I think I’m just about the only person in America who didn’t jump on the Lost bandwagon during its heyday. It wasn’t that I had no interest in the show. Well, OK, maybe that was the case during its first season. But then as the buzz surrounding it kept growing, it was too late for me to start watching it out of sequence. Plus I hated adding a show I knew I wouldn’t be able to miss from week-to-week to my list of commitments.
In the fall of 2004 when Lost made its debut on ABC, I had just graduated from college and was beginning what I thought was going to be a promising career at a national newspaper (that didn’t last, ha). I would’ve fared better had I gambled on Lost. Luckily, the topic of summer Virgin Diaries came up recently and I saw this as my chance to finally watch the show that captivated so many. I’m about five episodes in now and I love this show so far!
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or another newbie, I invite you to read along as I discuss my feelings as a Lost virgin in what I’m referring to as my “Lost Mondays.” But whatever you do, please don’t ruin the surprises that lay ahead for me – i.e. please don’t tell me how the series ends. It’s my goal to finish the entire series this summer, piecing together the puzzle one plot at a time as it was originally intended. From someone who usually covers sitcoms, I’m very excited for this opportunity. So grab your survival guide and join me on the island vacation from hell!
Pilot (Part I & II)
Wow, the first 10 minutes of Lost were very intense. It immediately got my attention with the close-up of Matthew Fox’s eye, panning out into a shot of him lying on a jungle floor disoriented – in shock, in pain and in a torn suit. Then I experienced my first “what the frack?” moment – the first of many, many more I’m sure. Actually, I’ve decided to make this a game of sorts, with a running tally of WTF moments that take me by surprise.
The first WTF for me was the golden lab breezing by Fox in the jungle. A dog just seemed so totally random and unexpected in that setting that I laughed! As Fox emerged from the jungle to the scene of utter chaos from an obvious plane crash, complete with fiery explosions, flying debris and shrapnel and the walking wounded on an otherwise serene-looking beach, I knew I was in for something I’d never seen before. I only hope the momentum they masterfully set up with the pilot continues.
Other WTF moments:
Tabula Rasa (Episode 1)
I’m uncomfortable with the ease of which the characters lie to each other about their backgrounds and what they know about each other and their predicament. I guess this is part of survival mode, trying to be ahead of the curve but I think it sets a very dangerous precedent. One of them said hope is a dangerous thing to lose and that’s why they felt it necessary to keep the majority in the dark about certain details. I get that, but it seems like knowledge will also determine who has the best chance of surviving and I don’t like that that isn’t shared. I was also waiting for them to run out of prepackaged peanuts and airline food, which seemed to be happening by this episode’s end.
WTF moments:
Walkabout (Episode 2)
I liked that I learned more about “creepy bald dude” a.k.a. John Locke (tell me that’s not a coincidence that he shares a name with a renowned philosopher). His mantra is “don’t tell him he can’t do something.” I like that he took charge of the hunt for food. I also liked that the survivors held a vigil to honor those who had not survived. I get that they “didn’t have time to sort out everyone’s God,” but I saw no harm in wanting to hold a memorial service. What about Jack’s past makes him so weird about death?
WTF moments:
What I’ve found most enjoyable about the show thus far is the character development through the flashbacks. I love that the writers created so many diverse survivors on this island and have given glimpses into the background and psyche of each of them. I’m caught up in the emotions and unexpected elements of people thrust into survival mode. I’ve decided if I were ever faced with a similar situation, my odds of survival are probably slim to nil because I’m not a hunter, I’m not secretive, I’m not athletic, I’m not good with electronics, I’m not aggressive and quite frankly, I don’t think I could ever steal the shoes off a dead body.
I have speculations on where they are of course, but I don’t really believe I’m correct. The first appearance of the “mystery monster” made me think maybe they’d stumbled onto Skull Island and were being chased by none other than King Kong. The appearance of the giant polar bear made me think of Madagascar II in which the zoo animals were stranded on an island. Part of me also thinks they are all dead except for maybe one of them who has created everything in his/her mind to keep from going insane from post-traumatic stress. Even if I’m right, do me a favor and don’t tell me!
The realization that Locke had been paralyzed and the scene we’d watched several times without knowing what it really meant … that’s when I really got hooked.
That being said; there are a great many types of weapons allowed on planes, even today. The crux, though, is that they’re not allowed in the passenger cabin.
Enjoy the experience! I watched the series from the beginning, and I’m letting some years pass before I dive into the Blu-Ray set and do what you’re doing. I have to say, without spoiling anything, that I found it very funny to look at your WTF questions, and with the entire series behind me, realize how many of your questions get answered.
I’m still waiting to find out how someone could not like chocolate! :)
*POST AUTHOR*
I don’t see how it’s possible!
I am sure glad that you discovered LOST and enjoy it. I watched it when it first aired til it went off the air. It sure was nerve racking waiting from season to season for answers. My friends and I from all over the world have a LOST club on Facebook. Its called LIC (LOST International Compadres) We would like it if you would join our club. We promise not to spoil it for you.
*POST AUTHOR*
Thank goodness the questions get answered, as I’m an impatient person! LOL
Yes, I especially loved the Locke sequence. He’s beginning to grow on me. I found him weird in the first two episodes, but now I really like him. What’s also funny is the nicknames I was giving characters to try to keep track of them because there were so many all at once…I was calling Locke “The Prophet” because he made several revelation-type sayings. I’m thinking his backgammon metaphor about light and dark is foreshadowing of what’s to come, as their “civilization” collapses and cabin fever sets in? I’ll have to wait and see ;)
I said I found it funny to realize how many of your questions get answered. That doesn’t imply that many do get answered or that many don’t! I just found it funny. Hopefully you will, too, when you’re done.
If you’re going to watch “Lost”, you need to parse things much more closely :)
It’s a great television series, and I’m very glad I watched it. Watching in compressed form like you are will probably even make it better, since you won’t have to rely on your long-term memory, or web sites, to keep all the details straight across 6 years.
Hahaha you said “cabin fever”. (you’ll get what im talking about later)
*POST AUTHOR*
lol Dan, I was wondering when you’d get a chance to comment. Thanks again for letting me borrow seasons 1-4…if I get hooked, I blame you!
*POST AUTHOR*
That’s a good point and exactly why I’m glad I waited to watch them all without season hiatuses. And what do you mean they don’t answer all the questions? haha only kidding…I’m expecting them not to answer them all, though I hope the bigger ones are or I may lose some sleep at night.
Brandon, I tried to search for your Lost club on Facebook and couldn’t find it…do you have a link?
Hey, good luck! You’re in for an interesting ride :) I gave up on the series somewhere in Season 2 and never looked back for reasons I won’t say since I definitely don’t want to spoil, but I did keep up with the plot line via the internet so I at least know how everything turns out lol.
In case it wasn’t completely obvious, this is your cousin ;)
*POST AUTHOR*
lol thanks Jamie, didn’t know you were a semi-Lost fan ;)
. . . . .
I’m rather envious, Kim.
You’re going to have a blast with this first season …
I recently started rewatching the series. I’m pretty sure I missed a season during the original airing due to life, so I wanted to give it a all the way through run thanks to the magic of Netflix Watch Instantly. I’m currently halted mid-Season 5.
The first few seasons are great. And watching it straight through made me more aware of its decline and made me really sad watching it and realizing how good it used to be.
I just got chills thinking about all the stuff you’re in for! One of my favorite things about Lost is the music. Love it love it love it!
*POST AUTHOR*
I’m about three discs into the first season now, and I haven’t seen (or heard?) much music yet…I like the theme song but it’s too short. Something else to look forward to I guess :)
Ha. The music is there. I think you probably just haven’t noticed. Sometimes I think that is a sign of really good music, it blends seemlessly into the story, mood, and setting.
Michaal Giacchino is the composer. He did a fantastic job.