Cabin Fever

"Cabin Fever" is a mysterious and atmospheric episode that delves into the backstory of John Locke, offering new insights into his connection to the island and its enigmatic powers. Directed by Paul Edwards, the episode explores Locke's past through flashbacks, revealing key moments that shaped his destiny. The present-day narrative follows Locke, Ben, and Hurley as they search for Jacob's cabin, believing that it holds the answers to their questions.

Terry O'Quinn delivers a compelling performance as Locke, portraying the character's unwavering faith and determination to fulfill his destiny. The flashbacks provide crucial context for Locke's journey, highlighting the trials and tribulations he faced from a young age. The scenes in which a young Locke is visited by Richard Alpert, and later advised by a mysterious orderly in the hospital, are particularly intriguing, hinting at the island's influence on his life long before he arrived.

The writing in "Cabin Fever" is steeped in mystery, with themes of destiny, faith, and the supernatural woven throughout the episode. The narrative is driven by Locke's quest for answers, creating a sense of urgency and tension as he inches closer to uncovering the island's secrets. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to build gradually as the characters navigate the island's treacherous terrain and confront their own fears and doubts.

Cinematography and direction play a crucial role in establishing the episode's eerie and otherworldly atmosphere. The scenes set in Jacob's cabin are particularly striking, with the dim lighting and unsettling camera angles creating a sense of unease and mystery. The editing effectively balances the flashbacks with the present-day narrative, ensuring that the episode remains cohesive and engaging. The sound design, including the use of haunting music and ambient sounds, enhances the episode's eerie tone and adds to the overall sense of mystery.

In conclusion, "Cabin Fever" is a haunting and enigmatic episode that deepens the viewer's understanding of John Locke and his connection to the island. Terry O'Quinn's performance, combined with the episode's strong writing, direction, and atmospheric cinematography, creates a compelling and mysterious narrative that leaves the audience eager to uncover the island's secrets.

This episode does an excellent job of enriching the mythology of Lost. The resonance and depth of the show's universe is attaining a level akin to that of Star Wars in the manner that it introduces a character in season 1 and in season 4 manages to elaborate on that character in a manner wholly effective and anything, but trite. I definitely don't recommend this episode to newcomer's of the show, but to the devoted fan, very few episodes are as rewarding and excellent as this. The beauty of this episode lies in the fact that the viewer has been following the series consistently and is rewarded with such beautiful and dramatic exposition. The episode deals with John Locke and this episode further establishes him as one of the strongest and greatest television characters.

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, an inconsistent first part of the season 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", was a brilliant start. The following episodes between that and this were generally strong, with "The Constant" being a season and show high-point although "Eggtown" and "The Other Woman" disappointed.

While not one of the best episodes of the season or show, "Cabin Fever" is very nicely done. It is more a cooling off putting things into place episode, where character development is advanced but story progression has been stronger before and since.

Found the candy bar scene between Hurley and Ben, intended to be a battle of the emotions, to lack tension and being more like filler as well.

There is a lot though for fans to sink their teeth into and satisfyingly chew, a good deal happens with a lot of characters involved making for a densely written episode that doesn't make the mistake of being shallow.

"Cabin Fever" doesn't feel dull and has enough tension, fun and emotion to keep one engrossed. Locke is very interesting and one doesn't feel like the episode is reiterating known knowledge or going round and circles, and the dream is imaginatively surreal. The ending is surprising

Can't fault the performances, with a terrific as ever performance from Terry O'Quinn and Jorge Garcia and Michael Emerson being more than up to his level.

Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effectively understated and chilling use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction.

Overall, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox