Farewell to LOST

Update: I did indeed love the finale, more so each time I've watched it.

LOST's six seasons end for good this Sunday. I'm intentionally writing this before the finale because unlike so many other fans, I'm not hung up on how it ends.  There is no ending that will make me feel like I've wasted years of my life as many fans seem to be dreading.  I don't have a list of questions that must be answered, or a theory about the Island that must be proved right.  I'm certainly glad it is ending as opposed to drifting on for a couple more seasons and being canceled without any resolution.  Even an ending like The Sopranos got, which infuriated me at first, is better than fading away into obscurity.

I've come to realize that I like the journey more than the end. I've loved the time in between episodes. Even the months in between seasons. There's never been a television show like this that I would ponder, contemplate and look forward to this much.  I'm so glad I've been a fan since day one as opposed to cramming a lot of episodes down my throat on DVD. The waiting may be the hardest part, but it is so fascinatingly rewarding. I'm shocked that when I look back, I've so enjoyed the longing for answers, for one more minute or two of each episode, the excitement for another week to pass - all for a TV show.  More gifts from the waiting; Doc Jensen's recaps, theories, insanity and Totally Lost at EW.com, lostpedia.com, docarzt.com and so many more time wasting beauties courtesy of the Internet.

Back in the summer of 2004, I read great things about the Lost pilot.  When it aired September 22, 2004, I was blown away from the first moments of the crash of Oceanic 815. This was no regular TV show. At the half way point when Charlie asks, "Guys, where are we?" I was hooked for the run of the series.

With the disintegrating of the broadcast networks and true mass media, I don't think we'll ever see a show like this again.  A serialized drama with such a rabid fan base. A show that touches on drama, comedy, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, spirituality and even quantum physics. Sometimes I'm amazed anyone watches.  Lost is much bigger than any "cult" show, and it has been everywhere in these final months.

The only show that came close to this in terms of talking, discussing and sharing with others was Twin Peaks, but that was before the web was so pervasive and that show was only good for one season.

I'm thrilled the producers and writers can have the show go out on their terms. I've had a blast with it in their hands so far and can live with any ending they choose.  This will be Lost Weekend, as Lori and I watch the 3 most recent episodes again on Friday, watch ABC's re-airing of the two hour pilot on Saturday, and finally the finale on Sunday night including over five hours of LOST. WooHooo!! 

On Monday morning I'll place my pre-order for the entire series Lost: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray] and watch it all over again from the beginning with the new insight of the ending. Plus, the recently confirmed additional 20 minutes of story line. Until then, I and my TV will be a little sad.