Following its finale in 2010, co-creator Damon Lindelof’s sci-fi adventure drama series Lost sparked debate and division among fans. Despite being hailed as a groundbreaking show that revolutionized television storytelling, its conclusion left many viewers feeling unsatisfied and even betrayed.
Thus, disappointed with the ending, fans went on to criticize Damon Lindelof for the mess. However, having reached the limit of endurance after three years since the wrap-up, Lindelof seemingly channeled his inner Walter White to defend Lost ending. Unwilling to apologize for the mess he created, as per fans’ conception, Lindelof offered his closure to the dissatisfactory ending of Lost.
Damon Lindelof is Tired of Listening to People Whine About Lost Ending
Although, at its core, the sci-fi TV series Lost was a masterclass in mystery and character development, the ending unfortunately disappointed fans, which went on to spark debate. Even after years since the production ended for Lost in 2010, the wounds of disappointment seemingly lingered, prompting a reevaluation of the show’s legacy.
This residual discontent towards the show led people to criticize Lost’s co-creator Damon Lindelof for years. However, after three years of submitting himself to fans’ humiliation and mockery for his show’s dissatisfactory ending, Lindelof wished for freedom from being beholden to fan expectations in 2013.
Tired of people whining about the finale, Damon Lindelof wrote a piece for THR in 2013, where he revealed finding the power to no longer bow down to fans’ criticism and get over the regret of ruining Lost’s ending, in Vince Gilligan’s Breaking Bad. Channeling his inner Walter White, Lindelof noted that he would no longer be apologetic for the maddening chaos that was caused by the Lost finale.
I am Walter White. Arrogant. Conceited. Selfish. Entitled. Looking for ways to blame everything and everyone but myself, even though it is perfectly clear the situation I find myself in is of my own making.
Drawing parallels to Walter White’s unapologetic nature in the face of criticism, Lindelof conveyed a sense of defiance and ownership over his creative choices in Lost.
Damon Lindelof Channeled His Inner Walter White for a Closure
Despite knowing that fans were upset with the show’s controversial ending, Damon Lindelof got tired of hearing about it after three years and wanted to offer his comeback. Thus, boldly defending Lost’s finale while mirroring the unwavering confidence of Walter White, Lindelof offered his closure to the debate.
Emphasizing his determination to stand by the conclusion of Lost despite the significant discourse surrounding its perceived shortcomings, Damon Lindelof expressed that he has “no apologies” over the finale. Admitting that his show received mixed reception, Lindelof remained steadfast in his defense of the finale, refusing to bow to external pressures or expectations.
I’m sick of myself for continuing to beat this particular drum, so I can’t imagine how sick of it you are. If it’s unpleasant and exhausting for me to keep defending the Lost finale, aren’t you getting tired of hating it? And so… I, like Walter White, want out. To be free. And to grant you the same.
I stand by the Lost finale. It’s the story that we wanted to tell, and we told it. No excuses. No apologies. I look back on it as fondly as I look back on the process of writing the whole show. And while I’ll always care what you think, I can’t be a slave to it anymore. Here’s why: I did it for me. I liked it. I was good at it. And I was really… I was alive.
As the article drew to a close, Damon Lindelof left fans with a parting message where he unapologetically defended the Lost finale. Unwilling to compromise his artistic integrity that birthed the controversial finale for Lost, much like the iconic character of Walter White who inspired him, Lindelof promised to no longer bow down to fans’ pressure.
Lost is available on Disney+