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.
After a dip in quality with "Whatever the Case May Be" and "Hearts and Minds", though to me they were far from bad episodes (just that after such a very good to outstanding run with the previous episodes they were steps down), "Special" very nearly is a special episode and sees an almost return-to-top-form for 'Lost'. My only complaint is the effects, which were less than special to put it lightly.
Otherwise, it was very difficult not to appreciate Michael finally seeing some development. As far as Michael-centric episodes go, "Special" is one of the best ones. An episode that sees him at his most interesting up to that point in the show, being the first episode to properly develop him, and one of those where he was much easier to relate to and empathise with, which is why it is a shame that they didn't continue with this later on.
"Special" is advantaged by very good performances all round, brilliant in the cases of Malcolm David Kelley and especially Harold Perrineau. The bond between Michael and Walt is both sweet and poignant, particularly in the letters and sunburned penguin drawing moments, and the flashback and back-story is one of the season's most emotionally impactful, heart-breaking actually, and intriguingly executed.
Dominic Monaghan's comic timing as Charlie was appreciated and didn't in any way feel out of place, giving "Special" some welcome levity even. The cliff hanger was a pretty good one. The story is riveting and beautifully paced, the script is one of the season's most taut and nuanced and the more intimate approach to the direction was refreshing also.
Visually, "Special" is well made with the island as beautiful and mysterious as ever and is beautifully shot. The music is understated and chilling, even beautiful at times.
Overall, great and almost special. 9/10 Bethany Cox
