tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post1797372034472431933..comments2024-03-29T06:56:12.797-04:00Comments on Doux Reviews: Lost: The End --- Jess says ...Billie Douxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-75006418995151648842010-05-27T20:21:30.305-04:002010-05-27T20:21:30.305-04:00If, as many say, the "sideways" world is...If, as many say, the "sideways" world is a place where each soul can "work out" its own issues, why has Desmond been tasked with forcing the others to have their "epiphanies" on his timetable?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-54304487734326790252010-05-27T10:37:27.488-04:002010-05-27T10:37:27.488-04:00Jess,
Girl, you nailed it. This is the first revi...Jess, <br />Girl, you nailed it. This is the first review I've read that makes a good argument for the sideways world existing at all: <br /><br />"What they saved wasn’t just the Island, but the space between this life and the next."<br /><br />Yes. Thanks so much for your thoughtful and excellent review. Awesome.Jenhttp://jenshow.tumblr.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-53566962205096737252010-05-27T06:32:59.513-04:002010-05-27T06:32:59.513-04:00"Anonymous said...
"none of it actu..."Anonymous said...<br /><br /> "none of it actually happened and existed only in the desperate fantasy of a man about to die."<br /><br /> So, before you get way too deep there, read the logical explanation here first: http://mellifluent.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/the-lost-finale-or-why-im-right-and-everyone-else-is-wrong/"<br /><br /><br />I wouldn't describe this as "the logical explanation". It's *an* explanation, and everyone is entitled to their own interpretation of the finale (which is the beauty of <i>Lost</i>), but I much prefer the general consensus that everything that happened, happened. Yes, he puts it across in a good way. But the transition from the Afterlife to white to Jack's eye wasn't taking us back to after the crash and telling us that everyone died. It was just a way of showing us how everyone has been sent to heaven or whatever, and now Jack, after everything, can die in peace. <br /><br />There's also the issue that his eye just looks different than it did after the crash. Jack is six years older. He has crows' feet. Surely the creators would have airbrushed them out if he was supposed to look the same as he did on the day of the crash? :P<br /><br />So, even though the writer makes some good points I personally don't agree with that opinion. It just isn't emotionally satisfying for me. I'm sticking with Josie and Billie's explanation :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-79060521761943532102010-05-27T06:31:20.127-04:002010-05-27T06:31:20.127-04:00Always loved ‘All Good Things’ and ‘Sleeping in Li...Always loved <i>‘All Good Things’</i> and <i>‘Sleeping in Light’</i>. Both are pretty much perfect endings. <br /><br />The worst is <i>‘Fall Out’</i> the final episode of <b>The Prisoner</b>. Least <b>Lost</b> ended with some questions answered, Patrick McGoohan gave us nowt.Mark Greighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12984193299389764649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-91944302677819390632010-05-27T02:29:09.515-04:002010-05-27T02:29:09.515-04:00I liked Alias (with the exception of total charact...I liked Alias (with the exception of total character assassination on Irina Derevko).Serena + Pumpkinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10676817343327371251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-62270486688843766192010-05-26T15:22:16.359-04:002010-05-26T15:22:16.359-04:00If we compare Lost to a show like Babylon 5, we mu...If we compare Lost to a show like <i>Babylon 5, we must remember how much we are willing to overlook when we call that show a great series. Remember how awful season 1 was and how badly season 5 was bungled for the first quarter or so because they weren't prepared to have a fifth season. When I remember these caveats to Babylon 5, I have to say that Lost has a pretty good track record in comparison.</i><br /><br /><br /><br />I don't agree. I do believe that the first season of "LOST" was better than the first season of "BABYLON 5". But after that first season, "B5" trumped "LOST" right up to the bitter end. I thought that the final season of "B5" was pretty damn good, even if I could have done without the Flower Children personas of the telepaths. Season 5 of "B5" was simply depressing . . . and had a slightly dark ending. But I do not think it was terrible.The Rush Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13667282586023023623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-41002401130304647852010-05-26T15:19:30.067-04:002010-05-26T15:19:30.067-04:00The finales for shows like "BABYLON 5", ...The finales for shows like "BABYLON 5", "BUFFY", and "ANGEL" were a lot better. I didn't dislike the finale for "LOST", but I was not that impressed.The Rush Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13667282586023023623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-42425421291758368772010-05-26T09:44:37.905-04:002010-05-26T09:44:37.905-04:00Love your interpretation of the source Jess, Shame...Love your interpretation of the source Jess, Shame you wernt on the LOST writing team, if they'd used that on the show i might of bought in to it more.........<br /><br />LOL, Ben and the tree, forgot about that LMAO.<br /><br />Great summing up, Much Love <br />Dave EcoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-88480915288392724832010-05-26T09:12:24.124-04:002010-05-26T09:12:24.124-04:00It is funny that both of you mentioned B5. I was c...It is funny that both of you mentioned B5. I was considering putting it in my post, too, as the ultimate finale, but since it has been awhile since I have watched it I hesitated. I was planning to rewatch it last night but didn't have time. Now I will definitely check it out.<br /><br />I am currently watching Angel for the first time and on the last season. After reading your comments, I can't wait to see the ending.<br /><br />I agree that people who were only interested in the puzzle aspect of the Lost would be disappointed. My love of the show came from the wonderful way they balanced the character elements with the puzzle, so I am completely satisfied with the finale, and about 75% satisfied with the series as a whole. I have to admit that I am a tad annoyed the the writers and producers threw in so many elements that they never seemed overly concerned about exploring further. I can live with it, though. <br /><br />If we compare Lost to a show like Babylon 5, we must remember how much we are willing to overlook when we call that show a great series. Remember how awful season 1 was and how badly season 5 was bungled for the first quarter or so because they weren't prepared to have a fifth season. When I remember these caveats to Babylon 5, I have to say that Lost has a pretty good track record in comparison.Suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-84555138162036588112010-05-26T07:09:51.440-04:002010-05-26T07:09:51.440-04:00Thanks for the comments guys. I’m glad that the f...Thanks for the comments guys. I’m glad that the finale spoke to some of you in similar ways and gave you what you needed, even if it wasn’t what you thought you wanted. And it is also nice to hear that my interpretation gave some of you a different perspective and appreciation for the finale.<br /><br />GreenHornet, I like what you say about the differences in expectations for mysteries and fantasies. I think the trouble with Lost is that it include elements from both styles and invited the audience to experience the show in their own way. A lot of people felt they were watching a show about character journeys with some strange, mystical stuff thrown in as a way to explore character. Some people thought they were watching a show about a big puzzle to be solved with some characters thrown in to advance the plot. And some people were watching a show that was both a character journey and a big, mysterious puzzle. <br /><br />I think those that were most disappointed in the finale were watching the mystery-only version of the show. Fortunately for me, I was primarily watching the character show, so a finale that focused on the character journeys and the larger philosophical themes hit the sweet spot for me.<br /><br />I’d vote for Babylon 5 and Angel as series finales that also hit that sweet spot. Babylon 5 was the perfect emotional capper for that series. I don’t remember a lot of the specifics at the moment, but I remember that it was bittersweet and cathartic all at the same time. The Angel finale, as Patryk says, was very appropriate to the theme. And it gave us those wonderful “last day on Earth” moments, plus some great closure for certain character arcs (devastating in some cases, but still perfect endings for those characters).Jess Lyndehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14165015932507376656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-16729584809172826362010-05-26T02:19:25.105-04:002010-05-26T02:19:25.105-04:00Funny thing this finale. I felt some sort of... se...Funny thing this finale. I felt some sort of... serenity after it ended. No need for further answers, no need to rush to the net and read theories. It was presented in a such a way that just didn't need anything more to say. While i will be bothered with some stuff that wasn't explained while i rewatch the series in the years to come that won't matter. <br /><br />As for show finales that did it absolutely right. Babylon 5 hands down. Of course it was in a time before the internet exploded with opinions and people nitpicking at everything so i don't know if there were heated debates at the time, but it felt so right. <br /><br />Buffy's ending was very good, Angel's was also very apporopriate to the theme (redemption as an endless struggle).Patrykhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13662838711958747484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-58413883967581014052010-05-25T15:37:00.521-04:002010-05-25T15:37:00.521-04:00Thanks, Jess for your moving essay. I love how you...Thanks, Jess for your moving essay. I love how you put the wonderful ending for the characters into context with the larger island mythology.<br /><br />As much as I loved the ending of this show, I have to agree that Buffy's series finale was near perfection to me. The Seventh season had its flaws, but the final episode was really the perfect way to end Buffy's journey (even though I know the comics came along later).Suzannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-73621589644861962712010-05-25T15:01:08.119-04:002010-05-25T15:01:08.119-04:00Funny that you said iy, Bilie, because the 7th sea...Funny that you said iy, Bilie, because the 7th season of Buffy was actually my favorite, as was the 5th of Angel.<br /><br />The LOST finale was the second best I've seen. The first is the Six Feet Under finale, and I think it'll be a long, long time before it gets demoted.Gustavo Brunettinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-6459874392043302392010-05-25T14:18:08.584-04:002010-05-25T14:18:08.584-04:00Personally, I thought the Babylon 5 finale was bea...Personally, I thought the Babylon 5 finale was beautiful. Intensely emotional. Inevitable. Absolutely perfect. I still can only watch it on my own. With the curtains closed.<br /><br />I also agree with Billie about Six Feet Under. Another blubfest, admittedly; but perfection nonetheless.<br /><br />Great summation, Jess. Personally, I think they gave us enough answers, and ended the series on a suitably high note.Paul Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01979646022056755322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-7417168019492846592010-05-25T12:58:09.656-04:002010-05-25T12:58:09.656-04:00"... could someone give an example of a serie..."... could someone give an example of a series that DID end beautifully as expected and desired -- where you felt and said-so at the time?" <br /><br /><i>Six Feet Under</i>. The final episode was intensely moving and exceptionally beautiful, and perfect for the series. <br /><br />I was also happy with the final episode of <i>Buffy</i>, even though the final season wasn't all that good.Billie Douxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-462587706497745442010-05-25T12:54:19.488-04:002010-05-25T12:54:19.488-04:00What a great exploration, Jess. It really resonat...What a great exploration, Jess. It really resonates for me, and reflects my experience viewing the show as well. Thank you so much!<br /><br />One thought occurs to me -- a 'Sideways' pondering: I wonder how much the conscious or unconscious genre expectations of this show play a part in people's reactions to its end? <br /><br />Think of the differences between mystery stories and fantasy stories. Mystery is a puzzle to be solved, and you look over the shoulder as it's being tackled by a protagonist (generally speaking). The clues are laid out for her/him and you, and the author PLAYS FAIR (or is run out of town on a rail) and shows the cards but uses misdirection and other plot or narrative devices to keep you guessing. When you arrive at the end, all is revealed. And you avidly compare your guesses to it, and crow in delight if you out-thunk 'em, or are upset it was so obvious etc. You definitely check the clues and details, and call out misses, and appreciate the heck out of a lovely tale that ties it all together, and managed to fool you! Lovely, and fun.<br /><br />Fantasy can solve everything as well: but sure doesn't have to. It deals with the more-than-is-revealed, and can leverage that encounter to explore parts of us that were unknown or unexpected. I mean, it can do a lot of things and be totally prosaic and practical and reality-based and as thorough as mystery -- but it dinna hasta, you know? If you read a fantasy you may not get all the answers and you may not like the endpoint and you sure will be upset if you were hankering for a “mystery“. But it's a different ride. Picture the Fredric Brown short-short story where the last man in the entire world sits down to dinner one night, when suddenly there's a knock at the door. THE END. Your delight and/or tolerance for that tale might be influenced by what you expected from this or any story -- right?<br /><br />Other examples come to mind. The movie Somewhere In Time, with Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour -- a lovely story that is emotionally moving (well, to me for sure) -- one question that irritated lots of folk afterwards was -- where the HECK did the watch come from? Or take the movie Picnic At Hanging Rock -- amazingly evocative or atmospheric or or... but the lack of answers to what in fact happened is going to be far more patience-trying to those expecting a mystery novel rather than a mysterious tale. Or the "yeah, what the hell IS Goofy??" conversation in Stand By Me -- they never do resolve that!!! (Ok, I'm being a goofball here.)<br /><br />Finally -- and I mean this honestly, and not as an "Oh yeah? So's yer old man!" -- could someone give an example of a series that DID end beautifully as expected and desired -- where you felt and said-so at the time? Because I can't recall any that didn't have a lot of frustration or mixed feelings for many people. Not Buffy, not Angel, not Firefly (dagnab network!), no WAY Battlestar (well, I loved it, but it is definitely still a Razor-sharp memory for many). Could anyone give an example of one that ended 'right' or 'well', so we can use it as a baseline or comparison? Nothing satisfies everyone, and lord knows there ARE holes in Lost still, as in BG or others, even BTVS (no! No!). But when was there last a generally-acclaimed ending: and does it stand the test of time?<br /><br />Again, thank you!!GreenHornethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01400048484864815977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-65609811381769756892010-05-25T11:29:27.271-04:002010-05-25T11:29:27.271-04:00I just now had a chance to read this, Jess, and it...I just now had a chance to read this, Jess, and it's just beautiful. You expressed better than I did a lot of the positives I felt about Lost and about the finale. And it's been such a pleasure getting to know you, too, Jess. You add so much to the site. We have a community here that means the world to me.Billie Douxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17141769005175631213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-67285088233402822442010-05-25T11:09:28.373-04:002010-05-25T11:09:28.373-04:00"none of it actually happened and existed onl..."none of it actually happened and existed only in the desperate fantasy of a man about to die." <br /><br />So, before you get way too deep there, read the logical explanation here first: http://mellifluent.wordpress.com/2010/05/25/the-lost-finale-or-why-im-right-and-everyone-else-is-wrong/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13727952.post-31162296544971045412010-05-24T23:31:16.301-04:002010-05-24T23:31:16.301-04:00Thanks, Jess. I think you're absolutely right...Thanks, Jess. I think you're absolutely right. And you've made me feel a LOT better about the finale.Koi Nahinnoreply@blogger.com