"Deus Ex Machina" is the first "Lost" script to be penned by the writing team of Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse (both had written for the show previously, but not together), and although it is action-packed and entertaining I am going to have to declare "Deus Ex Machina" as slightly overrated. This is a very good episode with strong handling of themes, but it comes off, at times, as a failed attempt to match the emotional punch that "Walkabout" has. The final scene features not only similar devastation for Locke, but very similar music to that used in the "Walkabout" finale.
"Deus Ex Machina" features some of my favorite island-oriented scenes, in particular with Locke's faith being tested, the Nigerian drug plane dream sequence which I will fondly remember for causing the online fan community to go absolutely insane with theories and speculation. The interaction between Boone and Locke is typically excellent and of course there's no such thing as too much Locke in one episode.
The flashback, this time centered on John Locke, should be excellent but somehow manages to feel a bit too derivative and predictable, and even trying too hard to make us feel sorry for Locke. Let's just say it isn't my favorite flashback. Of course, it goes without saying that Kevin Tighe's Anthony Cooper is instantly one of the most despicable characters on "Lost" and genuinely hard to watch. Tighe's performance here is truly outstanding.
"Deus Ex Machina" is often regarded as second only to "Walkabout" among Locke-centric episodes but I found it too derivative and manipulative to stand out amongst other episodes. Still a very good episode with some key character moments and some interesting stuff about the island.
8/10
"Deus Ex Machina" features some of my favorite island-oriented scenes, in particular with Locke's faith being tested, the Nigerian drug plane dream sequence which I will fondly remember for causing the online fan community to go absolutely insane with theories and speculation. The interaction between Boone and Locke is typically excellent and of course there's no such thing as too much Locke in one episode.
The flashback, this time centered on John Locke, should be excellent but somehow manages to feel a bit too derivative and predictable, and even trying too hard to make us feel sorry for Locke. Let's just say it isn't my favorite flashback. Of course, it goes without saying that Kevin Tighe's Anthony Cooper is instantly one of the most despicable characters on "Lost" and genuinely hard to watch. Tighe's performance here is truly outstanding.
"Deus Ex Machina" is often regarded as second only to "Walkabout" among Locke-centric episodes but I found it too derivative and manipulative to stand out amongst other episodes. Still a very good episode with some key character moments and some interesting stuff about the island.
8/10
