Lost: The show that changed TV forever

When Lost first premiered in 2004, it immediately had audiences hooked. Its pilot episode is regarded as one of the most iconic pilots in television history with its high production value of around $10-14 million. Directed by J. J. Abrams, the pilot episode has camera movements and special effects way ahead of its time; it’s no wonder people got so invested so quickly. So, here is a season by season recap (for those unwilling to binge watch all 121 episodes) of why Lost, even two decades later, is considered to be one of the greatest TV shows of all time.

Season one begins with the crash of Oceanic Flight 815 on a mysterious, uncharted island, leaving 48 survivors stranded. Amongst them are Jack Shephard (Matthew Fox) a spinal surgeon, Kate Austen (Evangeline Lilly) a fugitive on the run, John Locke (Terry O’Quinn) a strong believer of fate, and Sawyer Ford (Josh Holloway) a conman with a tragic past. The first season of Lost very much focuses on the characters themselves and their initial attempts to adapt to their new environment.

Season one of Lost will have you instantly engaged and invested in the characters’ arcs

To get to know the characters, season one uses flashbacks to explore all their backstories and reveal who they were before the crash. This narrative technique allows viewers to connect with the characters and maybe even pick their favourite (mine was Charlie). Season one of Lost will have you instantly engaged and invested in the characters’ arcs and it’s impossible not to get deeply attached to a character or two. As we learn more about them, and they learn more about each other, the characters inch further and further from the beach and into the island, finding an abandoned underground hatch and hints of a group known as “The Others”.

Moving on to season two, the show picks up with the survivors discovering what’s inside the mysterious hatch (including an interesting new character and his very own theme song). As they take turns pushing a button every 108 minutes in order to ‘save the world’ (I know, it sounds crazy), they learn more about the Dharma Initiative (a science experiment) and the island’s strange electromagnetic properties.

The season one to two transition is a weird one for me. With the introduction of the mysterious hatch comes the introduction of some intriguing new themes to the show. Science, faith, ethical dilemmas surrounding experimentation and the consequences of manipulating natural forces all come into play quite suddenly. From starting out as a show about mere survival, season two of Lost definitely turns towards a more complex narrative that includes multiple storylines. But, if you think it’s confusing now, just wait.

While some mysteries from the previous seasons are solved, new theories and ideas are raised in this one, encouraging viewers to attach themselves to some of the new characters. 

Season three of Lost (my personal favourite) focuses more on the enigmatic group known as “The Others.” The tension between the survivors and this group reaches its peak as several of them are held captive and forced to make traitorous decisions (I am a Michael-defender until the day I die).

The game-changer of season three is the use of flash-forwards instead of the usual flashbacks. The season ends with a dramatic flash-forward, revealing a broken  Jack off the island, saying to Kate, “We have to go back!” This twist completely changed the show’s purpose, nodding towards an even bigger mystery about how some of the survivors made it off the island and why they might need to return. This intense cliffhanger is one I will never forget as it is revealed that not everything is as it seems regarding the survivors’ escape.

Season four of Lost introduces a strange rescue freighter off the coast of the island, raising the stakes for the survivors. The season also introduces a new storytelling technique, the flash-forwards, revealing glimpses of the characters’ lives after they’ve escaped the island. In true Lord of the Flies fashion, the survivors split into two factions: one led by Jack, who believes the freighter is the key to their rescue, and another led by Locke, who distrusts its intentions.

This season definitely picks up the pace. With the introduction of the freighter off the coast of the island, comes the introduction of a new crew of characters bringing even more overlapping plot lines to the show (it’s hard to keep track of them all at this point). While some mysteries from the previous seasons are solved now, new theories and ideas are raised in this one, encouraging viewers to attach themselves to some of the new characters.

The final chapter of Lost is one that will definitely go down in the history books

Season five of Lost introduces time travel. Yes, time travel. I remember telling my sister that “as long as they don’t introduce time travel, it’ll be alright.” Well, here we are. You may not be a fan of the sound of time travel (I was not a fan to begin with either), but as the season progresses, you will actually start to realise how clever it is to use.

This season alternates between two main storylines: the Oceanic Six’s efforts to return to the island and the experiences of those left behind. The season culminates in a dramatic two-part finale that reveals long-awaited information about the creation of the hatch and leaves its viewers on yet another cliffhanger.

The final chapter of Lost is one that will definitely go down in the history books. First, we had the flashbacks; then, we had the flashforwards….and now, we have the flash sideways. You heard me correctly. The introduction of the flash-sideways narrative allows viewers to see an alternate reality where characters live different lives.

Lost has become a standout series in television history

Throughout the season, viewers learn more about the island’s mythology, including the origins of the ‘Smoke Monster,’ the significance of the Temple, and the revelation of the ‘Candidates,’ who are the individuals chosen to become the Island’s next protector. Despite mixed opinions on how some plot points were handled, many fans appreciate the final season for its ambition, making it a very memorable conclusion.

Looking back at season one, it is clear that Lost went through an unexpected evolution in terms of storytelling. Starting out as a story of mere survival to becoming one about time-travel, science, and fate, this show has become a standout series in television history.  Lost will most definitely promise you an entertaining viewing experience that will stick with you long after the credits roll. And this article, written twenty years after season one’s release, is proof of that.