Summary
- The cast of Lost was its secret weapon; fans tuned in for the characters, not just the mysteries.
- Platonic friendships are the focus; Sawyer & Hurley warm up, Jack & Desmond share a connection verging on fate.
- Unlikely friendships like Locke & Walt, Sayid & Hurley, and Jin & Sawyer showcase loyalty and trust on the island.
Among the numerous television series broadcast on networks during the 2000s, few have exerted as profound an impact as Lost. Labeling it as “essential viewing” barely scratches the surface of its significance, for the cultural buzz that swirled around the show’s six-season tenure has yet to be rivaled on such a grand scale. Discussions about the program’s intricate mysteries, its broader themes, and the fates of its diverse cast were commonplace in workplaces every week. To this day, Lost stands as the epitome of the “mystery box” TV genre; however, what is often overlooked are the multitude of captivating characters that drove the show’s success.
The actors on the show Lost were its hidden strength, moving from main characters to brief appearances as guests. Viewers watched eagerly for solutions to the series’ puzzles, but these answers held such fascination because of their implications for the characters. These seemed like authentic people navigating extraordinary situations, keeping viewers hooked on the narrative rather than just the conclusion. The bonds that formed among the castaways were a significant factor in making these characters feel genuine. From complex friend-enemies to unanticipated partnerships, these are some of the most memorable friendships from Lost.
Among the survivors throughout the six seasons of “Lost”, many remarkable friendships blossom, but for the sake of clarity, we’ll delve solely into those that are non-romantic in nature.
Spoilers ahead for Lost
10. Sawyer And Hurley
From Headbutting To Roommates

- Played By: Josh Holloway (Sawyer), Jorge Garcia (Hurley)
At the beginning of the series, there was a clear pattern with Sawyer, as he didn’t get along well with Hurley. Instead of addressing him respectfully, Sawyer often resorted to mocking Hurley about his weight by using derogatory nicknames. This constant teasing escalated to the point where they nearly engaged in a physical altercation before Jin intervened and separated them.
If you harm one hair on his curly head… – Sawyer
Initially hesitant, Sawyer and Hurley gradually form a bond. This connection begins when Hurley assists Sawyer with a bothersome treefrog, and deepens as Sawyer sets up Hurley with Libby. As time passes, they share a room when the camp divides. When the chance to leave the Island arises, Sawyer declines without Hurley. In the end, only Hurley successfully escapes. Upon his return three years later, Hurley greets Sawyer with an affectionate bear hug, one of the series’ most touching moments, exclaiming “You’re still alive!
9. Jack And Desmond
A Connection That Verges On Fate

- Played By: Matthew Fox (Jack), Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond)
The bond between Jack and Desmond isn’t primarily founded on trust, similarities, or mutual hardships. In fact, they often differ significantly. However, despite these differences, they consistently find themselves connected, whether it was before the Island, in the Swan, during the flash sideways, or at crucial points in their lives. In essence, Jack and Desmond seem to be drawn together across various phases of their existence.
I’ll see you in another life, brotha. – Desmond
In their initial encounter, they are ascending stairs within a Los Angeles stadium. Jack sustains an ankle sprain, prompting Desmond to approach him. Earlier, Jack had successfully completed a challenging operation on his fiancée Sara, while Desmond believed Penny had abandoned him, later discovering she was still waiting. Upon their Island encounter at the Swan, Jack instantly recognizes Desmond due to the profound significance of that past moment. Subsequently, when Jack guides Desmond towards the Heart, Desmond attempts to connect with Jack by explaining that nothing on the Island truly matters and there exists a reality where Flight 815 never crashes, leaving them both content. In the series finale, as they prepare to depart, one of the last people Jack hugs is Desmond.
8. Locke And Walt
Breaking Out Of Their Shells

- Played By: Terry O’Quinn (Locke), Malcolm David Kelley (Walt)
In this transient friendship, the television series “Lost” makes its initial move, even though it was unrecognized at the time. The bond between Walt and Locke is sparked by a game of backgammon. Walt finds solace in Locke as he appears secluded, while Locke recognizes a fellow outcast in Walt, who is shunned due to the apprehension of the survivors, including his father Michael, about his wellbeing, causing them to withhold him from participating in camp tasks.
Two players. Two sides. One is Light, one is Dark. – Locke
The friendship between them starts through a board game, and later, Locke shows Walt the art of knife-throwing, which displeases Michael considerably. This friendship doesn’t last long as Walt departs from the Island on a raft with his father, Jin, and Sawyer. However, it’s clear that this friendship was significant regardless. Locke was the one who made Walt feel accepted among the survivors, something his father found challenging to achieve. Later, a vision of Walt prevents Locke from committing suicide.
7. Jack And Sun
Trust Is Earned

- Played By: Matthew Fox (Jack), Yunjin Kim (Sun)
In the initial seasons of Lost, Jack and Sun‘s interactions aren’t frequent, but their bond forms early as Sun provides a eucalyptus paste to aid Shannon’s illness, which Jack was struggling with. Moreover, she was the one who recognized that Boone’s injuries were beyond what Jack could heal, and urged him to cease attempting to save him.
Do you trust me? – Jack
When their group separated, Sun opted to remain with Jack and ultimately departed the Island alongside him, although their connection faded over time in the outside world, until Sun’s quest to assassinate Ben brought her back to Jack. Inspired by Jack’s persuasion, Sun revisits the Island. Upon her loss of speech, Jack determines she has aphasia and proposes that she reside with him. Despite her hesitation, preferring to seek Jin, Jack queries Sun if she believes in him, and she confirms she does. Although their bond isn’t often highlighted on the series, Jack and Sun forge an unbreakable trust, and Jack sacrifices greatly to rescue her from drowning at last. Even Jin recognized that Jack would look after Sun; when he set sail on the raft, Jin informed Sun that she would be secure if she stayed with Jack.
6. Claire And Kate
Aaron’s Two Mothers

- Played By: Emilie de Ravin (Claire), Evangeline Lilly (Kate)
Initially, Kate and Claire’s relationship started under unusual circumstances – helping each other sort through the debris from Oceanic Flight 815. However, things moved swiftly when Claire went into labor shortly after, with Kate stepping up to deliver her baby. This life-changing event made Kate highly protective of the newborn, Aaron, and she even took on a motherly role for him following their departure from the Island. Her determination to reconnect him with his birth mother was the driving force behind her decision to return.
You are not alone in this, we are all here for you. This baby is all of ours. – Kate
Upon her arrival back at the Island, Claire first attempts to harm Kate, asserting that she had stolen Aaron from her. However, their conflict is swiftly resolved (with a nudge from the Man in Black), and Kate starts persuading Claire to re-enter civilization; she even proposes to continue assisting Claire in raising her son. In the alternate timeline, the bond between Claire and Kate remains strong, as demonstrated by their continued companionship.
5. Sayid And Hurley
A Debt Owed

- Played By: Naveen Andrews (Sayid), Jorge Garcia (Hurley)
The television series “Lost,” starting from its initial episodes in 2004, takes place during a time marked by suspicion and fear towards people of Arabic descent and Muslim faith, following the aftermath of the September 11th attacks on New York City and the invasion of Iraq. In this context, the show explores these themes through the character of Sayid, an Iraqi war veteran, who is initially mistrusted by other survivors due to their suspicions about his possible involvement in the crash of Oceanic Flight 815. It is Hurley, among all others, who first treats Sayid with respect.
What were you? Air Force…? Army…? – Hurley
Over and over again, these two individuals find themselves rescuing each other – not just in a physical sense, but emotionally too. For instance, when Sayid was grieving for Shannon, Hurley encouraged him by asking him to repair a damaged radio as a distraction from his sorrow. On another occasion, Hurley shared with Sayid the special place where he and Libby were going on their date, which happened to be a spot that had been significant for Sayid and Shannon. In a more dramatic turn of events, when Sayid joined forces with others to raid the Others’ camp, it was Hurley who saved his life by driving a DHARMA van into a group of attackers. Later, after both left the Island, it was Hurley who freed Sayid from a mental institution. And in another instance, when Sayid was attacked and unconscious, Hurley carried him to Jack for medical attention.
4. Kate And Sun
Secrets Kept

- Played By: Evangeline Lilly (Kate), Yunjin Kim (Sun)
One method to demonstrate a strong friendship is through the ability to maintain trust when sharing confidences. Kate quickly proves this with Sun by discovering that Sun can converse in English, which she had been concealing from everyone, including her spouse. In a plea for discretion, Sun requests that Kate not reveal her secret, to which Kate obliges. Subsequently, when Sun is frantic about Jin embarking on the raft without her, Kate devises a plan (characteristic of her) by contaminating Jin’s food, hoping it would deter him from leaving. Later, when Sun loses her wedding ring while the “Tailies” (survivors from the tail section) capture Jin, Kate aids her in retrieving the lost item.
You understood me. You did, didn’t you? You just understood what I said. – Kate
In time, Sun shares a secret with Kate, implying that she trusts Kate more than anyone else – this secret being her suspicion of pregnancy. It was also Kate who managed to get Sun off the Island, despite leaving Jin behind. Later, in their real-world lives, when Kate found herself in trouble with a persistent lawyer, she turned to Sun for assistance. Sun not only provided a shelter for Kate but also agreed to babysit her child and lend some of her own clothes to help Kate disguise herself. The bond between Kate and Sun is tested significantly within the narrative of Lost, yet they consistently prove their loyalty towards each other.
3. Sawyer And Jin
The DHARMA Duo

- Played By: Josh Holloway (Sawyer), Daniel Dae Kim (Jin)
In the TV series ‘Lost’, the unusual bond between characters Sawyer and Jin is one of its most fully-fleshed friendships. This is primarily due to the show taking six seasons to carefully build their relationship. Initially, their interactions were tense, as Sawyer accused Jin of burning Raft 1.0. However, this misunderstanding was eventually cleared up, leading them to embark together on the survivors’ initial escape attempt from the Island. A pivotal moment in their friendship occurred when the Others arrived and shot Sawyer; without hesitation, Jin jumped into the water to rescue him.
Just go. Save Sawyer. – Jin
During their stay on the island, Sawyer and Jin developed a strong bond, which ranged from being captives of the “Tailies” to collaborating as DHARMA security personnel for three years. Sawyer was instrumental in teaching Jin English, and was among the first to celebrate Jin when it was discovered that Sun was pregnant among the survivors. In his last moments before succumbing, Jin implored Jack to rescue Sawyer and abandon him. This request stemmed partly from Jin’s unwillingness to leave Sun to perish alone; however, it also showcased Jin’s affection for Sawyer, as he not only asked Jack to let him stay behind but specifically requested that Jack prioritize saving his friend instead.
2. Jack And Sawyer
Frenemies To The End

- Played By: Matthew Fox (Jack), Josh Holloway (Sawyer)
Some might find it surprising to label Jack and Sawyer as friends due to their frequent disagreements and conflicts, particularly over Kate and their differing opinions on the best course of action. Yet, upon a deeper look, while they may not appear friendly, Jack and Sawyer have a level of trust in each other that is rare among the survivors.
You’re about the closest thing I got to a friend, Doc. – Sawyer
In many instances, Jack and Sawyer have each other’s backs. They never let the other face danger alone. They share intimate secrets, fears, and confessions that speak to the depth of their bond. Time and again, they surprise each other with acts of support, even if they argue afterward. This trust and confidence in one another is evident throughout the series, but the scene where Sawyer reveals his encounter with Jack’s deceased father stands out as a particularly poignant moment in their relationship, and indeed, in the entire show.
1. Hurley And Charlie
Unconditional Friendship

- Played By: Jorge Garcia (Hurley), Dominic Monaghan (Charlie)
Out of all friendships formed during the TV series “Lost”, it appears that Charlie and Hurley’s bond was likely to exist regardless if Oceanic Flight 815 hadn’t crashed on the Island, as their friendship seems to be based primarily on their immediate compatibility with one another.
I know food is scarce but… Your shirt? – Charlie
In essence, Charlie often confides in Hurley about his battles with addiction and uncertainties regarding Claire. Whenever Hurley plans an expedition, he always invites Charlie first. Their friendship is built largely on shared humor, but it’s clear that had they met off the island, they would have been friends then as well. This makes the pain of Charlie’s insults to keep Hurley away from the Looking Glass even more profound. Although these insults stem from fear for his friend’s safety, they unfortunately become one of Charlie’s last words to him. However, the hug Charlie gives Hurley immediately afterward helps soften the blow a bit.
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2025-04-19 09:35