Numbers

"Numbers" is one of those episodes I can watch countless times and be thoroughly engaged by it every single time. I remember taping it when it was first on and watching it twice more after it was initially on television at the time, right after I was done the episode. It is that good. Brian Fletcher and David Fury wrote this smart, creative little script that raised plenty of questions (some of which still haven't been answered) and tackled some heavy thematic territory (fate, destiny, etc.) with a light touch. "Numbers" cheers me up quite a bit when I watch it, which is slightly odd for an episode where so many bad things happen.

Michael Giacchino's score for this episode is one of his most memorable, I think. A lot of things about "Numbers" stand out, but the score is among the more prominently memorable things about this episode. I remember being really impressed with how they handled Hurley's character here, as he had been up to this point mostly a comic relief character, and I thought this script managed a surprising amount of depth without going too far from the humorous Hurley we had come to love.

Of course, as of July 2008, a couple of months after the end of season four, the numbers themselves continue to be as mysterious as they ever were. This makes watching this episode and much of season two more than a little frustrating, and at this point I would be happy with ANY explanation, not necessarily a good one.

"Numbers" is a classic. Enough said.

10/10

With the first season of Lost nearing its end, it was about time the last of the main characters left on the list got his own episode - that would be Hurley (Jorge Garcia), whose role so far has been to provide comic relief (cracking jokes, building golf courses, the works). Like everyone else, though, he has his fair share of baggage, and this is the one where part of it is unveiled.

To be more specific, Hurley's past involves a series of numbers: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23 and 42. When he sees these numbers on a document Sayid got from Rousseau's camp, he sets out to find her, miraculously avoiding numerous traps in the jungle while Jack, Sayid and Charlie are left behind and go their separate ways. When he eventually meets the Frenchwoman, Hurley is told a story that has some sort of connection with his past.

Prior to getting on Oceanic 815, Hurley won the lottery, an event which subsequently caused his loved ones to experience bad luck. He had used the aforementioned numbers to win, and when he relates this to a mental patient who has a habit of repeating that same sequence, he is told "the numbers are bad". As he tries to find out the origin of the numbers, he comes to the conclusion that they are cursed.

This episode is a very good spin on a popular science fiction motif: the number 42 was of great significance to both Douglas Adams and Chris Carter, while J.J. Abrams himself had a thing for 47, which was linked to the more supernatural aspects of Alias. Here, it receives a more complex treatment, being weaved into the series mythology and playing an integral part in two characters' back-stories. In particular, Garcia gets to have a lot of fun with his role, mixing Hurley's natural charm with a hint of darkness and mystery (his connection to a mental hospital cries for a follow-up episode) and even poking fun at the reason he was cast in the show in the first place (Hurley is falsely accused of being a drug dealer, a part Garcia played in the fourth season of Curb Your Enthusiasm). So yes, for the most part it's all build-up, but there isn't a single dull moment in sight.

"Numbers" does a great job adding to the mythos of the Lost universe. This is the first time we are introduced to the infamous numbers: 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42. From this point to the series finale viewers can hunt the numbers out as they are periodically (both overtly and covertly) presented to the audience.

This is also the first episode where we see Hurley's backstory 18 episodes deep in Season 1. Reading some history around the "numbers", specifically on the Lost Wikipedia page is pretty interesting as well. I won't spoil that here though.

Episode 18 gets a 9/10.

Lost as its best. Absolutely one of the greatest lost episodes ever.

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.

"Numbers" ranks high as far as Season 1 and the early seasons go. It really is a wonderful episode, that gives more dimension in particular to two characters and advances on them while also adding more intrigue to the on island events and moves them forward. On first viewing, while intriguing the whole thing with the numbers was difficult to properly get my head round but it makes sense on repeat viewings and is very clever.

Really liked that we get a different, more serious and more layered Hurley than just the comic relief. Not saying that as an insult, he is always great on the comedy front but seeing more development to him and with it done so well was truly impressive. Jorge Garcia proves himself to be as much at ease in a more dramatic approach as he is in comedy, he looks as if he's having fun while giving intensity.

Equally impressive was what "Numbers" did with Rousseau. She is a more complex character here and easier to identify with than previously, especially in her encounter with Hurley. Mira Furlan conveys all this beautifully in a performance that's heartfelt and soulful.

Sayid, Jack and Charlie's roles are also handled well. All the acting is great, with top honours going to Garcia and Furlan.

Visually, "Numbers" is one of Season 1's best-looking episodes, one of the most beautifully shot and skilfully directed. The island setting is both beautiful and mysterious still. Michael Giacchino's score is one of his best for the show, fitting beautifully with both an understated and chilling edge.

Overall, one of the high points of Season 1. 10/10 Bethany Cox