 2007 10:58:04 PM | #Is it just me, or were there an uncalled for number of commercial breaks in this "2-hour" finale?
Hated it by the way. They did such a good job for the last few episodes, this was a real downer for the future of the show. Not sure I really feel like staying a loyal viewer.
Jessica | May 23, 2007 11:36:34 PM | #I found the finale very satisfying. Matthew Fox's acting was especially phenomenal in this episode!! I am excited at the possibility of seeing how these characters' lives go after they are rescued. Be careful what you ask for- you could say that to those on the Island and to those whose impatience with the show cause them to always "want answers"- I find those people who are so desperate for answers are rarely satisfied with them.
Bill | May 23, 2007 11:48:30 PM | #I'm surprised by the negative reactions, I thought the finale was pretty damn amazing. Dozens of incredible character moments spread throughout our cast, tons of twists, and a finale that completely changes the show-- one that really lives up to the hype of "this is the one where everything changes." probably the first time in tv history that that's actually happened (as opposed to "ER", which has promised that at least twice a season for years now.)
Willie Lumpkin | May 24, 2007 12:27:46 AM | #Thought it was an amazing finale. So entertaining. In the span of 3 hours I was screaming at the tv, cheering and cry. It's rare that a show can do that to me in one sitting. The twist wasn't that hard to see coming but that final scene with Jack and Kate was powerful. I'm dying to know what happened to them for her to go out of her way to ignore him.
Sure lots of questions were posed but I think it's gonna be a really fun ride next season.
I blogged my thoughts about the finale at: http://www.mediaobsessed.com
Diana | May 24, 2007 12:48:07 AM | #BEST season finale EVER. hands down. we get a glimpse of the future...the supposed future. maybe it could be altered somehow...you never know.
we can't end the series in a depressing matter....right?
john t. | May 24, 2007 1:19:33 AM | #That finale blew my mind! Sure, this third season got off to a rough start, but once it came back from hiatus I've been exceedingly pleased with the season. For the life of me, I don't understand all the griping from some corners. Stop waiting for all the answers to be spoon-fed to you all at once and enjoy the ride.
Oh, and what a ride this finale was! I wonder if Jack's flash-forward is perhaps a glimpse into a possible future, somewhat akin to Desmond's prophetic visions. Jack's downward spiral post-rescue may be avoided depending on what transpires from here on out.
Other quick thoughts: I'd wager that the funeral was indeed for Locke; Hurley's rescue-by-van was one of those special little moments that keeps me in love with this show; why the hell did Jack talk about his father as if he were alive?!; loved Rousseau's reunion with Alex (touching yet simple - only from her recent interactons with the castways could the understandably anti-social Rousseau now feel comfortable enough to make herself known to her daughter); is it fair to say that Walt's appearance was all in his mind (like Boone's brief return early in the season)?
Honestly, my only gripe with the season closer is the agonizing wait ahead of us for more episodes.
Marcel A | May 24, 2007 1:27:54 AM | #I remember reading somewhere that Jack and Charlie were the mirror images of each other, and this episode really emphasized that point. Jack went from compassionate leader to suicidal pill-popper, while Charlie transformed from heroin-addicted has-been to brave martyr. I admit at first I was hoping for a last-minute reprieve, but after all this season's build-up (especially last week's episode), it would've been a cheat to the story and the fans if Charlie didn't meet his destiny. He'll be missed, and I hope he can drop in for some flashbacks next season. Unless Dominic Monaghan gets a DUI, I hear the producers frown on that.
Scott | May 24, 2007 1:34:12 AM | #I think the reason Jack talked about his father as if he was alive, was because he was high on hillbilly heroin.
Walt must be Jacob.
It is either Locke or Micheal in the casket. They are the only people I can think of that Kate would be cold to. In light of what they did.
2008 is so far away.
Great episode/season finale, btw. But I wanted to bring up something interesting about Jack's father.
I think that he is alive. Do you notice that all of the "Previously on Lost" lines before EVERY episode sounds like the actor that play's Jack's father. I noticed that from Season 1 but thought it was a mere coincidence. Now I think there is more to it.
To the people who still moan about this ground-breaking show even after last night's awe-inspiring episode....Why the hell do you still watch if all you do is complain? Maybe you should have been watching AI instead.
I also figured out from the beginning that Jack's side story was in the future but was still hooked nonetheless. I though the entire episode was a pitch perfect blend of action, drama and more mystery. True edge of your seat stuff. My only complaint is that we have to wait until 2008 for season 4.
Papa Shango | May 24, 2007 4:39:08 AM | #Amazing season finale, amazing twist in the last scene. My biggest question, though, is will the show continue to flashforward? And if so, will it be the definitive future, or a what-if scenario? Personally, I have to say that if these flash-forwards do tend to be what-if scenarios, I will feel a little cheated. Excited for next season, even though the waiting will be excruciating.
Derek | May 24, 2007 4:39:24 AM | #Well, the season finale was the best ever for any of the seasons. I am still in shock of what happened. The show is taking a new route but sometime it has to change because they can't be on the island forever.
Loved when Hurley saved the day. He deserves it! And Sawyer killing Tom? It was a little harsh but all of them had it coming. They can kill, beat and do whatever they want with people but when it is their time they are SORRY? I don't believe any of them, still don't believe Juliet either. The kiss between Jack and her gave me the chills but I prefer Kate with Jack. At first I was confused seeing Jack all drunk and taking pills but when I saw the car he was meeting was Kate, that was the best moment EVER. There are a lot of questions, as usual, that need to be answered but I am one of those who doesn't mind the wait because LOST always delivers. BEST FINALE and still a lot to come!!!
it's one of the unknown (to us) crash survivors in the casket. Jack became a leader, and found his purpose in life on the island. He feels every loss, and feels responsible for all of them. Kate doesn't care, because she probally didn't even know him.
andy | May 24, 2007 5:19:49 AM | #Notice Jack's facial hair during the island scenes(tinges of white or gray). Notice it in the supposed flash forward scenes (all black). Now tell me what came first, the chicken or the egg. Maybe I'm just imagining things but I don't think so. There is either something to this or the hair and makeup crew was on some of Jack's medicine.
Dragaunus | May 24, 2007 5:20:01 AM | #Now that was truly inspired television! I am a little, um, confused, by everyone's confusion, however. As soon as I saw the bearded Jack I knew that we just had just had the most major question answered: Do they get off the island?
We now know that yes, they do. But as the old addage goes: Be careful what you wish for.
NOW, none of this implies that they get off the island as the result of last night's actions. The writer's (Cuse and Lindenof) clearly want us to believe that, but I don't buy it. We still have three (shortened) seasons left and getting everyone off the island this soon would clearly kill the magic of the show.
Random thoughts:
Walt's appearance makes me believe that perhaps he and Michael died in their attempt to traverse the seas away from the island.
Of COURSE Jack loves Kate you silly people. Everyone on the island knows that, even Juliet.
As for Ben's moral compass, well, it is simply skewed. He has fanatic syndrom, which impairs his ability to truly understand the difference between right and wrong. Whether cult member or cult leader, he is absolutely certain that his actions are right.
Hurray for Hurley! Finally! I was whip-smart mad over last week's malignment per our favorite rocker, but hearing it from Sawyer tonight was almost too much to bear! Hurley always comes through, when are his friends going to start giving him the cerdit he deserves?
Locke crossed into La River Ben tonight, only to pull back at the last moment. Hopefully, he will re-re-revamped in 2008 and get off of his cloud again.
Charlie's exit was not as emotional as I'd expected. I was much more moved by last week's true ode to Charlie. That said, I will reallymiss Dominic...
Damn...almost a year to freaking wait to see if any of our ideas hold water. Can't wait!
Robert Sandy | May 24, 2007 5:20:35 AM | #i had a feeling it was a flash forward right off the bat, but thought otherwise because who in their right mind would get back on an oceanic flight - but clearly bearded jack is not in his right mind plus he has that golden oceanic pass! the 815'ers do not get rescued by naomi's people, ibeleive ben for once. whoever they are is the reason why future jack is messed up! great season finale, i will miss charlie! oh and did the producers have to ruin the surprise with walt's name in the guest starring credits at the beginning, altough it was still kind of a shock because i didnt know how we'd see him! excellent season closer and beginning to the 4th season!
Simon | May 24, 2007 5:20:39 AM | #Best episode of "Lost" EVER!!!
Hurley saving the day with the van: too cool for words, especially since his friends didn't think the fat guy would be able to help, just be in the way. Sawyer killing Tom: perfect line Sawyer had about not believing Tom. Can't wait for the next season to start.
It would make sense to start next season knowing that they all do get rescued and having each character tell the story through flashbacks. That could takle 16 episodes easily. But how do they get three more seasons out of this? Where is the suspense factor? And seriously...that island is just too unbelievable. Who built this place? How do they have enough electricity to keep the radio tower going for 16 years?
Mike Montreal | May 24, 2007 5:37:23 AM | #
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