Lost has a knack for taking an idea and expounding it several times over. While most viewers will leave the sixth and final season premiere of Lost baffled, ‘LA X’ is by no means all tease and no reward.
The Smoke Monster
This is by no means a surprise, but the reveal of Other Locke being a human form of the Smoke Monster is still an immensely gratifying moment. For loyal fans, it might feel like a great weight has been lifted. Of course, the massacre that ensues doesn’t hurt either. What’s interesting is that despite its polymorphic ability, Other Locke might not be accountable for Jacob’s apparition soon after his demise. Something tells me even Smokie has a hard time being at two places at the same time, but what do I know.
The new question the premiere raises is where Other Locke’s home lies. Due to the premiere’s extra dose of biblical imagery, I immediately thought of hell…but that would mean Richard is an angel? Well, I’m too seasoned at this to overthink the subject matter and give myself a headache. Only time will tell.
The Temple
Apparently, the Temple is where old cultures come to die. Somehow, team Darlton has managed to illustrate a mystical place that seems to give hints of Egyptian, Incan, Tibetan and many other cultures. While the sudden introduction of this new atmosphere is alright by me, I do wonder exactly how this particular brand of Others have managed to keep themselves isolated for so long. After all, tunnels and guns do not necessarily equate to an impenetrable fortress.
What is the relationship between the Others on the beach and those at the Temple? Despite that hint that they are allies, the difference between them seems night and day.
The Top of the Food Chain
Every season, Lost develops a figure (or figures) who represent the key to the island’s many secrets. Since the show’s usage of characters is often compared to pawns in a chess game, you have to wonder just how many other pieces there are. With the likes of Ben, Charles, Eloise, Richard, Jacob, Other Locke, and now “mysterious Japanese fellow,” the number of key holders keeps on expanding. Is there a definitive hierarchy in terms of wealth of knowledge here?
This is the dilemma that I feel Lost has warped itself into. After all, the great Benjamin Linus seems nothing more than a broken, feeble doll. Yet, after 30 years of loyal service, his curiosity has never once gotten the best of him regarding the Monster or Jacob? Yes, he’s a mastermind manipulator, but describing him as a blind fool might not be all that inappropriate, especially since he’s asking the same questions we are. It makes me question the origin of conviction of previous island leaders as well.
And with Richard knocked unconscious, the food chain continues to transform…
The Two Timelines
The basic principles of Lost’s new plot device is not that uncommon. In fact, J. J. Abrams’ other baby a.k.a. Fringe is entirely centered around this concept. What, then, makes this special?
Again, the premiere remains most rewarding for those of us still sticking around for the end game. Ultimately, the alternate timeline relies mostly on emotional resonance rather than plot twists. It is incredibly disconcerting at first, but the two timelines just might help balance the emotional and mythological needs of the show. It has always been my hope that Lost would eventually bring back old characters in some manner as a form of tribute, so you can imagine my giddy at seeing Boone, Charlie, Arzt and even Frogurt.
However, this feeling of satisfaction is entirely contingent upon what I hope is an eventual coming together of these two worlds. While I trust the writers, I am stating right now that delivering two different endings would be the absolute worst way to end the series and a complete cop-out. Still, I’m hopeful until proven otherwise.
The Verdict
As with any Lost premiere, this one left me slightly dizzy but ultimately exhilarated. While nothing compares to the awe of the pilot, this premiere currently holds steady at second place. With lots of catching up, resolutions, reveals and yes, twists, ‘LA X’ is quintessential Lost through and through.
Rating: 9.4/10
Popularity: 30% [?]
Nice review mate…
In my personal opinion this 2 line stories are like parallel universes or something like that..
Other fact to think about is that Juliet final message was, ” it works”, so that means that the story line from LAX is trully happening, that leaves to this question.. are they dead on the island?? Lost began ladies and gentlemen! thanks God
I think so too, which is why I’m worried these two universes will never collide. I actually like seeing alternate endings, but to end the show that way would really make me angry.
What’s bizarre is that Juliet seemed to travel briefly between the two realities when she asks Sawyer out to coffee. I’m hoping Sayid can allude to this phenomenon later on, since he’s “undead.”
Now that you mention that Juliet seemed to travel briefly between the two realities, its not so bizarre, remember in season 3 when Desmond being affected by the implosion of the Swan station, has this ability too.. He start seeing the future,but then in season 4, when he leaves the island in the chopper with Sayd he start jumping through time..
I do not think the producers will make alternate endings, but until now I can not imagine how these 2 lines will continue..
I just check the sneak peak 6×03, and it shows the people from the beach, Sun, the pilot, Mr Smoky approaching to the cemetery where they buried Ana Lucia, Boone, and the others losties that had died, this make me in the possibility of they waking up like Sayd did.. creepy !
keep the feedback mate is cool to exchange thoughts with someone that cares..
Cheers
I was forgetting this, when Somky saids “I wanna go Home” which is his home, the Temple? or the ouside World? this is very important thought he has eliminated his ancient enemy, Jacob.. now he will be able to conquer his goals. or not?
Your comment may shine light on why Desmond was on the plane in the other reality. Perhaps he is a constant? Haha…
Seeing other “undead” would creep me out :O I think this is how they are bringing back Claire. My guess is her and Sayid share the same ritual?
As for Smokey, even though the reveal illuminated a lot, I think there are still plenty we don’t know. There’s no way Lost would reveal everything about their biggest mystery right off the bat, although it’s clear he wants to invade the Temple. Maybe he wants the same baptism?
I did not think about Desmond until now! What the fxxx was he doing in the plane? that wasn’t right at all, he was supposed to be in the hatch at that time doesn’t he? And he vanished because we didn’t see him at the LAX…
You may be right about Des being a constant, remember Eli, when she said ” the island hasn’t finished with you” or something like that when he appears in Church/Darma Station in the real world..
It obvious his plays a staring role in the story, because his situation is unique, not being on the plane, and not being an Other, and the most relevant fact is that on the final episode of season 5 when we see Jacob with each one of the losties, we do not see Desmond and Jacob at all..
So more questions than answers as always .. its just Lost mate! I’m kind obsessed right now cant wait until next Tuesday, I hope they reveal something more interesting…
thanks for that
I was so disappointed when we found out what the temple was. I had such high hopes for it being a Dark Tower allegory with a much more mystical origin and use than it had. I was hoping for an anachronistic architecture unlike anything else on the Island. Maybe a modern office building or skyscraper in a valley.
But no. We get a temple. Nothing else. Maybe it was be for placing an unnecessary focus on the temple over the past few seasons, but it was shrouded in so much mystery that I couldn’t help but feel disappointed when there was nothing really special about it at all.