Lost as its best. Absolutely one of the greatest lost episodes ever.
11 Reviews
Dude...
matiasbockerman21 November 2018
"The Numbers Are Bad!"
The_Sandheaver8 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
In this extraordinary episode, full of humour, shocks and suspense, we find out about Hurley's past, and the reason why he was in Australia.
When Michael needs a battery to power the radar on his raft, Hurley suggests going to find Rousseau because Sayid mentioned she had batteries. When Jack and Hurley consult Sayid, he refuses to go, and he shows them the confusing notes that he took from Rousseau. One of them catches Hurley's eye, and he begins to start acting peculiarly. The day after being shown the notes, Hurley alone goes to find Rousseau to find out the meaning of one of the notes, in which the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42 are repeated in that order several times.
Why does Hurley want to find Rousseau so badly? The numbers "4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42" were used by him for the Lottery. He is overwhelmed when he actually wins a record $110 million with the numbers. However, as soon as he has won, a number of things start going wrong for him. Over time, Hurley begins to believe that the numbers are cursed, and he goes to extreme lengths to find out what the numbers mean, much to the confusion of Jack, Sayid and Charlie, who go out to search for him.
This episode reveals a lot of home truths which are to become an integral part of Lost, and begins to establish connections between Hurley's life, and the history of the island. This also boasts what has to be the most memorable speech in the entire series of Lost to a stunned individual.
When Michael needs a battery to power the radar on his raft, Hurley suggests going to find Rousseau because Sayid mentioned she had batteries. When Jack and Hurley consult Sayid, he refuses to go, and he shows them the confusing notes that he took from Rousseau. One of them catches Hurley's eye, and he begins to start acting peculiarly. The day after being shown the notes, Hurley alone goes to find Rousseau to find out the meaning of one of the notes, in which the numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42 are repeated in that order several times.
Why does Hurley want to find Rousseau so badly? The numbers "4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42" were used by him for the Lottery. He is overwhelmed when he actually wins a record $110 million with the numbers. However, as soon as he has won, a number of things start going wrong for him. Over time, Hurley begins to believe that the numbers are cursed, and he goes to extreme lengths to find out what the numbers mean, much to the confusion of Jack, Sayid and Charlie, who go out to search for him.
This episode reveals a lot of home truths which are to become an integral part of Lost, and begins to establish connections between Hurley's life, and the history of the island. This also boasts what has to be the most memorable speech in the entire series of Lost to a stunned individual.
Cursed Numbers
claudio_carvalho13 April 2006
While Michael Dawson, Jin Kwon and Sawyer are rebuilding the raft burned in the last episode, Hugo "Hurley" Reyes sees the numbers in the maps stolen by Sayid Jarrah and decides hike alone and meet Danielle Rousseau. He recalls when he won millions of dollars in the lottery and had a jinx with a tremendous bad luck.
"Numbers" is a very intriguing episode of "Lost" with a mysterious series of numbers affecting the life of Hurley and being found in different places in the island. This episode raises more questions than answers. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Numbers"
Note: On 22 March 2013, I saw this episode again.
"Numbers" is a very intriguing episode of "Lost" with a mysterious series of numbers affecting the life of Hurley and being found in different places in the island. This episode raises more questions than answers. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Numbers"
Note: On 22 March 2013, I saw this episode again.
A classic episode deserving of its reputation
ametaphysicalshark23 July 2008
"Numbers" is one of those episodes I can watch countless times and be thoroughly engaged by it every single time. I remember taping it when it was first on and watching it twice more after it was initially on television at the time, right after I was done the episode. It is that good. Brian Fletcher and David Fury wrote this smart, creative little script that raised plenty of questions (some of which still haven't been answered) and tackled some heavy thematic territory (fate, destiny, etc.) with a light touch. "Numbers" cheers me up quite a bit when I watch it, which is slightly odd for an episode where so many bad things happen.
Michael Giacchino's score for this episode is one of his most memorable, I think. A lot of things about "Numbers" stand out, but the score is among the more prominently memorable things about this episode. I remember being really impressed with how they handled Hurley's character here, as he had been up to this point mostly a comic relief character, and I thought this script managed a surprising amount of depth without going too far from the humorous Hurley we had come to love.
Of course, as of July 2008, a couple of months after the end of season four, the numbers themselves continue to be as mysterious as they ever were. This makes watching this episode and much of season two more than a little frustrating, and at this point I would be happy with ANY explanation, not necessarily a good one.
"Numbers" is a classic. Enough said.
10/10
Michael Giacchino's score for this episode is one of his most memorable, I think. A lot of things about "Numbers" stand out, but the score is among the more prominently memorable things about this episode. I remember being really impressed with how they handled Hurley's character here, as he had been up to this point mostly a comic relief character, and I thought this script managed a surprising amount of depth without going too far from the humorous Hurley we had come to love.
Of course, as of July 2008, a couple of months after the end of season four, the numbers themselves continue to be as mysterious as they ever were. This makes watching this episode and much of season two more than a little frustrating, and at this point I would be happy with ANY explanation, not necessarily a good one.
"Numbers" is a classic. Enough said.
10/10
Hurley turns serious
TheLittleSongbird7 January 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.
"Numbers" ranks high as far as Season 1 and the early seasons go. It really is a wonderful episode, that gives more dimension in particular to two characters and advances on them while also adding more intrigue to the on island events and moves them forward. On first viewing, while intriguing the whole thing with the numbers was difficult to properly get my head round but it makes sense on repeat viewings and is very clever.
Really liked that we get a different, more serious and more layered Hurley than just the comic relief. Not saying that as an insult, he is always great on the comedy front but seeing more development to him and with it done so well was truly impressive. Jorge Garcia proves himself to be as much at ease in a more dramatic approach as he is in comedy, he looks as if he's having fun while giving intensity.
Equally impressive was what "Numbers" did with Rousseau. She is a more complex character here and easier to identify with than previously, especially in her encounter with Hurley. Mira Furlan conveys all this beautifully in a performance that's heartfelt and soulful.
Sayid, Jack and Charlie's roles are also handled well. All the acting is great, with top honours going to Garcia and Furlan.
Visually, "Numbers" is one of Season 1's best-looking episodes, one of the most beautifully shot and skilfully directed. The island setting is both beautiful and mysterious still. Michael Giacchino's score is one of his best for the show, fitting beautifully with both an understated and chilling edge.
Overall, one of the high points of Season 1. 10/10 Bethany Cox
"Numbers" ranks high as far as Season 1 and the early seasons go. It really is a wonderful episode, that gives more dimension in particular to two characters and advances on them while also adding more intrigue to the on island events and moves them forward. On first viewing, while intriguing the whole thing with the numbers was difficult to properly get my head round but it makes sense on repeat viewings and is very clever.
Really liked that we get a different, more serious and more layered Hurley than just the comic relief. Not saying that as an insult, he is always great on the comedy front but seeing more development to him and with it done so well was truly impressive. Jorge Garcia proves himself to be as much at ease in a more dramatic approach as he is in comedy, he looks as if he's having fun while giving intensity.
Equally impressive was what "Numbers" did with Rousseau. She is a more complex character here and easier to identify with than previously, especially in her encounter with Hurley. Mira Furlan conveys all this beautifully in a performance that's heartfelt and soulful.
Sayid, Jack and Charlie's roles are also handled well. All the acting is great, with top honours going to Garcia and Furlan.
Visually, "Numbers" is one of Season 1's best-looking episodes, one of the most beautifully shot and skilfully directed. The island setting is both beautiful and mysterious still. Michael Giacchino's score is one of his best for the show, fitting beautifully with both an understated and chilling edge.
Overall, one of the high points of Season 1. 10/10 Bethany Cox
"Good old fun-time Hurley!"
MaxBorg896 November 2010
With the first season of Lost nearing its end, it was about time the last of the main characters left on the list got his own episode - that would be Hurley (Jorge Garcia), whose role so far has been to provide comic relief (cracking jokes, building golf courses, the works). Like everyone else, though, he has his fair share of baggage, and this is the one where part of it is unveiled.
To be more specific, Hurley's past involves a series of numbers: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42. When he sees these numbers on a document Sayid got from Rousseau's camp, he sets out to find her, miraculously avoiding numerous traps in the jungle while Jack, Sayid and Charlie are left behind and go their separate ways. When he eventually meets the Frenchwoman, Hurley is told a story that has some sort of connection with his past.
Prior to getting on Oceanic 815, Hurley won the lottery, an event which subsequently caused his loved ones to experience bad luck. He had used the aforementioned numbers to win, and when he relates this to a mental patient who has a habit of repeating that same sequence, he is told "the numbers are bad". As he tries to find out the origin of the numbers, he comes to the conclusion that they are cursed.
This episode is a very good spin on a popular science fiction motif: the number 42 was of great significance to both Douglas Adams and Chris Carter, while J.J. Abrams himself had a thing for 47, which was linked to the more supernatural aspects of Alias. Here, it receives a more complex treatment, being weaved into the series mythology and playing an integral part in two characters' back-stories. In particular, Garcia gets to have a lot of fun with his role, mixing Hurley's natural charm with a hint of darkness and mystery (his connection to a mental hospital cries for a follow-up episode) and even poking fun at the reason he was cast in the show in the first place (Hurley is falsely accused of being a drug dealer, a part Garcia played in the fourth season of Curb Your Enthusiasm). So yes, for the most part it's all build-up, but there isn't a single dull moment in sight.
To be more specific, Hurley's past involves a series of numbers: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42. When he sees these numbers on a document Sayid got from Rousseau's camp, he sets out to find her, miraculously avoiding numerous traps in the jungle while Jack, Sayid and Charlie are left behind and go their separate ways. When he eventually meets the Frenchwoman, Hurley is told a story that has some sort of connection with his past.
Prior to getting on Oceanic 815, Hurley won the lottery, an event which subsequently caused his loved ones to experience bad luck. He had used the aforementioned numbers to win, and when he relates this to a mental patient who has a habit of repeating that same sequence, he is told "the numbers are bad". As he tries to find out the origin of the numbers, he comes to the conclusion that they are cursed.
This episode is a very good spin on a popular science fiction motif: the number 42 was of great significance to both Douglas Adams and Chris Carter, while J.J. Abrams himself had a thing for 47, which was linked to the more supernatural aspects of Alias. Here, it receives a more complex treatment, being weaved into the series mythology and playing an integral part in two characters' back-stories. In particular, Garcia gets to have a lot of fun with his role, mixing Hurley's natural charm with a hint of darkness and mystery (his connection to a mental hospital cries for a follow-up episode) and even poking fun at the reason he was cast in the show in the first place (Hurley is falsely accused of being a drug dealer, a part Garcia played in the fourth season of Curb Your Enthusiasm). So yes, for the most part it's all build-up, but there isn't a single dull moment in sight.
The numbers are cursed
FlikJedi7196 January 2020
"Numbers" does a great job adding to the mythos of the Lost universe. This is the first time we are introduced to the infamous numbers: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42. From this point to the series finale viewers can hunt the numbers out as they are periodically (both overtly and covertly) presented to the audience.
This is also the first episode where we see Hurley's backstory 18 episodes deep in Season 1. Reading some history around the "numbers", specifically on the Lost Wikipedia page is pretty interesting as well. I won't spoil that here though.
Episode 18 gets a 9/10.
This is also the first episode where we see Hurley's backstory 18 episodes deep in Season 1. Reading some history around the "numbers", specifically on the Lost Wikipedia page is pretty interesting as well. I won't spoil that here though.
Episode 18 gets a 9/10.
Wow
raj-bhullar7 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Recently the episodes have been fire. Early on in the show I was getting bored with these back stories. But now they are super interesting. I was going to quit the show after about ten episodes in. But I'm glad I didn't. As the season is coming to an end the episodes are getting better and better. This episode had a great ending with the cursed numbers on the hatch. I had been craving a super good ending like that. The whole plot with the cursed numbers was super interesting and intriguing. This could be the reason why the plane crashed. And if it's the reason there must be more bad things that are going to happen. But they still haven't touched on the monster thing which was toppling trees and killed the pilot. They haven't showed this monster in a long time. I hope in the season finale they will shed a light on it because I was quite interested in that aspect. Also who are the others on the island? Show is getting really interesting now and I'm loving it. Now I can see why people love this show.
Classic Episode Acquiring Most Unique Storyline!
TrueRanKings19 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In the "Numbers" episode of Lost, which is part of Season 1, the storyline revolves around the mysterious numbers, 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42. Hurley, a lottery winner who believes the numbers are cursed, experiences a series of unfortunate events on the island. As he tries to find a rational explanation, Hurley's backstory is revealed, showing the tragic consequences associated with the numbers. Meanwhile, Hurley's obsession leads him to discover that another survivor, Leonard Simms, had been haunted by the same numbers before his death. As the episode unfolds, the island's inhabitants confront the notion of fate versus coincidence, blurring the lines between reality and superstition, setting the stage for further mysteries yet to be unraveled.
In the episode, it is revealed that the numbers, 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42, have a mysterious and seemingly cursed nature. Hurley, who won a lottery using these numbers, believes they bring bad luck. As the story progresses, it is shown that the numbers repeatedly appear in Hurley's life, causing tragic events and misfortune.
The curse associated with the numbers is further explored through Leonard Simms, a fellow survivor on the island. Leonard, like Hurley, was haunted by the numbers and eventually went mad. Hurley discovers Leonard's story and realizes that the numbers have a detrimental effect on those who encounter them.
The episode leaves the nature of the curse ambiguous, blending elements of fate, superstition, and the unexplainable, setting the stage for ongoing mysteries and questions throughout the series.
In the episode, it is revealed that the numbers, 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42, have a mysterious and seemingly cursed nature. Hurley, who won a lottery using these numbers, believes they bring bad luck. As the story progresses, it is shown that the numbers repeatedly appear in Hurley's life, causing tragic events and misfortune.
The curse associated with the numbers is further explored through Leonard Simms, a fellow survivor on the island. Leonard, like Hurley, was haunted by the numbers and eventually went mad. Hurley discovers Leonard's story and realizes that the numbers have a detrimental effect on those who encounter them.
The episode leaves the nature of the curse ambiguous, blending elements of fate, superstition, and the unexplainable, setting the stage for ongoing mysteries and questions throughout the series.
Hurley's story is by far the best so far
gedikreverdi10 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Hurley won the lottery with the numbers that he heard from his former soldier friend who's now in a mental hospital. He heard it when he was working in the pacific. The numbers were cursed. Hurley's friend had a partner in this mission and Hurley flew to Australia to find him. He shot himself. The French woman was on a scientific expedition and they wanted to spot the transmission of the numbers which brought them to the island. She changed that transmission with her distress call. The numbers were written on the vessel stuck in the ground, too. Hurley's character has become very interesting.
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