Summary
Manifest's final episode, similar to Lost's conclusion, faced backlash due to its unsatisfying revelations and lingering uncertainties, leaving avid viewers disappointed by the unresolved enigmas that had captivated them throughout the series.
Manifest ultimately disappointed viewers due to their high expectations and the show's overwhelming number of enigmatic messages. It became an impractical task to appease every inquiry and address every subplot adequately. Despite both Manifest and Lost successfully unraveling their major mysteries, they inadvertently spawned fresh enigmas, leaving possibilities open for potential resurrections or deeper investigations within their individual realms.
Manifest successfully became the next Lost with its abundance of mysteries and supernatural elements. However, this may not necessarily be a positive outcome. The NBC drama initially presented a similar situation to the ABC series, thrusting its characters into chaos after a tumultuous flight. Yet, unlike the stranded passengers of Lost, those aboard Flight 828 in Manifest encountered an even more perplexing predicament upon landing. Unbeknownst to them, an inexplicable five-year time gap had occurred during their journey, causing their loved ones to believe they were lost forever. As they reentered society, they began experiencing visions, referred to as "callings," further adding to the peculiarities of their situation.
Manifest raised numerous questions about the years-long disappearance of Flight 828 and the aftermath of the passengers' return, further amassing likenesses to Lost. Each season introduced additional mysteries and subplots, fueling fans' endless theories in an attempt to decipher the bewildering chain of events that characterized the show's run. Consequently, many fans were left disappointed by the ultimate conclusion of Manifest. In the end, the series followed the footsteps of Lost, successfully building momentum through its constant enigmas, only to falter when it mattered most.
Why The Manifest Series Finale Has Received So Much Criticism
Similar to Lost, the Manifest series finale received mixed reviews due to its divisive ending. The two-part final season sparked numerous criticisms, mirroring the complaints directed at Lost season 6. Many viewers were disappointed with Manifest's lackluster explanations for its ongoing mysteries, and there was a sentiment that the show failed to address all the questions it had raised.
This issue persists in shows like Manifest, which gain popularity through their abundance of enigmatic puzzles. Half the enjoyment of watching the series came from trying to decipher the meaning behind its cryptic messages. However, this created a scenario where some fans were inevitably let down by the provided answers. Moreover, given the extensive length and multitude of subplots, Manifest could not possibly address every question raised, leaving some unresolved.
How Manifest's Controversial Series Finale Mirrors Lost's Ending
Manifest's controversial series finale bore a striking resemblance to Lost's ending. Both shows encountered similar difficulties when it came to tying up loose ends. Like Manifest, Lost began with a premise that promised shocking revelations as the series gradually unveiled the answers. However, over time, Lost became sidetracked from its main premise. It ventured into various tangents, much like Manifest, introducing numerous subplots and mysteries that couldn't be adequately addressed. When Lost reached its final conclusion, it fell short of providing satisfactory explanations for everything that had transpired over its six seasons.
Moreover, the emergence of fan theories while Manifest and Lost were on the air set the stage for disappointment, even as the shows resolved their main mysteries. With viewers anticipating certain directions for the series to take, many were ultimately underwhelmed by the actual paths the shows chose to reach their conclusions. For years, fans had speculated that Lost's island was purgatory, only to learn that the characters were not actually deceased the entire time. Meanwhile, Manifest's conclusion followed a logical trajectory rather than delivering numerous jaw-dropping revelations. Its full-circle ending, while satisfyingly logical, didn't offer many truly surprising moments.
Both Manifest & Lost Solved Their Biggest Mysteries
While both Manifest and Lost fell short of satisfying everyone with their endings, they did manage to resolve their major mysteries. While Manifest left the question of why Flight 828 was chosen unanswered, it did provide an answer to where the plane had been for five years. Additionally, the characters successfully tackled the issue of the Death Date and were able to bring back those deemed "good" to the 2013 airport. Similarly, the Lost finale confirmed the occurrence of the plane crash, delved into the island's mythology, and revealed the destinies of the main characters.
However, in the process of resolving these major mysteries, both Manifest and Lost inevitably gave rise to new ones. Lost's explanation of the island was so intricate and intricate that it could easily have sparked a revival of the show to delve deeper into its lore. Similarly, Manifest failed to explain what transpired after the Flight 828 passengers returned to 2013 with their memories intact. A significant portion of the plane, consisting of those judged poorly, vanished before landing, capturing the attention of the FBI and reigniting the mysteries once again.
