'Lost' and '24' Series Finales: Can We Get a Happy Ending?

Two of my favorite shows ended this week: Lost and 24. Both series finales were good, had some action and excitement, and reminded me that I really enjoyed the characters. I can't help to feel slightly let down because I just wish that either Lost or 24 had managed to have a happy ending. The Jacks from both shows could have had their redemption that they spent years searching for if the writers would have chosen different endings.

Lost Series Finale: It could have been better.

I wasn't expecting any answers regarding the island on the Lost series finale. The questions that remained will be up for debate for as long as followers want to debate them. Lost achieved what it needed to; it needed to tie up the loose ends with the characters. The series finale left me feeling satisfied yet hollow.

The Lost writers could have kept the sideways universe as the cornerstone of a new life, not the afterlife. If they would have then it could open up a whole series of possibilities for future movies or television specials.

Think about it, if Lost kept their characters alive then they would still have the memories of the island experience and could spend their lifetime trying to explain it. The characters could explore the how, when and why of their existence and previous life. They could have had a new life, a happy life together.

Some will argue that Lost was a happy ending. The characters were happy, the fans cried, and the Claire and Charlie reunion was beautiful but the final explanation seemed to leave little hope. Oh sure, there's the hope and desire for an afterlife where one is united with all his loved ones but Lost's viewers have managed to suspend disbelief for so long that it wouldn't have been that far of a stretch to do it again.

24 Series Finale

To be honest, 24's series finale didn't surprise me at all. Jack Bauer has always been a tortured soul but I just wish he would have been able to find peace and love, without her being murdered.

There were glimpses of possible happiness for Jack in final season of 24. The day started out fine with him and his granddaughter. It did progress to Jack's decision to go and live with his daughter's family and then all hell broke loose yet again.

The second glimpse of happiness came with Renee. Of course it was too early in the 24 day to keep it happy and them in love. The writers needed a catalyst to spur the final hours.

One thing I will say about the 24 series finale is that the writers did leave it open for follow up movies and specials. But with no possible end to the storyline in movies or specials all that fans can expect is more of the same. I love the action but a little happiness in the characters' lives goes a long way.

I just wanted to thank 24 for not killing off Chloe. The writers never had any qualms about killing off favorite characters and I do appreciate you sparing her.

In a matter of two days two of my favorite shows ended. I loved the mystery, plot twists and the characters. After years of death and loss on both Lost and 24 I really wish I could have seen happy endings on both shows. Not fairy tale, happily ever after drivel but hope and a misty dream that the characters live on.