I ran across Todd Hertz the week before LA X when I found his site ThinkChristian.net. Todd is also one of the LOST bloggers for Christianity Today. His insights into connections between faith and culture are well worth your read and I hope you will check out some of his stuff. After you read his answers, I think you will agree!Q: How long have you been watching Lost? If you’ve been watching since the pilot, can you remember your initial reaction to it?
A. I remember all the billboards and commercials about this weird show on an island—and the hobbit saying, “Guys, where ARE we?” I honestly didn’t think it’d be a show I would like. It looked too by-the-numbers and soap opera-esque, but I was into Alias and would give anything from J.J. a shot. I watched the pilot and thought it was just okay. It interested me but didn’t blow me away. I thought I’d give it a few episodes.
Q: How did Lost get its polar bear claws into you? What about it got you hooked?
A. John Locke’s “Walkabout” episode sealed the deal for me. Until seeing it, I was only lukewarm. By the time Locke’s secret was revealed at the end of the episode, I was a die-hard. I loved the storytelling, the gravitas, and the strength of this character.
Q: Favorite character?
A. Even though he has changed so much and is not himself anymore, I always say Locke. I found him to be the most interesting, sympathetic and dynamic character. I think a lot of my affection is due to the great Terry O’Quinn. I also really like Hurley, Juliet and Richard Alpert.
Q: Least favorite character?
A. Michael. The guy drove me crazy. I also never had any interest in Shannon’s character.
Q: Favorite episode or season?
A. “The Incident”
Q: Least favorite episode or season?
A.Is it too cliché to say the Bai Ling episode, “Stranger in a Strange Land?”
Q: Are you Team Jack or Team Locke?
A. Hmm, the team lines seem so blurry now. Back when they were opposed and forming their own camp, I always sided with Team Locke but I’ve grown to like Jack so much more in the last season—I guess as his faith and belief have grown.
Q: If you had to be one of the following, which would it be and why: an 815 survivor, an Other or a member of the Dharma Initiative?
A. Dharma is enticing until you remember the whole genocide part and so, I’d say an Other. From what we understand now, they serve Jacob, protect the island and are part of a very real good vs. evil confrontation.
Q: Which character’s demise were you most upset to see happening?
A. Eko. I felt there was a lot of story left to tell and his character was so different than anyone else on the show.
Q: Tell us a bit about your website ThinkChristian.net and a little bit about the spiritual connections you write about concerning LOST.
A. ThinkChristian.net is a collaborative Christian blog that talks about faith, culture, and any other topic that has an impact on faith and the way Christians relate to the world around us. Since becoming a regular contributor, I’ve mainly written about culture—and since about 97 percent of my brain is consumed with Lost, the show tends to be a frequent muse for me both on ThinkChristian.net and Christianity Today’s Movies & TV blog, where I am one of four Lost bloggers. I don’t so much write on theories or predictions but more on the biblical parallels and the very deep themes of redemption, free will and temptation.
Q: What are you favorite online Lost communities, blogs, podcasts, etc.?
A. I read a lot from all over on Lost but my favorites are probably Entertainment Weekly’s Jeff Jensen and the official Darlton podcast.
Q: Tell us something interesting/scary/amusing/downright weird about how your time in the Lost fan-verse has changed your life.
A. Lost has been a major connection point for me with friends and co-workers. In fact, I started weekly Lost lunches at my previous office. At one point we had over 15 or so people coming and I got to know diverse folks I never would have otherwise. Though I left that company, the Lost Lunches continue there.
Q: You’re in an elevator with someone who has never seen as much as a second of Lost. You got on in the lobby and you’re both headed to the fifteenth floor. How do you convince them to buy and watch all the DVDs before the elevator gets there?
A. I am a huge evangelist for Lost and have talked to many non-watcher and even anti-Losters. I try to say, “Forget what you know. Lost is not just a soap opera version of Castaway, Survivor or Gilligan’s Island. It is intelligent, movie-quality storytelling about characters wrestling with the big questions of life.” Usually, I know the person and know what they are into so I can say, “You love literature/mythology/philosophy/etc., you will love how this show interacts with those ideas…”
Q: Has watching Lost sparked any creative inspiration in your life, i.e. writing, media, art, etc.?
A. The only real creative work that Lost has directly birthed for me was that I made a set of Swan Station cornhole (or beanbags) boards. [note: they are pictured above]
Q: How do you plan on combating PLDS (Post Lost Distress Syndrome) or do you think we’re all destined to end up continuously re-watching our Lost: The Complete Series Ultimate Box Set for the rest of our lives?
A. I will probably try to fill that hole by taking up some new series on DVD, but the rest of my life will probably find me in a continuous rewatching cycle of Buffy, Firefly and Lost.
Q: What do you think will be Lost’s legacy?
A. As the first fully interactive, brain-consuming, fan-participation television show.
LOSTblog thanks Todd for his time answering our questions. You can also follow Todd and his website on twitter @ToddHertz and @ThinkChristian.
