Lost Fans Mostly Misunderstood the Finale—It’s a Masterpiece in Disguise

Back in 2010, on May 23rd, when the final episode of hit screens, the response from viewers and critics was swift, intense, and incredibly divided. Some thought “The End” was a brilliant, emotional masterpiece, a fitting conclusion to the series. Others were furious, labeling the plot as illogical and feeling misled due to the mistaken assumption that their characters had been dead throughout.

Twenty years after its debut, many Lost fans failed to grasp the finale’s meaning, not fully appreciating that it was a brilliant way to conclude a complex, ambitious, and intentionally confusing series. I am one of those Lost fans. The creators crafted the show with intricate narratives, unconventional storytelling, and high-level science fiction and fantasy elements. Co-showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse often went to great lengths to keep the secrets of the show hidden, even as it was being aired.

For many “Lost” enthusiasts, similar to “Trekkie” fans, this show wasn’t just something to watch; it was an assignment that continued between episodes. They delved into blogs, fan forums, theories, and podcasts. This was an intelligent group of viewers, and the writers always engaged them without talking down. Even after six years of dissecting every detail, many fans still felt they hadn’t grasped everything.

Lindelof and Cuse, known for their involvement in the fan media community, remained tight-lipped about the finale. Once the excitement subsided, fans revisited the series. If you’ve only watched “Lost” once, you haven’t truly experienced the show. Before the final season aired on ABC, I became one of those fans who searched for set photos online and listened to podcasts. My near-obsessive behavior even sparked my then-nine-year-old’s curiosity. I watched “The End” again with him, which changed my perspective on the series finale, now viewing it as a masterpiece.

The Final Sesaon of Lost Was a Massive Disappointment to Me, Because I Didn’t Understand It

I Didn’t Fall In Love With the Series Finale Until I Re-Watched It & Shared It With My Kid

The series, jointly developed 20 years ago by J.J. Abrams and Lindelof, has held up remarkably well over time. Back then, fans had to endure a full week (or even longer) between episodes, and sometimes these breaks would seem endless as the new episode would often take its sweet time revealing any anticipated plot developments, leaving viewers hanging. When I returned home from an Army deployment in Iraq, the third season of Lost was already underway. This was the season that sparked a lot of anger among fans. I recall eavesdropping on discussions about “the polar bear cages” and the “smoke monsters” and “Jack’s foolish tattoo!” I knew any show that sounded that intriguing and provoked such strong reactions had to be worth my attention.

Towards the end of 2008, the freshly launched Hulu platform streamed “Lost”, leading me to believe that Season 5 was its final one. As I watched it under this assumption, I became quite attached and was surprised when I learned there was another season left. This discovery turned me into one of those obsessive fans who scoured fan forums for spoilers and listened to podcasts from people just as confused as I was.

A few days before its broadcast on ABC, the producers of “Lost” held a screening of the first two episodes at “Sunset on the Beach” in Hawaii. Naturally, I checked out all the usual online spots for updates. However, instead of finding reports, I stumbled upon a man named Bruce live-streaming a clear shot of the screen on Ustream. My child noticed me intently focused over my laptop at one in the morning. To him, I looked like the crazed fans who had initially introduced me to the show three years prior, and it had a similar effect.

Experiencing the final season live wasn’t as enjoyable as watching the initial hour of Season 6 via Ustream through Bruce’s window. Episodes delving into Richard Alpert’s mythology and island deity Jacob often felt like unnecessary diversions. The same episode also fell flat for me due to my frustration over the producers’ handling of certain events. However, I eventually purchased the final season on Blu-ray a few months later. During holiday breaks, weekends, and occasional “skip days” with parental permission, I rewatched the entire series with my child. To my surprise, even as Jack was dying and that pesky dog Vincent appeared to tug at my heartstrings once more, I found myself tearing up too.

On the Island, the Lost Series Finale Was a Battle to the Death With Magic and Stone Corks

The Conflict Between Good and Evil Is More Subtle & Complex Than Viewers Realized

Initially in the series, John Locke debuts with a confrontation between two characters, one portrayed as dark and the other as light. By the final season, the antagonist on the ominous side of the game board resembled Locke’s visage. However, his struggle against Jack Shephard might not be the most captivating aspect of “The End.” Contrary to expectations, no character is left out in this episode. The long-standing adversary, Ben Linus, collaborates with the castaways, demonstrates altruistic actions, and shows a side of himself that is vulnerable and compassionate. Other characters work together to restore a plane that was on the verge of crashing on the island. Jack’s storyline concludes at the same point it started six seasons ago. The last thing he witnesses, though, is that repaired plane transporting his companions away from the island.

Title	Written by	Directed by	Date	Ratings
“The End”	Damon Lindelof & Carlton Cuse	Jack Bender	5/23/2010	15.31m

In much the same way as viewers anticipate key elements from a regular network TV show’s finale, the climactic fight between Jack and the false Locke was eagerly awaited. What made this intriguing was the proposed setting – a volcano, which would have clarified why the Man in Black was composed of smoke. Unfortunately, this idea was too costly to execute, so instead, we got the cliff-side rock fight. Despite not requiring such grandiose spectacle, the series managed to maintain its drama and tension thanks to exceptional performances and character development. The earlier scenes featuring Jack and Locke engaging in intellectual and verbal battles served to enhance the physical confrontation that followed.

The most significant parts of “Lost” are not about understanding its sci-fi workings. Whether it’s magical elements or everyday situations, like pilot Frank Lapidus repairing the plane with duct tape, the emotional experiences of the characters are what make them meaningful.

The Flash-Sideways World Stories Were the Final Season’s Bravest & Most Emotional

Using It as a Red-Herring for Most of Lost Season 6 Was the Only Serious Mistake

Despite the backlash towards the final season of Lost, the series finale rectified one of its least convincing narrative decisions. The penultimate episode’s cliffhanger involved Juliet detonating a bomb that could potentially alter the future, but this didn’t happen. However, the appearance of introduced an element of possibility, suggesting that it might have changed things. Presented as an alternate reality throughout the season, the disclosure that the “sideways world” served as a transitional space for the castaways to reunite and resolve their lingering issues seemed less grandiose in contrast. A thoughtful idea, it became overshadowed by fans’ eagerness to solve long-standing mysteries before the finale.

As a viewer, I initially found myself fixated on solving the mysteries presented in Season 6’s opening scene, with Rose and Bernard serving as red herrings. However, during the series finale, when the castaways awoke in the bardo, recalling their lives and finding a newfound sense of tranquility and purpose, I was deeply moved. The poignant moments were amplified by Michael Giacchino’s stirring score. Yet, while we, the viewers, remain unaware of the reasons behind the characters’ profound reactions to their experiences, something vital seems to be missing from our understanding.

In the enchanting Flash-Sideways World, whether it’s a prominent figure like Jack or transient ones such as Shannon and Libby, there’s something truly magical about it. This realm offers these characters a second chance at life, allowing them to discard their earthly worries, fears, and sorrows. In the final scene, we witness these significant Lost characters in a state of freedom and joy that viewers had never seen before. The nature of the light beyond the double doors or where it leads isn’t crucial. It’s the magic that matters. Here, these characters are liberated from their character defects, released from grudges, and most significantly, they are completely present with one another and will be together for an eternal future.

How Week-to-Week Viewing Hurt the Legacy of Lost’s Final Season and the Finale

Rewatching the Series Right Away Makes It Clear How Cohesive and Clever It Is

After I began watching “Lost” during Season 5, I connected with the fan base of the series. Like many others, I expressed a common (negative) opinion about the final season. However, as I delved deeper into the community’s discussions, I understood their feelings were more centered on the extended wait between episodes rather than the events that transpired within them. Approximately a year after my initial viewing, I watched the show alongside my child. This time around, being privy to conversations among fans, I recognized their disappointment was primarily due to the lengthy gaps between episodes. Interestingly, knowing the answers to questions posed by the show actually increased my enjoyment rather than diminishing it.

Initially, when fans encounter the finale of the “Lost” series for the first time, they’re primarily seeking answers and clarity. However, this eagerness for resolution often overshadows the true essence of the show. The intricate dynamics between the characters, the conclusion of their personal journeys, and how these developments shaped events in the Flash-Sideways world are what truly resonates with “Lost.” The nature of the whispers pales in comparison to Jack’s tribute to Locke, despite his face being stolen. The struggle of Kate and Sawyer to rescue Ben, who had caused them so much trouble, is more startling than discovering how the Heart of the Island functions. Learning about the Flash-Sideways World without questioning if it’s an alternative reality adds a layer of emotion that’s powerful in its own right.

The enigmatic speculations surrounding the future of the characters in Lost sparked a lively fan base. However, the longing for resolution, coupled with frustration upon receiving it, diminished the potential emotional impact of the show’s final scenes. Lost, an audacious and seemingly implausible series, defied expectations by not collapsing multiple times. The island’s mythology is intricate and cunning, but it’s the people who are living the story that truly make the series tick. Just like real life, Lost is rife with victories, setbacks, optimism, despair, and a myriad of unanswered questions. The series finale was not a solution manual to neatly tie up all loose ends. Accepting this reality allowed me, along with countless other fans, to appreciate the beauty and genius in the confusion.

You can find the full collection of “Lost” on DVD and Blu-ray, or you can stream it digitally. It’s also accessible on Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu streaming platforms.

2025-06-02 00:36