When 'Lost' was in its prime, it was must-watch television. Remember first watching it, found it remarkably easy to get into, was hooked from the start and was on Season 3 by the end of one week. The general consensus is that the final season is a disappointment and cannot disagree.
Of the first block of Season 3 (where for me, contrary to what is often said as this part of the season is not popular with most 'Lost' fans, the only disappointment was "Further Instructions"), its conclusion "I Do" is the joint best along with "The Cost of Living". Hard to say which episode there is a preference to, "The Cost of Living" was a powerful farewell to Mr Eko, whereas "I Do" doesn't have Nikki and Paulo jarring with the rest of the episode.
"I Do" is at its weakest with the Kate and Sawyer love stuff, it was sort of sweet but also on the mushy side, doesn't add as much as one would think and is not as interesting as the rest of the episode.
Everything else is terrifically done, especially the tension between Jack and Ben and the gutsy brutality of Danny Pickett that makes one scared for Sawyer. Kate's flashback is one of her better ones in terms of writing and how it adds to Kate's character, Nathan Fillion's presence helps quite a bit too.
The Others continue to chill, Locke's fairly short contribution to the episode is nonetheless a powerful one and the cliffhanger is one of the show's most shocking so far. Jack telling Kate to run is unforgettable, one of his best ever lines.
Acting as always is without complaint, Josh Holloway, Michael Bowen, Michael Emerson and Evangelline Lilly are all excellent as is Matthew Fox in one of his best performances as Jack.
Can't fault the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effective use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction.
Altogether, terrific. 9/10 Bethany Cox
