The End: Part 2

I watched Lost back in '04-'10...having to wait every week for a new episode. Having to wait a year for the next season. And having some seasons break in the middle for several months.

I still enjoyed it overall, and also enjoyed taking a peek at the busy online fan communities at the time: everyone sharing feverish theories and building the show's mythology up into something it could never live up to. I was one of the many disappointed at the final season, thought the Flash-Sideways were a waste of time and groaned at the slow-mo cryathon ending. I guess I was hoping for an epic science-fiction sort of resolution.

Since it ended I've barely thought about Lost.

Fast-forward 12 years later, to Sep/Oct last year. Life has changed quite a bit: got a partner & kids now. During a bout of flu my lady fancied watching something addictive while recovering but wasn't sure what. For some reason I immediately thought of the first season of Lost (she'd never seen it).

Needless to say, she got hooked big-time...and so did I. Couldn't keep my eyes away despite knowing the main events. The mysteries, camera & music, acting, dialogue, humour, tension...it all worked perfectly.

Fast-forward a few months later and we're burning through Season 6 and I slowly have a little revelation...these flash-sideways have more meaning, as I know how it ends. And when the finale comes around, instead of groaning I'm feeling the emotion.

They've moved on, and with that realisation I feel like I've made my peace with this finale.

This ending is the best, even though not everyone could understand it but it's so good, i loved this show even more.

An amazing emotional ending😭💔 , gonna miss this masterpiece.

I gave Lost a pass first time round 20 years ago after watching the first episode.

Forward wind to 2024 and for reasons unknown decided to binge it.

My yardstick for a quality series is The Wire, which for me is the best ever and my favourite.

I thought Lost was truly excellent: yes, there was the odd time ( towards the end) when I had to really concentrate to understand the time shifts. When I did that I thought of Hurley & Miles' hysterical exchange about time travel.

Drawing a lengthy continual series to a conclusion that doesn't rob the viewer who has invested significant time and emotion requires a high level of skill: the directors and writers of Lost nailed it pure and simple.

We thoroughly enjoyed watching Lost.

On an aside to the series itself what we really enjoyed was seeing so many actors who we weren't aware of in 2004 who went on to be in excellent subsequent series:

Alex: Bosch Ben:,Person of Interest Penny: For all Mankind Daniel: Justified

In summary: if you haven't watched Lost then it's highly recommended! Well worth the self imposed wait.

The second part of "The End," directed by Jack Bender, serves as the epic conclusion to Lost, bringing the six-season journey to a close with a blend of action, emotion, and philosophical reflection. This episode is a culmination of everything the series has been building towards, delivering a final confrontation that is as much about the characters' internal battles as it is about the physical struggle for control of the island. It is a fitting, if divisive, end to a show that has always embraced ambiguity and complexity.

The performances in this episode are exceptional, with the cast delivering some of their most powerful work of the series. Matthew Fox's Jack is at the center of the narrative, and his portrayal of the character's final moments is both heroic and deeply tragic. Fox captures the full spectrum of Jack's journey, from his initial skepticism and need for control to his ultimate acceptance of his role and his fate. Terry O'Quinn also delivers a standout performance as the Man in Black, whose final confrontation with Jack is both thrilling and laden with existential weight. The ensemble cast, including Evangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway, and Jorge Garcia, all contribute to the episode's emotional depth, ensuring that every character's journey reaches a satisfying, if bittersweet, conclusion.

The script, written by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, masterfully weaves together the various narrative threads, providing closure for the characters while leaving some aspects of the island's mythology open to interpretation. The dialogue is rich with meaning, as the characters confront their pasts, make peace with their decisions, and embrace their destinies. The pacing is brisk, with the episode moving seamlessly between action-packed sequences and quieter, more introspective moments. The writers strike a delicate balance between providing answers and maintaining the show's signature sense of mystery, ensuring that the finale remains true to the spirit of Lost.

Visually, "The End, Part 2" is a triumph, with Jack Bender's direction creating a sense of grandeur and finality. The episode's set pieces are spectacular, from the dramatic showdown on the cliffs to the poignant final scenes in the church. The use of lighting and color is particularly effective, with the warm, golden hues of the final scenes contrasting with the darker, more ominous tones of the island. The cinematography, combined with Michael Giacchino's emotionally charged score, creates a visually and aurally immersive experience that resonates long after the credits roll.

In summary, "The End, Part 2" is a fitting and emotionally resonant conclusion to Lost. While not all viewers may agree with the choices made in the final episode, it undeniably provides a powerful and moving conclusion to the characters' journeys. The strong performances, particularly from Matthew Fox and Terry O'Quinn, combined with a thoughtful and nuanced script and stunning visuals, make this finale a memorable and impactful end to one of television's most iconic and influential series.