The series finale of Lost is considered by many to be one of the worst finales in the history of television. That might sound harsh, but some fans are obviously still bitter with the way things ended. The Wire actor Lance Reddick is also still frustrated with the show, though for a completely different reason. Originally meant to play Mr. Eko in Season 2, Reddick joined Lost’s fourth season, playing Matthew Abaddon. Although Reddick was intended to continue with the show in a recurring role, Matthew was killed off early on in Season 5 and Reddick is still angry about it.
Lance Reddick thought that his role on the J.J. Abrams-produced series was secured for at least another season, despite having been cast as a series regular on Fringe, which was also co-created by Abrams. Though he was told he could continue being on both shows at once, that didn’t turn out to be the case and Reddick’s run on Lost ended before it had the chance to take off.
In an interview with THR, Lance Reddick described being killed off on Lost as “annoying,” saying that the episode in which Matthew kicked the bucket was good, but that the death rubbed him the wrong way.
If I think about it too much, I’ll get pissed off. When I was cast on Fringe, I was told that I’d be able to continue recurring on Lost. And then, the very first episode that I did on Lost in the middle of Fringe season one — they killed me. So, that was annoying. Don’t get me wrong, it was a great episode … But, it was like, ‘What the fuck, guys?’
Lance Reddick appeared in only four episodes of the sci-fi/fantasy series and, as Matthew Abaddon, implored other characters to find their purpose. His biggest storyline involved pointing John Locke, played by Terry O’Quinn, in the direction of the island and he was later killed by Benjamin Linus, played by Arrow actor Michael Emerson. Though he assisted Locke and worked heavily with Charles Widmore, Matthew’s background wasn’t explored very much, so his life remained a mystery for the most part.
While the actor had been tapped to audition for Lost in its second season, plans fell through because of scheduling conflicts with HBO’s acclaimed series, The Wire. Characters come and go, but things don’t always line up the way they did with Lance Reddick, so it’s unfortunate that he lost a role he wanted due to another. If Matthew had been around in Season 7, things might have turned out much differently.
Despite Lance Reddick and fans’ feelings about the show, though, the series had a lasting impact and maintains its status as a must-watch among many critics. For more shows like Lost, check out our complete guide to all the fall TV shows and their premiere dates.
