J.J. Abrams’ ‘Duster’ Drops Major ‘Lost’ Easter Egg You Can’t Miss!

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J.J. Abrams, who had been immersed in blockbuster movies for over a decade and worked on the “Star Trek” and “Star Wars” franchises, has now made a comeback to television. This marks his first scripted series since 2010’s “Undercovers,” as he dives back into the medium that initially brought him fame. His new creation, titled “Duster,” doesn’t bear many similarities with the enigmatic allure of “Lost” or the underappreciated “Fringe,” but it is a delightful tribute to the ’70s crime dramas that he fondly remembers from his childhood.

In common with “Lost”, “Duster” features J.J. Abrams working again with actor Josh Holloway, who portrays an engaging and captivating lead character. Jim Ellis, a getaway driver for crime lord Ezra Saxton (Keith David), is a role ideally suited to Holloway’s talents, and he delivers a strong performance that masterfully blends allure with moral complexity. Over the past few weeks, observant viewers might have noticed another subtle homage to Abrams’ initial collaboration with Holloway.

‘Duster’ Tells Us To Follow the Numbers

In the third installment of “Duster”, titled “You’re No Good”, FBI agent Nina Hayes (played by Rachel Hilson) is in dire need of a clue regarding Ezra Saxton, as she suspects he orchestrated the demise of Jim Ellis’s brother, Joseph. With strong evidence potentially able to convert Ellis into an informant, she pays a visit to Leland Breen, the ex-FBI agent who had previously delved into Saxon’s activities, particularly the investigation surrounding Joseph’s death while he was hospitalized.

Under the guise of a nurse, Nina sneaks into the mental hospital and locates Breen. However, he soon displays aggressive behavior and threatens her with a knife at her throat. Despite this, she manages to calm him down and coaxes some information out of him regarding Saxton. At one point, Bren momentarily regains clarity and advises Nina to “follow the numbers,” which leaves her puzzled since she has no idea what he’s referring to.

Breen’s words seem to hint at a possible future concealment regarding Joseph’s death, a situation where the FBI might be involved. However, it’s interesting to note that these words also subtly reference the TV series Lost. In that show, the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42 were integral to its central enigma. A beloved character named Hurley won a lottery with those numbers, only to believe later that they brought him bad luck after a series of unfortunate events.

Throughout the rest of the series, particularly during the second season and more prominently, numbers frequently showed up. These numbers served as a computer code at a research station’s computer system in the second season, continuously inputted to prevent an electromagnetic energy surge. Intriguingly, as the story unfolded in the final season, each number was disclosed to stand for one of the major characters. This revelation took place when it was discovered that they were all potential successors to the Island’s guardian, Jacob.

Numbers made frequent appearances throughout the series, with a significant increase in the second season. Here, the numbers functioned as a computer code at a research station’s computer system, being repeatedly inputted to prevent an electromagnetic energy surge. In the final season, it was discovered that each number represented one of the main characters, who were all being considered for the role of replacing the Island’s protector, Jacob.

What Do the Numbers Mean in ‘Duster’?

Breen’s statement serves as a confirmation of Nina’s suspicions, suggesting that there might indeed be more to Joseph Ellis’s death than initially assumed and that the FBI could have been covering something up. This is further supported by Breen’s unexpected demise in the latest episode of Duster.

This week, Nina and her partner Awan understood what Breen meant when he said “follow the numbers.” They found that arranging his case files on Saxton in a particular order formed a sequence which led them to an abandoned car on a Navajo reservation. Inside the trunk of this vehicle was an old video tape. On the tape, Breen issued a warning: “Uncover Xavier and his organization. Until then, be wary of everyone.

This new development offers a strong suggestion of a broader conspiracy and suggests that Nina’s journey will remain challenging due to some of her FBI colleagues potentially being implicated. Although details about “Xavier” or his network are scarce, this revelation advances the plotline significantly. For Nina, it presents a clear direction for her investigation, which could uncover more details about her father’s death at Saxton’s hands. Moreover, this twist adds another layer to Jim Ellis’s storyline, making him less likely to trust Nina if the FBI is indeed involved in his brother’s murder, even if Saxton appears to be the primary suspect.

Regardless of the direction the story takes, it’s almost undeniably Duster’s most thrilling narrative twist yet, reminiscent of J.J. Abrams’ early enigmatic storytelling style that stimulated curiosity and audience engagement. Moreover, it subtly paid homage to Lost, as it delivered an intelligent Easter egg without overdoing the cuteness. Four episodes in, Duster is unfolding as a classic crime show with vintage charm, leaving us eager to follow its journey further.

Duster is streaming on Max, with new episodes every Thursday.

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2025-06-07 20:35