TV episode review
US airdate 11 May 2010 (ABC)
UK airdate 14 May 2010 (Sky1)

Ned Hartley and Martin Eden discuss the latest Lost episode. WARNING: Contains possible spoilers!

In an episode that contains no members of the main cast, we finally learn how Jacob and the Man in Black came to be on the Island…

Ned: When I heard that there would be a whole episode devoted to the backstory of Jacob and the Man in Black, this definitely wasn’t what I expected. Yet again, Lost manages to produce an emotionally resonant and compelling story, but this close to the finale, are viewers demanding more answers? Martin, what did you think?

Martin: I am furious! We barely learned anything! We found out there is a light on the island (what is it?), we meet Allison Janney’s character (who is she?), we see how and why the Man in Black turned into Smokey... Oh actually, we didn’t... I now just feel insulted by the writers and I’m not holding my breath for any more answers to be addressed.

Ned: Wow! Martin is angrier than the smoke monster! I think the problem is that when the writers explain things to us, they become very boring. For example, in Everyone Loves Hugo we learnt that the whispers were dead people – and Hurley basically told the audience in the least interesting way possible. I agree Martin, I’m not holding my breath for more answers, I’m holding my breath for well-written, engaging stories.

Martin: I’m a bit calmer now. The thing is, this episode was a compelling, engaging, top quality piece of television... But also an utter waste of time and a complete let-down. I’m starting to wonder if it’s all just some huge joke by the writers!

Ned: I must admit that I am a bit concerned about how this is going to end as well. This season of Lost has had a fair share of thumb-twiddling and wheel-spinning, it hasn’t always felt like the final season. Martin, what are you waiting to be resolved?

Martin: The problem is, I used to have every faith in the writers... But now I am almost expecting complete and utter disappointment! It’s almost as if I’d like a Matrix Reloaded-style end scene, where Jack is in a room with the Hanso people and asks them every single question! Was Mikhail immortal? Who ran Michael over? Why was Jacob mad in the cabin? What was the deal with Walt? But I know we won’t get it. We’ll just get more running around on a submarine. I’ve wasted my life.

Ned: Hee hee! Oh Martin, try to remember the good times! I’d like to find out more about the Cabin, but the Mikhail, Michael and Walt questions don’t really interest me. I’m still not entirely sure what the Island is, so I’d like to hear some more about that. So I guess that is a failing of the episode. Hmm, I think I will take it down a mark because of that.

Martin: Lost can get Lost!!

VERDICT
Ned: 7/10
Martin: 1/10