Category: Philosophy

I think stories and how we tell them are important. Some TV is just escapism. But we cannot ignore that modern questions are sometimes asked in unusual and new contexts. So reflecting on real TV shows is going to be an ongoing theme on this blog – how do these shows reflect the questions we are asking? And, more importantly, what do they say about being a person in a modern age?

I have been re-watching Lost. (Remember when everyone was into it and every podcaster was doing a Lost fancast?) I have been hesitant to watch it again – not much value once you know how it ends. But I have been pleasantly surprised and entertained. Once you get past the whole “island mystery” thing, the characters are well developed. I like the interconnectness and overlap. Yet, as an Australian, the Australian sections are unrealistic and way off the mark – no “hot sauce” or bars in Australia!

Anyway, back to the point. I have been struck by the recurring theme of consequences. The main characters all carry the consequences of their actions onto the island. The flash-backs bring the choices of the individual into focus in the new context of the island. A Catholic may even see the island as an image for purgatory.

So the point: all our actions, and hence our choices, have consequence. Sometimes these are good and sometimes they are not. But every choice we make has a consequence that we have to live with.

So here are the take-aways for me:

• I make choices and they have consequences.
• Not all consequences are good or pleasant.
• But they are my choices and I cannot blame others for the consequences.