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.
Have always considered "Deus Ex Machina" as one of my favourite episodes of the first season, which still stands, and is demonstrative of why Locke is one of my favourite, and one of the most interesting, 'Lost' characters. Even when 'Lost' declined, Locke and Terry O'Quinn's acting certainly did not and were among the main reasons why the show was stuck with. It may not be quite on the same level as "Walkabout" as far as Locke episodes go, but this is something that is an incredibly tough act to follow. There is an awful lot to like about "Deus Ex Machina" and it is not just Locke, though he does play a big part in why.
The acting of Terry O'Quinn can't be faulted. Neither can Ian Somerhalder, with Boone given some of his most interesting material yet, more so than "Hearts and Minds". They work so well together and their chemistry/rapport is one of the most well done of the first season. Kevin Tighe is terrifying, Anthony being everything that Ethan should have been in his final appearance in "Homecoming" four episodes before.
Sawyer's/Jack's subplot is written well and doesn't distract from the main plot. Josh Holloway does a great job here. Speaking of the main plot, the whole business with the hatch finally feels like it is properly going somewhere and the island events and mysteries being advanced. The drug plane dream sequence is indeed memorable.
Locke's flashbacks may not be the most original on 'Lost', can understand somewhat the criticism of it being derivative. It is however very interesting, well written and acted, actually adding to Locke's character rather than reiterating what we already know (like Charlie in "Homecoming") and does not distract from the main story.
Visually, "Deus Ex Machina" is slickly shot and makes the most of the beautiful but mysterious island. The direction is skilful in one of the season's better directed episodes, succeeding in getting the best out of the story's themes. Writing is smart and taut. The music is understated yet chilling.
Overall, outstanding and a season standout. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Have always considered "Deus Ex Machina" as one of my favourite episodes of the first season, which still stands, and is demonstrative of why Locke is one of my favourite, and one of the most interesting, 'Lost' characters. Even when 'Lost' declined, Locke and Terry O'Quinn's acting certainly did not and were among the main reasons why the show was stuck with. It may not be quite on the same level as "Walkabout" as far as Locke episodes go, but this is something that is an incredibly tough act to follow. There is an awful lot to like about "Deus Ex Machina" and it is not just Locke, though he does play a big part in why.
The acting of Terry O'Quinn can't be faulted. Neither can Ian Somerhalder, with Boone given some of his most interesting material yet, more so than "Hearts and Minds". They work so well together and their chemistry/rapport is one of the most well done of the first season. Kevin Tighe is terrifying, Anthony being everything that Ethan should have been in his final appearance in "Homecoming" four episodes before.
Sawyer's/Jack's subplot is written well and doesn't distract from the main plot. Josh Holloway does a great job here. Speaking of the main plot, the whole business with the hatch finally feels like it is properly going somewhere and the island events and mysteries being advanced. The drug plane dream sequence is indeed memorable.
Locke's flashbacks may not be the most original on 'Lost', can understand somewhat the criticism of it being derivative. It is however very interesting, well written and acted, actually adding to Locke's character rather than reiterating what we already know (like Charlie in "Homecoming") and does not distract from the main story.
Visually, "Deus Ex Machina" is slickly shot and makes the most of the beautiful but mysterious island. The direction is skilful in one of the season's better directed episodes, succeeding in getting the best out of the story's themes. Writing is smart and taut. The music is understated yet chilling.
Overall, outstanding and a season standout. 10/10 Bethany Cox
