Mac Slocum is the founder/senior editor of Filmfodder’s Lost Blog In addition to pouring over each episode of LOST, he also finds the time to keeps things running at Filmfodder.com, TVFodder.com, TechFodder.com and MacSlocum.com. You can follow Mac on Twitter here.
Q: How long have you been watching Lost?
A: Since the very beginning. I watched the pilot and then started Filmfodder’s Lost Blog with “Tabula Rasa”. I was undecided initially, but the big reveal in “Walkabout” convinced me this was a special show.
Q: How did Lost get its polar bear claws into you? What about it got you hooked?
A: I am an absolute sucker for shows with deep mythologies. I loved the X-Files (minus the last two seasons). Loved Battlestar, too. So Lost is right up my alley. In fact, it’s set the standard for what a myth-based show can be. One thing I really appreciate – being such a myth geek – is that every episode plays into the overall story. There’s really no standalones. No monster of the week stuff. Heck, even the Nikki and Paulo stuff plugged in.
Q: Favorite character?
A: Locke will always be my favorite. Terry O’Quinn is brilliant. Oddly, though, Hurley is a close second. I’m so impressed with the development of that character. I pegged Hurley as comic relief in the early going, but the introdution of the numbers turned him into a lynchpin for the series. Jorge Garcia has done a phenomenal job. I don’t even mind the constant “dudes” anymore!
Q: Least favorite character?
A: Ana Lucia. What was her purpose? She went from Jack’s potential love interest to Tailie leader to Sawyer’s hook up to Michael’s target practice. What kind of trajectory is that?
Q: Favorite episode or season?
A: My all-time favorite episode is “The Constant.” That last scene with Desmond and Penny on the phone … Good Lord. What a beautiful moment. Acted perfectly. Edited perfectly. And a stunning representation of what can be accomplished on television. Just great. The most important episode is “Through the Looking Glass.” I wrote about this recently. The season three finale was the ballsiest thing a television show has ever done. They inverted the series by introducing future flashes. I mean, come on. Who does that? That’s when “Lost” moved into greatness.
Q: Least favorite episode or season?
A: “Stranger in a Strange Land.” The nadir of the series. Did Jack’s tattoos really deserve their own episode? And Bai Ling? What happened there?
Q: Are you Team Jack or Team Locke?
A: Neither. I really enjoy the friction between the “man of science” and the “man of faith.” I think it’s great how Jack is getting comfortable in the murky gray area between those viewpoints.
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: I’ll go with Other, but only if I can live in one of those cottages. Preferably a unit with a nice view and a snazzy secret door to the island’s ancient tunnels.
Q: Which character’s demise were you most upset to see happening?
A: The “death” of Juliet slayed me. She’s one of my favorites. And Sawyer’s reaction … wow. That was on par with the primal scream Sun unleashed when the freighter exploded.
Q: Tell us a bit about your site.
A: I ran an X-Files site years ago and I was very fortunate to attract some of the most intelligent and interesting people I’ve ever met. It was hugely satisfying to create episode reviews and then watch as these amazing people weighed in with their own perspectives. Life unfortunately intruded and I needed to give that up. Years later, when “Lost” came around, one of the X-Files regulars suggested I come out of my semi-retirement. I gave it a shot and the community started to take root toward the end of season 1. I’ve been chugging away ever since. I focus on episode recaps. I’ll occasionally post a bit of news or some commentary if I’ve got the time and the inclination. A number of the blog’s regulars chip in with fun caption posts, acronym guides, and theories. It’s become a true content community. I love that. I’m not sure where things will go after the series ends. I’ll absolutely keep the blog open and perhaps a new direction will present itself. All I know is that I’ll continue to provide a place for that community as long as it wants to gather. I take the responsibility very seriously.
Q: What are you favorite online Lost communities, blogs, podcasts, etc.?
A: I don’t have nearly enough time as I’d like to peruse all the great Lost stuff out there. But I do try to catch the official podcast – Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse crack me up – and I’ll admit I’m a sucker for spoilers, so I check out Dark UFO pretty frequently. I never post spoilers though. Those are just for my own consumption.
Q: Tell us something interesting/scary/amusing/downright weird about how your time in the Lost fan-verse has changed your life.
A: Two people paired up after meeting in Filmfodder’s Lost Blog. That’s an unintended by very, very cool side effect! For me personally, I feel blessed to engage with so many interesting people. That’s been the most amazing part of my Lost experience.
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: Heh, good question. But I honestly wouldn’t bother. You either get “Lost” or you don’t. My evangelism wouldn’t make a difference.
Q: Has watching Lost sparked any creative inspiration in your life, i.e. writing, media, art, etc.?
A: It’s given me an outlet for creativity, no doubt about that. I get to write about something I truly enjoy and I get to share that ethusiasm with excellent people.
Q: How do you plan on combatting 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’m still reeling from Battlestar’s finale (which I loved, by the way), so I have no idea how I’ll handle PLDS. Maybe a three-month vacation touring “Lost” sets in Hawaii? I think that might help.
Q: What do you think will be Lost’s legacy?
A: I believe it has an opportunity be remembered as one of the greatest television series every created. The key word there is “series.” Lost is a collection of fantastic episodes and seasons that might add up to a cohesive whole. Very few series get that chance. Fewer still fulfill on it. I think the creators understand the gift they’ve been given. As a fan of Lost and, more broadly, of TV as a storytelling medium, I’m excited to see how it all comes together.
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Thanks Mac from everyone at the LOSTBlog.com!
