Finally, an episode that takes full advantage of the flash-sideways and properly illustrates everything viewers love about Lost.  ‘The Substitute’ is the type of episode that I expect from the final season.

The Candidate

The idea of the candidate is further explained by Not-Locke.  Evidently, Jacob has been looking for a replacement to protect the island, and in doing so has developed a sequence of numbers that pertain to certain individuals in the world.  You guessed it, Sayid, Jack, Hurley, Locke, Sawyer and either Jin or Sun have all been assigned one of the six numbers of ‘the numbers’.

What’s interesting is that if this is the only purpose of the numbers, then it is not the all-commanding rule to becoming a candidate.  For example, Straume has been crossed out even though he is alive.  Illana has also voted Frank as a possible candidate.  And the biggest mystery is why figures such as Dogan or Richard are not candidates at all, even though they seem more qualified than any of our Losties.  In addition, Kate is not a candidate even though she has come in contact with Jacob.  The plot thickens…

The Flash-Sideways

The best thing about the flash-sideways is that it gives a tragically misguided Locke closure.  In the alternate world, Locke is still handicap, but he is also happily engaged to Helen.  While he is not the man of faith we’ve grown accustomed to, he still has the encouragement of familiar faces.

It’s interesting to note that in this reality, Rose is the strictly no-nonsense figure who pushes Locke to accept reality while Hurley is the happy-go-lucky man who fully believes in luck.  In essence, they are the complete reverse of who they would’ve become had they crashed on the island.  Either way, the most important message these encounters present is that Locke is not alone.  He is not a lonely man doing a thankless job of preserving the island, but a regular guy who is trying his best to be happy.

Of course, the ironic and hilarious encounter with Ben is simply icing on the cake.  It would seem even without the influence of the island, Ben has to be the one in charge.  This flash-sideways, unlike the previous episode, gives me moments I never even knew I wanted.

Overall

The balance between emotional resolution and a continued exploration of mythology in ‘The Substitute’ is pitch perfect.  It is a good reminder of why I fell in love with Lost in the first place.

Rating: 9.8/10

Popularity: 11% [?]

After six seasons, even Lost has a hard time preparing the audience to be unprepared.  I’ve come to understand that the premieres usually have a lot of resolutions to deal with and the second episode needs to drop slightly in heat.  Therefore, it is not until the last few episodes that the show really grabs me by the collar.  For the most part, ‘What Kate Does’ answers the highly entertaining premiere with a decent, if not contained second episode.

Kate and Claire

What is weird about these two is that their connection develops without the two actually being present for each other.  Somehow, fate managed to have Aaron inherit two mothers, and that is what currently defines their relationship.  In truth, it’s hard to tell whether they would even like each other given a normal situation.  In the flash-sideway, their sudden relationship is rather forced and somewhat dependent on elements outside their own being.  There is a nice understated maternal and very much female-empowering vibe between a fugitive and a pregnant mother, but come on, how can Claire be so naive as to trust a gun-waving, cab-stealing stranger?  Despite my frustration over this, the episode does remind viewers of the Claire that we used to know.  In the words of team Darlton, she was the sunshine shining over the survivors.  I’m not sure if one flash-sideway can reestablish this, but the intention is there.

What the storyline does point out is that ultimately, Kate’s compassion and Claire’s helplessness remains with them even if external forces such as a plane crash do no occur, and that is quite a powerful message.  Of course, Ethan’s surprising cameo also spices things up quite a bit.  The irony is that thanks to Kate’s contribution (in helping detonate the bomb), Ethan has a new life where he is an upstanding citizen and not buried on a mysterious island…and he will never know.  It is this kind of storytelling that makes Lost larger than life, and something that can only be done with a series as expansive as this.

The Claim

The island story is much more compelling.  This story focuses on Sayid and why he’s been claimed.  For the most part, this cryptic storyline does open up some new doors for consideration, but it only raises more questions.  The mystery is engaging, but it is only so because the writers have no choice but to characterize the Others as frustrating ingrates who refuse to answer a simple question.  The tactic has worked over the years, but when it comes to face-to-face confrontation, the device gets old really fast.

Sawyer and Kate

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the episode is the emotional scene between Sawyer and Kate…and me buying it.  For the first time in ages, the show takes a minute to breathe and allow the characters to really contemplate their situation, and the result is a heartbreaking monologue by Sawyer who tearfully mourns the loss of Juliet.  They are the couple who fell in love despite all the unlikelihood in the world, and perhaps the most triumphant accomplishment (aside from the time-jumping mayhem) by the writers in Season 5.  The scene illustrates growth because Sawyer finally allows his emotions to sink in and Kate finally (finally) learns to walk away.

Claireusseau

Of course, Lost would not be Lost without a head-scratching reveal.  Thanks to the time-travel and the departure of the Oceanic 6, Claire’s ability to stay hidden for so long actually seems somewhat plausible.  It will be interesting to finally bring this mystery to a close.

Rating: 8.1/10

Popularity: 15% [?]

It’s been a while and as you can see, the review portion of my life is on hold for the time being.  However, it is not due to a lack of interest in television, but due to life.  Once things get settled in again, I will start reviewing again, because as you know, I love analyzing as much as any neurotic writer.

However, that is not to say life has just been a series of obligatory academic events either (as they usually are when you are in college).  In a way, college mirrors the life of a writer.  Just as college allows you to make mistakes, experience different things and protect you from the real world, writers often live in their own bubble.  When it comes to stepping out of the zone, that’s when the terror really hits you.  There’s the hype, the anticipation and the preparation, but then comes the step of actually trying to do something.

So, I am currently seeking new pathways for my career.  Internships, lectures and more writing may seem like grunt work at the moment, but it is the first time in a long time that I’ve felt energized by what I do.  As the prospect of graduation looms ever closer, chances are my free time will continue to decrease or simply, my online commitment will have to be set aside.

I will try my best to continue broadcasting my thoughts, so I hope those of you who are actually listening will continue to wait for good news on my end.  Trust me, when the good news come in, you will know.

Popularity: 12% [?]

Lost has a knack for taking an idea and expounding it several times over.  While most viewers will leave the sixth and final season premiere of Lost baffled, ‘LA X’ is by no means all tease and no reward.

The Smoke Monster

This is by no means a surprise, but the reveal of Other Locke being a human form of the Smoke Monster is still an immensely gratifying moment.  For loyal fans, it might feel like a great weight has been lifted.   Of course, the massacre that ensues doesn’t hurt either.  What’s interesting is that despite its polymorphic ability, Other Locke might not be accountable for Jacob’s apparition soon after his demise.  Something tells me even Smokie has a hard time being at two places at the same time, but what do I know.

The new question the premiere raises is where Other Locke’s home lies.  Due to the premiere’s extra dose of biblical imagery, I immediately thought of hell…but that would mean Richard is an angel?  Well, I’m too seasoned at this to overthink the subject matter and give myself a headache.  Only time will tell.

The Temple

Apparently, the Temple is where old cultures come to die.  Somehow, team Darlton has managed to illustrate a mystical place that seems to give hints of Egyptian, Incan, Tibetan and many other cultures.  While the sudden introduction of this new atmosphere is alright by me, I do wonder exactly how this particular brand of Others have managed to keep themselves isolated for so long.  After all, tunnels and guns do not necessarily equate to an impenetrable fortress.

What is the relationship between the Others on the beach and those at the Temple?  Despite that hint that they are allies, the difference between them seems night and day.

The Top of the Food Chain

Every season, Lost develops a figure (or figures) who represent the key to the island’s many secrets.  Since the show’s usage of characters is often compared to pawns in a chess game, you have to wonder just how many other pieces there are.  With the likes of Ben, Charles, Eloise, Richard, Jacob, Other Locke, and now “mysterious Japanese fellow,” the number of key holders keeps on expanding.  Is there a definitive hierarchy in terms of wealth of knowledge here?

This is the dilemma that I feel Lost has warped itself into.  After all, the great Benjamin Linus seems nothing more than a broken, feeble doll.  Yet, after 30 years of loyal service, his curiosity has never once gotten the best of him regarding the Monster or Jacob?  Yes, he’s a mastermind manipulator, but describing him as a blind fool might not be all that inappropriate, especially since he’s asking the same questions we are.  It makes me question the origin of conviction of previous island leaders as well.

And with Richard knocked unconscious, the food chain continues to transform…

The Two Timelines

The basic principles of Lost’s new plot device is not that uncommon.  In fact, J. J. Abrams’ other baby a.k.a. Fringe is entirely centered around this concept.  What, then, makes this special?

Again, the premiere remains most rewarding for those of us still sticking around for the end game.  Ultimately, the alternate timeline relies mostly on emotional resonance rather than plot twists.  It is incredibly disconcerting at first, but the two timelines just might help balance the emotional and mythological needs of the show.  It has always been my hope that Lost would eventually bring back old characters in some manner as a form of tribute, so you can imagine my giddy at seeing Boone, Charlie, Arzt and even Frogurt.

However, this feeling of satisfaction is entirely contingent upon what I hope is an eventual coming together of these two worlds.  While I trust the writers, I am stating right now that delivering two different endings would be the absolute worst way to end the series and a complete cop-out.  Still, I’m hopeful until proven otherwise.

The Verdict

As with any Lost premiere, this one left me slightly dizzy but ultimately exhilarated.  While nothing compares to the awe of the pilot, this premiere currently holds steady at second place.  With lots of catching up, resolutions, reveals and yes, twists, ‘LA X’ is quintessential Lost through and through.

Rating: 9.4/10

Popularity: 25% [?]

Ever wondered what Sheldon might be like without sleep?  ‘The Einstein Approximation’ feels like a step up from the world of The Big Bang Theory by introducing a bigger, crazier Sheldon.  The results is to be expected: entertainment at its best.

2+2+1+1

For some reason, the presence of two taken scientists is starting to cause a rift between the characters with girlfriends and those without.  Suddenly, all interactions either revolve around Sheldon or relationships.  This is by no means a bad thing, but it does limit the number of storylines the show can substantially explore.  It’s all comaraderie on The Big Bang Theory, but what about individual development?  The unfortunate few like Raj gets to be the definitive sidekick without a chance to ever evolve.

This would be a major detriment to the show, but thanks to its constant barrage of jokes and hilarious storylines, the show remains top notch.  However, here’s to hoping that some change comes to the show comes its fourth year.  There’s consistency and then there’s risk taking.  The Big Bang Theory is not the latter.

Rating: 8/10

Popularity: 24% [?]