Has 'Lost' found itself?
Posted: Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:36 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under:
TV
If you're going to be vocal about the bad, you'd better be ready to speak up when things go well. I haven't been shy to say I've found "Lost" a bit of a turn-off this season, what with too much emphasis on unknown Others, Nikki and Paulo style characters turning up only to bite the dust, and so many of the original castaways left to do nothing but build sand castles on the beach. Last night's "Lost" episode turned things on its head, and in my mind, we're back now to the thrilling "Lost" that hooked me in the first season.
Charlie has never been one of my favorite characters, but his flashback -- really, numerous small flashbacks -- was one of the more engrossing ones of the season. As he faced possible death (did his brave underwater swim have anyone else remembering Shelley Winters in "The Poseidon Adventure"?), he decided to list his five favorite memories for sweetheart Claire. Viewers got to go back in time and see Charlie's favorite memories, and they were not only lively, but relevant.
He remembered Dad helping him overcome his fear of water, which was not only touching,but pertinent, as he prepared for a very scary swim. He remembered his brother and bandmate passing on a family heirloom. He remembered his pride at being called a hero for protecting a woman being mugged -- and, in true "Lost" fashion, the woman turned out to be Sayid's true love, Nadia. And he remembered his first night on the beach, introducing himself to a pregnant and lonely Claire. Even the non-romantic hearts in the audience had to say "aww" at that one. Sometimes on "Lost" the flashbacks slow things down, but not tonight.
The non-flashback parts of the show were all clicking, too. Who wouldn't root for a steely-eyed Rousseau stepping out of the jungle, prepared to share her knowledge of explosives with the castaways she'd once fought? And the idea of stocking tents with explosives when the Others expected pregnant women was both intriguing and exciting. Finally, the much-put-upon castaways, who've been caged, tortured, and made to eat fish pellets, might be getting their revenge.
Jack was back, Sayid was back, Desmond and Hurley all had decent-sized parts. We even saw those beloved lovers, Rose and Bernard, who fascinate old-time "Lost" watchers, but rarely get a line. There's another Dharma station, this time an underwater one, The Looking Glass. We learned how Rousseau's broadcast of more than a decade has been eternally blocked by the Others. There was even one of the famed "Lost" twists, when Charlie clobbered Desmond with an oar to ensure he got to at least attempt his sacrifice.
This was a "Lost" episode that satisfied on all accounts, and it only took them most of a season to get to it. With just the season finale remaining next week, I'm hoping that "Lost" is back on track for good.
