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.
Season 3 was for me a solid if uneven season, with many brilliant episodes but a few slightly underwhelming ones and containing one of 'Lost's' low points "Stranger in a Strange Land". Season 4 had a good amount to live up, and its first episode "The Beginning of the End", carrying on from where the shocking events of the previous season's finale "Through the Looking Glass", couldn't be a better way to start. Also found it the best 'Lost' season opener since the first season's pilot, if not quite as good as that, and can totally see its universal critical acclaim.
The episode has pretty much everything that 'Lost' is all about. It's taut and thought-provoking, with utterly gripping on-island events. It may be primarily setting up and putting into place what is to come, but does that extremely well.
On top of all that, it advances characters, shows plot progression rather than repeating itself or being filler. There may not be many shocking revelations/moments, apart from Hurley's cabin encounter and with Naomi (slightly contrived but can be overlooked), and other episodes may provide more answers, but you know what? Neither were in any way a problem.
Also found "The Beginning of the End" to be a non-stop thrill ride of insane entertainment value, edge of your seat tension and very emotional moments.
Can't fault the performances, particularly from Jorge Garcia giving some of his best acting of the whole show and some of his best ever even.
Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effectively understated and chilling use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction (one of the best of the season and perhaps of the show).
All in all, wonderful season opener and didn't want it to end. 10/10 Bethany Cox
