Lost-vivor FAQ
Posted on March 28, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
While we’re all waiting for Lost to return next month, I thought I’d take this chance to answer some of the frequently asked questions about Lost-vivor (of course, we’re talking about a rather loose application of the word “frequently”). So, without further ado…
Q: How did you come up with the idea for Lost-vivor?
It seems a little silly in retrospect, but I actually conjured up the name “Lost-vivor” and designed the logo several months before I had any idea what Lost-vivor was going to be. I was watching Survivor one Thursday, and it occurred to me that two of my favorite television shows — Survivor and Lost — were both set on jungle islands in the middle of nowhere. It would certain lighten the mood on Lost, I mused, if the castaways had the occasional reward challenge to take their minds off their ongoing struggle with the Others. This unholy hybrid could be called Lost-vivor.
From there, I designed — well, appropriated — the logo using my limited Photoshop skills. Then, the finished logo sat on my hard drive for the next few months. I didn’t really have a purpose in mind for it when I created the image; it was more for my own amusement than anything else. As Season Three of Lost approached, however, it occurred to me that Lost-vivor was such a goofy name that it would be a shame not to share it with the people who read my blog. So, I devised an idea to go along with the logo. My inspiration was combining the competitive element of Survivor with the meticulous scorekeeping of fantasy football — while adding a healthy (unhealthy?) dose obsessive TV geekiness. Thus was born Lost-vivor.
From there, I designed — well, appropriated — the logo using my limited Photoshop skills. Then, the finished logo sat on my hard drive for the next few months. I didn’t really have a purpose in mind for it when I created the image; it was more for my own amusement than anything else. As Season Three of Lost approached, however, it occurred to me that Lost-vivor was such a goofy name that it would be a shame not to share it with the people who read my blog. So, I devised an idea to go along with the logo. My inspiration was combining the competitive element of Survivor with the meticulous scorekeeping of fantasy football — while adding a healthy (unhealthy?) dose obsessive TV geekiness. Thus was born Lost-vivor.
Q: How do you do Lost-vivor?
I’m often asked if I “liveblog” Lost-vivor — i.e. actually write the recap while I’m watching the episode. Sadly, I’m not capable of multitasking quite that well. Instead, I print out a scorecard each week that lists all the characters on Lost. Each character has a column marked with a “+” where I jot down (with my favorite green pen) everything that I think deserves points to be awarded and a second column marked with a “-” for point deductions. After the episode ends, I sit down at my computer and start sorting out all the pluses and minuses. Then, I assign actual point values, try to throw in a few jokes, and then finally write my overview of the episode that precedes the scoring section. Within a couple of hours (maybe longer if I need to create several new character portraits to go along with the recap), I’m ready to post the finished product.
Q: How do you decide the point values that you assign to the Lost-vivors?
Much like the comedy series Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Lost-vivor is a game where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter. That being said, I try to remain at least somewhat consistent in assigning points from week to week. When I’m awarding or deducting points sheerly for the purpose of making a joke, I try to never assign more than one point. Actions that move along the plot, demonstrate particularly clever (or dumb) decision-making skills, or otherwise seem significant for whatever reason receive between two and five points. Values between five and ten typically recognize actions upon which the storyline of a given episode hinges — the kind of thing that’s likely to have repercussions in future episodes. Finally, point values above ten are reserved for truly awesome, unexpected actions (good or bad) — e.g. getting shot, saving someone’s life, blowing up a Hatch, being Sayid, etc.
Before you go back and start re-scoring past installments of Lost-vivor, I will note that these are only rules of thumb. I probably violate them several dozen times per week (at least). I’m here for the jokes, not the points.
Before you go back and start re-scoring past installments of Lost-vivor, I will note that these are only rules of thumb. I probably violate them several dozen times per week (at least). I’m here for the jokes, not the points.
Q: Why do you hate Jack so much?
I don’t hate Jack. In fact, Jack was probably my favorite character throughout Seasons One and Two. I thought it was freakin’ awesome that he emerged as a leader immediately after the crash, and I was firmly in Jack’s camp during the whole “man of science, man of faith” debate with Locke in Season Two. By the third season, however, it seemed like the writers were making Jack so lovesick over Kate, so prone to paradoxical extremes of both arrogance and self-doubt, so naive…pretty soon, the character that made me enjoy Lost so much in the first place was almost unrecognizable. Much the same could be said about elements of Locke’s development since the first season.
From a storytelling standpoint, I realize that Jack is undergoing the familiar “hero’s journey” made famous by Joseph Campbell. The trials, tribulations, and self-doubt are just part of the process, and I’m certain we’ll see Jack redeemed before the series ends. In the long term, that’s great for Jack fans; in the short run, however, it has cost him more than a few Lost-vivor points. Trust me, though — when Jack turns things around (as he’s already shown hints of doing this season), I’ll happily award him his fair share of points.
From a storytelling standpoint, I realize that Jack is undergoing the familiar “hero’s journey” made famous by Joseph Campbell. The trials, tribulations, and self-doubt are just part of the process, and I’m certain we’ll see Jack redeemed before the series ends. In the long term, that’s great for Jack fans; in the short run, however, it has cost him more than a few Lost-vivor points. Trust me, though — when Jack turns things around (as he’s already shown hints of doing this season), I’ll happily award him his fair share of points.
Q: If Lost-vivor had been around during Seasons One and Two, who would have won?
That’s a tough question, considering the value of hindsight in these matters. Gut instinct? I’ll say Jack would have barely edged out Locke for Season One, whereas Mr. Eko would have taken the crown in Season Two.
Q: Why isn’t Rousseau included in the Lost-vivor rankings? She’s an important character!
That one’s easy. It’s because she’s French. Okay, not really. Call it an oversight that’s turned into a running joke over time.
If you have any other questions, you’re welcome to post them below in the comments section. Also, please feel free to use the comments to make predictions about this season’s winner, discuss wacky Lost theories, lament the month-long hiatus, or just about anything else.
Posted by Jess | Filed Under Lost-vivor |
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Great to see that you’re still blogging, even though Lost is on its hiatus, since apparently Lost is the only thing that can still get you blogging.
I have a question that’s not included in the FAQs: where’d you get that cool graphic for this post? Very cool, comic book-y looking.
Always good to read some of your clever writing.
@Michael: Yep, I’m still working to get back into the swing of real blogging. In the meantime, Lost-vivor at least keeps me from dropping off the face of the Internet entirely.
Believe it or not, the image of Sawyer, Kate, and Jack is actually a character from a font called “Lost Forever” (available for download here). Each “letter” in the font is actually a black and white image of one or more of the Lost characters. Pretty neat stuff.
Thanks for the comment!
Glad to see that you’re still blogging, I got bored one day and went thru the site. I’m now more excited for Lost just because directly after, I get this sort of humor! Thanks for the great site Jess!
I have to echo Danny’s sentiment and thank you for creating the blog (sub-blog?). Thanks also for listening to our nitpicks about scores, points we would assign, and the inclusion of extra characters!
Great job as always!!!
Thanks for the insight into your methods. This blog is absolutely hilarious, and I’m always excited when you post after every episode. Have you ever considered doing something similar for any other shows?
Thanks for the kind words, everyone! They’re much appreciated.
@Lo: Yes, it’s crossed my mind a few times to try something similar to Lost-vivor for another show. Just earlier this week, I was thinking about how much fun Battlestar Survivica could be. Ultimately, however, I’ve resisted the urge to expand too much — in the interest of not spreading either the concept or myself too thin.
That being said, there are a couple of show recaps out there inspired by Lost-vivor: Hero-vivor (for NBC’s Heroes) and The 24 Character Countdown (for Fox’s 24). Both are definitely worth checking out (and I assume both will return once those shows start back up eventually).
Hey there! I’m a newcomer to the site and I must say, I love it!
After taking a Lost break during Season 3, I’m getting back into the show and this is really rekindling my enthusiasm for it! Not only do I have the show to look forward to, but I sit there and go, “Oh man, Jack just lost like 10 points!” Sounds dorky, but…ok it’s dorky. But I love it.
This site also matches my sense of humor exactly! Reading the FAQ just now made me laugh out loud, for real!
Keep up the outstanding work and know that you have a new regular visitor! See you the 25th!
Thanks, Katie! Glad to have you on-board.
I’m suffering from LOST-withdrawals, Thank you Jess for easing my pain with your FAQ!!