SPOILER: 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.
For me, "The 23rd Psalm" is one of my favourite episodes of Season 2 and also one of my favourite 'Lost' episodes up to this point and perhaps ever. Religion plays a big part here, but it is handled intriguingly, with taste and in a way that adds to and advances the story rather than distract from it (a very easy trap to fall into and would have done most likely in lesser hands), in no way does it feel heavy-handed.
Mr Eko from the minute he was introduced always was one of the most interesting characters introduced in Season 2. Centring an episode around him was more than welcome and gave him some background after being prior to this episode an intriguingly mysterious character with great interactions with the fellow castaways.
"The 23rd Psalm" is a fine example to all 'Lost' episodes as to how to centre an episode around a character and how to have a flashback that is relevant to the island events and advances them. Mr Eko's backstory is so succinctly written and balanced with the rest of the episode and makes an already interesting character even more so.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje's charismatic and gravitas-filled performances helps hugely. The rest of the acting is just as effective, with Dominic Monaghan's performance and interaction with Akinnuoye-Agbaje being especially striking. Another standout is the appearance and showdown with the monster (indeed one of its key appearances on the show). The story is compelling in its themes and how it's told and at times wonderfully strange.
A great job is done with the writing and development of the characters thanks to a taut, smart, passionate and complex script that has a lot happening while not feeling over-stuffed.
On a visual level, "The 23rd Psalm" is beautifully photographed, as always making the most of the island setting. The music is as always chilling and understated and some of the show's best direction is present here.
In conclusion, wonderful and a season and show high-point. 10/10 Bethany Cox
For me, "The 23rd Psalm" is one of my favourite episodes of Season 2 and also one of my favourite 'Lost' episodes up to this point and perhaps ever. Religion plays a big part here, but it is handled intriguingly, with taste and in a way that adds to and advances the story rather than distract from it (a very easy trap to fall into and would have done most likely in lesser hands), in no way does it feel heavy-handed.
Mr Eko from the minute he was introduced always was one of the most interesting characters introduced in Season 2. Centring an episode around him was more than welcome and gave him some background after being prior to this episode an intriguingly mysterious character with great interactions with the fellow castaways.
"The 23rd Psalm" is a fine example to all 'Lost' episodes as to how to centre an episode around a character and how to have a flashback that is relevant to the island events and advances them. Mr Eko's backstory is so succinctly written and balanced with the rest of the episode and makes an already interesting character even more so.
Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje's charismatic and gravitas-filled performances helps hugely. The rest of the acting is just as effective, with Dominic Monaghan's performance and interaction with Akinnuoye-Agbaje being especially striking. Another standout is the appearance and showdown with the monster (indeed one of its key appearances on the show). The story is compelling in its themes and how it's told and at times wonderfully strange.
A great job is done with the writing and development of the characters thanks to a taut, smart, passionate and complex script that has a lot happening while not feeling over-stuffed.
On a visual level, "The 23rd Psalm" is beautifully photographed, as always making the most of the island setting. The music is as always chilling and understated and some of the show's best direction is present here.
In conclusion, wonderful and a season and show high-point. 10/10 Bethany Cox