"lost": tv show analysis

The horror, mystery, and suspense of

by Bernardo Simoes

LOST aired 6 seasons (2004-2010) on

Created by Jeffrey Lieber, J. J. Abrams,

and Damon Lindelof

Oceanic-815 flight survivors try to find a way to leave an island they soon discover to be filled with mysteries, human greed,

and unique physical properties

LOST’s storytelling is divided between the happenings on the island and what’s happened before the plane

crashed. Every episode focuses on an individual character and his or her

background story.

The doctor Jack becomes the group’s leader from the very beginning. Since

they’ve been through a crash, he naturally becomes the central

character who will treat all others.

The strongest hint that they’re in a special place comes from Locke. A

handicapped man who - after the crash - can suddenly walk. He’s the first to

seek answers from the island.

The premise of LOST is that these characters had been “lost” in their lives even before the plane crash. Kate, who had been held custody during the flight,

showcases a crucial character arc.

Ben is the leader of “The Others,” those who had been on the island even before the crash. He grew up there and understands its unique

physical properties like nobody else.

Sawyer, like Kate, presents a big change in his arc. He decides to

restart his life by adopting this new name, and wants to simply stay in the

island and not be bothered.

Desmond is an interesting character because, although he had already been on the island, he didn’t actually belong

to Ben’s group. He was the ultimate outcast of the island’s population.

Hurley’s character arc is probably the most complex one, although this isn’t too clear until the very last episode. Throughout the series, the “loser”

becomes more and more crucial to the group’s survival.

LOST was directed to leave the audience on the edge of their seats every minute of

every episode

Thrilling, revealing, and yet suspenseful on every scene

HORROR

MYSTERY

SUSP

ENSE

The horror, mystery, and suspense of

by Bernardo Simoes