LOST, Backstory, Theories, & Jimmy Kimmel

I started watching Lost a few episodes into the series.  My gateway drug was the episode about Hurley called “The Numbers.”  My wife had stumbled upon it as a rerun one day, was drawn in, and invited me to watch it later. Even though it was a few years until I heard JJ Abrams talk about the concept of a “mystery box” at TED, I knew immediately there was something special about this box called Lost and I wanted to know what was inside.

So, here are some of my initial thoughts on the series, the finale and the significance to the greater Story of our lives….

--I believe that the “Flash Sideways,” was more like a flash “forward and sideways.”  This place, “LA X” is more of a spiritual plane, not existing in time or space as we know it. The Island had many of the same properties…sort of a fuzzy relationship to time and space. I do believe, though, that what happened on the Island was, in a sense, more related to actual time and space.

In this ALT reality, the Losties had to have a “spiritual awakening” to remember who they really are and where they really came from.  This ALT reality probably occurred long after they had all died. Based on the exchange between Hurley and Ben just outside the church, I imagine that many years had passed on the Island with Hurley and Ben as the protectors (perhaps thousands even?).

For some reason they were not able yet to “let go” and pass into the next life.  In the first scene of the ALT where Rose says to Jack (who was gripping his armrest) just as the turbulence subsides, “You can let go now…”  was also metaphorical.  Whether she knew it or not, that’s what Jack had to do to move on, he had to “Let go.” But “let go” of what? His need to control? His hold on the past? His bitterness?

I believe that Eloise Hawking did not want to move on, neither did Ben. They wanted to stay in that place for some reason, even knowing about the ability to move on. Eloise wanted to enjoy life with Daniel, and Ben most likely wanted to continue his relationship with his daughter.

I also loved Kate’s reaction when Hurley told her that the man in the coffin was named “Christian Shepherd.” I mean, we’ve all been thinking it, right? There is no such thing as a meaningless name on the series (Jacob, John Locke, Hume to name a few) and now we see the significance of Christian Shepherd. He really was the one to “Shepherd” them into the next life.

So, if one of the main themes was science vs. faith, which won out? I believe faith won out. There is more than we think there is to this life.  There is a greater purpose. There is redemption. And, aren’t we much happier because of that? What if Locke had been wrong all along? Wouldn’t that have made for a disappointing ending? I believe the resounding answer is, yes.

Points of learning for me:

--We all have a destiny.  All of us has meaning and purpose to life.  All of us need a point in our life when we see our house in the mirror of the Lighthouse (so to speak) telling us that we were made for so much more. 

--We really do live together, and die alone. We were made for relationship.  A friend of mine once said, “We are marked by those who love us.” So true.  We find our meaning a purpose in those relationships. No one on their deathbed wishes they had spent more time at the office.  I loved that they all sort of died together. They wanted to find each other and move on together.

--We all want redemption.  Jacob was right: we are very good.  We are capable of incredible kindness and mercy.  But, the MIB was right too, we are corrupted and corruptible.  We kill, we fight, we destroy. The cork in the bottle has been popped and some of that evil is in all of us, just as it was in Sayid and Claire at the end.  Sayid redeemed himself by his sacrifice, Claire chose to be the mom she was meant to be.  There is no redemption without sacrifice. 

I feel the need to close by commenting on something Jimmy Kimmel said during his show following the Lost finale. Talking to Matthew Fox about his character Jack, Jimmy said something like, “Many religions, like Christianity, see this life as a test. You do good things and you go to heaven, you do bad things and you don’t.”  For what it’s worth, that’s what most people think Christianity is all about, but it’s really not. 

Just as Jacob invited the Losties to be candidates (i.e. to know their purpose), God invites us into a relationship with Him.  He creates us for a purpose…mainly to be in relationship with Him and other people.  But, because we are corrupted, we need redemption. God Himself, in Jesus, has sacrificed Himself to redeem us, to bring us back into a right relationship with God.  He has sacrificed Himself to replace the plug in our soul, to borrow an image from Lost.

So, it has nothing to do with us being tested, or having to earn God’s favor. He loves us and wants us to know Him. He offers His favor be offering us Christ. Our Christian Shepherd. All he asks is for us to follow Him.  All he asks is for us to “let go.” Want to know more or do some research? Check out http://www.everystudent.com

 

Thank you JJ, Damon and Carlton.  Thank you for creating one of the best stories ever and giving me so much to look forward to once a week. May this not be the last we hear from you.

Comments

[Darren Holland]

Good post, Bob. Fun to read others interpretations of the show/finale. That mystery box talk at TED explained much of Alias to me, and was a hint that things would never be completely wrapped up on Lost. Glad you saw Kimmel, too. Your explanation of what Christianity is all about is greatly preferred.

[Jordan Shirkman]

Bob, thanks for adding your insight here. As a fellow believer, I wasn't sure what to think of the Lost finale. After seeing your view points, I can certainly appreciate the ending to the series.

[Bob Fuhs]

Darren and Jordan,

Thanks for the comments. Have either of you read other commentaries on the Lost finale that you found enlightening?