'LOST' Series Finale Pays Subtle Tribute to Man's Best Friend

The LOST series finale paid subtle tribute to "Man's Best Friend" by way of the only canine cast-away: Vincent the Labrador Retriever.

As with most LOST articles, this does contain spoilers.

The LOST series finale was many things; to some, the resolution of the confusing Flash-Sideways Plot of season 6 was a disappointment. To others, it was a beautiful lesson in faith, fate and understanding. For a recap of the events, read my LOST series finale article. One of the most emotional moments during the LOST finale episode was the scene depicting Jack's death. Having been fatally wounded during the final confrontation with Locke, Jack ensured the safety of the Island by turning leadership over to Hurley and replacing the cork in the mysterious pool of water. Then, glimpses of him staggering through the familiar bamboo forest from previous seasons are interspersed with shots of Jack and the rest of the Survivors being reunited in the Church. As he lies on the ground, viewers are greeted by a familiar bark as Vincent runs through the bamboo to join the fallen cast-away.

Jack's expression as he watches Vincent run towards him is one for the books, and I am certain I am not the only LOST fan who shed tears over this reunion. The traditional LOST music fades to a soft piano as Jack silently laughs, and Vincent greets him only to lie down quietly at his side. That is when I realized Jack really was going to die, and the scene paid a beautiful tribute to the quiet understanding and infallible loyalty of dogs-especially those who sense the end is near. The fact that Vincent was the only "person" there to comfort Jack at the time of his death was a potent message-as Jack said in season one, we either "live together, or die alone."

The camera pans back to show a perfectly still Vincent as Jack visibly realizes he's reached his end, with the last thing he sees being the plane escaping with fellow Survivors as he laughs humorlessly. The final shot of LOST is of Jack's eye closing, the exact opposite of the shot which began the series six seasons ago. View the final four minutes of the LOST series finale here on YouTube.

This touching scene of Jack and Vincent lasts less than 1 minute altogether, and yet it will remain one of my favorite scenes in the entire legacy of LOST.