Lost star Michael Emerson reveals how he feels about controversial ending

As a film enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of television over the past two decades, I can confidently say that Lost remains one of the most intriguing and impactful shows I’ve ever encountered. Having had the privilege to watch it unfold from its very beginning, I’ve seen the passion it sparked in audiences and the discussions it ignited among fans.


Twenty years after the initial airing of “Lost”, Michael Emerson, the actor known for his unforgettable portrayal of Benjamin Linus, finds the show’s divisive finale to be “flawless”.

For over two decades since the survivors of Flight 815 from Oceanic crashed onto an enigmatic island, the series remains captivating and continues to thrive, discovering renewed vigor on streaming services – attracting even more viewers to ponder over the controversial finale.

In my opinion, each production has a unique conclusion that’s determined by its storyline structure. For instance, a series as complex and unconventional as ‘Lost’ wouldn’t share the same finale as a simpler or more straightforward show.

Here’s one way of paraphrasing: “It appeared to originate from the core and was a mix of fantasy and symbolism. To conclude it, it seems like you need to gather all its components back to the source, if I understand correctly. At least, that’s what I think they were trying to achieve.

Lost star Michael Emerson reveals how he feels about controversial ending

For me, it was incredibly gratifying – especially if you’re portraying Benjamin Linus and find yourself left outdoors on a chilly stone bench beyond the gates of the afterlife because you haven’t quite made it there yet. It struck me as ‘Ah, that’s fitting.’ It truly felt fitting. And there was an underlying sense of sorrow in it too.

Once more, the production echoed the social demise of our family. One by one, my castmates were bidding farewell on their way to a radiant utopia, and I found myself saying goodbye as they went by. And thus, it marked an end – the end of that golden journey, along with the play itself.

In the third season, Emerson made his debut on Lost, rapidly establishing himself as a regular fixture of the series. He expressed that playing this character was like living out the ideal scenario for an actor specializing in portraying roles.

Up until the show concluded in 2010, he stayed on board, yet Ben’s impact lingers, as his character is frequently hailed as one of the most remarkable TV antagonists ever.

There was an enigma surrounding him, making it difficult to comprehend him. I found this complexity appealing. In my interactions, I often maintain a balanced stance. I appreciate the element of uncertainty and the unknown.

He expresses that his goal is to captivate the crowd, spark their curiosity, leave them questioning a bit. He believes this is an essential part of what he does.

Over time, fresh audiences have discovered the show “Lost”, as it has been added to Netflix streaming service in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Emerson, who’s now known for roles in series like “Evil,” finds it intriguing and thrilling that its popularity remains strong, he muses.

People frequently encounter me on the street, and they’re often the offspring of those who initially watched it when it first aired. Just like their parents back then, they’re equally captivated and enthusiastic about it. It’s possible that the entire family is re-watching it repeatedly.

I’ve come across individuals who engage in that activity. As of now, I haven’t had a chance to watch it post-conclusion, but I believe I should, as it seems everyone is ahead of me in terms of knowledge about it.

I find it challenging to recall specific episode titles, numbers, and lines from memory, much like trying to recollect a dream after waking up. With the flow of time, it feels somewhat surreal and hazy.

A thought just struck me: My time as an actor in Lost felt remarkably similar to being stranded on a remote island myself. Just like the characters in the show, I too embarked on a journey to an unfamiliar island in the heart of the ocean, and experienced extraordinary adventures that seem almost surreal when I reflect upon them today.

It was an incredible opportunity and lucky break that felt like a dream come true for any character actor. Not only did I get a small role initially, but I managed to impress the writers so much that they wanted me to stay on for several episodes. In the end, they kept me around for quite some time.

Lost star Michael Emerson reveals how he feels about controversial ending

He speaks about the influence Ben had on his life: “It gave me a recognizable expression that people see on the street, and this has stayed with me ever since, as it’s long-lasting. It was fantastic. I felt my abilities complemented theirs, and it felt like a wonderful collaboration with the writing team.

“I provided them with ideas for characters and unique traits, and they wrote based on those, creating a continuous cycle. It was incredibly rewarding to see this process unfold.

As a performer, it’s exhilarating for me to be part of numerous tense, tranquil yet perilous sequences alongside talented fellow actors. These are situations where life-or-death scenarios unfolded, high-stakes encounters that kept us on the edge of our seats. Scenes like those with John Locke (Terry O’Quinn) in confined spaces, where uncertainty loomed and the outcome was unpredictable – who would emerge from the room alive. The adrenaline rush I get while performing such scenes is truly indescribable.

Given the trend of remakes, it’s not unthinkable that someone may consider re-creating the series Lost in future years. However, the question remains: would such an attempt be successful?

“It would have to be a really intelligent, different take on everything,” Emerson points out.

This concept might resemble the style of “Lost,” but with its unique twist. Gathering such a cast together again is highly improbable. However, it’s just an idea floating around. It’s an asset; others are free to explore and develop it if they can acquire the rights and demonstrate their creativity with it.

Attempting to surpass the original in 2004 would be quite a challenge due to several factors, one of which is its unique timing. That year marked the emergence of a massive online platform for discussing television shows and related topics, where enthusiastic fans could express their excitement collectively.

I’m unsure if we can recapture the unique charm that particular show possessed, but perhaps another experience or something equally remarkable might take its place.

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2024-09-22 10:34