The Final Season of Lost
January 7, 2010 by Matthew Turnier
Filed under Feature, feature overlay, Television
The concluding season of Lost is finally upon us. If you have yet to come across a television promo for the upcoming season, well, you haven’t missed very much. Whereas in previous seasons’ previews Lost producers have given a few select takes from throughout the upcoming shows, this year producers seem much more content with keeping everything undisclosed (Besides a brief take of an eye – a typical Lost theme). While it may be frustrating for us dedicated Lost watchers and, dare I say, fans, it pains me to say that it is in the best interest of the show to keep any previews to the bare minimum. Let us not forget that over the past couple of seasons, the show’s numbers have gradually decreased and loyal supporters have jumped ship without looking back because of frustrating plot lines and more unanswered mysteries than a primetime cable television special. By keeping everything for the upcoming season under complete wraps, we are all but obligated to ourselves to tune in for the premiere of season 6 in February.
Now obviously everyone’s chief concern is getting some much deserved answers in this final season. However, before really delving into a preview of the season, it is important for everyone to realize that producer Damon Lindelof has admitted that not every mystery will be answered. What with actor departures, storyline changes, and Walt growing up faster than Google, Mac, and FaceBook all into one, it became impossible for writers to account for every season 1 and 2 plot point. Despite the initial disappointment one might feel because of this potential letdown, Michael Emerson (Ben) has been put on record as saying that this last season will feel a lot like season 1 of Lost. For most Losties this will certainly make up for the show’s inability to provide a few of the earlier seasons’ questions. Season 1 is what had everyone hooked from the very beginning and kept devout fans glued to the ABC series through time changes, character changes, and story changes.
One of the bigger stories for the upcoming season is the rumored return of some familiar faces. Dominic Monaghan (as Charlie) has been the headlining name that many have speculated will return for the final season of Lost. Obviously with his other show, FlashForward, being on a nice long hiatus (Vacation? Intervention? Who could have predicted such a thing?) he will have a few extra days to contribute some closure in the Charlie saga. Some other names that have come up in the rumor department have been Emilie de Ravin (as Claire) and Ian Somerhalder (as Boone). As mentioned, the producers have refused to provide us with any sneak peeks or previews so anything having to do with the storylines of these characters’ returns or the season’s events are all nothing more than theory.
According to Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, this upcoming season is done with flashbacks and flashforwards. While the time travel theme will likely remain since it has played such an integral role in the development of the show, producers have suggested that time frames will eventually merge to create a linear unfolding of the present time. Other possible questions to be confronted for the season could include:
*The existence of the smoke monster
*The four toed statue
*The skeletons of Adam and Eve
*The complete story of Jacob and the man beside him
*Richard Alpert and The Others
*The hydrogen bomb explosion aftermath
*More Dharma secrets
This is merely a short list amongst an endless supply of burning inquiries that so many Lost fans have acquired throughout the 5 seasons of the show. Come February I know I will be tuned in. However, whether I tune in because I hope that I will eventually be rewarded the conclusiveness that I have expected/deserved in order to assure myself that my time has not been wasted watching previous seasons or because I actually expect the show to recapture my undivided affection remains to be seen.
For more on Lost, click here.
Lost returns to ABC on February 2, 2010
Photographs courtesy of ABC and Mario Perez
You’ve got a few errors, there, bud. Emilie de Ravin is a full cast member this year and that’s been official for like two years. Also, the showrunners are on record saying that the show will employee a “new narrative device” this year, so I’m curious how you know it’s going to be flashes.