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.
It, Season 6 that is, started promisingly enough with "LA X", both parts, before reaching disappointment with the still watchable "What Kate Does", which had great moments but a dull and soap-heavy central story. "The Substitute" was a step up and perhaps the best of the episodes up to this point of the season, but not one of the best 'Lost' episodes, did find a couple of issues with it but can understand why critically it has been positively received.
"Lighthouse", while better than "What Kate Does", isn't as good as the previous episode. It is certainly a good episode, often very good, with a lot of great things. It is also uneven, with a few things not coming off as well as they could have done.
Had mixed feelings on the flash-sideways subplot. It did have heart, cannot fault the acting and had some interesting and shocking revelations and answers but the pace did feel dull in places, the drama static and some of the dialogue soapy.
Some of "Lighthouse" does get weird, some of the Hurley lighthouse subplot could have been clearer in writing, not without shocking moments but those wanting answers or everything to make complete sense will be disappointed.
On the other hand, the numbers/names mystery is very gripping, with a lot of intensity and intrigue. The character of Jacob is suitably ambiguous and quite scary at times and the whole rapport between him and Hurley make for some of the episode's better moments in an episode full of great character interaction. Jack's development is illuminating and doesn't go round in circles or reiterate what is already known, his chemistry with Hurley also well done. It was interesting to see a different side to Claire, that was somewhat out of character but actually made her more interesting, and the quite spooky subplot with her and Jin is also one of the episode's better aspects. Another highlight is the leaving-one-floored cliff-hanger, didn't see it coming.
The performances can't be faulted, especially from Matthew Fox, Jorge Garcia and Mark Pellegrino. Don't always rate Emilie DeRavin highly as an actress but she is fine here and brings out a side one doesn't see usually from her. "Lighthouse" looks stylish and atmospheric, always beautifully shot with the locations still mysterious and striking. The music is understated and chilling and most of the writing, other than in some of the flash-sideways subplot, is tight and thought-provoking. The direction has alertness and breathing space.
In summation, decent but uneven. 7/10 Bethany Cox