How a Lost Season 1 Finale Scene Revealed the Series' Most Unlikely 'Frienemies'

Twenty years on, “Lost” continues to stand out as a singular TV phenomenon, both in terms of its influence and longevity. One notable aspect is that its ensemble cast is among the largest in television history, rivaled only by the star-studded lineup of a late-stage “Avengers” movie. Interestingly, despite this large cast, it’s the deeply loved characters from “Lost” that keep the show relevant even decades after its premiere. One of the most memorable relationships in the series is the evolving bond between James “Sawyer” Ford and Jack Shephard, as depicted in a poignant Season 1 finale scene. In the annals of “Lost,” these characters are perhaps most iconic for their complex and deeply emotional arcs represented by the period (.).

Throughout the show’s run, numerous fanfiction stories emerged surrounding various characters, but focusing solely on specific relationships, such as the one between Jack and Sawyer, can be misleading. While Kate did care deeply for both of them, it is their complex relationship that has remained compelling for over two decades. Often pitted against each other, they clashed numerous times, yet they were also wounded souls who perceived themselves as deserving of the hardships they faced on and beyond the island.

In the Season 1 episode “Exodus,” Sawyer boards the raft the castaways built in search of rescue. In what may have been their last conversation on the island, or even ever, their shared experience is revealed. Not only does this moment shed light on each character’s understanding of the other, but it also explains why their bond was so significant. Despite their conflicts, they always found themselves united in the end.

Neither Jack Nor Sawyer Were Actually Supposed to Be in the Lost Pilot Episode

Dynamic Casting and an Evolving Story Created the Show’s Fan-Favorite Characters

Any dedicated fan of the show ‘Lost’ recognizes that its creators, J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof, initially intended to eliminate the lead character portrayed by a well-known actor to emphasize that no character was invulnerable. However, when the network vetoed this plan, the writers had to rework their script. Originally, Sawyer was a character they had sketched out, designed as an antagonist within the group. He refused rescue and departed from the island. Later on, another character called Henry emerged, a Southerner who possessed a gun and fatally shot a polar bear.

Due to a shorter production schedule than expected, the show’s script was nonexistent for casting purposes. Instead, they prepared individual scenes. Interestingly, it was after Henry (portrayed by Matthew Fox) shot the bear that his scene with Sawyer took place. In a twist of events, both Matthew Fox and Josh Holloway auditioned for the role of Sawyer, with the former eventually landing the part of Jack once Keaton decided to step down. The characters of Sawyer and Henry were subsequently combined into one, and with Abrams’ approval, Josh Holloway was allowed to bring his native Georgia accent to the character.

Initially in Lost, character Sawyer maintained his original persona as a tough guy or “heavy,” enduring torment at the hands of Jack and Sayid. However, as the series progressed, he transformed from being the island’s antagonist to a more complex character. His rivalry with Jack continued throughout the season, primarily over a case containing guns and the affections of Kate. As Jack assumed leadership responsibilities, Sawyer emerged as the go-to person for help among the group. Being a con-artist and thief, he scavenged through the wreckage of the plane crash survivors, collecting items that belonged to them.

In the Season 1 Finale, Sawyer and Jack Share a Powerful Scene That Defines Their Bond

Both Characters Thought It Would Be the Last Time They Saw Each Other on the Island

Due to Sawyer’s coconut trading business, he found himself among Michael Dawson and Jin-Soo Kwon, who collaborated to build the raft. He possessed the resources and supplies essential for their construction. Interestingly, contrary to his initial intentions, Sawyer was equally keen on departing from the island. In fact, he actively tried to maintain his position on the raft by persuading others. When the mast on the raft snapped during its launch, Sawyer assumed responsibility and crafted a replacement.

Lost Season 1 Finale	Writers	Director	Airdates
Exodus Parts 1, 2, 3	Damon Lindelof & Carlton Cuse	Jack Bender	May 18 & 25, 2005

Prior to setting off on another task, Jack confers with Sawyer rather than later in the season’s timeline. As a precautionary measure, Jack hands over a gun to Sawyer, who was the one with expertise in handling firearms among them due to his raft experience. Before departing, Sawyer shares a piece of history from an episode that viewers were previously familiar with. In Australia, Sawyer encountered Christian Shephard at a bar during his final spree of drinking, which ultimately claimed his life. Christian revealed to him about his son, and their estrangement. Upon realizing this was Jack’s father, Sawyer narrates the tale to him.

You know,” Sawyer told Jack, “children and dogs are similar – if you treat them harshly enough, they might believe they deserved it.” In a deeply emotional moment, Sawyer helped Jack find closure with his father, something he never thought possible. This scene was worth more than anything Jack had in his tent or traded for fish, coconuts, or any other island currency. Despite their disagreements, both before and those that would come later, this instance significantly shaped the dynamic between these two characters. Although Jack may have never fully grasped it, Sawyer realized then, despite their differences, they were kindred spirits of a sort.

Jack and Sawyer Were Never Enemies, but They Were Also Never Quite Friends, Either

Often at Odds, They Would Ultimately Find Their Way Back to Trusting Each Other

Despite their friendship fading, it never completely disappeared. After numerous conflicts between them, Jack and Sawyer encountered another standoff in 1977, following Sawyer’s assumption of leadership under the alias “LaFleur.” Upon Jack’s request, Sawyer even accused him of a loved one’s death. They frequently argued over gun control, cooperation with the Freighter group, and numerous small disputes. However, in crucial moments, such as after Ana Lucia’s murder, Sawyer still considered Jack a friend.

In Season 4, when Sawyer was expelled, he didn’t initially support Jack. However, once Sawyer figured out that Locke wasn’t as knowledgeable as he seemed and aligned himself with Ben Linus, he swiftly returned to Jack. Following the loss of Juliet, Sawyer once more allied with Locke (who, unbeknownst to him, was actually the Smoke Monster in disguise). His motivation for this alliance was to save those he cared about, including Jack.

In the final episode of the series, it’s Sawyer who initiates a conversation with Jack, doing so with a hint of admiration despite their long-standing acquaintance. Though he might doubt the island’s mystical happenings, Sawyer places his trust in Jack Shephard. Later on, when he crosses paths with the fraudulent Locke, Sawyer gleefully informs him that they “aren’t candidates anymore” any longer. In their final moments together, Sawyer extends a handshake, offers a gentle gaze, and expresses gratitude to his friend for everything. Their friendship, marked by its highs and lows, solidified in the Season 1 finale of Lost when Sawyer revealed information about Jack’s father.

You can purchase or stream the entire set of “Lost” episodes on DVD, Blu-ray, digitally, or through online platforms like Hulu, Disney+, and Netflix.

2025-06-07 17:21

How a Lost Season 1 Finale Scene Revealed the Series’ Most Unlikely ‘Frienemies’