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1. Christian and Jack/Jack Remembers
After a week and a half, we finally arrive at my favorite scene of the finale – and it’s likely not much of a surprise.
Following this scene, I think anybody who argues that this show wasn’t about Jack’s journey is either too biased or simply in denial. Consider the fact that the entire latter part of the finale focused almost entirely on instigating Jack’s enlightenment. And that’s also why I so enjoyed Jack’s “remembering” scene. While other characters had flashes of their loved ones (Sawyer and Juliet, the Kwons, Hurley, Sayid, etc.) and some had memories of significant moments (Locke), Jack had a series of recollections that included each of the central characters. Check on Claire. Saving Rose. Rescuing Charlie. Protecting Hurley. Conversing with Locke. Staring down Sawyer. Finally, the memories honed in on Kate and the love they shared. But the point was clear: Jack had touched the lives of each and every one of the Flight 815 survivors, and they made a lasting impression on him as well. Like Christian would say moments later, Jack needed all of them, and they need him too. And just as an aside, the musical score that plays during these enlightenment scenes is absolutely phenomenal. Beautiful stuff.
I also appreciated the fact that Christian’s casket – a bit of an albatross around Jack’s neck – was what forced Jack to remember the island. One could argue that Jack’s search for his father, only to find an empty casket, led to the first great island discovery. As such, it was fitting that a nearly identical scene paved the way to the climax of the finale.
For much of the series I’ve theorized (as many have) that the ghost of Christian Shephard was actually a manifestation of the Smoke Monster. However, after we learned that Smokey was “stuck” being Locke, I began to question this theory. If the Smoke Monster could only appear as Locke, that would imply that we’ve seen the last of Christian. And after playing such a significant role over the prior five years, I had a hard time accepting that he’d be written off so casually. So I was rather thrilled to see Christian’s spirit return in the final moments of this episode, to guide Jack as he made a difficult and painful discovery. And while this is likely to become my catchphrase after this list, I absolutely loved the tone of the scene. Christian, normally so harsh and cold, was gentle and caring. I loved the way Christian asked Jack, “How are you here?” The way he sighs right before he says it, realizing that his son is about to make a grim discovery. And then when he sympathetically nods his head, tenderly prodding his son to verbalize what he already knows. Finally, when Jack says, “I died too,” Christian assures him that “it’s okay” before giving him a big hug.
For what it’s worth, I also loved the way Jack expressed his emotions. One can only imagine how difficult it would be to come to the realization that you have died. And Jack goes through various stages when he makes this discovery. The most powerful moment for me, though, is when he begins to break down and cry. Perhaps Jack is thinking of the life he left behind. Or the opportunities he’ll never have. Or the fact that he never got to grow old with the woman he loves. Whatever was going through Jack’s head, it was a profound feeling of loss. And there his father was, gently comforting and supporting him. And the moment was nicely accentuated by an exchange of “I love you,” something we’ve never heard from the Shephard men.
I also appreciated Christian’s playful chuckle after Jack asks if he’s real. It helped lighten the mood significantly, which was important considering the explanation that was forthcoming. It was an undeniably powerful scene, but the levity allowed it to steady its pace.
And just like I said regarding the episode’s final scene, I really enjoyed the fact that this reunion was completely devoid of any bitterness or anger. Instead, it was just a beautiful, loving scene between father and son. And honestly, that’s a far more satisfying conclusion to the significant Jack/Christian story arc than any vengeful confrontation would have been.
After a week and a half, we finally arrive at my favorite scene of the finale – and it’s likely not much of a surprise.
Following this scene, I think anybody who argues that this show wasn’t about Jack’s journey is either too biased or simply in denial. Consider the fact that the entire latter part of the finale focused almost entirely on instigating Jack’s enlightenment. And that’s also why I so enjoyed Jack’s “remembering” scene. While other characters had flashes of their loved ones (Sawyer and Juliet, the Kwons, Hurley, Sayid, etc.) and some had memories of significant moments (Locke), Jack had a series of recollections that included each of the central characters. Check on Claire. Saving Rose. Rescuing Charlie. Protecting Hurley. Conversing with Locke. Staring down Sawyer. Finally, the memories honed in on Kate and the love they shared. But the point was clear: Jack had touched the lives of each and every one of the Flight 815 survivors, and they made a lasting impression on him as well. Like Christian would say moments later, Jack needed all of them, and they need him too. And just as an aside, the musical score that plays during these enlightenment scenes is absolutely phenomenal. Beautiful stuff.
I also appreciated the fact that Christian’s casket – a bit of an albatross around Jack’s neck – was what forced Jack to remember the island. One could argue that Jack’s search for his father, only to find an empty casket, led to the first great island discovery. As such, it was fitting that a nearly identical scene paved the way to the climax of the finale.
For much of the series I’ve theorized (as many have) that the ghost of Christian Shephard was actually a manifestation of the Smoke Monster. However, after we learned that Smokey was “stuck” being Locke, I began to question this theory. If the Smoke Monster could only appear as Locke, that would imply that we’ve seen the last of Christian. And after playing such a significant role over the prior five years, I had a hard time accepting that he’d be written off so casually. So I was rather thrilled to see Christian’s spirit return in the final moments of this episode, to guide Jack as he made a difficult and painful discovery. And while this is likely to become my catchphrase after this list, I absolutely loved the tone of the scene. Christian, normally so harsh and cold, was gentle and caring. I loved the way Christian asked Jack, “How are you here?” The way he sighs right before he says it, realizing that his son is about to make a grim discovery. And then when he sympathetically nods his head, tenderly prodding his son to verbalize what he already knows. Finally, when Jack says, “I died too,” Christian assures him that “it’s okay” before giving him a big hug.
For what it’s worth, I also loved the way Jack expressed his emotions. One can only imagine how difficult it would be to come to the realization that you have died. And Jack goes through various stages when he makes this discovery. The most powerful moment for me, though, is when he begins to break down and cry. Perhaps Jack is thinking of the life he left behind. Or the opportunities he’ll never have. Or the fact that he never got to grow old with the woman he loves. Whatever was going through Jack’s head, it was a profound feeling of loss. And there his father was, gently comforting and supporting him. And the moment was nicely accentuated by an exchange of “I love you,” something we’ve never heard from the Shephard men.
I also appreciated Christian’s playful chuckle after Jack asks if he’s real. It helped lighten the mood significantly, which was important considering the explanation that was forthcoming. It was an undeniably powerful scene, but the levity allowed it to steady its pace.
And just like I said regarding the episode’s final scene, I really enjoyed the fact that this reunion was completely devoid of any bitterness or anger. Instead, it was just a beautiful, loving scene between father and son. And honestly, that’s a far more satisfying conclusion to the significant Jack/Christian story arc than any vengeful confrontation would have been.
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