Luckily, one rubbish Jack episode aside, season 4 of Lost has been crammed full of revelations and plot twists that have retroactively justified 3 years of relative water-treading. Lost has finally tipped itself over the hill into being overtly science-fiction, but even if it’s a little jarring, it’s not something I can complain about too much. After all, how else can we explain that smoke monster?
This episode reintroduces two elements of the show that fell into the background in this season – first, the numbers return to haunt Hurley after he returns to the mainland, foreshadowing his eventual return to the mental health institution he eventually ends up in. Secondly, the Others make a return in the most traditional way possible – leaping out of the bushes with a bunch of weapons, immediately out-gunning the Losties. As I once commented, our guys were perhaps a little too used to being the dominant force on the island of late, and now they’re getting their come-uppance in spades.
Locke, Ben and Hurley are meanwhile continuing their attempt to move the island. I can’t wait to see where this is going, personally, but I expect I’m going to have to wait until season 5 to really find out. Ben surrendering himself to the marines is an interesting development, only because – as he says – he’s always got a plan. We know Ben’s alive in the future, so I’m going to guess that it can’t end well for the soldiers – but how will Locke use the Orchid station, and what’s Hurley’s role in all this?
Speaking of Claire, we do finally see how Jack learnt of his familial relationship to both her and Aaron, so it’s good to see that plot thread tied up, especially in light of Claire’s increasingly insane behaviour on the island which telegraphs some… not good things for her.
As ever, Lost thrives on the relationship between its questions and answers – there’s one double episode left to go, and this season has already gone further and faster than any previous one. Let’s hope it’s got a good endgame planned out.
