Deus Ex Machina

How! How can Jon and his mother and his father be the same age? Why wouldn't they choose a cast that makes sense?

Swoosie Kurtz and Kevin Tighe are barely 8 years older than Terry Oquinn, not even. So they all look exactly the same age. Of all the things in this show that made zero sense, this has to be the worst so far, and I'm not even done with season 1.

Slapping on a terrible party city wig doesn't make Terry's 52 year old wrinkles go away at all.

At times I wonder why I watch this series at all. I watched it years and years ago until almost half way through season 5, thinking it was good and years later I thought "hmmm let's rewatch it and check out the ending" even though we all know it. But now I am wondering if it's worth the trouble. I'm even wondering how I could have found that show any good. It's really bad.

"Deus Ex Machina" delves into the backstory of John Locke, revealing more about his life before the island and his complicated relationship with his father. The episode opens with Locke and Boone continuing their efforts to open the mysterious hatch, leading to a tragic discovery. The direction by Robert Mandel effectively balances the emotional depth of Locke's story with the growing tension on the island.

Terry O'Quinn delivers a powerful performance as Locke, portraying his vulnerability and desperate need for purpose. The flashbacks reveal the painful details of Locke's past, including his abandonment by his father after being conned into donating a kidney. This betrayal adds significant emotional weight to Locke's present-day actions and his unwavering faith in the island. Ian Somerhalder also shines as Boone, whose loyalty to Locke leads him into increasingly dangerous situations.

The writing in "Deus Ex Machina" explores themes of faith, destiny, and the search for meaning. Locke's struggle to reconcile his past with his belief in the island's purpose creates a compelling character arc. The script skillfully interweaves the flashbacks with the present-day narrative, gradually revealing the depth of Locke's psychological scars and his need for redemption.

The cinematography captures the episode's intense emotional moments, using close-ups to convey the characters' inner turmoil. The editing maintains a tight pace, seamlessly transitioning between the flashbacks and the escalating tension on the island. The sound design, including the use of haunting music and ambient noises, enhances the episode's emotional and suspenseful atmosphere.

In conclusion, "Deus Ex Machina" is a deeply emotional and gripping episode that delves into John Locke's complex character and his unwavering faith. The performances by Terry O'Quinn and Ian Somerhalder are compelling and multifaceted. The writing, direction, and cinematography work together to create a rich and engaging narrative, adding significant depth to the series' character dynamics and overarching themes.

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

John Locke unsuccessfully tries to open the mysterious hatch in the woods with the support of Boone Carlyle. Meanwhile, he recalls his past,when he was approached by a weird old lady, who claimed to be his biological mother. After the DNA examination proving their bonds, he decides to look for his wealthy father, where a huge surprise waits for him. Locke and Boone find a crashed airplane on the top of a tree, and Boone has a serious accident.

"Deus Ex Machina" is an excellent episode, with a sordid tale of manipulation of human emotions. The dramatic story has a deep plot point that certainly will surprise the viewer. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Deus Ex Machina"

Note: On 22 March 2013, I saw this episode again.

Deus Ex Machina (a term derived from Greek drama and generally used to describe some kind of plot contrivance at the end of a story, especially in genre films and TV shows) is a landmark Lost episode in that it marks the first collaboration between Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, who went on to become show-runners for the remainder of the series and form what is arguably the best writing duo in sci-fi television after Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga (the ones who made Star Trek: The Next Generation really good and wrote the First Contact movie). It's also the show's second Locke-centric episode, with more revelations in store for the most intriguing of the survivors.

Finally dealing directly with the hatch subplot, the episode sees Locke and Boone trying to break the window, with pitiful results. Locke, who is starting to lose feeling in his legs, asks for a sign from the Island, and has a dream (presumably what the title refers to) that leads him and Boone into another part of the jungle, where they find a crashed plane containing Virgin Mary statues filled with heroin, a dead body and a radio that actually works. While the two make a shocking discovery, Jack has to help Sawyer, whose headaches indicate he needs glasses to correct near-sightedness.

The flashbacks reveal more about Locke's tormented past, taking place before his paralysis but showcasing another traumatic event: having been observed for days by a woman (Swoosie Kurtz), John finally confronts her and finds out that she's his mother, Emily Locke. Following their encounter, he decides to track down his father, and eventually comes face to face with Anthony Cooper (Kevin Tighe), who appears willing to reconnect with John. The comes the day when Anthony needs a kidney transplant, and Locke makes a decision that will have dire consequences.

Aside from the literary implications, the title Deus Ex Machina is also important in developing Locke's Island-related personality, establishing him as a man of faith, whose opinions clash with those of other survivors (most notably Jack, who as a doctor believes in science). It also relates to the notion of destiny and higher powers that has been introduced in the second half of the season, providing the show with a metaphysical angle that complements the philosophical allusions. The flashbacks are also very satisfying, with Terry O' Quinn playing the past Locke as totally different from the present one and the intimidating Tighe adding lots to the show's emotional weight. As for Somerhalder's work in the closing scenes... ouch!