Over the years, I’ve had my fun with Matthew Fox’s interpretation of Dr. Jack Shephard as The Mopiest Medicine Man Alive; I’ve used polite language to barely disguise my feeling that Evangeline Lilly is the most lissome actress to portray an escaped convict since Tuesday Weld in the 1968 B-movie Pretty Poison (NetFlix it now, Lost fans); and I have marveled at the way Michael Emerson evolved so quickly from Arrogant Dork to Most Sympathetic Arrogant Dork in TV history.
But last night, during Lost’s two-hour final-season premiere, it struck me that these actors, along with a number of others, are giving what may be the performances of their lives, all in the service of a show that doesn’t always reward great acting.
Which is to say, I was captivated by last night’s two-hours-minus-Grey’s-Anatomy-plugs extravaganza. Except for lurching for the mute button every time ABC’s promos tried to spoil tonight’s Modern Family jokes, I sat there just letting Lost wash over me, taking it in less as a working critic than as an admirer, a fan, as someone who was rooting for the series to do whatever the hell it wants to do this season.
It’s too early to tell whether the series is going to pay off on the almost unbearable promise that’s been imposed upon it by its devoted following — i.e., the Greatest Ending Of All Time This Side Of The Book Of Revelation. But it’s not too early to express a couple of judgments, and I’ll just limit myself to two for now:
• Jack is now shouldering the greatest amount of guilt, shame, depression, and despair of any character in contemporary broadcast television. (I’m leaving myself a loophole in that phrasing for about five characters I could name in The Wire. And a few in The Shield.) For two hours last night, Jack went from one sucks-to-be-him scenario to another, and Fox really rose to the challenge, giving shadings not only in his line-readings, but in his glances, his winces, his careful movements. Along with the writers and producers, he’s created a character of tragic heroism; he’s like Job with vodka.
• To watch what Terry O’Quinn is doing as John Locke is to witness an actor fully aware that he’s been given a gift and is unwrapping it carefully, knowing that it’s unique and precious. A few months ago, I got to plug O’Quinn’s performance in the underrated 1987 thriller The Stepfather when it appeared in a new DVD version. You can see some of the qualities O’Quinn uses now for Locke in his acting back then — the gleeful glint of madness combined with steely determination, for instance. But you can also now appreciate just how much strength O’Quinn possesses as an actor to play the various sides of Locke. The humbled cripple; the self-pitying rager; the sly bull-artist; the supremely confident leader of men. Plus a half-dozen other facets of Locke that have been or probably will be revealed as the series hurtles to a conclusion. It’s just amazing to watch him.
From my point of view, and maybe yours, Lost stands far above most fantasy series (and yes, I’m thinking of you, FlashForward, and you, V, if only because you were heavily promoted during Lost) not only for the richness of its storytelling, but also for the richness of these and other performances. As I said, I could discuss other actors and their characters, and probably will in the future.
I don’t claim to possess a tenth of the insight into Lost mythology that is the diligent inspiration and imagination of Jeff Jensen, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate Lost on a different level. That’s what a good piece of art does anyway: It allows you to take it in in ways even its creators could not have expected.
My grade for the premiere: A.
Agree? Disagree?
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For more: Lost recap: What’s Your Worldview?
Totally Lost: Our season premiere will get you ready for theirs!
Agree. Was captivated last night with the compelling story and great acting by TOQ and yes, MS.
doc jensens’ reviews are full of nonesense theories
either that, or you’re too thick to understand them
Yeah, I agree, collegesinglesmatch
Josh Holloway is very underrated.
how can they be nonsense if he’s been right more than a few times
Yes, thank you Ken! I’ve read Doc Jensen’s crazy theories for 5 seasons and this season, I’m taking a break – in this final season, I’d like to appreciate this show for the fantastic character growth & developments! I really hope the ending is worth the monumental build up!!
Doc Jensen is like a college freshman who just finished reading his psych 101 booklist, and thinks he can explain the world through te dozen or so theories he’s just been exposed to.
I agree 100%.
The drama and the acting is what makes LOST so great. That’s what I fell in love with.
All the crazy time travel, mysterious stuff just makes it fun.
Which is why Im not expecting a BIG REVEAL type ending. It will end just like it started, with a good story.
Although I like the LOST cast, it’s never been about them. It’s all about the island. Where did the drama and acting get LOST when they took most of the main characters off the island, ratings oblivion. It’s the island, island, island that makes LOST great.
Agree also. While I love to unravel the mysterious and keep fastidious tabs on the mythology plot points, more than anything it’s the rich character drama that sucks me in so thoroughly. In six seasons of television we’ve gotten to relive key moments in their past via the flashbacks, we’ve watched them struggle with danger, intrigue, addiction, love, redemption…die, give birth…its reallly extraordinary. What I realized from the alt timeline in the premiere is that the island is secondary, because I didn’t miss it. And comparing final airport scene with the on island stuff, it was never more apparent that Terry O Quinn and Matthew Fox are the two leads for a reason. They were amazing. They both should have a bucketfull of Emmys.
I think the island is stupid
Thank you so, so much for the mythology free review! Thank goodness. I love the Doc, just as much as anybody, and I read his theories, but sometimes, you just want a break from that. Cause sometimes you think “it’s a show that has some really creative writers behind it, but does it really mean all that stuff the Doc says it does?”
PLUS, in the episode THE CONSTANT
When Desmond calls Penny and Penny picks up…How awesome was that moment???? That was just good story telling. NO need to break it down or understand what it really means.
YES– Those last seven minutes of “The Constant” truly were the best of any dramatic series on TV in many, many years. Could (and have) watch over and over again…. I think it hits so strongly for so many because, essentially, it is what all of us humans want: love… connection… to be wanted….
That is a great example of what draws people to this show. You think you don’t care, make fun of characters, make fun of convoluted plots and theories, and then The Constant happens, and you’re just so drawn in and right there. I felt the same way about Sawyer losing his grip on Juliet’s hand and then her AMAZING final scene with the bomb. Great storytelling that just grabs your heart. The desire to be loved, connected and somehow important – that’s pretty much humanity right there.
The way the story deals with death continues to amaze as well – as much devestation as there has been, each death is used to show the enormous value the characters have for life and each other. They never become jaded to death. Watching Sawyer as Juliet died in his arms and the reaction and emotion of everyone in the scene was heartbreaking.
I agree one hundred percent about Terry O’Quinn. After last night’s premiere, if he doesn’t win an Emmy, I am going to be p*ssed.
Talking about acting chops: There was a scene between O’Quinn and Emerson that ended in a close up of FLocke’s face that was frightening, almost demonic. Taking it out of context, it might sound silly or trivial, but it freaked me out and gave the Lost story a gravitas that I’ll carry throughout the season. I’m not an actor, but to see the range that Ken Tucker mentioned, just blew me away. When you see it in the hands of a person like O’Quinn (Elizabeth Mitchell is great at it too), I understand why they call acting a “craft”. Wow.
I’m agreeing with jmo here. That face practically had me cowering on my couch. Jesus Christ does O’Quinn have some mad skills.
Terry O’Quinn is the reason I watch Lost. While the rest of the characters and plotlines are fine, I relish it when the plot turns to Locke in all of his incarnations.
Agreed. Terry O’Quinn owned it on the premiere… Very impressive acting on his part. The emmys better make a note of his performance this season.. he already deserves it.
Ok that look… that was the thing I remembered most about the episode. I hope he keeps that performance strength throughout the season.
Terry O’Quinn and Michael Emerson blow everyone else away when they step onto the screen. I think that Evangeline Lilly is the only weak link in terms of acting on this show.
Thanks for the mythology-free review! This is how I like talking about TV shows. I appreciate all Doc Jensen does, but this holds my interest longer. Plus, Lost deserves to be recognized for something more than its mythology. Beyond its strong concept, it’s a well-executed show.
I (mostly)enjoy reading what he writes, but I always feel like an idiot because not only am I not familiar with most of his references, but I also don’t understand a lot of the theories no matter how many times I re-read them. Plus, the comments come in overwhelmingly quickly and I’ve tried to read all of them, but I just can’t handle it any more. Maybe I can follow things better here, and not feel like such a dunce. I LOVE THIS SHOW and most of the characters! It will feel like a very big loss when it’s over.
Well, there is feeling like an idiot vs reading and learning through an open mind. The references Doc makes are interesting.
I too appreciate Doc Jensen’s vast knowledge, but man, I’d like to read just a regular recap that isn’t 6 pages long!
The re-cap was a must-see. Really prepared me for the premiere. This show has been up and down, but last night was great. They need to make Sawyer something besides angry though. Love Jin and Miles, just shows what a great cast this is.
AGREE 100%, especially the acting and Matthew’s performance. And thanks for just going along with the ride and not overanalyzing this GREAT show.
Yes, I usually read Jensen’s article with the wry bemusement of a parent listening to a overly smart child’s justification of Santa Claus
Haha, wait, what are you saying?! That Santa doesn’t exist?!? Your’re crazy.
Wow. How sweet of you to patronize Doc Jensen. He is soooooooo lucky to have you as a reader. You are awesome.
Jerk.
Lighten up man. Kate actually got a shout out from The Doc for that comment.
Agreed. That scene between Jack and Locke in the “Ooops, we lost your sh**” office at LAX was amazing.
I loved that scene. It was perfect. Brilliant acting from the both of them.
Jack says the “nothing is irreversible” line during the Season 5 finale episode too.
Yes, that was my favorite scene perhaps in all six seasons.
Knowing what these two characters have been through the past five seasons made that otherwise casual scene rich with layers.
Nice job of acting by both O’Quinn and Fox in a scene where we get to see their two characters together on friendly terms.
“And in the porches of my ears did pour the leperous distilment…”
Great review. If these actors weren’t good I think the whole thing would fall apart. If they couldn’t make us believe this was happening it would be a joke. The writers deserve a lot of credit, but these actors make it real. I think the subject matter can overshadow their acting so thank you for pointing it out!
FIRST! I agree with you Ken! I’m a long time fan, but I think even non-fans could enjoy last night’s episode. Plus the acting is underrated because of the scope of the show, some actors aren’t fantastic, but the key group I think blow most ensembles out of the water. And compared with the recent fantasy series out there, Lost stands above them all as a demonstration of what great fantasy/sci-fi television is, even if it makes very little sense.
Ok, take that back. Wrote too much and didn’t make it.
The only thing sadder than one of the “FIRST” morons is one who doesn’t even make it. But it would have been sad either way.
No, the grumpy people who complain about the “FIRST” glee are sadder.
It’s always been the characters stories that kept me watching Lost. I like following the mythology, but it’s moments like the one with Jack and Locke in the airport that keep me watching.
I’m with you. I enjoy the mythology but it is the characters that keep me coming back. I have been a big Terry O’Quinn fan since The Stepfather. I think he is a very talented actor who has not gotten the recognition he deserves.
Terry O’ Quinn is an awesome actor, I agree he has not gotten the recognition he deserves! John Locke has been my favorite character on Lost from the start and Terry O’ Quinn plays him brilliantly!
Agreed: The scene between O’Quinn and Emerson that ended in a close up of FLocke’s face that was frightening, almost demonic. Taking it out of context, it might sound silly or trivial, but it freaked me out and gave the Lost story a gravitas that I’ll carry throughout the season. I’m not an actor, but to see the range that Ken Tucker mentioned, just blew me away. When you see it in the hands of a person like O’Quinn (Elizabeth Mitchell is great at it too), I understand why they call acting a “craft”. Wow.
He did win an emmy for playing Locke.
so, like four months then?
The characters have also driven me to “Lost” — that, and the ultrasexy Evangeline Lilly.
Michael Emerson’s Ben is one of TV’s all-time baddies. His scenes with Locke are priceless.
Finally, we got to see Terry O’Quinn’s character hover over the bewildered Benjamin Linus.
i wish this was on facebook so i could ‘like’ it several times…
Possibly the gayest comment i have ever read and i read alot of EW’s comments.
Their comment is attracted to its same gender? How can you tell?
F you homophobe!
It is amazing how people can be so unjustifiably rude just because no one knows who they are.
yes, i agree. a GAY comment if ever there was one.
By gay i mean stupidest..come on people, you talk with your friends like that, it doesnt mean you hate gays or your a homophobe.
It was a gay comment but it was far and away from being the gayest. That “honor” would have to go to Marten’s “FIRST” comment.
moe – effing hilarious
Yes, Moe, we all talk like that with our friends – because we are, like you, a half-retarded homophobic 12 year old.
Cutest quote – I’ll reuse that!
I struggle with following the mythology of Lost. I really watch for the excellent directing, and acting. I can’t believe Fox hasn’t been nominated for an Emmy. Usually our leading men are stern, unemotional men, but Fox wears Jack’s heart on his sleeve and a thing of beauty to watch.
How could you not mention Josh Holloway though? He was incredible once again last night.
Wow, Josh Holloway was amazing last night! His character has evolved so much over the course of this show.
Well, for Fox, he’s stuck. He’s not a leading man in the way Jon Hamm or Michael C Hall are. He’s truly part of an ensemble and you could argue that Locke and Ben are just as main if not “lead” characters moreso than Jack. Greatest show ever and will enjoy this final season to the fullest. And leave Doc alone- his column is the GREATEST!
I always thought FOX was the star of the show. And yeah its a shame he’s never been nominated.
I think the only people considered leads in Lost are Matthew Fox and Evangeline Lilly. True the show is an ensemble, but if it were to come down to an awards show, Fox and Lilly would be put in the lead categories. Everyone else falls into the supporting categories.
Juliet’s actress is also AMAZING.
Yeah the actress that plays Juliet is really good.
I LOVE Elizabeth Mitchell! She’s decent on V, and she did an episode of “House” several years ago and was a nun… her acting there was beautiful as well. I hope to see a lot more of her in other shows, movies.
I couldn’t disagree more. She has one facial expression. Lay off the botox Elizabeth.
nice tits though, i’m sure you’ll agree
Josh Holloway is the best. I love him. He’s not appreciated. He can do it all. Humor, drama, fear, intimidation, all of it. I love his portrayal of Sawyer.
One of my favorite parts last night was when he kicked Jack in the head. I thought it was hilarious for some reason, but I felt so bad for him after he lost Juliette.
I agree! He was awesome!
I think Season 5 was the pinnacle of Holloway’s tenure on Lost. It’s a shame he wasn’t nominated in supporting category. In the season 6 premiere his portrayal of Saywer’s grief was a bit too paint by numbers for me. But it’s a long season, and I’m sure he’ll step it up again.
I so agree Josh Holloway was amazing last night. I love him opposite Elizabeth Mitchell whom i believe is one of the best actors in the entire show (so sad she gone
I think they complemtent eachother very nicely and i think she definatly brings out the best acting in him.
Agree. Sometimes you forgot how unique and special a show like Lost is, and it will be sorely missed.
I love the mythology AND the great acting. That’s what makes LOST top notch for me. There are shows that are very intelligent, but they lack heart and as such fade into obscurity. Lost has held its audience because the mythology is fun, but the characters are always central–and the actors playing them fantastic. Props to Josh Holloway, too, for his performance. Sawyer is truly a dynamic character in the story and he’s done a great job balancing the varying elements of him.
Agreed. I think he gets overlooked, but after rewatching the first couple of seasons I was amazed at how layered his performance of Sawyer really is.
Yeah, I rewatched the old seasons and I was shocked and amazed at how layered his performance has been all along. He’s incredible and he has given Sawyer a depth and scope that I’m not sure would have existed if another actor played him.
Ken, I’ve been reading (Inky and EW) you, and listening (Fresh Air) listeningto you for years, and just want to say that I’m so glad EW has kept your mature voice amidst the 20 and 30 something kids that make up much of the editorial staff. To add to what you said, I think Evangeline Lilly is very underrated and underused in film, Jorge Garcia is a constant revelation, and I just can’t say enough good things about the character that Josh Halloway has created. And why is he so underused in Hollywood?
For me, Lost is right up there with “the Wire” and “Deadwood”. Thanks, Ken. You are definitely da man.
“your definitly DA man”…you talk about him being mature and that you like his articles yet you type like a child.
stop trolling, moe.