My admiration for this season, and the show in general, revolves around the cohesiveness and creativity of LOST. This admiration is embodied in season one by something John Locke's description of backgammon in the third episode. He says it is the oldest game and that it pits light against dark. Now if you've seen the finale from the most recent season you'll appreciate what that means, and while I won't spoil anything, I will say that everything on this show happens for a reason. Aside from Paulo and his girlfriend, none of the characters are superfluous. None of the lines are extraneous (I'll completely reject this idea later). Everything is scripted with the vision of the show's creators in mind, and that's spectacular.
The only other shows that reflect this kind of vision, this planning, would be THE WIRE, THE SOPRANOS and MAD MEN. That's the list.
Ok, so back to season one of LOST, which happened long before the show got too complicated for people to follow. At this point it's just a serious version of Gilligan's island with a more compelling cast, plots bubbling over with thematic ingredients and mystery.
People say that the show lost followers after this season because it became too complicated. It was opening new doors without closing old ones. The vast tapestry became too much to follow. I'd argue that while you do need to follow along regularly, it's worth the effort since it's an art form of a higher nature than CSI or some cookie cutter episodic drama. LOST is a book and each episode is a chapter. Each season is a different act. It takes work too appreciate the talented work that went into this masterpiece.
That's why you get out of season one what you put into it. If you watch it without an eye for the big picture you can still find it enjoyable, as it has interesting week to week dilemmas, but you'll fail to achieve the whole experience. And that's what season one is, an experience.
LOST fans take for granted these characters that were introduced, since now we're so familiar with them. But Locke, Sawyer, Kate, Sayid and Sun were and continue to be some of the best characters on television. They're complicated. They're creative. They're a pleasure to watch.
Even a characters like Boone and Shannon, who are relatively weak on LOST, are miles above their two dimensional peers on other shows.
What people forget is that before LOST ensemble pieces like this didn't exist. In essence it is a play on television, and nothing of that scope had been done well before. While this should be appreciated for the groundbreaking work that it is, it should also be noted that since then people have had chances to build upon and improve the formula but they haven't.
Season one manages all these characters like a skilled juggler. Stories are crisp and for the most part with purpose. There is a place for everyone and everyone is in their place.
In terms of story the season is probably three episodes too long. The caves and some other plots are dragged out to a point where they could have been condensed. That's probably why the show is now 16 episodes (I think).
But oh what a story it is. Other shows have opened with a bang and with such broad brush strokes (like Heroes), only to paint themselves into a corner and without any creative room to maneuver. Again this is a credit to the creators' big vision, but even without the subsequent layers this story stands on its own.
You've got the love story between Sun and Jin. Locke's mysterious adventures. Jack's version of ER on the island (Kate is the Juliane Marguiles character). So much is going on, but it all works. Everything is a complement to something else.
The bad, though, is bad. Particularly everything Michael says and does. If you had to drink every time he said, "my boy" you'd be dead before the second commercial. This father-son angle would be palatable if it wasn't for Michael's over acting and the terrible pains his voice cause.
If you also drank every time Charlie said, "the baby" or "claire" you're probably be in a coma before the title credits were done. My hatred for Charlie didn't begin to subside until the actor appeared on FLASH FORWARD, in a much more interesting and watchable role.
Both of these flaws just get worse and worse until they're wrapped up (won't say how). Luckily, since this is an ensemble piece the negative effects of these two characters are drowned out by the large chorus of other voices.
Well I've had your attention long enough. If you love LOST you need to watch every episode again before the final season premieres in January. It is so rewarding, especially if all you have to look forward to every day is cover letters and resumes.
Watch it again. Pick up bits and pieces you missed before. Relish the familiar scenes you forgot you loved. And just enjoy the experience.
I'm starting season two tonight. I wonder what's in that hatch... Oh yeah, one of my favorite characters.
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