Monday, May 24, 2010

Heaven Can Wait

Well, Lost is over. I thought Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse ended the show very well. I hope they earn a lot of money because if the makers of Cougartown are making even one dollar, then the makers of Lost deserve one hundred thousand million. (I've never watched Cougartown, but the few seconds I see at the end of Modern Family offend my sense of humor and enrage me.) I hope you watched the finale. If not, don't read this. You might think you will never go back and watch all the old episodes of Lost but I am holding out hope that you will--one day. Maybe after you finish the Harry Potter series. You know who you are. (Jerks.) I don't want to spoil it for you.

For me the most moving recognition scene was between Charlie and Claire. Very sweet. Probably because accents make everything more poignant.  Even though it was incredibly moving I was still distracted by what I had seen while Claire gave birth: Kate's upper arms and chest flexing and buckling while she yelled, "Push!" Remember that Seinfeld where the girlfriend tries to open a jar of pickles while naked? Gross. I'm jealous of Kate's good looks and sinewy frame but I'm glad that when I flex and hunker down nothing moves. At all. That's the one good thing about being me.

While on the subject of Kate--bless her heart--I'm going to go ahead and admit right up front that I never liked her and Jack together so I did not find their reunion all together satisfying. I've been gearing up for this for a while--ever since it became clear that Sawyer was a better man with Juliet and her death scene with jughead foreshadowed a cute reunion where they go dutch for coffee (and in the sideways world when they met at the candy machine it was seriously and satisfactorily cute and touching.) I'm pretty much on board with Juliet now in every way. After seeing her and Jack so amicably divorced and lamenting the fact that she isn't sealed to her apparently fake sideways son I take back all the stuff I said about her annoying mannerisms on island. Bygones! Since Sawyer is "meant to be" with Juliet that leaves Jack with Kate even though time after time she "chose" Sawyer by refusing to live in the cave with Jack, by keeping Saywer's secrets while engaged to Jack, by leaving Jack at the temple and going off to find Sawyer in his old Dharma house, etc. etc. . .  also cough. . . polar bear cage.  I think Evangeline Lilly likes Josh Halloway more than she likes Matthew Fox in real life which is why Jack always seems like a concession prize to her. She always lies to him and isn't loyal. In the end she doesn't stay with him on the island. Their relationship leaves me cold. Claire was her destiny. Can't we just leave it at that? I mean, Kate's kind of trashy.

The sideways John and Jack scenes have always been a wonderful treat. I'm happy for that. But I was dying for a hug between them in the church! They just shake hands! I was expecting a pretty big moment when Jack saw him after "waking up." But he'd just had a big moment with his dad. And John Locke had just had a big moment with Ben. Every moment can't be a big moment or it takes away the impact. All told, I was pleasantly surprised at the sheer number of big moments in the finale. They did a good job of it. But what about a big back-cracking hug between the man of faith and the man of science!

Another big moment was Jack turning the island over to Hurley. I know it's obnoxious to say I knew that was going to happen and I did not know it was going to happen but you couldn't help wonder if that's what was going to happen when Jacob told Jack to protect the island "as long as you can." And when Hurley said "I'm glad it isn't me," I think the music went "Dun dun dun." Still, a nice surprise which seemed fitting. Love Ben as #2. Good old Ben. He's my favorite character. I relate to him a lot--maybe because I'm a somewhat pathetic, island-loving, covetous, evil genius. But in my redemptive moments you can't help but love me. Don't be so hard on yourself, Ben.

The coolest scene was when Jack and Locke faced off on the cliffs and ran towards each other to fight. In my mind I said, "Don't do it Anakin! I've got the high ground!" And then Jack gave Locke an awesome punch giving new meaning to the hipster/Tweet favorite, "I want to punch _____  in the face." But then Jack got stabbed, giving new meaning to the hipster/Tweet favorite, "I feel stabby." All in all, I rewound it many times. Awesome. I love it when things are awesome. Why can't everything be awesome all the time? Because then we wouldn't appreciate it as much.

I think it must have been fun to be a writer on Lost and to be all, "You thought the island was Purgatory? Haha! Guess what suckers? The sideways world is Purgatory or Limbo or Spirit Prison. Take that!" Pretty good.

I've always enjoyed the religious and moral aspects of Lost. As the seasons went on it became more and more overt and then everyone died and went to Heaven! Hey Lost, don't be embarrassed about your religious beliefs or anything. Don't try to hide how you really feel and pretend it's all scientific or something. Just flat out end the series in a church with everyone walking towards the light--no seriously. Do that. What can I say? I dig that stuff. I'm a Mormon. I think Christianity is just as--if not more--plausible than time travel. What is that wound in Jack's side? It reminds me of something. Something important. I'm not sure I believe in it, can I touch it? Amen, Lost.

I thought the end would be more tragic, but I'm glad it wasn't. So they're all dead. It's the happy kind of dead like when old people die in non-painful ways and family members say it was a blessing. I'm glad the writers let the end be "happy" and redeeming. I'm glad they didn't feel like they had to be totally ambiguous and bleak just to prove they are a serious, dramatic, contemporary show.


Now, onto the post-finale Jimmy Kimmel show. I thought it was mostly dumb, but sort of fun. It's always good when actors are totally dumb and unappealing in real life because it helps you not have crushes on them when their characters are stoic and awesome. I liked Terry O'Quinn, period. I like Matthew Fox, but not as much as I like Jack. I thought Daniel Faraday wasn't funny in real life. I like Ben, but I think he's weird. Claire was ditsy. Sayid was goofy. Charles Widmore had some dignity. Jimmy Kimmel was cute in his fandom but I don't think Jack died during the plane turbulence. I felt bad for Marilyn Manson--I was once obsessed with him, you know. And now he's nothing more than a weirdo in the audience at Jimmy Kimmel's Aloha to Lost? Maybe he didn't make that deal with the devil after all.

But most importantly, why is it some badge of honor among actors to not watch the show they are on? They LOVE to tell you they don't even watch their own show--like they're so above it or something? Evangline Lilly doesn't have TV (Is that why I think Jack's too good for her? Probably.) Claire didn't watch all last year. Sayid has never seen the show. What gives? I could understand if they were saying they felt uncomfortable watching themselves on TV--like how I hate to hear my voice on a recording. Then again, I don't work really hard to get on TV or call myself an actor. So. I don't get it.

I'm a lawyer but trust me--you'll never see me in a courtroom.

I'm a chef but cooking is beneath me.

I drive a bus but you'll never catch me riding a bus!

I work in construction but I've never been inside a house or a building of any kind.

Whatever. You get the point. I like Hurley who admits to being a huge fan of the show. Regarding the series finale he said, "I think I got it," with nary a mention of his craft. I think I got it, too. Go to the light,  Lost. And to those of you who didn't like it? I guess I'll see you in Hell.

35 comments:

  1. Thank you for this. I loved the heck out of that finale. I thought it was the perfect end to the show--especially with its Spirit Prison/Celestial Kingdom allegory. It felt very Chronicles of Narnia/Lord of the Rings to me. I was also very glad they didn't spend the whole time trying to answer a bunch of trivial questions. I'm glad I don't know what the numbers are. It makes them that much cooler.

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  2. Also, I finished watching at 3:15 today. It is now 6:00 and my eyes still hurt from crying so much. I also liked the Charlie-Claire reunion the best.

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  3. I loved the ending. I loved that the ending came down to love. I love Jack and Kate together and that Sayid found Shannon and that Charlie and Claire's reunion was the best. I will miss Desmond from my tv most of all. Seriously. Love. Desmond.

    And Cougartown is hilarious. Just so you know...

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  4. Where was Mr. Eko?

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  5. Mr. Eko asked for more money to do the finale. ACTORS!

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  6. I thought I was the only one who loved Ben the most. This must be what it feels like when doves cry. Even when Ben loses his cool, he NEVER loses his cool. I'm happy Sayid could get over Nadia long enough to spend eternity necking on Shannon. Was Michael not welcome because Libby was in the church? Where was their hug?

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  7. Also, the Vincent/Jack reunion was my favorite. So glad he didn't ask for more money to do the finale. Good boy!

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  8. I loved all of the romantic reunions, especially Sawyer & Juliette (I feel better now that you like her) at the candy machine. When Sun and Jin remembered I felt as happy as if they were resurrected. But I can't help it, I do wish for more answers about the island mysteries.

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  9. p.s. This was funny.
    http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1936291
    p.p.s. Haven't seen Cougartown, but Modern Family makes me laugh so hard I can't breathe. "I am Columbia."

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  10. Arrgghh, I just felt so unhappy with the lack of answers. And there are so many questions....whatever.. Everyone is dead and happy. The End.

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  11. My two guesses that I felt were most brilliant while I was watching the episode were that Jack would turn into a white smoke-monster after he left the cave and that the show would end with a dance number at the concert to the tune of "you are everybody". Although I thought they would happen I am very happy they didn't.

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  12. Well, maybe that white smoke monster would have been cool...

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  13. ahhhh sawyer/juliet. that was a great reunion. i agree about the kate/jack pairing. like everyone had to have a partner in the end? what the crap. SHANNON. ugh.

    i'm just thinking of a lot of different things but it's late and i should be in bed. well i'm in bed but on my computer still and i shouldn't still be thinking about the show. but i'm just so glad it ended the way it did. although i didn't cry during the finale (almost during the sawyer/juliet reunion), but i did cry during some of the recaps. "not penny's boat." gets me every time.

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  14. did you see Jorge's latest blog post?
    Just love that guy.
    dispatchesfromtheisland.blogspot.com

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  15. yay! it's over. you'd be proud of me , tho, cuz i just added season 1to my streaming netflix. it will be my folding-laundry show. i am glad you mentioned evangeline lily because i've been seeing her all over adn i'm like, "who IS that girl?" makes sense. i am a huge fan of allegory, and it sounds like lost is full of it, so maybe...

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  16. I have never watched LOST. and I have not read any of your posts about LOST because my hub and I keep saying we will start from season 1 and watch it in order...one of these days. when we get tired of watching modern family and cougar town....i mean what? but fo reals - we don't watch cougar town. but if it was just me, i probably would, no lie. we love modern family. but have not gotten into LOST. I avoided reading your posts due to such spoiler alerts.

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  17. I stopped reading after the first paragraph because I have never seen an episode of Lost but decided I am going to spend my summer streaming every season from Netflix to my Wii (technology!).

    Also, I finally read Harry Potter and saw the movies for the first time this past winter. LOVED. IT.

    There is hope for me yet!

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  18. I just posted about my thoughts on LOST. Not as in depth as you. I like the ending more now after hearing you surmise it. I loved all the moments when they recognized each other. I also think it is sooo annoying when actors say they don't watch TV or themselves.
    Feel the same about Cougartown!

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  19. Cougartown really, really wants you to like it--it's got the right clothes, the right look, the right people, and yet, something is just not right.

    I loved the finale. I cried, did you cry?

    I don't get why people want everything answered for them. Every mystery? Every single one? Never going to happen, nor should it. It sucks when they give it all to you with a nice ribbon so you can avoid having to think too much about What It All Means. Interpretation, conjecture, theories, it's all part of the fun. I had enough answers and the mysteries that are left will be fun to ponder in the Lost-less months ahead.

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  20. Terry O'Quinn on Jimmy Kimmel was by far the best. I think Matthew Fox takes himself too seriously.

    You nailed it on the head. Kate is trashy. She always wore WAY too much makeup and weird clothes when she was off the island.

    My only beef is Jack's son. I want him to exist and be with Jack.

    Other than that, quite satisying.

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  21. Good call on the side injury. I didn't even see that symbol. I did however see his similarity to Jesus with his name "Shephard." That one is pretty obvious though. Hardly worth mentioning.

    One thing I thought they should have done is that as Jack is dying and he looks up and sees the plane taking off (btw can you believe the convenience of a runway all ready for take off?! That bugged me a little), so he sees the plane and suddenly the duct tape electrical system fails and it explodes right in front of him! It's not shiny or happy but it fits the plot just right!

    Couldn't wait to read your thoughts on this post. Can you please explain the polar bear to me now?

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  22. I, too, am still recovering from Kate's "PUSH!" seizure. If you're wondering if we rewound it thrice just to watch her neck freak out, the answer is yes.

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  23. How did you not mention the Debbie Gibson connection with Jimmy Kimmel?

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  24. I thought it was interesting that the writers chose for Kate to be the one that killed Locke/man in black once and for all. I didn't see that coming. But I think that is how she was able to redeem herself (and all of her Sawyer-loving) to Jack. I loved that she said "I've missed you" to Jack at the church. That made me love them being together in the end.

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  25. Heidi, I didn't want to make Jimmy Kimmel feel bad for copying me.

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  26. Now that I've read this, I feel that it's really over. I have closure.

    (Amazing Spider Fan, I thought--for a split second--that Jack might turn into a white smoke monster, too! Weird!)

    I loved the finale because it wasn't at all what I expected. It was great. When Jack and Flock ran to each other and Jack jumped up to punch Flock in the face I AUDIBLY GASPED (and it made Ben uncomfortable) I thought it was so awesome! Then, I clapped because that's what actors NEED.

    (I'm with you about Kate, too--you don't watch tv or your show, then I don't care about you, either. Change careers.)

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  27. Wait, in the retrospective, Kate said that she watched the show. She talked about loving the Richard episode and stuff. Sorry, guys, but I lovee Kate and Jack together and I like Kate because, as an actress, I am AMAZED this is her first speaking role EVER. I gotta give a girl props!

    I think that the Claire/Charlie thing is the first connection that got me crying, and then the waterworks never turned off. I didn't cry AS much for Sawyer and Juliet but I don't think I had enough time to feel for their relationship.

    As for Jimmy Kimmel, I love your actor size-ups and I agree. Matthew Fox seems uncomfortable and is the kind of guy who would be really awkward to talk to because he's boring in real life, but man, I love Jack. I agree about Daniel Faraday being nerdy, and I was super embarrassed for Michael because he wasn't very funny either. And that reminds me, it still bothers me that Michael is trapped on the island for killing people to save his son and blowing himself up to save his friends. That rub me wrong. I would have killed Ana Lucia to save my son. Or just because she was annoying.

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  28. Oh man, I made typos, which drives me crazy, but my comment is too long to delete and fix. How ya like me now?

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  29. I was all ready to be pleased with the finale. The credits began rolling, and then all four of the other people I was watching with began declaring their hatred for it and how pointless it was that "they were dead all along."

    I told them they hadn't paid attention, and that the islanders WEREN'T dead all along--just in the sideways reality, were they dead.

    And, now, two days later, I have a blog poll up, and 50% of the people responding have said they interpreted the ending as meaning that EVERYONE ON THE ISLAND was dead all along.

    It's INFURIATING. That's clearly not what happened.

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  30. Just so you know I waited and waited for your commentary! I tried to read others but yours is the one I take to the bank. And I LOVE your comment about Cougar Town. Every week when I see the first two minutes after Modern Family I am in awe that it is still on.

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  32. When actors reference their "craft" it makes me want to Get Stabby in The Face of _______.

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  33. AGREED on the Cougartown synopsis. I have a crush on Modern Family and I hope they never, never move to Cougartown.

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  34. I loved the end. Loved it! Really loved the "you were a good number one/you were a great number two" part. The idea that everything kept going and that they all got to the church in their own time. It made me feel like they all led full lives, some long and some short. But yeah - the son that never was made me kind of sad.

    Did you know that Jorge Garcia had a blog about life in Hawaii filming Lost? Just randomly found it a few weeks ago: http://dispatchesfromtheisland.blogspot.com/

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  35. I loved it all.

    Except for the lack of kids in the end (Sun and Jin's, whatever her name was, and the fake son).

    I especially L-O-V-E-D Sawyer and Juliet at the candy machine. Sawyer is my unequivocal favorite character on that show.

    I wonder if the audio commentaries on the DVDs will help answer any questions. Probably not.

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