An Ode to Michael Emerson

Copyright 2008, ABC Studios

With the fifth-season premiere of the best drama on television (Mad Men, you were so close!), Lost, coming tomorrow night and me not wanting to wait any longer for the big extravaganza, I wanted to take a final second and point out the reason why the show still works: Michael Emerson.

Oh, sure, there are many reasons why the show works, from the strong acting (Matthew Fox, Josh Holloway, and Terry O'Quinn, among others) to the great plot twists and cliffhangers to the sci-fi elements surrounding the mystical island the castaways of Oceanic 15 landed on in 2004. But it's Benjamin Linus, previously known as Henry Gale, a balloonist from Minnesota, who transformed this show into something more. Yes, he's obviously one of the most important characters on the show (aside from Charles Widmore, he may be the single most influential person), but it's the performance of Michael Emerson, a truly creepy actor, that elevates Linus from being a rote villain. It's Emerson's performance that makes audience members forget that, these days, Linus is trying to HELP the castaways (or appears to be).

For every character like Linus, for every performance like Emerson's, there must be a John Locke, a Terry O'Quinn to counter every attack. The scenes between O'Quinn and Emerson, beginning at the end of season 2, and building up to their final discussion in the Orchid station at the end of season 4, have helped elevate the show in tough times (I am able to ignore an episode about Jack's fucking tattoos when I have these two to fall back on) and raised the bar higher for the actors surrounding them.

For me, this is the best part of Lost, but then again, Locke has always been the most intriguing character on the show from day 1, when he smirked at Kate with an orange peel and asked Walt if he wanted to know a secret over backgammon. Though he's the most devout believer in the island, when Locke is most fascinating is when he is most misguided. One of the truly haunting images of this show remains Locke's face as he stands around the Swan station, imploding on itself because of his decision, shouting to Mr. Eko, plainly, "I was wrong." Yes, that John Locke is in a coffin in Los Angeles in the future after inheriting the island is shocking, but not because Locke's leadership is strong, only because you can't imagine him ever leaving the island, even in that way.

Twenty-four hours left until the show returns, but let me leave you with this: Locke being dead is surprising, but let's be honest: Ben being around to stare his dead eyes down, Ben being the one to wrangle survivors back...is anyone surprised? Here's to more scenes of Michael Emerson being Emmy-worthy. Here's to more of the best show on television. If only it didn't have to end.