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.
Having said that, that disappointment is not to be had with the Season 6 opener. While not one of the best 'Lost' season openers, "LA X" is a solid start and shows initial promise, showing many of the qualities that made Season 5 generally solid. Not everybody was a fan of some of the Season 5 episodes, while some episodes were better than others certainly, the overall standard of pretty much all the episodes ranged from decent to fantastic.
"LA X" is a very good episode, albeit not one of the show's best. It's taut and thought-provoking, providing some questions as well as some answers here. The on-island events are emotional and above all gripping.
Do feel that some parts could have done with more clarity and also was not crazy about the treatment of Juliet, such a great character and the re-appearance just felt like a pointless missed-opportunity.
On top of all that, it shows plot progression rather than repeating itself or being filler as such. Admittedly there are episodes that advance the characters more and having content that enhance the mystery and make it go somewhere. There are surprising moments and also illuminating ones, like with the parallel personalities.
Also found "LA X" to be an episode full of entertainment value, tension and emotional moments. The more dialogue-driven parts is a case of it being thought-probing, relevant and adding a lot rather than slowing things down and rambling. The character dynamics are surprising and with interesting perspectives and the little shocks do shock. The episode is never dull.
Can't fault the performances, everybody here is never less than great and it's hard to pick a standout.
Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effectively understated and chilling use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction.
Summing up, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox
