Lost is the best show on TV. I say that for a number of reasons: great character development, a wide-ranging story arc (it's one big story told over 6 seasons), superb casting and acting, I could go on and on.

As a Christian, the show is particularly fascinating since there is so much to think about in terms of spirituality. That has been a consistent theme the whole series, but this final season, it's intensified, and it's particularly...well...Christian.

I have no idea if that is intentional or not, but I could spend hours with you talking about it. Let me just share two thoughts that stick out for me:

1. Next to Aslan (from the Chronicles of Narnia), Jacob may be the most accurate portrayal of the God of the Bible in any media, whether explicitly Christian or not. His all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful character, along with his acting in ways that truly confound his "followers", evoke so many comparisons to the mystery of the true God. (Albeit with one large exception, of course: the apparent search to replace himself.) This is particularly true of God's sovereignty, and Jacob's apparent sovereignty (even off the Island). Every week, I see Jacob affecting people in ways they really struggle with, which I think is exactly how a lot of Christians (and non-Christians) react to God's mysterious ways of working.
   
   "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)
   
   "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" (Romans 11:33-34)
2. The show has always had strong themes of redemption, particularly with the characters of Jack and Locke. But the theme of true grace showed in a powerful moment in last night's episode. (Spoiler alert! If you haven't seen the episode and don't want to read on, don't. You've been warned.) Last night was centered on Ben Linus, one of the main characters throughout the series, often portrayed as a villian. Last night was a powerful one for Linus as he became totally broken and renewed (both on the Island and in the alternate universe story). And it was grace that led him to renewal (in both universes). In alternate-world, Ben makes a choice to save the future of a favorite student, Alex (who on the Island, was his daughter! Or was she?) that voids his own grab for power. On the Island, he has a show-down with Ilana, who is going to kill him as revenge for him killing Jacob. Fake-Locke tempts Ben and helps him run for escape, and in a confrontation with Ilana, Ben breaks down, explains why he killed Jacob, and confesses that he's going to go with Fake-Locke "because he's the only one who will have me!"
   
   Ilana looks at him, waits a beat, then says simply, "I'll have you." And turns and walks away.
   
   Ben, captivated by her forgiveness and grace, turns his back on Fake-Locke and follows her. His next action is to offer help to Sun, and he seems to be a completely changed man.
   "...God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance..." (Romans 2:4

There is a ton more that I'd love to write about, but there just isn't time. (Now I'm mixing metaphors and sounding like Jack Bauer.)

Are any of you fans of Lost? Any thoughts? (That's a dumb question, really. If you're a fan, you've got tons of thoughts. This I know.)