Key Events:
* The Oceanic 6 Escape: The main characters who survived the crash on the island – Jack, Kate, Hurley, Sayid, Sun, and Jin – escape on a freighter called the Kahana, leaving behind the others who chose to stay. This escape is part of a larger plan orchestrated by the mysterious "Others."
* "The Others" Reveal: We learn that "The Others" are not just a hostile group but also a group of survivors who believe the island is a special place that protects them. They are trying to keep others from finding it and exploiting its powers.
* The Island's Power: The island has powerful, mystical properties. This is highlighted by the "flash sideways" storyline, where the characters are experiencing alternate lives that seem to be linked to their experiences on the island.
* Jack's Choice: Jack, burdened by the events of the island, decides to return to it to help those who are still there, even though it means leaving the life he had built. He chooses to confront his destiny and face the challenges that await him.
* The "Flash Sideways": The ending features a scene where the main characters gather in a church after a wedding. This suggests that the "flash sideways" are a form of afterlife or a purgatory where the characters are able to find peace and closure.
What the Ending Means:
* Closure and New Beginnings: The escape of the Oceanic 6 provides a sense of closure for their story, while Jack's return symbolizes the continued mystery and intrigue of the island.
* The "Flash Sideways" Mystery: The "flash sideways" storyline leaves audiences with many questions. Are they a separate reality? Are they a form of afterlife? What is their purpose? These questions will be further explored in later seasons.
* The Importance of Choice: The ending emphasizes the importance of choice and the individual's power to shape their destiny, even in the face of extraordinary circumstances.
Season 4's ending is a turning point for "Lost." It sets the stage for the show's final seasons, where the mysteries of the island are further explored and the characters' fates are ultimately revealed.