I don’t pay much attention to my channel’s numbers – I just love making things. But mid 2011, I estimated that I’d be passing one million subscribers sometime after the new year and wondered if I should do something special or just ignore it altogether. I bounced an idea off some friends for a darker sequel to the Kidnapped series (Kidnapped Part 1 launched my channel in 2008). Only this time I wanted to end it in a way nobody would expect.
The series was a lot of work (about three months worth). I was annoyed when people thought the whole thing was a ploy to get subscribers, but it made it that much more fun for me when people started putting the pieces together after Episode 5. I’ve read more comments on the last two episodes than any other video I’ve ever released.
I like trying new things. And I’ve always seen my channel as a place to experiment and have fun, both of which I got to do on this series. So to those of you who hung in there with me until the end, thanks. I don’t know 99.9% of you, but I’m glad we’re all connected in this weird way and I hope you continue to enjoy the things I make.
Your fan,
-Julian
PS: No, I’m not planning on posting an explanation of the finale. I’ve already told the story and most people understand it. If you don’t care then you won’t mind not knowing. If you do care, you’ll figure it out!
258 Comments on "Thoughts on Kidnapped"
Hey Julian, I really loved this season finale especially the ending. I predicted that Mr. Timn was behind it all but that ending was so extraordinary it blew my mind. I understood the whole box thing but I don’t think that Julian 2 was a clone in the traditional sense like everybody is saying. What i think was it was a sort of time machine. So you esentially sacrificed yourself to save yourself. Only i can’t figure out if Julian in the bright sunny room using the box was in the past or future but he had that duffle bag so i’m thinking future? Anyways your a genious to think of this. Good bye
I did not see this coming. I wasn’t really paying much attention since personal stuff happened so I wasn’t able to use the internet, by that time I was on episode 3, and then someone told me what happened so I looked it up. I normally predict things like this, but I just thought you would either get enough subscribers and go free, or be executed and never make another video on that channel. I definitely didn’t see Mr. Timn coming, I don’t know his motives, or that he even existed in the you “real” universe, meaning outside of your videos, but still in YouTube. Anyway great job in blowing our minds figuratively.
It is an interesting series, and it has a nice soundtrack. It was cool you included Jeffrey’s channel and your past videos in it. It makes the videos perhaps seem to have a little more meaning, like they were part of the story the whole time.
Those last two episodes were really something. After 5, we did not hear from you in a while, so worries seeped further in our minds and pushed the belief that you could not be dead further out. And suddenly, in 6, you were both dead and alive (kind of eery to see the body in the pool) and Mr. Timn was behind the whole thing.
BTW, I still think Mr. Timn should meet Jeffrey. Also, where were you the whole time the other you was being held captive?
This was such a special series. What seemed to me at first like a rather insignificant repeat of the first kidnapped and a ploy to gain more subscribers turned out to be one of the most special, thought provoking video series I’ve ever had the pleasure to follow. Follow your passion, Julian, and I guarantee you people will respect you for it. Keep up the good work.
I didn’t get the whole box thing.
This ending was so brilliant. At first I didn’t understand it at first. Then going back and seeing what you did there. GOOD WORK!!! It was wonderful
This really blew my mind. The way the box was so insignificant seeming when you first saw it in ep. 1, but how important it was in the long run. Question: did you make “You in five minutes” with the intention of working it into the second series of kidnapped?
Stuart
Channel: PettyDozen
What a great way to end the series, was not at all expecting that. It’s funny how unimportant the “You in 5 Minutes” video was until now. I’m your biggest fan and I love your videos! U ROOOCCCKKK!!!! Genius idea. Oh, and one more thing, is the “Donut Pirate” the kid from “Monsters are Real?”
Wonderful series. A box that creates clones of yourself is an excellent explanation of how Mr. Timn seemed to be able to get hit by a car 3 times and still be alive. But how did you get the box if Mr. Timn had it?
Julian,
I know you probably won’t read this, but your cousin Jeffery REALLY needs a spam filter. He has spam on almost all of his videos.
Thank you!
Henry
Omg i loved this julian u r sooo awesome and i loved this series u do a great job in everything u do and i will defimatley keep watching your vids
@gamegirl246, you know it really is sad that that will not get answered, now that you point that out. Ya even if I was a super computer, I still would not have the ability to figure out the exciting, and not to mention slightly devious, mind of Julian Smith. :,( ooooooo0000oooo wwwwweeeeelllllll…
goodbye julian…ive always loved your videos even when my family quit looking at your videos i stayed a true fan and i wish you would make more…but your dead now ;(
Hey great video I’m glad it ended the way it did! It was amazing! You really had me worried that you where using this as a I’m done making videos:( me and my best friends like cryed alittle when you where in the pool..I love your videos! Keep up the good work! Love ya<3
so does that mean there’s gonna be more videos?
@Zaiah
I’m supposing so, considering Mr. Timn has to get his revenge.
Is it ok if I just saw Gabrielle in my backyard. I will just tell him were you live Julian.
I thought the series was over when you ” fell” in the pool. No offence I wanted to see the unicorns.
♥ you & your crazy creative mind.
Are you planning on making more Kidnapped series? I absolutley love your work, so please could you reply. Thank you
bryton mark hanson says good job mr smith but i will find you soon
that is right am back it is my nesses 4 birthday party today and she likes you so this should be good video
I love the twist at the end. You should so become a movie director or act in a movie. You would be so good at either one of those! But dont ever stop making youtube videos! LOVE YOU JULIAN! <3
I understand the finale, except for one thing. Why did you look confused when you picked up the box after your return. From what I understand you threw the box in episode one to release a second Julian. In episode 6, after returning, you look at the box like it’s something you had no idea about and then in your phone call with Jeffery, you allude to the fact that you have received multiple boxes? Maybe I’m reading into it too much. You’re awesome and can’t wait to see you and Jeffery back together!
So, if you and Jeffery look so similar… Could it have been that the box messed up?
So I loved the twist at the end but bro ive moved on to another youtube person… JENNA MARBLES. YOU SHOULD TEAM UP WITH HER AND MAKE S VIDEO!!!!
This completely blew my mind:] the box was a genius idea and I love how it was pulled into kidnapped! Thanks for doing what you do, Julian, I absolutely love your work!
Great ending. I loved videos seemingly unrelated to the kicknapped series were woven into it. I also liked how half the people commenting on the video didnt get it because they had’nt seen the box or mr timn videos. Made me feel special in an iside joke sorta way. Good job Julian. your a good egg ;D
I am AMAZED!!!! I’m one of those people who can always figure these things out, but I was totally lost the WHOLE time. I actually had to watch it again to figure it out!! And I love that! I love someone who can always keep me guessing right up to the end! I think you deserve an award, and if you don’t or haven’t gotten one, I will invent one and send it to you!!!! I also think you should have your own tv show!
The ending? What was it?
Genius.
Pure genius.
You are so creative and great at what you do. It inspires me so, so much. I’ve always looked up to you, but now I look up to you from a much farther distance. Your comedy, imagination, producing, and ability to do what you do so well is a gift. You are the best youtuber out there! Thank’s for being so wonderful and sharing it with the world!
You outdid yourself in this one, I loved it. You’re one of the most impressive channels I’ve seen, and I darn want you to direct a feature. The only thing though – I feel like there’s more to this series. I’m thinking Mr. Timn is just the middle man for Bad Boy the Donut Pirate.
I’m just saying.
I love you!!! Omigosh it was so amazing but I’m so confused
HI I HAVE SENT MESSAGES BUT I DON’T THINK YOU GOT THEM ME AND MY FRIEND ARE JUST STARTING TO MAKE VIDEO GOT ANY ADVICE?CARMERA TYPES,LIGHTINGANYTHING WILL HELP PLEASE AND AWESOME SERIES
You’re doing it. Keep doing it.
Primer.
OMGljahdfbcaflCNPAIBLNebcper I WAS FREAKING OUT! for weeks i couldn’t sleep thinking that Julian was dead! BUT THE BOX! IT ALL MAKES SENCE NOW! you are pure genius… (just stay away from those jellyfish)
Absolute genius! I confess i was one who thought you were schlepping for subscribers. I was wrong. I Did believe you would do something amazing, but WOW! You went Way beyond! Thanks for forcing us to THINK. For those who dont get it dont ask to be spoon fed, watch them all again, its there, enjoy the ride.
Does this mean no more episodes???
Hi Julian,
Im from Nashville from where you live and I just want to congratulate you on all of these hard years of video making. I think instead of being a Youtube star, that you should be an actor and be in a movie or TV show. Possibly even work for Facebook.
Hello Julian,
Loved this series I actually waited till you were done with whole thing till I watched any of them, so I could just watch them consecutively. Love the way it ended, I had to go back tho and watch You In Five Minutes to get what the ending was about. That cleared up alot of stuff and it made me like this series even more. Your a mastermind and I look foward to seeing more of your videos.
P.S. My favorite video is either Hot Kool-Aid or Pre-Blessed Foods.
O my gosh. I love u so much. you are such an inspiration. please keep filming! luv u and all of your work
Hey Julian it’s Silas from SilasRowlandTv. I am a director/actor and wanted to tell you are my biggest inspiration. You’re Kidnapped series was amazing I would like to say. I like it and it brought me quiet a few laughs. Keep it going and I hope you get you a Feature.
Aw, that was a really nice letter. My only regret is that I wasn’t able to watch the videos sooner. Stupid internet connection. But I really thought it was great, and I never thought this was a ploy to get viewers, but I had no idea what it really was either. I really like the music in here, and I already bought your song “Don’t Know How It Goes” a long while back. The title is my text signature. I’ve been a fan since 25 Things I Hate About Facebook, and I will always be fan! Thanks for being a great person.
Big fan of your videos dude, and the kidnapped series blew me away. The music production, the camera work and the plot twist were all phenomonal. Keep doing what your doing no matter what anybody says.
Hey Julian I have a question: You going to keep making videos right? I was wondering because it really sounded like you’re going to stop. I love your work. You’d be an amazing movie director
I hope you continue to make your videos. You have such a clever mind!
Hey Julian, I’m a real big fan of your work. Plus nice way to end the season finale; who would have expected Mr.Timn to be behind it all along? I’ve watched other uoytube channel like Rhet&Link, but you have been my favorte so far! Keep on posting new videos jluian, YOU ROCK!
SORRY ABOUT THE SPELLING MISTAKES ABOVE, OOPS
Hey Julian, I have been a fan of your videos for a really long time, but I was wondering- Are you going to continue making videos? Because there wasn’t a new one on Friday nor a Jeffery Dallas episode on Thursday. Do you plan on having the Kidnapped series being the end or will you continue? You are on of the few YouTubers who actually has talent in my opinion so please don’t stop. Thank you.
~A dedicated fan
Genious!!! Reminds me of prestige. I totally didn’t see the mr. timn thing coming. totally excited for more videos. I hope Jeffery has more success on your channel again!
So does mr. timn just hate julian or something?