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.
"The Long Con" may not be one of the very best 'Lost' episodes and just misses being one of the best of Season 2. It is certainly though a heck of a lot better than the major stumbling block that was "Fire +Water", while that was not an awful episode it beggars belief what the crew was thinking coming up with something as weird as that episode.
Do agree somewhat that there are more illuminating and better executed Sawyer flashbacks than in "The Long Con". It is still interesting and well written and we learn more about him, but it is not the most character advancing of flashbacks and yes Kim Dickens has grown significantly as an actress since (she is less than great here).
On the other hand, "The Long Con" far from starves us of mystery and on-island events, and they are significantly more interesting and add a lot to the characters and development of the main storyline. The tension over the gun is especially well done and all have plenty to do.
All the acting, excepting Dickens, is very good. Josh Holloway in particular, but Terry O'Quinn and Dominic Monaghan have the most memorable material after him and it shows in their intense and spirited performances.
Visually, 'Lost' continues to be stylish, atmospheric and beautiful in "The Long Con", as always making the most of the island setting. The music is as always chilling and understated, the writing is tight and smart and the direction is skilled throughout.
In conclusion, very good episode if not quite a great one (it almost was). 8/10 Bethany Cox
"The Long Con" may not be one of the very best 'Lost' episodes and just misses being one of the best of Season 2. It is certainly though a heck of a lot better than the major stumbling block that was "Fire +Water", while that was not an awful episode it beggars belief what the crew was thinking coming up with something as weird as that episode.
Do agree somewhat that there are more illuminating and better executed Sawyer flashbacks than in "The Long Con". It is still interesting and well written and we learn more about him, but it is not the most character advancing of flashbacks and yes Kim Dickens has grown significantly as an actress since (she is less than great here).
On the other hand, "The Long Con" far from starves us of mystery and on-island events, and they are significantly more interesting and add a lot to the characters and development of the main storyline. The tension over the gun is especially well done and all have plenty to do.
All the acting, excepting Dickens, is very good. Josh Holloway in particular, but Terry O'Quinn and Dominic Monaghan have the most memorable material after him and it shows in their intense and spirited performances.
Visually, 'Lost' continues to be stylish, atmospheric and beautiful in "The Long Con", as always making the most of the island setting. The music is as always chilling and understated, the writing is tight and smart and the direction is skilled throughout.
In conclusion, very good episode if not quite a great one (it almost was). 8/10 Bethany Cox