And my guess is that the reason it is so underrated is because it centers on two not so popular characters, in this case Boone and Shannon. The same reason Season 2's "S.O.S" and Season 3's "Expose" are so underrated. Well, my general philosophy is, how well-made an episode is matters much more than who it is about. And "Hearts And Minds" is very well-made. The flashbacks are daring and compelling, and manage to fool you even though they use the same kind of twist that the exact previous episode, "Whatever The Case May Be", also used. The on-island action is distributed among a variety of characters: from Locke being more mystical and cryptic than ever, to Kate discovering that Sun can speak English, to Sayid noticing "a magnetic anomaly" on the island (a plot point that will of course become hugely important in the seasons to come), to Jack and Kate's reconciliation, to the very funny comic relief / bonding scenes of Hurley with Jin. But of course the central figures here are Boone and Shannon, who find themselves chased by the ferocious Smoke Monster. Or do they? The final twist may just cause your jaw to hit the floor, and is what propels "Hearts And Minds" to the status of "great". ***1/2 out of 4.
8 Reviews
Jaw-dropping episode, one of the most underrated of Season 1
gridoon20245 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Boone and Shannon, sitting in a tree...
MaxBorg8924 October 2010
Of all the characters seen on Lost up to this point, the least interesting have been Jin and Sun, closely followed by Shannon and her brother Boone. While he has earned some meatier material via his association with Locke, Shannon's "spoiled girl" routine was beginning to grate. And so we are treated to the first episode centered around the two, which also gains importance in hindsight for being the writing debut of Carlton Cuse, who eventually came to share show-runner duties with Damon Lindelof.
The trigger of the episode is jealousy, as Boone isn't all too happy to see his sister getting closer with Sayid. However, he is soon reminded of his more important duty on the Island, that is his trips with Locke to the mysterious hatch in the jungle that no one else knows about so far. Then, when Boone suggests telling Shannon about it, he is knocked unconscious and tied to a tree, while Locke returns to the camp. Meanwhile, Kate finds out Sun can speak English, Hurley tries to bond with Jin, and Jack and Sayid discover a magnetic anomaly when trying to use a compass.
The flashback section is entirely devoted to the complicated relationship between Boone and Shannon: he comes to Sydney to help her get through some boyfriend trouble, but soon discovers it's all part of a ruse she has used before in order to get money. It is also revealed that they are not biologically related, and that there's some kind of slightly inappropriate attraction between them.
Even with incest out of the picture, the Shannon/Boone romance is quite awkward, and makes for one of the less intriguing flashback twists. Nevertheless, the episode deserves kudos for introducing a new element in the game, namely the fact that some of these people may be connected by off-Island events (Sawyer briefly shows up in the Boone flashback), and giving us a new glimpse of the dreaded Smoke Monster. That last part is in fact one of the scariest bits in the season so far, reminding us that everything isn't as it seems in this kind of show and slightly upping the threat level after the previous episode's lack of any real danger. And then there's that unsettling final twist: genius.
The trigger of the episode is jealousy, as Boone isn't all too happy to see his sister getting closer with Sayid. However, he is soon reminded of his more important duty on the Island, that is his trips with Locke to the mysterious hatch in the jungle that no one else knows about so far. Then, when Boone suggests telling Shannon about it, he is knocked unconscious and tied to a tree, while Locke returns to the camp. Meanwhile, Kate finds out Sun can speak English, Hurley tries to bond with Jin, and Jack and Sayid discover a magnetic anomaly when trying to use a compass.
The flashback section is entirely devoted to the complicated relationship between Boone and Shannon: he comes to Sydney to help her get through some boyfriend trouble, but soon discovers it's all part of a ruse she has used before in order to get money. It is also revealed that they are not biologically related, and that there's some kind of slightly inappropriate attraction between them.
Even with incest out of the picture, the Shannon/Boone romance is quite awkward, and makes for one of the less intriguing flashback twists. Nevertheless, the episode deserves kudos for introducing a new element in the game, namely the fact that some of these people may be connected by off-Island events (Sawyer briefly shows up in the Boone flashback), and giving us a new glimpse of the dreaded Smoke Monster. That last part is in fact one of the scariest bits in the season so far, reminding us that everything isn't as it seems in this kind of show and slightly upping the threat level after the previous episode's lack of any real danger. And then there's that unsettling final twist: genius.
Another lesson from mr.Locke
matiasbockerman20 November 2018
Better than its reputation
ametaphysicalshark9 July 2008
Over the years "Hearts and Minds" has come to be regarded as one of the weakest season one episodes. Upon revisiting it yet again I am as oblivious to the reasoning behind its reception as I was in season one. Yes, the flashbacks aren't great, but they are solid enough and far from as completely irritating and boring as, say, "Whatever the Case May Be". They fit Shannon's character, they fit Boone's character, and they're fairly entertaining thanks to a convincingly-written script by Carlton Cuse and Javier Grillo-Marxuach.
Similarly, I just do not understand what can be seen as bad about the real-time events. Locke's character gets an interesting spin and examination through his inducing of Boone's vision quest and his interactions with Sayid and with Jack, Boone is given solid material, and there's some really fun, enjoyable scenes with Jin and Hurley.
"Hearts and Minds" is directed beautifully by Rod Holcomb, perhaps the highlight in terms of direction of the first season as a whole. There are numerous shots that stand out and the monster attack during Boone's vision is really quite wonderfully filmed and edited. Carlton Cuse, on the DVD commentary track, points to the silhouette shot of Boone in the dark after he has presumably had sex with Shannon as one of his favorite shots on the show and I can't argue with him on that, it really is beautiful. The whole thing is very tastefully-directed and comes as a relief after many episodes early in the season that looked like a retarded monkey had given directing a shot.
The whole episode has a different air about it than most episodes. Boone's vision quest is appropriately dream-like and alien, the Hurley/Jin dynamic is an interesting extrapolation of Jin's character which even with "House of the Rising Sun" in consideration was fairly one-sided and very serious.
"Hearts and Minds" is considered by many to be among the weakest episodes of not only the first season but also of the entire series. Other than its lack of advancement of plot and character I cannot see many of the weaknesses others point at. The flashbacks are watchable and the events on the island are hugely entertaining. A flawed but fun episode that stands out as being one of the best of the first season on a visual level.
8.5/10
Similarly, I just do not understand what can be seen as bad about the real-time events. Locke's character gets an interesting spin and examination through his inducing of Boone's vision quest and his interactions with Sayid and with Jack, Boone is given solid material, and there's some really fun, enjoyable scenes with Jin and Hurley.
"Hearts and Minds" is directed beautifully by Rod Holcomb, perhaps the highlight in terms of direction of the first season as a whole. There are numerous shots that stand out and the monster attack during Boone's vision is really quite wonderfully filmed and edited. Carlton Cuse, on the DVD commentary track, points to the silhouette shot of Boone in the dark after he has presumably had sex with Shannon as one of his favorite shots on the show and I can't argue with him on that, it really is beautiful. The whole thing is very tastefully-directed and comes as a relief after many episodes early in the season that looked like a retarded monkey had given directing a shot.
The whole episode has a different air about it than most episodes. Boone's vision quest is appropriately dream-like and alien, the Hurley/Jin dynamic is an interesting extrapolation of Jin's character which even with "House of the Rising Sun" in consideration was fairly one-sided and very serious.
"Hearts and Minds" is considered by many to be among the weakest episodes of not only the first season but also of the entire series. Other than its lack of advancement of plot and character I cannot see many of the weaknesses others point at. The flashbacks are watchable and the events on the island are hugely entertaining. A flawed but fun episode that stands out as being one of the best of the first season on a visual level.
8.5/10
The Relationship Between Shannon Rutherford and Boone Carlyle
claudio_carvalho9 April 2006
Boone Carlyle is jealous of Sayid Jarrah, because he is close to his sister Shannon Rutherford. Boone tells John Locke that he wants to reveal the secret about the hatch in the woods to Shannon. Locke hits Boone, heals his head with a medicine and fastens him with a rope in a tree, living him alone in the forest. Boone recalls his complicated relationship with Shannon, while trying to rescue her from the forest.
In "Hearts and Minds", the relationship between Shannon Rutherford and Boone Carlyle is finally disclosed. The story has a surprising plot point in the very end. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Hearts and Minds"
Note: On 21 March 2013, I saw this episode again.
In "Hearts and Minds", the relationship between Shannon Rutherford and Boone Carlyle is finally disclosed. The story has a surprising plot point in the very end. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Hearts and Minds"
Note: On 21 March 2013, I saw this episode again.
A mindful heart
TheLittleSongbird31 December 2017
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.
"Hearts and Minds" is not one of the best episodes of 'Lost'. It's not even among the best episodes of the first season. Although it is far from a perfect episode and is somewhat disappointing considering that all the pre-"Whatever the Case May Be" episodes are very good to outstanding, it is a better episode than that one, is more a transition episode than a filler one and it is agreed respectfully than the mixed to negative reception it generally has.
Up to this point, Boone and Shannon were two of 'Lost's' least interesting characters and hadn't really had material that let them shine or be as developed as other 'Lost' characters. "Hearts and Minds" is a valiant effort to develop them and their complicated relationship, but is only partially successful. Where it succeeds is with Boone, thanks to the conflicted pathos shown in Ian Somerhalder's acting and a vision sequence that is a contender for the scariest scene of Season 1 and one of the scariest of 'Lost' overall.
Where it doesn't succeed is that Shannon isn't anywhere near as interesting and her personality is not a whole lot different than seen before. Their chemistry therefore doesn't convince entirely, some of it is awkward and some of the writing is rather soap-operatic. Also felt that the chemistry between Jack and Kate was out of character, there was a lot of tension between them before and they seemed rather too friendly here.
On the other hand, what was done with Boone was appreciated hugely. In terms of character interaction and development, the high points are with Hurley and Jin and especially the character development of Locke.
Visually, "Hearts and Minds" is well made with the island as beautiful and mysterious as ever. The music is understated and chilling, even beautiful at times.
There is evidence of taut and smart writing and other than the central relationship the story absorbs and intrigues. The other highlight of "Hearts and Minds", along with Boone's vision sequence, is the ingeniously creepy final twist. The episode is beautifully directed and the acting is fine.
In conclusion, not a bad episode at all and better than reputed. 8/10 Bethany Cox
"Hearts and Minds" is not one of the best episodes of 'Lost'. It's not even among the best episodes of the first season. Although it is far from a perfect episode and is somewhat disappointing considering that all the pre-"Whatever the Case May Be" episodes are very good to outstanding, it is a better episode than that one, is more a transition episode than a filler one and it is agreed respectfully than the mixed to negative reception it generally has.
Up to this point, Boone and Shannon were two of 'Lost's' least interesting characters and hadn't really had material that let them shine or be as developed as other 'Lost' characters. "Hearts and Minds" is a valiant effort to develop them and their complicated relationship, but is only partially successful. Where it succeeds is with Boone, thanks to the conflicted pathos shown in Ian Somerhalder's acting and a vision sequence that is a contender for the scariest scene of Season 1 and one of the scariest of 'Lost' overall.
Where it doesn't succeed is that Shannon isn't anywhere near as interesting and her personality is not a whole lot different than seen before. Their chemistry therefore doesn't convince entirely, some of it is awkward and some of the writing is rather soap-operatic. Also felt that the chemistry between Jack and Kate was out of character, there was a lot of tension between them before and they seemed rather too friendly here.
On the other hand, what was done with Boone was appreciated hugely. In terms of character interaction and development, the high points are with Hurley and Jin and especially the character development of Locke.
Visually, "Hearts and Minds" is well made with the island as beautiful and mysterious as ever. The music is understated and chilling, even beautiful at times.
There is evidence of taut and smart writing and other than the central relationship the story absorbs and intrigues. The other highlight of "Hearts and Minds", along with Boone's vision sequence, is the ingeniously creepy final twist. The episode is beautifully directed and the acting is fine.
In conclusion, not a bad episode at all and better than reputed. 8/10 Bethany Cox
An Aggregate Score of 8.2?!?!?!
adt269528 January 2020
It is baffling that this episode's reception only eclipses just above an '8'. What's explored and presented are some of the best - if not the best - subplots and character scenarios in this entire season. Truly, it's baffling. Was there backlash towards this episode during its initial release that I've always been unaware of? This is my second stint. I don't remember that taking place when I was watching its original airing; an 8.2 score is a travesty for this episode. I might even change my score to a 10 just because of the gross undervaluing.
Boone and Shannon
gedikreverdi9 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Sun is cultivating some plants. Boone was in Sydney to help his sister get away from her abusive boyfriend. Locke and Boone found a vessel stuck in the ground in the woods. Whatever was chasing Boone and Shannon, it took Shannon. They're step siblings and they're in love. But it was Locke who made him have delusions of his sister dying and he said he felt relieved when she's dead. How can Locke do that? Is it him behind all this? Why did Boone feel relieved?
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