LOST & Found

              Nearly eight months after its mind-blowing season finale, LOST is back! Infamous for its use of flashbacks, the LOST finale featured a flash-forward, where viewers got their first glimpse of viewer favorites, Jack and Kate, post-island. Now three episodes into Season 4, I am overwhelmed by how incredibly thought-provoking, entertaining, and smart LOST is. Much of this can be credited to the mastermind writers behind LOST including TV vet, J.J. Abrams, Jeffrey Lieber and Damon Lindelof. Not only is the writing multi-faceted, but its clever, often mixing pop culture, religious, and psychological references. There are always multiple mysteries and for every answer we get 20 more questions. While it’s increasingly frustrating to be a LOST fan, I have never felt more involved and excited by a television show. I desperately want to know what will happen to the plane crash survivors after three years of being stuck on a not-so-deserted island! I am captivated by the thematic depth of the show. LOST tends to be considered an “island show”, with non-viewers comparing it to Survivor, but that could not be further from the truth. With themes ranging from morality, nature vs. nurture, spirituality, and the power of sacrifice, the program proves its substance. In order to keep their audiences engrossed and alleviate some of the confusion from complex plots, ABC began some cross-media interactive aspects to LOST. This new aspect of television is transforming the show and only adding to its hype.            

             One way in which interactive elements were featured in LOST was during the first new episode of the current season. The episode was followed by new show called Eli Stone. In an attempt to have strong premiere ratings for Eli Stone, viewers of LOST were told to tune into the program for a very special commercial from Oceanic Airlines, which is the fictional airline for Oceanic 815, the LOST plane that crashed. The commercial, disguised as a promotion for Oceanic Golden Compass, was really a way to promote a virtual reality LOST game. The commercial featuring a flight attendant, is interrupted when Sam Thomas, a man searching for his wife who was on Flight 815, exclaims “You can’t trust these people. We found Flight 815.” While Sam is talking, the website http://flyoceanicair.com  flashes on the screen. When you access that link you see a longer version of the commercial and then you are directed to http://www.find815.com where you can access the interactive game. Not only does this game provide LOST viewers with a direct connection to the show, when you reach the end of the game, fans also gain secrets to upcoming episodes. Below is the Oceanic Airlines commercial…              

           A truly incredible aspect of LOST is how engaged people are with the program. Many fans, often nicknamed “Losties” or “Lostaways” analyze every moment of the show. Many fan sites highlight images and videos in slow motion to help loyal fans identify hidden meanings and characters. Recently, viewers were introduced to four new characters that landed a helicopter on the island in what was thought to be a rescue attempt. In true LOST fashion, these mysterious strangers are really out for revenge. In a flashback, Frank, the pilot of the helicopter, is seen watching coverage of the Oceanic 815 recovery. Across the bottom of the screen, is a telephone number to call to get information about the recovery efforts. While this detail seems so minute, LOST fans know that every aspect of the show is there for a reason. A friend of mine immediately called the number and we were not surprised when it worked! When you call 1-888-548-0034, you get a recording saying you have reached the Oceanic 815 hotline. A woman goes on to say that there is no further information about crash 815 and to contact your accident coordinator if you have specific questions. Not only does having a working phone number show how LOST producers and writers appreciate the fans, it also helps fans to feel connected to the show. In their minds, they are calling a phone number that characters on the television show are calling. They are living this “imaginary plane crash”; LOST is their show!                                    

            Each of these interactive aspects, along with an official magazine, books, blogs, (my favorite is thelostdiary.com), and even a video/computer game called LOST: Via Domus, to be released later this month, have extended the franchise of LOST. What started out as a television show quickly became a phenomenon spread across multiple media channels. Every aspect of LOST is well thought-out and crucial that viewers cannot help but embrace the mystery and suspense of the series. Though frustrated and confused on a weekly basis, LOST fans trust that the writers will continue to engage us, and perhaps provide us with some of the answers that we have been patiently waiting for. Assignment 3