What makes a redshirt a redshirt

[Danielsam]

I was just wondering... what is the difference between a redshirt and a regular actor?

[Hodgepodge]

Danielsam, let me welcome you to Lost-TV. I'm sure you're going to enjoy the community. Make sure to read the Welcome (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=2)forum, it's easy to get lost. Now to your post.


I was just wondering... what is the difference between a redshirt and a regular actor?If you can believe it, we had this discussion yesterday. And you're definitely in the right place to ask the question. I'm going to provide a link to a couple of threads. One is to a discussion yesterday, where Ida Monster gave a definition that hit every point. You can find it here (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showpost.php?p=584607&postcount=4). The other is to our Lost-TV Dictionary (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=194302#post194302).

And again, :welcome:

[Danielsam]

which main characters are considered redshirts. Ida Monster said that in the past few episodes some characters are redshirts? Also when does a red shirt graduate up to a character? Do you have to have a speaking part or be in so many episodes? Just curious

[azteclady]

By Star Trek etimology, redshirts are expendable--Sceve1 was killed to prove that Ethan meant business; Joanna drowned to make a point about Boone and Jack; most of the survivors from the tail of the plane were either kidnapped or died without uttering a word. In that sense, Arzt was a redshirt--he was introduced to provide some information and then graphically prove he was right about the instability of dynamite.

Redshirts also fill up the background. They provide the numbers to make speeches more memorable and significative--such as Jack's at the end of White Rabbit, or Locke's at the end of ... in Translation, or even Sawyer's at the end of The Long Con. None of those 'moments' would have been as moving with only the main cast present.

As a rule, redshirts are not credited at the beginning of the episode, while guest stars are (especially people with recurring roles, such as Mira Furlan/Danielle, or John Terry/Christian Shepherd). Also, most redshirts won't have spoken lines, sometimes for the entire season.

As time goes by, some of the main characters from Season1 have been reduced to minimal screen time and very little dialogue for extended periods of times--which in a way makes them very similar to the rest of the redshirts, just cluttering up the background, if you will. Add to that the most recent deaths--Shannon, Ana Lucía, Libby (at least possibly)--and that makes redshirts out of some of the first season main cast. I believe that is what Ida Monster meant.

[Hodgepodge]

which main characters are considered redshirts. Ida Monster said that in the past few episodes some characters are redshirts? Also when does a red shirt graduate up to a character? Do you have to have a speaking part or be in so many episodes? Just curiousWhen Rose first appeared in the series, we considered her a Redshirt. Her thread is right here in this forum. Now, with her numerous speaking parts, and her obvious connection with the other main characters, I'm wondering whether she deserves to be upgraded? An individual forum on the C&CD board would also come with this upgrade. She's even had a flashback! I'm going to start a petition to have her upgraded. :mad:

Everybody help me chant! Rose, Rose, Rose, Rose.... :Headbang:

[Danielsam]

As far as the redshirts go who do you think will step up next to take a speaking part? Also, I have noticed that there are some redshirts that are much more prominent than the others, like the guy with the glasses, Sato, I think his name is and number 30 on your list. Have they been on since season one?

[cautiousguyonlost]

I believe so Danielsam. There were quite the few who started since the pilot till season 2. There are some redshirts who are often seen alot since the beginning. Such as Bryan Sato and Chris Candella as well. I think something might happen between these two people. I'm not too sure on the glasses guy (rash guy). I think he only made his appearance on the first season on episode 9. The only person from the redshirt that has gotten a role was Ivana Smith who had a speaking part in the first episode of the second season.

[Danielsam]

thanks cautionguy. Who is rash guy? I looked in the photos and am wondering if you are referring to the guy who wanted to play golf? Is there anyone else who wears glasses?

[Danielsam]

Well I went back to look at the pictures and have narrowed it down to #7 and #49. There are at least 99 redshirts which is not consistent with the flight plan. Has there been any talk about this on other threads? I mean if there are48 passengers then how can there be 99 plus main cast people on the island? Are there some background that are brought in just for an episode and if so what purpose does this serve? Has anyone did a talley on episodes each redshirt has been in? I know a lot of questions if there isn't enough already

[Hodgepodge]

thanks cautionguy. Who is rash guy? I looked in the photos and am wondering if you are referring to the guy who wanted to play golf? Is there anyone else who wears glasses?That's exactly who it is Danielsam! He's actually quite a character actor. Can't think of his name right now. You might want to try our other Redshirt Archive (http://www.losttv-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15000)thread for his bio. :)

[cautiousguyonlost]

Has anyone did a talley on episodes each redshirt has been in? I know a lot of questions if there isn't enough already

I think if someone did do all the redshirts from the beginning to the very present. It would take a long time to see who has been on the island with the main cast. Anyone wants to do it?

[Daan]

Redshirts can die anytime in the show without changing the plot.

[Hodgepodge]

Redshirts can die anytime in the show without changing the plot.Well Daan, I wish TPTB would start utilizing them instead of the main characters! :mad: