Evil Arts and Crafts

Whoo. That was sum’thin.

I’ll be an apologist for this show ’til the day I die. Yes, there are problems that, if you call me on them, I’ll shrug and say, “Yeah, you got a point,” but ultimately, in all the ways that matter, this episode worked for me.

It made for what I would consider an elegant wrap up to the show’s big ideas, most notably the idea of the need to let go in order to move on. Over and above the religious symbolism that I’m sure a lot of people (my wife included) will point to as being excessive or unnecessary, I think it speaks volumes about the human condition. You can let your baggage weigh you down, or you can move forward. It speaks to some things in my own life, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this.

The problem, and I’m sure I’ll be drowned out in a sea of voices saying something similar, is that the show pushed logic to the background as it became more and more allegorical this season. It left lots (and lots and LOTS) of plot holes so it could get to the big ideas. But honestly, I’m willing to forgive an awful lot when it comes to this show. The producers dreamed big, they painted on an immense canvas, and they entertained the hell out of me, engaging parts of my brain I think I’d forgotten I had.

The Internet will never forgive Cuse and Lindelof for not answering every question or wrapping up every loose end. In this era, to make something of real greatness that engages so many people is almost certain to invite universal scorn and hatred. We’re such a collaborative culture now. Lost became OUR show, as we tried to outthink the showrunners. We all had the last episode plotted out in our heads. But hats off to the folks at Bad Robot and ABC Studios for creating something real, and telling their story their way.

Man, am I gonna miss this show.

Luke