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LOST: Back to the Island: The Complete Critical Companion to The Classic TV Series
Before it premiered in the fall of 2004, LOST looked doomed to be an expensive, disastrous plane crash of a TV show. Instead, LOST was a massive hit, debuting with the biggest audience for a new drama on ABC in over a decade, reaching heights of over 23 million viewers at its peak, and holding on to a hefty fan-base for its entire six-season run. The elements that made the series seem like a boondoggle proved, instead, to be a big part of its appeal. Audiences loved the exotic island setting, became invested in the morally compromised characters, and feverishly tried to unravel the show's many mysteries.
In Back to the Island, TV critics and veteran LOST recappers Emily St. James and Noel Murray revisit what made the show such a success and an object of enduring cultural obsession, twenty years later. Through essays, episode summaries, and cultural analysis, they take us back to the island and examine LOST's lasting impact—and its complicated, sometimes controversial legacy—with a clear-eyed and lively investigation.
For fans of one of the most successful and highly discussed shows in recent memory, Back to the Island is both a delightful time capsule and a rousing work of entertainment criticism.
In Back to the Island, TV critics and veteran LOST recappers Emily St. James and Noel Murray revisit what made the show such a success and an object of enduring cultural obsession, twenty years later. Through essays, episode summaries, and cultural analysis, they take us back to the island and examine LOST's lasting impact—and its complicated, sometimes controversial legacy—with a clear-eyed and lively investigation.
For fans of one of the most successful and highly discussed shows in recent memory, Back to the Island is both a delightful time capsule and a rousing work of entertainment criticism.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2024
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568 people want to read
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September 7, 2024I co-wrote this book, but it counts toward my "read for the year" total because I've read it three times now, back to front.
Anyway, I think it's good.
Anyway, I think it's good.
October 11, 2024
Up until middle school my parents had me under strict rules for television, namely if I was at home I was only allowed to watch PBS affiliated programming. Upon entering middle school that rule was dead and I was able to start exploring what prime time television had to offer. “Lost” soon became my first “adult” show that I watched religiously, talked about with friends/other fans online, etc. To this day it still remains one of the benchmarks I compare all live action TV I watch to. As we’re now at the 20th anniversary of Lost’s debut “Lost: Back to the Island” felt like a good book to read and supplement any re-watches I do.
The book’s content is largely a breakdown of each episode of the series by Emily St. James and Noel Murray, briefly explaining what happens but also what each one does in terms of its centric character(s) and both the overall mythology and production of the show. I appreciated how this ended up exploring why some of the big episodes were so influential while some of the lesser talked about ones are influential/important as well. In some ways I say the book’s focus on recapping the episodes and examining the themes and significance of certain actions instead of doing more about exploring specific BTS “making of” moments (i.e., how they filmed certain stunts) is reminiscent of Lost’s polarizing approach to its mysteries. Maybe I didn’t get those answers but we get some sense of the emotions the show generated which I’m more fine with. We also do get glimpses into the writing process of these episodes at times which I did like. Overall I appreciated a lot of the analysis and some of the assessments of character arcs (i.e., Claire’s treatment by the man who knocked her up could be considered reflective/a premonition of the showrunners’ eventual treatment of her character/arc). There’s also some great overviews about why some storylines work (i.e., Desmond and Penny’s relationship), others while good have their issues (Sun and Jin are great characters but their story is not central to the series’ lore) and others are frustrating (Kate, Jack, and Sawyer's love triangle).
The episode recaps can get a bit repetitive which is why I like how each season of the show/book was broken up by more wide reaching essays about the show’s writing and lingering impacts. Some of these can be disheartening as looking back at the show 20 years later one can see why performers like Harold Perrineau and Evangeline Lilly were frustrated by the writer’s handling of POC and women characters. It’s sobering but I think it's necessary to see where the show fell short on (besides polarizing episodes) as society moves on. Still I do like the look back from older fans to see how Lost’s influence on TV has lasted and how appreciation for it remains. There’s talk about the fan’s reactions, like the talk about the show’s handling of its mysteries, fan misconceptions about the ones that were actually solved and those lingering ones with no answers (although I don’t get the authors' focus on “who was shooting at Locke’s group on the boat in Season 5”, I’m more hung up on the fate of Ben’s childhood friend (girlfriend?)).
That last bit where I contrast with the book's creators brought me back to my high school days of debating WTF happened in the last episode and theorizing what’s to come with my fellow fans. This was especially the case in the analysis of the final and controversial episode, it really did feel like a lively debate about it between the authors. This passage also contains an assessment about the finale/show that matches my own “I don’t want TV to tell me things I already know. I want it to make me feel things I can’t find anywhere else.”
“Lost Back to the Island” will not do anything for anyone who hasn’t seen the show. But for returning Lost fans, it’s got plenty of solid analysis of the show. The authors do have fun with the book in terms of Easter Eggs (i.e., whenever the page numbers get to “The Numbers” the font changes and page 108’s in particular become the Swan Station’s hieroglyphics). As nostalgia grows on this anniversary for one of the biggest shows of the 2000s and a personal favorite of mine, the book really hit the right button (every 108 minutes that is).
The book’s content is largely a breakdown of each episode of the series by Emily St. James and Noel Murray, briefly explaining what happens but also what each one does in terms of its centric character(s) and both the overall mythology and production of the show. I appreciated how this ended up exploring why some of the big episodes were so influential while some of the lesser talked about ones are influential/important as well. In some ways I say the book’s focus on recapping the episodes and examining the themes and significance of certain actions instead of doing more about exploring specific BTS “making of” moments (i.e., how they filmed certain stunts) is reminiscent of Lost’s polarizing approach to its mysteries. Maybe I didn’t get those answers but we get some sense of the emotions the show generated which I’m more fine with. We also do get glimpses into the writing process of these episodes at times which I did like. Overall I appreciated a lot of the analysis and some of the assessments of character arcs (i.e., Claire’s treatment by the man who knocked her up could be considered reflective/a premonition of the showrunners’ eventual treatment of her character/arc). There’s also some great overviews about why some storylines work (i.e., Desmond and Penny’s relationship), others while good have their issues (Sun and Jin are great characters but their story is not central to the series’ lore) and others are frustrating (Kate, Jack, and Sawyer's love triangle).
The episode recaps can get a bit repetitive which is why I like how each season of the show/book was broken up by more wide reaching essays about the show’s writing and lingering impacts. Some of these can be disheartening as looking back at the show 20 years later one can see why performers like Harold Perrineau and Evangeline Lilly were frustrated by the writer’s handling of POC and women characters. It’s sobering but I think it's necessary to see where the show fell short on (besides polarizing episodes) as society moves on. Still I do like the look back from older fans to see how Lost’s influence on TV has lasted and how appreciation for it remains. There’s talk about the fan’s reactions, like the talk about the show’s handling of its mysteries, fan misconceptions about the ones that were actually solved and those lingering ones with no answers (although I don’t get the authors' focus on “who was shooting at Locke’s group on the boat in Season 5”, I’m more hung up on the fate of Ben’s childhood friend (girlfriend?)).
That last bit where I contrast with the book's creators brought me back to my high school days of debating WTF happened in the last episode and theorizing what’s to come with my fellow fans. This was especially the case in the analysis of the final and controversial episode, it really did feel like a lively debate about it between the authors. This passage also contains an assessment about the finale/show that matches my own “I don’t want TV to tell me things I already know. I want it to make me feel things I can’t find anywhere else.”
“Lost Back to the Island” will not do anything for anyone who hasn’t seen the show. But for returning Lost fans, it’s got plenty of solid analysis of the show. The authors do have fun with the book in terms of Easter Eggs (i.e., whenever the page numbers get to “The Numbers” the font changes and page 108’s in particular become the Swan Station’s hieroglyphics). As nostalgia grows on this anniversary for one of the biggest shows of the 2000s and a personal favorite of mine, the book really hit the right button (every 108 minutes that is).
January 7, 2025
Felt like I just rewatched LOST with a couple of close friends. Thanks, Emily and Noel! This made me feel nostalgic for the days when I used to rush online to read both your reviews after the episode had aired! Love from a Syrian Lostie! <3
October 26, 2024
I wanted to like this book infinitely more than I do. Lost is my favorite TV show. I was looking forward to, hopefully, something like a bunch of thoughtful essays on the meaning of the show. Or, basically anything except for what the book actually is, which is a recap of every episode (with a few very short, not very insightful essays.) The content of this book is pretty much the same as the recaps I've read, off and on, since the day after the pilot of the show aired. This might be a good book for someone who is new to the show and has never read any recaps, but not to someone who has been a thinking fan since it first aired.
Thoroughly disappointing.
Thoroughly disappointing.
May 8, 2024
Thanks to Net Galley and Abram’s for the Advanced Digital Copy of Lost: Back to the Island. I can’t wait to rewatch the show and get caught up in the episode guides and all the information. I loved the show because of its unique and flawed characters and the deep meaning in each episode. The book highlights each episode with new insight. I truly appreciated new analysis of deeper meanings in the show. It’s truly timeless. I highly recommend this book to both new and seasoned viewers.
September 30, 2024
If you were a Lost fan and you have a good memories of this show, this is a great read and a book that will take you on a long journey back into what made this show so great. The book is divided into different sections, each focusing on the different season. Each episode has its own mini section, some more fleshed out than others. I really enjoyed this book and would buy for a fan of the show!
September 30, 2024
Having recently finished yet another rewatch of LOST, I was really excited for this book. A deep dive into not only one of my favorite TV shows but favorite stories. A celebration of the twenty years (twenty!) of LOST. I was ready for character essays, theme breakdowns, debates on good and evil, and the recapturing of what it felt like to watch LOST in the moment and contribute to message boards and drunk debates.
And then I met the layout of the book and knew instantly this wasn't going to be the LOST deep dive i hoped for.
Going through the series season by season was a great way to tackle the show. Stating you wouldnt spoil future seasons by doing so was… puzzling. Who is this book for if not for LOST fans?! It’s been twenty years. Who is picking up this book and saying “this is the best way to finally get into this show”?! And that decision costs the book any potential deep dive and exploration.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a good read. There’s a lot of thought put into it but it all felt kind of… surface level? Like it was scared to dive too deeply. I wasn’t looking for a full Doc Jensen like book but would’ve appreciated some of that brilliant thought process and dissection.
The book can be a bit uneven. Reinforcing things both authors speak about in prior chapters to the point where it seems kind of repetitive. I don’t think it was edited particularly well (bunch of errors and some shifts in writing tones).
The beauty of LOST is what of ourselves we find in the castaways and the authors kind of keep us at arms length. Honestly, I’m not even sure who their favorite character(s) were. I know it’s not Jack for reasons that were never deeply explored.
I don’t know, I wanted more and maybe that’s on me. Some of the essays are quite good and it was nice to see the finale mostly appreciated. But… so much was left unexplored. Thought the show deserved a better companion book.
And then I met the layout of the book and knew instantly this wasn't going to be the LOST deep dive i hoped for.
Going through the series season by season was a great way to tackle the show. Stating you wouldnt spoil future seasons by doing so was… puzzling. Who is this book for if not for LOST fans?! It’s been twenty years. Who is picking up this book and saying “this is the best way to finally get into this show”?! And that decision costs the book any potential deep dive and exploration.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a good read. There’s a lot of thought put into it but it all felt kind of… surface level? Like it was scared to dive too deeply. I wasn’t looking for a full Doc Jensen like book but would’ve appreciated some of that brilliant thought process and dissection.
The book can be a bit uneven. Reinforcing things both authors speak about in prior chapters to the point where it seems kind of repetitive. I don’t think it was edited particularly well (bunch of errors and some shifts in writing tones).
The beauty of LOST is what of ourselves we find in the castaways and the authors kind of keep us at arms length. Honestly, I’m not even sure who their favorite character(s) were. I know it’s not Jack for reasons that were never deeply explored.
I don’t know, I wanted more and maybe that’s on me. Some of the essays are quite good and it was nice to see the finale mostly appreciated. But… so much was left unexplored. Thought the show deserved a better companion book.
July 9, 2025
“I don’t want TV to tell me things I already know. I want it to make me feel things I can’t find anywhere else.”
September 20, 2024
Do I need to rewatch Lost?
November 21, 2024
2024--the 20th anniversary of LOST's premiere--was the perfect time to drop these dual essay remembrances from authors Emily St. Jones & Noel Murray. They both absolutely knock it out of the park with some loving (but also fairly pointed/tough at times) analysis of the behemoth series that changed television forever.
When I saw that "Back to the Island" took an episode-by-episode format, I got a little worried. I didn't have time for a full re-watch to "follow along". Fortunately, St. James & Murray immediately assuaged any potential concerns but showing this wasn't just going to be episodic summaries. No, these folks are too well-versed in entertainment & pop culture writing to let that happen. Instead, each episode "review" here uses the basic themes to expand upon what the show was doing on a writers level as well as what it meant for the "big picture". I also really enjoyed the between-season interludes which pulled back and tackled specific topics about the show's lore & legacy.
Overall, this is highly recommended reading for all LOST fans. Whether you follow along per-episode or read it in one fell swoop (as I came close to doing!), the equally expert and entertaining prose here makes the pages fly by. Most certainly how we all "have to go back!"--if we ever really left LOST at all.
When I saw that "Back to the Island" took an episode-by-episode format, I got a little worried. I didn't have time for a full re-watch to "follow along". Fortunately, St. James & Murray immediately assuaged any potential concerns but showing this wasn't just going to be episodic summaries. No, these folks are too well-versed in entertainment & pop culture writing to let that happen. Instead, each episode "review" here uses the basic themes to expand upon what the show was doing on a writers level as well as what it meant for the "big picture". I also really enjoyed the between-season interludes which pulled back and tackled specific topics about the show's lore & legacy.
Overall, this is highly recommended reading for all LOST fans. Whether you follow along per-episode or read it in one fell swoop (as I came close to doing!), the equally expert and entertaining prose here makes the pages fly by. Most certainly how we all "have to go back!"--if we ever really left LOST at all.
October 20, 2024
In the first few pages, Charlie was called the drummer of Drive Shaft. This book has now lost credibility, no pun intended.
December 17, 2024
"I don't want TV to tell me things I already know. I want it to make me feel things I can't find anywhere else."
This line, written by Emily St. James right near the tail-end of this book, describes exactly what I love so much about "Lost." Many TV shows have come close, but none of them have made me feel exactly what I feel while re-watching this series.
"Lost" first aired in the fall of 2004, a little less than a month after my thirteenth birthday. Its finale aired in the spring of 2010, a little less than a month before my high school graduation. I know a big reason I love this show is because I was watching it in real time during very formative years (seriously, it essentially took up my entire adolescence) but even through the many (many, many, many) re-watches I've embarked on as an adult, I discover new things to love about it.
This book is an excellent companion to the show, giving context and criticism to stories and behind-the-scenes incidents. Everyone who is a fan of "Lost," or who has ever considered themselves to be a fan of "Lost" should read it.
Now I want to re-watch it for the dozenth time.
This line, written by Emily St. James right near the tail-end of this book, describes exactly what I love so much about "Lost." Many TV shows have come close, but none of them have made me feel exactly what I feel while re-watching this series.
"Lost" first aired in the fall of 2004, a little less than a month after my thirteenth birthday. Its finale aired in the spring of 2010, a little less than a month before my high school graduation. I know a big reason I love this show is because I was watching it in real time during very formative years (seriously, it essentially took up my entire adolescence) but even through the many (many, many, many) re-watches I've embarked on as an adult, I discover new things to love about it.
This book is an excellent companion to the show, giving context and criticism to stories and behind-the-scenes incidents. Everyone who is a fan of "Lost," or who has ever considered themselves to be a fan of "Lost" should read it.
Now I want to re-watch it for the dozenth time.
January 4, 2025
I was so excited for this book about my favorite show, and read just after my 6th rewatch
4.5 stars for the Emily St. James segments of this book, a very upsetting 2.5 stars for the Noel Murray segments
Emily offered insightful, timely essays about the episodes and the greater themes of Lost! I could tell how much she knew and cared about the show, and made sure to highlight important themes through the episodes. Her focus on the treatment of the female characters, especially Kate, and the POC stories, like Michael and the Kwons!
Noel, on the other hand, missed a lot of the big moments, the broad connection pieces, and wrote sections full of simple errors- Charlie was the bassist, not the drummer; Fredric Lehne not Fredric Lane; New Otherton/Dharmaville/Barracks not just plain Otherton; and the biggest offense to me was saying about The End that Sayid and Kate weren’t friends- like those two were the best friends of seasons 1-3, the voices of reason between the Jack/Sawyer and Jack/Locke debates
The cool things to spot as a Lost fan are the page numbers for the Numbers pages :)
4.5 stars for the Emily St. James segments of this book, a very upsetting 2.5 stars for the Noel Murray segments
Emily offered insightful, timely essays about the episodes and the greater themes of Lost! I could tell how much she knew and cared about the show, and made sure to highlight important themes through the episodes. Her focus on the treatment of the female characters, especially Kate, and the POC stories, like Michael and the Kwons!
Noel, on the other hand, missed a lot of the big moments, the broad connection pieces, and wrote sections full of simple errors- Charlie was the bassist, not the drummer; Fredric Lehne not Fredric Lane; New Otherton/Dharmaville/Barracks not just plain Otherton; and the biggest offense to me was saying about The End that Sayid and Kate weren’t friends- like those two were the best friends of seasons 1-3, the voices of reason between the Jack/Sawyer and Jack/Locke debates
The cool things to spot as a Lost fan are the page numbers for the Numbers pages :)
Read
September 29, 2024“But if I’m being honest? When it comes to LOST, I was always a Locke. It was never that hard for me to believe.”
Revering the television program LOST the way I do is the closest I will ever get to understanding religion like as a concept
🗣️ DESTINY, JOHN, IS A FICKLE BITCH
🗣️IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG, DESMUND HUME WILL BE MY CONSTANT
🗣️ NO, JOHN, UNFORTUNATELY WE DON’T HAVE A CODE FOR ‘THERE IS A MAN IN MY CLOSET WITH A GUN TO MY DAUGHTER’S HEAD’ …ALTHOUGH OBVIOUSLY SHOULD
🗣️ JACK, I WISH YOU HAD BELIEVED ME — JL
🗣️ IT ONLY ENDS ONCE. ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS BEFORE THAT IS JUST PROGRESS
🗣️ THIS IS THE PLACE THAT YOU ALL MADE TOGETHER SO YOU COULD FIND ONE ANOTHER
Revering the television program LOST the way I do is the closest I will ever get to understanding religion like as a concept
🗣️ DESTINY, JOHN, IS A FICKLE BITCH
🗣️IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG, DESMUND HUME WILL BE MY CONSTANT
🗣️ NO, JOHN, UNFORTUNATELY WE DON’T HAVE A CODE FOR ‘THERE IS A MAN IN MY CLOSET WITH A GUN TO MY DAUGHTER’S HEAD’ …ALTHOUGH OBVIOUSLY SHOULD
🗣️ JACK, I WISH YOU HAD BELIEVED ME — JL
🗣️ IT ONLY ENDS ONCE. ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS BEFORE THAT IS JUST PROGRESS
🗣️ THIS IS THE PLACE THAT YOU ALL MADE TOGETHER SO YOU COULD FIND ONE ANOTHER
October 27, 2024
I really loved this book. When I took it out of the library I thought I’d probably just skim it but I ended up reading the entire thing. I loved the show Lost but I don’t remember a lot of the details so this was really a great nostalgia trip down memory lane but also contained some fun surprises. I really enjoyed the structure (short summaries of every episode with longer summaries and essays interspersed) and it really kept my interest the entire way through. I could have done without some of the focus on identity politics (which seemed pretty misplaced tbh) but it was only a marginal part of the book. If you loved the show Lost you will love this book.
April 7, 2025
One of the most insightful, thoughtful and joyful books about a TV series that I’ve read! I definitely recommend it to any and all fans of “Lost”, but also to those interested in prevailing trends and styles seen in network television dramas of the early to mid 2000’s. I loved reading this book on “Lost” almost as much as I wholeheartedly love the TV show itself!
November 12, 2024
Nephew Colin,
This book is for people that have a Lost Tattoo. Like me. If you do not have a Lost Tattoo, you 1. Probably aren't going to read this book 2. Would not enjoy, or even understand this book.
Aunt Amanda
This book is for people that have a Lost Tattoo. Like me. If you do not have a Lost Tattoo, you 1. Probably aren't going to read this book 2. Would not enjoy, or even understand this book.
Aunt Amanda
January 6, 2025
This is a podcast in book form. By that I mean it has all of the problems of a boring podcast, uninteresting sidebars, too much personal information about the hosts, uninsightful chatting. If you're a Lost fan, don't waste your time.
April 27, 2025
Finished this several months ago while on a rewatch of LOST. It was a trusty companion with some hot takes and helpful context on what was going on behind the scenes while the show was still in production. If you’re considering a rewatch or a first watch, take this along!
November 15, 2024
I love LOST and I encourage everyone to get into the show.
However, I was expecting a more in depth analysis on the show, rather than mostly a recap, though I had a fun read. It was almost like rewatching the show in my brain in a MUCHH shorter time compared to watching it on tv.
GO WATCH LOST.
WE HAVE TO GO BACK
However, I was expecting a more in depth analysis on the show, rather than mostly a recap, though I had a fun read. It was almost like rewatching the show in my brain in a MUCHH shorter time compared to watching it on tv.
GO WATCH LOST.
WE HAVE TO GO BACK
Read
October 10, 2024They lost me as soon as they said Charlie was the drummer in Drive Shaft.
November 10, 2024
My relationship to the TV show Lost is complicated. My wife and I watched it weekly from its beginning in 2004. I'd look up online fan theories and we'd discuss the show together. But she died of cancer near the end of Season 4. I finished the series on my own. Lost was already getting weird in Season 4, once the network had agreed that it would end after six seasons and the showrunners went all in on the mystical, fantastical explanations for the Island's many mysteries. I suspect my wife would have dropped the show in Season 5 and I'd have finished it on my own anyway.
I have fond, if somewhat vague, memories of Lost. I found it on one of my streaming services and re-watched Season 1 or year or so ago. So when I saw this new book, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the show's debut with reviews and critiques of every episode, I had to read it.
The focus of the book is the show's plot and characters, with some discussions of major themes (like, so many characters had daddy issues!). Authors Emily St James and Noel Murray watched and critiqued Lost back in the day and are fans themselves, but they don't shy away from pointing out bad episodes and inconsistent character development. They also address accusations of misogyny and racism against the showrunners and writers and how that backstage behaviour affected the show's plot and characters (the most prominent characters were white men, as were most of the show's writers).
Each season gets an opening and closing essay. Each episode gets its own chapter (although some season finales, which were aired as two-parters or even three-parters, get a single chapter each). Most episode chapters contain a very short synopsis of the episode's plot and a brief writeup of what was significant about that episode (whether significantly good, significantly bad, or significantly indifferent). 40 of 121 episodes get a longer essay if St. James and Murray think those episodes are pivotal to the show's plot or appeal.
The book concludes with an essay that is presented as a conversation between the two authors about Lost's legacy and impact on TV and culture generally. Love it, hate it, or never watched it, they make the case that Lost had an effect on much that came after it, from The Walking Dead to This is Us (both of which I have watched or am in the middle of watching). Its cast and crew have also gone on to many other projects, and I have to admit to a certain anticipation when I see a Lost name in the credits of another show or movie.
Although the book tries not to reveal everything that happened on the show, it's impossible to avoid all spoilers. If you've never watched Lost and you're interested in this book, I think you need to watch the show first. If you don't, not only will you spoil some of the surprises that await you, but you probably won't understand much of the discussion in this book, especially in the later seasons.
This is not a "making of" book. There is very little in terms of how the show was made, special effects. etc.
The years when Lost was on were, for me the best of times and the worst of times. In some ways, it's going to be hard to return to the Island, but I've already started Season 2, with this book by my side, to take the whole journey over again. I know it won't be the same, but I've "got to go back!"
I have fond, if somewhat vague, memories of Lost. I found it on one of my streaming services and re-watched Season 1 or year or so ago. So when I saw this new book, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the show's debut with reviews and critiques of every episode, I had to read it.
The focus of the book is the show's plot and characters, with some discussions of major themes (like, so many characters had daddy issues!). Authors Emily St James and Noel Murray watched and critiqued Lost back in the day and are fans themselves, but they don't shy away from pointing out bad episodes and inconsistent character development. They also address accusations of misogyny and racism against the showrunners and writers and how that backstage behaviour affected the show's plot and characters (the most prominent characters were white men, as were most of the show's writers).
Each season gets an opening and closing essay. Each episode gets its own chapter (although some season finales, which were aired as two-parters or even three-parters, get a single chapter each). Most episode chapters contain a very short synopsis of the episode's plot and a brief writeup of what was significant about that episode (whether significantly good, significantly bad, or significantly indifferent). 40 of 121 episodes get a longer essay if St. James and Murray think those episodes are pivotal to the show's plot or appeal.
The book concludes with an essay that is presented as a conversation between the two authors about Lost's legacy and impact on TV and culture generally. Love it, hate it, or never watched it, they make the case that Lost had an effect on much that came after it, from The Walking Dead to This is Us (both of which I have watched or am in the middle of watching). Its cast and crew have also gone on to many other projects, and I have to admit to a certain anticipation when I see a Lost name in the credits of another show or movie.
Although the book tries not to reveal everything that happened on the show, it's impossible to avoid all spoilers. If you've never watched Lost and you're interested in this book, I think you need to watch the show first. If you don't, not only will you spoil some of the surprises that await you, but you probably won't understand much of the discussion in this book, especially in the later seasons.
This is not a "making of" book. There is very little in terms of how the show was made, special effects. etc.
The years when Lost was on were, for me the best of times and the worst of times. In some ways, it's going to be hard to return to the Island, but I've already started Season 2, with this book by my side, to take the whole journey over again. I know it won't be the same, but I've "got to go back!"
August 10, 2025
Really appreciated all the thoughtful analysis and remembrances. I’m about to do that thing I don’t like and haven’t figured out how to stop doing, where I briefly say something is great before talking at length about the bit that bothered me. And yet.
I appreciated the callouts to the show’s racism. I do wish tho they had gotten into the finale’s anti-Black racism specifically, where Michael, Walt, and Mr. Eko are all absent, as well as Ana Lucia. While if memory serves Mr. Eko’s actor declined the invite, the rest were not invited. In the show’s mythos they were “unforgiven” or irredeemable or simply just not viewed as important as characters like Libby, Boone, and Charlotte, all of whom had less to do with the overall show than the excluded characters. That was an intentional choice by the creators. That still stings all these years later.
The interesting thing is, the epilogue episode “The New Man in Charge,” does make an overture to resolving some of this! Which bears mention, since I rarely see shows apologize. In the epilogue, Ben goes to Walt to tell him that they need his help to save Michael. It’s a very “we hear you” moment from a show batting off a lot of criticism after its final hour had already passed. I find that kind of amazing! It does not *at all* unfuck things up, but it does try to apply pressure to a wound.
Anyway, delightful book that makes me want to revisit the show. I used to be chilly on this show for years after it ended, and like a lot of ppl I felt totally unmoored by S6. S5 had been my favorite season yet, and much like one of this book’s writers I do somewhat wish they had just said “hey! Aliens did it, the island was a spaceship, the end.” But after watching The Good Place and seeing so many overt references to Lost, and as much was said in interviews with Schur and TGP’s creators, I began to reevaluate Lost. Particularly since the finales to GOT, BSG, TWD, and other water cooler shows had been significantly fucking worse. It is possible to end a show well, I’ll happily point to the series finales of B5, Six Feet Under, Evangelion, Twin Peaks: The Return, Deadwood: The Movie, and so on. But I also look at something like Attack on Titan’s finale, which was more mid than bad, and rly admire Lost for taking big swings all throughout that season. AOT’s finale shied away from taking the big swings it needed to at the end to make the points it was trying to make.
I appreciated the callouts to the show’s racism. I do wish tho they had gotten into the finale’s anti-Black racism specifically, where Michael, Walt, and Mr. Eko are all absent, as well as Ana Lucia. While if memory serves Mr. Eko’s actor declined the invite, the rest were not invited. In the show’s mythos they were “unforgiven” or irredeemable or simply just not viewed as important as characters like Libby, Boone, and Charlotte, all of whom had less to do with the overall show than the excluded characters. That was an intentional choice by the creators. That still stings all these years later.
The interesting thing is, the epilogue episode “The New Man in Charge,” does make an overture to resolving some of this! Which bears mention, since I rarely see shows apologize. In the epilogue, Ben goes to Walt to tell him that they need his help to save Michael. It’s a very “we hear you” moment from a show batting off a lot of criticism after its final hour had already passed. I find that kind of amazing! It does not *at all* unfuck things up, but it does try to apply pressure to a wound.
Anyway, delightful book that makes me want to revisit the show. I used to be chilly on this show for years after it ended, and like a lot of ppl I felt totally unmoored by S6. S5 had been my favorite season yet, and much like one of this book’s writers I do somewhat wish they had just said “hey! Aliens did it, the island was a spaceship, the end.” But after watching The Good Place and seeing so many overt references to Lost, and as much was said in interviews with Schur and TGP’s creators, I began to reevaluate Lost. Particularly since the finales to GOT, BSG, TWD, and other water cooler shows had been significantly fucking worse. It is possible to end a show well, I’ll happily point to the series finales of B5, Six Feet Under, Evangelion, Twin Peaks: The Return, Deadwood: The Movie, and so on. But I also look at something like Attack on Titan’s finale, which was more mid than bad, and rly admire Lost for taking big swings all throughout that season. AOT’s finale shied away from taking the big swings it needed to at the end to make the points it was trying to make.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2024
There is some quality writing in here. there is significantly more mediocre or pointless writing here. Most of this stems from the choice to make this book into a glorified episode descriptions list, like you find on the inserts of tv dvds. The choice to make 95% of the writing in this book descriptions of the plot of every single episode with only minimal critical analysis doomed any potential greatness of this book to second I opened it to the contents page. It's not just that it is repetitive, which it is, but it makes most of the criticism really shallow. The individual chapters are split between the two authors of the book and Emily St. James's sections almost universally were better than those written by Noel Murray. Goodwill for the book is generated from the fact that there is such an deep and ongoing love for Lost that simply revisiting it at all brings love, regardless of the writing and thoughts presented in the book.
One last thing that had to be one of the most perplexing decisions in the books structure. Why write the entries as almost entirely spoiler free. In what world do they believe any significant portion of their reading audience would not already be totally familiar with the show this book is alleged to be doing a critical deep dive into.
One last thing that had to be one of the most perplexing decisions in the books structure. Why write the entries as almost entirely spoiler free. In what world do they believe any significant portion of their reading audience would not already be totally familiar with the show this book is alleged to be doing a critical deep dive into.
December 1, 2024
Tried and true LOST-a-phile (watched through, I think 5 times), I was, of course, looking forward to this book. And sure, it was really entertaining going through each episode; I can't say I didn't enjoy it.
However, the authors really shoot themselves in the foot with this. The claim is that these are "essays" and that they don't intend to contain any spoilers...then proceed to contain all the spoilers. So much so that the final 1/3 of the entire book is filled with episodic plot summaries rather than any rhetorical insights. Because they make a feigning attempt to not spoil the plot, the writing is weird and a bit vague (not the fun LOST kind) and since they go ahead and provide spoilers anyway....??
Like, who else is going to read this book other than people who love and have already seen LOST?
There was also a lot of type-setting errors in this version: missing punctuation, some season headings with black pages preceding, some not. It really just seems like no one worked really hard on the production of the book.
The St. James sections were by and far better written and interesting. And some of the LOST easter egg stuff was fun (the page NUMBERS!), but this could have been done better.
However, the authors really shoot themselves in the foot with this. The claim is that these are "essays" and that they don't intend to contain any spoilers...then proceed to contain all the spoilers. So much so that the final 1/3 of the entire book is filled with episodic plot summaries rather than any rhetorical insights. Because they make a feigning attempt to not spoil the plot, the writing is weird and a bit vague (not the fun LOST kind) and since they go ahead and provide spoilers anyway....??
Like, who else is going to read this book other than people who love and have already seen LOST?
There was also a lot of type-setting errors in this version: missing punctuation, some season headings with black pages preceding, some not. It really just seems like no one worked really hard on the production of the book.
The St. James sections were by and far better written and interesting. And some of the LOST easter egg stuff was fun (the page NUMBERS!), but this could have been done better.
October 4, 2025
As a LOST fan, I've found the book enjoyable but a bit basic in its critical approach. The analysis of characters and themes was interesting but didn't go deep enough for my taste. The analysis of the show's structure and genres it borrowed from was a lot better, as were the additional essays at the end of each season, looking at various LOST-related topics that expanded the scope of the book.
Ultimately, I feel like the book's biggest problem lies at its very heart: it was conceived as a companion book to the TV show, and that means it has to cater to an implied reader that is watching the show for the first time (e.g. avoiding spoilers). Unfortunately, this means that certain themes can't be explored fully because to do so would mean spoiling future plot points - and so some essays just turn into mini-summaries of their respective episodes with little in the way of analysis. This hurts the arguably most interesting aspects of the book. Especially since, let's be honest here, how many people are watching LOST for the first time 20 years after the show has ended (and how many of those would buy this book anyway)? I wish this book was written with hardcore fans in mind, if only because they're the ones most likely to pick this book in the first place. Alas.
Ultimately, I feel like the book's biggest problem lies at its very heart: it was conceived as a companion book to the TV show, and that means it has to cater to an implied reader that is watching the show for the first time (e.g. avoiding spoilers). Unfortunately, this means that certain themes can't be explored fully because to do so would mean spoiling future plot points - and so some essays just turn into mini-summaries of their respective episodes with little in the way of analysis. This hurts the arguably most interesting aspects of the book. Especially since, let's be honest here, how many people are watching LOST for the first time 20 years after the show has ended (and how many of those would buy this book anyway)? I wish this book was written with hardcore fans in mind, if only because they're the ones most likely to pick this book in the first place. Alas.
January 9, 2025
I picked this book up from the library. It’s a commentary on the tv show lost. This was kind of a slow read for me, but it critically assessed most episodes and gave context for the show in it’s time and place on culture. I didn’t watch seasons 2-3. Honestly, the first episode I ever watched was 2/14/2008 when will invited me to join him in a watch party and it was my first introduction to his friend group (and there were watch party rules, which included no asking questions- which was tough for someone who had no context!). As part of our dating, I watched more episodes with will. His roommates had a lost puzzle (with no guide) that we worked on for our first date. When we were newlyweds on our honeymoon, will and I watched an episode in our hotel room (3/4/2009). When we lived in NC, we watched the show with our small group. This show had a controversial ending, I enjoyed this book- if you had lost as a part of your late 2000s culture you might enjoy this read as well!
October 22, 2024
Obviously we have to go back!
I really enjoyed this “critical companion”, featuring an episode-by-episode flashback to Lost. My only quibbles would be that several of the episodic reviews and essays were a bit repetitive to each other as the joint authors independently came to the same conclusion, and that the episodic structure meant there wasn’t much room to touch on some topics. Giacchino’s score deserved an essay!! Finally, worrying about spoilers during the inter-season essays felt wasteful. I’d rather have not wasted the space on dancing around topics.
That said, don’t get me wrong, I deeply enjoyed this read. I particularly loved the spotlight on where Lost went wrong (ie its treatment of women, PoC); I imagine it’s all too easy to get stuck in nostalgia-mode and gloss over this stuff. Strongly recommended for Losties, lapsed and present.
I really enjoyed this “critical companion”, featuring an episode-by-episode flashback to Lost. My only quibbles would be that several of the episodic reviews and essays were a bit repetitive to each other as the joint authors independently came to the same conclusion, and that the episodic structure meant there wasn’t much room to touch on some topics. Giacchino’s score deserved an essay!! Finally, worrying about spoilers during the inter-season essays felt wasteful. I’d rather have not wasted the space on dancing around topics.
That said, don’t get me wrong, I deeply enjoyed this read. I particularly loved the spotlight on where Lost went wrong (ie its treatment of women, PoC); I imagine it’s all too easy to get stuck in nostalgia-mode and gloss over this stuff. Strongly recommended for Losties, lapsed and present.
November 1, 2024
Sometimes I see books like this about other, better shows like The Sopranos or Mad Men or Breaking Bad, and I cannot imagine that those are very good. I assume that every chapter just says something like "The next episode was also very good."
LOST was different though, because there were too many episodes and it was lumpy and confusing. It also had the message that if your dad was mean, you should either kill him or wait for him to die and turn into a ghost who would bring all your friends to heaven. It was a show with a lot of meathead elements, is what I mean, and yet it also had a number of compelling and cool elements. All of that makes it very well suited to this kind of book, and the authors of this one do a great job to guide you through all the different parts.
LOST was different though, because there were too many episodes and it was lumpy and confusing. It also had the message that if your dad was mean, you should either kill him or wait for him to die and turn into a ghost who would bring all your friends to heaven. It was a show with a lot of meathead elements, is what I mean, and yet it also had a number of compelling and cool elements. All of that makes it very well suited to this kind of book, and the authors of this one do a great job to guide you through all the different parts.
November 26, 2024
This book is essentially a collection of short essays/recaps of each episode, serving as a fun way to re-experience the series with some critical examination sprinkled throughout. It is not, by any means, a deep dive into Lost lore (Lostpedia is good for that) or a thorough examination of how the show was produced.
If this sounds appealing to you, know that the essays in this volume do a nice job of mixing recap with a sense of how the overarching narrative and themes of Lost develop season by season. Add in a dash of extra-textual info here and there (this season was shortened by the writers strike, this episode aired after a three week hiatus, etc) and you have a insightful, fun, if slightly breezy journey back through the wonders of Lost.
If this sounds appealing to you, know that the essays in this volume do a nice job of mixing recap with a sense of how the overarching narrative and themes of Lost develop season by season. Add in a dash of extra-textual info here and there (this season was shortened by the writers strike, this episode aired after a three week hiatus, etc) and you have a insightful, fun, if slightly breezy journey back through the wonders of Lost.
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