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 4 was a solid season, with high points such as "The Beginning of the End", the three part finale and particularly "The Constant" and the only disappointments (though they were still decent) being "The Other Woman" and "Eggtown". "Because You Left" couldn't be a better way to start Season 5. Definitely among the stronger 'Lost' season openers and one of the most confident and most settled.
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, while providing answers and new mysteries and questions.
On top of all that, it advances characters, shows plot progression rather than repeating itself or being filler. There are surprising moments and also illuminating ones. Ben's role demonstrates why he is thought of so highly by 'Lost' fans, myself included. The opening scene is remarkable, one of the show's best and most attention-grabbing scenes and Hurley and Sayid's roles have intrigue, entertainment value and intensity.
Also found "Because You Left" to be a non-stop thrill ride of insane entertainment value, edge of your seat tension and very emotional moments. The exposition, which there is a fair bit of, is a case of it being thought-probing, relevant and adding a lot rather than slowing things down and rambling.
Can't fault the performances, particularly from Michael Emerson, Naveen Andrews and Jorge Garcia once again showing his dramatic chops and with such adeptness.
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. 10/10 Bethany Cox
