If the "Pilot: Part 1" was an exercise in setting the atmosphere of suspense that "Lost" has long became known for, then the second installation is purely for the atmosphere of character and narrative. Greater then its predecessor, it mixes multi-layered storytelling with the correct blend of depth and shock. But more so then all of this, and perhaps the major point of notice, is how this episode elaborates on characters whom we have already seen at a glance. For example, Charlie and his drug addiction adds a certain amount of dramatic tug at a otherwise "comic relief" character. Kate's story builds up tension as to what her crime was, a sub-plot that acts as the main point of intrigue for a few episodes. And finally, we see some nice interaction. As if we have all these pairings of people and watch as they interact and dispute.
The above, however, is only one layer, one out of a couple. For this is the point where mystery is first introduced, not mystery about the characters, but the Island itself, who begins to look like it should be listed as a cast member. There is the ever present question of "where are we?", the notion that polar bears live on it, and that a French woman has a transmission repeating itself on a loop, as it had been for 16 years. That is a lot for 40 minutes to cover! But it never feels rushed or crammed, because that is the benefit of having forty some people survive the crash, it allows a lot of room for spreading and, in the future, lets new people get dragged in or killed off as needed.
Personally, for me, the most interesting part was this character Locke, and the backgammon game with Walt. This is a nice set up for future themes, and also makes me want to know more about the already mysterious Locke, who, at this point, seems to enjoy being on the Island.
It is also nice to see here that flashbacks will follow through the show and act as almost 1/3 the episode. The structure is great and gives us many brilliant moments, such as the crash from Kate's view, as well as the interesting "favor", we do not yet know of. We do find out that Kate is the fugitive though, so it appears that the cop and her have history, and this makes it really motivating to continue until we find out what exactly that is, since, while I can not say this now, as of this episode, I would say Kate is probably the most universally fascinating character yet.
Overall, greater then the first part, and less a spectacle of effects, but much more into character and mystery. It really is the first arrow that points in the right direction for where "Lost" is heading.
Best Scene- Backgammon game between Locke and Walt.
Best Performance- Evangeline Lilly
The above, however, is only one layer, one out of a couple. For this is the point where mystery is first introduced, not mystery about the characters, but the Island itself, who begins to look like it should be listed as a cast member. There is the ever present question of "where are we?", the notion that polar bears live on it, and that a French woman has a transmission repeating itself on a loop, as it had been for 16 years. That is a lot for 40 minutes to cover! But it never feels rushed or crammed, because that is the benefit of having forty some people survive the crash, it allows a lot of room for spreading and, in the future, lets new people get dragged in or killed off as needed.
Personally, for me, the most interesting part was this character Locke, and the backgammon game with Walt. This is a nice set up for future themes, and also makes me want to know more about the already mysterious Locke, who, at this point, seems to enjoy being on the Island.
It is also nice to see here that flashbacks will follow through the show and act as almost 1/3 the episode. The structure is great and gives us many brilliant moments, such as the crash from Kate's view, as well as the interesting "favor", we do not yet know of. We do find out that Kate is the fugitive though, so it appears that the cop and her have history, and this makes it really motivating to continue until we find out what exactly that is, since, while I can not say this now, as of this episode, I would say Kate is probably the most universally fascinating character yet.
Overall, greater then the first part, and less a spectacle of effects, but much more into character and mystery. It really is the first arrow that points in the right direction for where "Lost" is heading.
Best Scene- Backgammon game between Locke and Walt.
Best Performance- Evangeline Lilly