Redemption

Last night I watched the last three episodes of the TV show, Lost (Season Two).

This show has been my favorite TV show (displacing the previous holder of this position: FarScape) for the following reasons (among others):

- The characters have to deal with their own identity and their psychological and spiritual progress at a pivotal time in their lives, in an environment which gives them no choice but to face their personal challenges - future and past.

- The characters have to learn to deal with each other (new faces) in a hostile and unfamiliar environment, which brings out fascinating dynamics.

- The island which has become their home reflects some of the most mystical and interesting elements of our world, all compacted in diminutive space and time.

- Action, thrill, suspense, drama and mysteries abound!

- The script, directing, cinematography, and acting are of the highest calliber.


Unfortunately, many of the episodes I have watched recently have irked me by focusing more on plot, and turning the focus of the show away from the beautification of human personalities and inclinations. I had really liked how so many of the characters, though outwardly not such good people, were given validity and interest through a reification of their inner beauty. This aspect falling to the background, and a new ugliness showing its face, it became difficult for me to continue watching.

WARNING: spoilers

It was notably difficult to see Charlie make poor decisions in his desperation to serve as a father figure or simply get revenge on Locke; John himself losing faith and becoming impatient with others; Jack losing perspective in his desire to attack the "others"; Sayid going back to torturing and feeling no guilt; Anna-Lucia making no progress in her violent inclinations; Sawyer pulling a disturbing long con (not to mention the aweful one in his flashback); even Mr. Ecko resorting to violence and deceit to follow his dream. Michael atrocious actions are unspeakable.

In the last few episodes, I found semblences of redemption, which, though still falling short of my hopes, have proven marginally satisfactory in my book.

For one, the show has continued to nurture some of the positive relationships like that of Jin and Sun, Hurley and Libbie, and the interracial couple (whose names I forget). Kate has kept her strength also. Here's what I really liked:

- Sawyer confessing to Jack, claiming the latter is the closest thing he has to a friend - thereby confirming Kate's attraction to and patience with him since the beginning. We all know people who show their feelings through violence and antagonism - Sawyer is here just an extreme version of this. I remember how it took 3 seasons of Farscape before Rygel finally stopped betraying all of his friends on Moya, so the makers of Lost might have the same kind of long-term redemption path for Sawyer.

- The scene between Michael and Walt shows the pain of their situation. Michael has always been a spiritually weak character, and since he can only focus on his one failure in life, he is destroying everything around him in a desperate and misguided attempt to redeem himself. The scene in the forest when Jack gets him to reveal the truth of his actions really shows how pathetic and blinded he is. People all around us are misguided and commit terrible deeds. Michael is an extreme but believable example. His dialogue with Mr. Ecko about hell is also revealing, and suggests the insightful purposes of the show's writers.

- Claire is able to see the true, loving intentions of Charlie, and through her forgiving him, the audience is given the emotional strength to see past his transgressions.

- The opposite crossing paths of John and Ecko demonstrate some of the more pernicious vagaries of faith, which we also have to face. Particularly, John lets his limited mind dictate his faith, and Ecko lets his fanaticism dictate his actions. Neither finds peace, and through their antagonism, neither finds peace, instead they are stuck together and may be dead. Instead of one of them saving the day, Desmond the unbeliever does. These are challenges we too have to deal with at times.

- The beauty of Penelope's love for Desmond is very moving, especially when he opens the years-old letter, and gains strength from her deep love and devotion. Love literally saves the day, and this is the kind of thing that makes Lost a great show - while many people may only be aware of the non-spiritual and non-ethical aspects that make the show.

In the end, most of my issues with the show are only partially addressed. I have regained confidence in the show, and look forward to season three.