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.

"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

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

I'll refrain from writing a serious review, because I'm kind of running off emotion after Deus Ex Machina and I'm not really interested in analysing the semantics of what makes Lost a great show. It clearly is, I'm sure everyone watching/who has watched knows that, but there's something special about this series whenever it focuses on John Locke. To my understanding, I have never seen the actor who plays him in anything before, but the man is a marvel, an absolute wonder to behold. Sure, he's been given some amazing source material to play with - the character of Locke is so well-written, so easy to root for, so easy to fall in love with - but his performances across this first season have been nothing short of spectacular. He is hypnotising every time he's onscreen. This is the best episode of Lost yet, by a considerable margin, and a worthy follow-up to Walkabout in its exploration of John's backstory. God, the concluding 15-20 minutes of this are just brilliant, so emotionally involving that they'll wring your neck out if you allow it. It sums up where I'm finding the most enjoyment in this now 20-year-old series, not necessarily the island's mysteries, but the characterisation, the individual drama. And John Locke really is one of the best characters I've ever seen portrayed on the television screen. Amazing.