I Do

Contrary to what some say "I Do" is not the worst script by the generally brilliant Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. "... And Found" still holds that title, and will probably still hold it when the end of the show comes around. All things considered, that this is the culmination of the thoroughly evil Hydra island mini-season (a couple of later episodes would still include it, "Not in Portland" to shockingly good effect, but the real focus ended with this episode), "I Do" is reasonably successful, even though it is little more than a milking of soap-opera tension.

The Kate flashbacks here are surprisingly watchable when compared to the worst of her generally abysmal flashbacks, even though the attempts at 'emotion' barely qualify as not gag-worthy. When even Darlton (Damon Lindelof+Carlton Cuse for those not geeky enough to know) can't write very well for a character flashback you know there must be something wrong. Kate's alright on the island, and Evangeline Lilly is a fine actor who suffers from a lack of fan appreciation, but her back story is probably the show's biggest mistake. Other than the Hydra island story in general, which as we established earlier is PURE EVIL.

"I Do" is pretty much entirely based on cheap milking of tension and clichéd suspense tactics, but it works fairly well, especially considering how horrible the storyline it's wrapping up is. Kate getting out of her cage and the Sawyer/Kate love scene is really very, very naff but the rest of the island stuff is fun enough, especially Juliet and her interaction with Jack. Also, you just have to love Matthew Fox yelling "KATE DAMNIT RUN!!" Oh, it's just lovely.

With that out of the way the real season 3 would begin a few months later and take us on a far more involving and exciting adventure than this one.

This is a second time when I'm watching this and a have to say than this is getting better and better. Secrets revealed, very intense atmosphere, and absolutely wonderful acting. Fox is an such a great Character as doc.Shephard. Sawyer and Kate .. what a chemistry between those actors. I cried in this episode. And benjamin linus ..wow. He is creepy. Hands down this is the best episode on whole episode.

Every thing Is perfect in this episode.The memories of Kate in this episode we see can be the reason of the Kate can come out of the cage easily and ben already knew her past.because her past doesn't let her run.at the end of episode jack yelling her behind the walkie talkie to run.Sawyer Told her that they can't run.they are in another island.but when kate answer to jack that i can't run we can't figure out that is because of sawyer words or because of her past memories or because of her love to jack or because of she is untrusted to Sawyer words.....I said it's Brilliant episode...wow!

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.

Of the first block of Season 3 (where for me, contrary to what is often said as this part of the season is not popular with most 'Lost' fans, the only disappointment was "Further Instructions"), its conclusion "I Do" is the joint best along with "The Cost of Living". Hard to say which episode there is a preference to, "The Cost of Living" was a powerful farewell to Mr Eko, whereas "I Do" doesn't have Nikki and Paulo jarring with the rest of the episode.

"I Do" is at its weakest with the Kate and Sawyer love stuff, it was sort of sweet but also on the mushy side, doesn't add as much as one would think and is not as interesting as the rest of the episode.

Everything else is terrifically done, especially the tension between Jack and Ben and the gutsy brutality of Danny Pickett that makes one scared for Sawyer. Kate's flashback is one of her better ones in terms of writing and how it adds to Kate's character, Nathan Fillion's presence helps quite a bit too.

The Others continue to chill, Locke's fairly short contribution to the episode is nonetheless a powerful one and the cliffhanger is one of the show's most shocking so far. Jack telling Kate to run is unforgettable, one of his best ever lines.

Acting as always is without complaint, Josh Holloway, Michael Bowen, Michael Emerson and Evangelline Lilly are all excellent as is Matthew Fox in one of his best performances as Jack.

Can't fault the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effective use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction.

Altogether, terrific. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Jack saying walkie talkie saved my life. Thank you.