After watching this episode, I hope that things truly do change for Hurley. He is such a likable character that you want him to be in a better place. Sawer kind of surprised me here as well. He came up to Hurley all ticked off wanting his "stuff" but seemed genuinely touched by Hurley's welcome back hug. Of course the more we see of Sawyer, or James if you will his wall of being this tough-guy can artist is slowly crumbling. As for Hurley though it was interesting to see Cheech Marin show up as his errant father in the flash-back sequences. I always enjoy the Hurley-centric episodes for the comedy elements they bring to the show. After last weeks traumatic events, it is nice to have this for a little break
10 Reviews
Roger Workman
gridoon202417 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
"Tricia Tanaka Is Dead" is one of the most laid-back, heart-warming and (believe it or not) light-hearted episodes of LOST. The woman of the title is a reporter who, along with her cameraman, became victims of the "curse" that has haunted Hurley ever since his big lottery win. But most of the episode focuses on character-bonding between Hurley, Jin and Sawyer; the threat of the Others is temporarily forgotten. That's not to say there are no plot developments, though; the van with the skeleton in the middle of the jungle is obviously a set-up for later (or, more accurately, earlier) events, and Kate's decision to find the Others' camp and rescue Jack is a set-up for the next episode. It's just that some characters here are allowed a few final moments of peace, before the life-and-death situations begin again. You may find yourself smiling for an uncommon amount of time during this episode. *** out of 4.
Having Hope Is Never Stupid
claudio_carvalho3 March 2007
Hurley recalls the day his father left his mother and him in his motorcycle. Than he recalls his curse and his bad lucky, inclusive after winning the lottery, including the day that the reporter Tricia Tanaka died and Mr. Cluck was destroyed by a meteor and when his father returned home. While in the island, he finds a capsized Kombi, and with the support of Sawyer, Jin and Charlie, he tries to fix the car with hope. Kate decides to bring Jack back convincing Danielle Rousseau to help her. Sayid and Locke follow her and join the team.
"Tricia Tanaka Is Dead" is a great episode of "Lost" focused in the nice Hurley. After many episodes showing the evilness of "The Others", it was refreshing to see the original survivals back again, with Hurley, Charley, Locke, Sayid, Sawyer and Vincent, the dog, and a great message of hope. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
Note: On 7 April 2013, I saw this episode again on DVD.
"Tricia Tanaka Is Dead" is a great episode of "Lost" focused in the nice Hurley. After many episodes showing the evilness of "The Others", it was refreshing to see the original survivals back again, with Hurley, Charley, Locke, Sayid, Sawyer and Vincent, the dog, and a great message of hope. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): Not Available
Note: On 7 April 2013, I saw this episode again on DVD.
All kinds of wonderful
ametaphysicalshark10 December 2008
In season one, in spite of the obvious threat of The Others and the fact that the characters had just survived a plane crash and were stranded on a mysterious island, "Lost" was a show where the characters could actually have fun, exchange some small talk, and have something to smile about. Gradually the show has gotten darker and more violent, and in many ways would become darker and more hopeless than ever in season 3 and 4. One of the few episodes in the latter two seasons (as of December 2008) which provided lots of light comedy and gave the cast (particularly Josh Holloway, Daniel Dae Kim, Dom Monaghan, and Jorge Garcia, who get the most screen time this episode) a chance to do something more presumably enjoyable recently, and a couple of those four have gone on record saying this was one of their best experiences on the show.
The episode itself is superb largely because while it has a life-affirming message of hope, it also thankfully acknowledges the point to which the show had come and the violent nature of many of the events on the island, in addition to how much the survivors had lost. It's a remarkably human script, one which portrays the characters without anything but their purest emotional traits. Hurley's determination to start the van is absolutely real, Sawyer's reaction to the beer is too, and their collective ecstasy when they get the van started is absolutely totally believable and human. Yet, there is a sad undercurrent to the whole affair, one which would not become entirely clear until later in the season.
The episode also benefits from particularly excellent direction courtesy of Eric Laneuville, truly one of the finest television directors working today. There is not a hint of amateurishness, not a hint of confusion about anything, and lots of neat, subtle little touches that stay on the right side of showboating. A really fun episode, but not a light one. The difference is huge, and "Tricia Tanaka is Dead" is most certainly a substantial episode, regardless of how many meteorites and jokes involving a Jesus statue and Hurley's mother's 'needs' it's got.
The episode itself is superb largely because while it has a life-affirming message of hope, it also thankfully acknowledges the point to which the show had come and the violent nature of many of the events on the island, in addition to how much the survivors had lost. It's a remarkably human script, one which portrays the characters without anything but their purest emotional traits. Hurley's determination to start the van is absolutely real, Sawyer's reaction to the beer is too, and their collective ecstasy when they get the van started is absolutely totally believable and human. Yet, there is a sad undercurrent to the whole affair, one which would not become entirely clear until later in the season.
The episode also benefits from particularly excellent direction courtesy of Eric Laneuville, truly one of the finest television directors working today. There is not a hint of amateurishness, not a hint of confusion about anything, and lots of neat, subtle little touches that stay on the right side of showboating. A really fun episode, but not a light one. The difference is huge, and "Tricia Tanaka is Dead" is most certainly a substantial episode, regardless of how many meteorites and jokes involving a Jesus statue and Hurley's mother's 'needs' it's got.
The definition of joy
sneakysnacks30 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
There is nothing quite like the feeling you get watching the Dharma Van start up. Seeing the reactions of the actors, the pure joy, is incredible. Without a doubt my favourite Lost moment, this episode is a break from the usual darkness of the Lost episodes. It is a Hurley centric episode, so of course it is hilarious. I laughed consistently throughout the show, and the ending left me smiling from ear to ear. It really brings you back to the moments in Season 1 where the characters can have a bit of fun. In a time when everyone (including the viewer) needs some hope, Hurley comes to the rescue with both a van and a story of his life before the crash. How this episode is not equally appreciated by the rest of fans is a mystery to me. Fun without being pointless, this episode is a must-see
The episode that got me hooked
ecto14049 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this episode in passing when I was a little. I'm not old enough to have watched the show while it was on the air but I do remember seeing my parents watch this episode and I thought it was awesome. Now on my 5th rewatch this episode gives me the same vibe as the first time I watched it, pure joy. When they get the van started I smile ear to ear, I love these moments and the "hooked on phonics" one liner from sawyer.
Hands down my favorite episode!
askeland899 January 2021
I may be a little biased but I remember this episode specifically from when it first aired. Season 3 was getting quite serious in terms of drama, hate and mistrust among the characters and I needed a break from all the bitterness. This episode brought a smile to my face and I'm still smiling just thinking about it. I understand why some of you might not like this episode, It's definitely a filler episode and it doesn't add anything to the main story, but that's exactly what I needed at the time.
Underrated
mpenny22 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Island plot - Hurley finds an old van in th jungle and sets out to fix it.
Flashback - Hurley is suspicious when his long lost father returns.
This is one of the most underrated episodes of lost. It Hurley centric so of course its funny. But its also probably the most feel good episode lost ever produced. After spending half a season with our heroes being locked in polar bear cages this was a welcome change of pace. It focuses on Hurleys attempt to find hope in the aftermath of his almost girlfriends death at the end of last season. Basically Hurley finds an old Dharma van in the jungle. With Jin, Sawyer and Charlie's help he tries to get it running again. Why? Because he can. Add some very old Dharma beer, Sawyer trying to teach Jin some English and, of course, Roger Workman, whose mummified body is found in the van, and you have the makings of a classic.
Plus it has Cheech Marin in it. That alone has to makes it a classic. Right?
Flashback - Hurley is suspicious when his long lost father returns.
This is one of the most underrated episodes of lost. It Hurley centric so of course its funny. But its also probably the most feel good episode lost ever produced. After spending half a season with our heroes being locked in polar bear cages this was a welcome change of pace. It focuses on Hurleys attempt to find hope in the aftermath of his almost girlfriends death at the end of last season. Basically Hurley finds an old Dharma van in the jungle. With Jin, Sawyer and Charlie's help he tries to get it running again. Why? Because he can. Add some very old Dharma beer, Sawyer trying to teach Jin some English and, of course, Roger Workman, whose mummified body is found in the van, and you have the makings of a classic.
Plus it has Cheech Marin in it. That alone has to makes it a classic. Right?
Good quality come to life
TheLittleSongbird19 April 2018
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.
"Tricia Tanaka is Dead" is not Season 3 or 'Lost' in general back on very top form and may lack some of what makes the classic 'Lost' episodes as great as they are. It is however a huge step up from the previous episode "Stranger in a Strange Land", a huge disappointment and a rare early seasons-'Lost' misfire and even one of the show's worst. Count me in actually as another person who liked "Tricia Tanaka is Dead", didn't mind it was not a conventional episode as such and who considers it underrated.
Can understand why some would consider it a filler episode, though "Stranger in a Strange Land" fits that description a lot more and does a much worse job with it. It may not say anything new, there have been more illuminating flashbacks before and since (though at least they didn't feel pointless) and it doesn't necessarily progress character development (apart from Hurley) or the story and on-island/mystery events.
Having said all this, "Tricia Tanaka is Dead" was a very pleasant watch and actually appreciated its laid back approach, not every episode of 'Lost' has to have full on intensity and such, without feeling dull. Parts are very funny, agree that some of the comedy touches are great. The episode is also poignant and heart-warming with a lovely message. Hurley has always been very likeable as a character and it is always great when he is much more than just comic relief, there are signs of that definitely but Hurley's dramatic situation avoids being too soap-operatic.
All the acting is very good, with top honours going to Josh Holloway and particularly Jorge Garcia.
Loved too the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, the effective use of music, the taut writing and the tightly controlled direction (one of the season's best directed episodes).
Overall, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
"Tricia Tanaka is Dead" is not Season 3 or 'Lost' in general back on very top form and may lack some of what makes the classic 'Lost' episodes as great as they are. It is however a huge step up from the previous episode "Stranger in a Strange Land", a huge disappointment and a rare early seasons-'Lost' misfire and even one of the show's worst. Count me in actually as another person who liked "Tricia Tanaka is Dead", didn't mind it was not a conventional episode as such and who considers it underrated.
Can understand why some would consider it a filler episode, though "Stranger in a Strange Land" fits that description a lot more and does a much worse job with it. It may not say anything new, there have been more illuminating flashbacks before and since (though at least they didn't feel pointless) and it doesn't necessarily progress character development (apart from Hurley) or the story and on-island/mystery events.
Having said all this, "Tricia Tanaka is Dead" was a very pleasant watch and actually appreciated its laid back approach, not every episode of 'Lost' has to have full on intensity and such, without feeling dull. Parts are very funny, agree that some of the comedy touches are great. The episode is also poignant and heart-warming with a lovely message. Hurley has always been very likeable as a character and it is always great when he is much more than just comic relief, there are signs of that definitely but Hurley's dramatic situation avoids being too soap-operatic.
All the acting is very good, with top honours going to Josh Holloway and particularly Jorge Garcia.
Loved too the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, the effective use of music, the taut writing and the tightly controlled direction (one of the season's best directed episodes).
Overall, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
2 minutes of interesting
amberbaer1 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Hurley has daddy issues - his "lost" father is shown in flashback to be Cheech! Who abandoned him when he was skinny and showed back up when he was fat and wealthy - with his hand out of course.
Kate and Sawyer come "home" to the other lost people and Kate feels she has to go back - boring! Hurley finds a tipped over van in the woods and think that making it work will bring a sense of hope to the people around him - breaking his curse.....yawn...
Sawyer and Jin bond over beer, the van, and the English language. Another boring facet of the show.
We learn nothing new in this episode and i for one am tired of the flashbacks with 2 minutes of high holy drama at the end - Kate sets out to find the crazy french woman in the woods and have her help go get Jack back from the "others" while saving the person who could be the french woman's "lost" daughter.
This has to be the last season - after 2.5 years of flashbacks and unanswered questions - the writers have written themselves into their own Twilight Zone from which there can be no end.
Kate and Sawyer come "home" to the other lost people and Kate feels she has to go back - boring! Hurley finds a tipped over van in the woods and think that making it work will bring a sense of hope to the people around him - breaking his curse.....yawn...
Sawyer and Jin bond over beer, the van, and the English language. Another boring facet of the show.
We learn nothing new in this episode and i for one am tired of the flashbacks with 2 minutes of high holy drama at the end - Kate sets out to find the crazy french woman in the woods and have her help go get Jack back from the "others" while saving the person who could be the french woman's "lost" daughter.
This has to be the last season - after 2.5 years of flashbacks and unanswered questions - the writers have written themselves into their own Twilight Zone from which there can be no end.
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