Lost will undoubtedly go down as one of the best network TV shows ever produced and for good reason. It had all the elements that make for good entertainment; drama, suspense, good characterization, complex and thought provoking plot-lines, and all set in a breathtakingly beautiful location. This show is an instant TV classic.
As much as I have enjoyed becoming a part of this island community, however, I am left with a feeling of incompleteness. And to be completely honest, I would be remiss as a believer in Jesus Christ if I didn’t feel this way. The writers of Lost led us to the trough but were unable to provide us any water and they couldn’t because they didn’t have any to give. The reason for this incompleteness or “lack of water”, if you will, is the writers inability to write according to the grand narrative.
The grand narrative is hard wired into every human being who has ever lived. We are all created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). God’s law is also written on the hearts of every human (Romans 2:12-15). Because we have sinned against God and have separated ourselves from Him we are not who we are meant to be. We desire more. We desire redemption; a second chance (Rom. 8:22-23). This is the uber-plot or grand narrative of the universe.
If you consider the great fiction classics that have ever made their way to the big screen, they all in some way, shape, or form conform to the grand narrative. In Lord of the Rings, Tolkien (a believer in Christ), demonstrates a clear good, a clear evil, a flawed humanity struggling against evil for redemption. C.S. Lewis (also a strong believer), employs the same imagery in The Chronicles of Narnia. Even the wistful J.K. Rowling, (who professes Christianity) weaves this grand narrative into her Harry Potter novels. These stories connect and draw sympathy because they speak of a great truth that is and that many to their own detriment have suppressed.
Lost had the potential to be great. It will always be respected as a good story and worthy of viewing but it can never be considered great because it fell short of following the grand narrative. I applaud the writers on their arduous work and for coming so close. To not have saving faith in Christ as the source of true redemption, these guys came very close. I just have to be honest in saying that they didn’t quite close the deal. I will always be a lost fan but my admiration will forever bear this caveat. Thanks for a great 6 seasons guys, my Tuesday evenings wont be the same.
HT: Megan Basham
