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.
"Solitary" is something of a let down after the great previous episode "Confidence Man", and is not in the same league as far as previous episodes go as "Pilot" and "Walkabout" which are show high points. It is still a very good episode, even if the direction has been more inspired before and since and the writing tighter and more illuminating.
It is great to learn about Sayid's dark past and it does make for harrowing viewing, but the previous episodes with flashbacks for Charlie, Sawyer and particularly Locke said more new things about the character in question than "Solitary's" flashbacks did with Sayid (it is agreed that the Arabic is dodgy) rather than going over things already reinforced.
Rousseau's introduction is more interesting, and the character has only been introduced in this episode and is already a complex individual. The scenes between Sayid and Rousseau are riveting though.
Even greater is learning more about the island and there is a nice light-hearted edge with Hurley and the golf, a good example of the other characters other than the main focus having time to shine.
Visually, "Solitary" is well made with the island as beautiful and mysterious as ever. The music is understated and chilling. The writing still provokes thought and the story absorbs.
Acting is hard to find fault, Naveen Andrews and Mira Furlan being outstanding.
Overall, well done if not up to great or more 'Lost' standard. 8/10 Bethany Cox
