Exodus: Part 1

This episode pulls every emotion from you: suspense, anxiety, hope, joy, sadness, and grief. It really pulls at the heartstrings. Kate and Sawyer both miss saying goodbye to each other, Vincent is "loaned" to Shannon, and Sun and Jin finally make up. This is why I love Lost - yes the mystery, suspense, and questions keep you tuning in, but at the heart of the story it's all about the characters. The arcs are fluid and executed perfectly.

The Exodus Part I is a 10/10

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.

Like both "Pilot" parts were a perfect beginning to the show, all three parts of the first season finale couldn't be a more perfect end to a season, one of the best season finales for any show and an example of how to do one well. "Exodus: Part I" sets things up for the other two parts and what is to follow with future island mysteries brilliantly, and is a season high-point of a generally strong season with all the episodes from personal opinion ranging from good to outstanding.

"Exodus: Part I" (the title a nice direct nod to Bob Marley) is hugely entertaining and full of tension and suspense, making one excited for the other two parts of the season finale and just as much so for the next season.

The flashbacks are a fine example of adding, even enhancing, to the main story rather than distracting from it and making the characters (several characters this time) more interesting and learning more about them and what they were doing hours before the crash without any reiteration.

All the acting is wonderful throughout from all involved, from all the main cast and Daniel Roebuck giving one of the show's best guest appearances.

Visually, "Exodus: Part I" is slickly shot as ever, the island beautiful and mysterious. The music is understated and chilling. The writing is some of the show's best, among its most taut and smartest. It's similarly one of the season's best directed episodes, perfect direction of the actors and building up the tension to fever pitch.

Overall, simply brilliant, this three parter is how to do a season finale. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Danielle Rousseau arrives in the camp of survivors at the beach and advises that "The Others" are coming, since there is a black smoke in the sky, and they have three choices: run, to hide or die. Jack recalls his meeting with Ana Lucia Cortez (Michelle Rodriguez) in the airport. Meanwhile, the group is launching the raft in the sea. Sawyer tells Jack the conversation he had with his father in a bar in Australia. Jack, Kate, Locke, Hurley and the boring Leslie Arzt (Daniel Roebuck) go in an expedition to bring explosives from the Black Rock to blow the hatch and shelter the survivors against "The Others". Meanwhile, Jin and Sun make peace and there are farewells to Michael, Walt, Sawyer and Jin.

The first part of Exodus has many parallel stories in the airport and in the island, with many surprises. A new character, Ana Lucia, is introduced, and she tells Jack that she was sat in the back of the airplane. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Exodus – Part 1"

Note: On 23 March 2013, I saw this episode again.

"Exodus: Part 1" sets the stage for the season's thrilling conclusion, focusing on the survivors' efforts to leave the island and the growing threats they face. The episode opens with tensions high as the survivors prepare to launch the raft and explore the mysterious hatch. The direction by Jack Bender effectively balances the suspense and emotional intensity of the story.

The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, with notable highlights from Matthew Fox as Jack, Terry O'Quinn as Locke, and Harold Perrineau as Michael. The interactions between the characters are particularly compelling, as they grapple with the prospect of rescue and the dangers that lie ahead. The flashbacks provide additional context for the characters' lives before the crash, adding emotional depth to their present-day actions.

The writing in "Exodus: Part 1" explores themes of hope, survival, and the unknown. The survivors' determination to find a way off the island and the growing sense of urgency create a compelling narrative. The script skillfully balances character development with plot advancement, building tension and anticipation for the season's climax.

The cinematography captures the episode's suspenseful and emotional moments, using dynamic camera movements and dramatic lighting to convey the characters' inner turmoil and the island's mysteries. The editing maintains a brisk pace, ensuring a seamless flow between the different storylines and heightening the episode's emotional impact. The sound design, including the use of dramatic music and ambient noises, enhances the episode's tension and suspense.

In conclusion, "Exodus: Part 1" is a gripping and emotionally charged episode that sets the stage for the season's thrilling conclusion. The ensemble cast delivers strong and compelling performances. The writing, direction, and cinematography create a rich and engaging narrative, adding significant depth to the series' character dynamics and overarching themes.

I remember being absolutely wowed by "Exodus: Part 1" when it aired. It was the most majestic episode of "Lost" at the time, only challenged by the second half of the Pilot. The breathtaking scenery as the Losties trekked to the Black Rock, the encounter with the smoke monster, the Black Rock itself and the mystery surrounding it, the scene at the end with the raft leaving the island... Just a brilliantly-written episode and enough of a tease regarding the double-length season finale that I could hardly stomach the wait.

The script is the first truly great script by writing team and current showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. I don't think there are any serious flaws in this script, not at all. Jack Bender's work as director is impeccable and Giacchino's composition is flawless.

"Exodus: Part 1" is about as good as any episode setting up a season finale could ever be, and is a masterpiece in its own right. The flashbacks in Australia are all outstanding and key to the development of the characters they feature. Not a moment is wasted in this episode.

10/10