Lost was perhaps the biggest science fiction series of the last decade. Its mystique and intrigue certainly put it above the rest, and its influence will surely be felt in the television community. The story started off simply; a group of survivors try to live on a mysterious island. Over the first two seasons the show captured our imaginations and pulled us further into a bizarre mythos, one of underground agencies and the accursed “others”. But as the seasons rolled by, the show stripped away any pretence of pretending to not be science fiction. Full blown time travel and all kinds of supernatural elements became more and more intertwined within the show’s mythology. And the most spectacular aspect is, whilst changing the show on so many different dynamics, the writers rarely sacrificed good storytelling. 

Not to say there weren’t bad episodes of Lost (we’re looking at you, Stranger in a Strange Land!). But nevertheless, express disinterest to Lost fans and prepare to be bombarded by an hour-long “Trekkie”-inspired rant over their favourite episodes, moments and characters. While the few average episodes fall flat, the exceptional ones shine bright. Countless fans wept at The Constant, were shocked by Through the Looking Glass, and were downright rooting for the villain in Dr. Linus. For a supposedly plot-heavy series, Lost could always manage to strike the audience in the most vulnerable and unexpected of ways.  

Say what you will about the complex storylines and convoluted scenarios, the real selling point of Lost was its relationships. Without them, the characters within the show would be nothing more than shallow, two-dimensional stereotypes; seriously, how many times can we watch a manic-depressive, alcoholic doctor? Or a love interest with a shady past, or the loveable rogue with good looks and daddy issues? The characters weren’t cut from the most original stone, but they made up for that in spades as they progressed, constantly blurring the lines between hero and villain. 

Each unique, and each bringing something new to the show, the characters were what really pushed this show above and beyond. We came to know the characters’ back-stories, motives, personalities and everything in between. Coupled with sublime acting, the island itself took a backseat in comparison. And I cannot stress the acting enough, either. Michael Emerson’s manipulative Ben can twist any audience’s sympathy, and then immediate regret for commiserating such a bastard. And when John Locke (played by the terrific Terry O’Quinn) was dejected, the audience saw past a visage and into a life of hardships and shattered hopes.

Yes, I am very biased towards this series, but please don’t let that distract you. Lost was a show that followed people. It was the cult show of the last decade. Half of the fun of Lost was pondering over the various mysteries and mythologies presented to us. Little nuances and background dialogue was dissected and examined, leaving us mystified when something new came around the corner. To all the naysayers who claim the series has “lost the plot” (there’s a special hell for people who still tell this pun), I say stick with it. Lost is a terrifically epic series, and an emotional rollercoaster that will inspire fans for years to come.

See you in another life brotha. 

Timothy Clark