Pilot: Part 2

The first time I watched lost I was about 8 and didn't understand most of the things that were happening and watching it again now is giving me so much deja vu and whole watching experience is 10 times more creepy... and I'm loving it.

When part one was mostly about introducing Jack and all the characters revolving around him, part two focused more on Kate and Charlie. Secrets were revealed in the past episode and some of them are partially solved. Indeed a puzzle is not only made up by one piece. Moreover it seems other characters also have secrets. So when part one was scary at times the second uses more mystery elements. But fantasy ones are also covered and a scene in the jungle should really surprise you. In fact it's probably in most fans top 5 list. Let's also not forget the cult and ambivalent scene with John Locke and Walt. About Charlie his story is interesting and some people should be able to relate to him but I think the actor did a poor job. Kate has a complete different story even if they obviously have things in common. We learn more about her crash experience and her relationship with an other character. I specially enjoyed that she wasn't just all black or white. Moreover when the beach scene could have been cheesy the writers had the great idea of using Sun. Her tense and complex relationship with her husband Jin brings so much to the show. Sawyer and Sayid also have a few scenes. We soon understand that they're all connected. For example when two of them decide to go on a little adventure others soon follow. It was specially interesting to see Shannon reacting to Boon's comment, her brother. Last but not least the episode was also surprisingly funny and some scenes should make you laugh out loud.

This continues JJ Abrams' triumphant directorial job. We see here much more mystery open up, on all fronts: what happened to the pilot? What the hell is that monster? What's with the polar bear? Who is that French lady saying there's great danger and everyone's dead and that it's been going on for 16 years? What is this place? If this pilot didn't go on for the rest of the series, which is a moot point perhaps but one to raise, it would be such an insane, confounding but endlessly wonderful piece of fantasy-fiction that it would keep everyone wondering. The point in a lot of science fiction is to raise questions, and not always answer then definitely or even at all, and Lost does this on top of doing something that is great in fantasy and mystery lore which is opening up the space of genre to develop characters in a kind of satirical or 'statement' setting. Lost is never too blunt with the preachiness, but it does have its moments where one recognizes "yeah, this is a melting pot", and Abrams, Lindelof and team milk all of the potential elements of mystery, of social statements, and makes it all unique.

This is a great pilot. Check it out if you haven't, or check it out again if you're a 5th season die-hard burn-out on the show who is so wrapped up in the current conundrums that you may have forgotten how it started in the first place. Polar bear, monster screams, freaky radio transmissions, rinse, repeat. At the least, you'll get "You All Everybody" in your head for days on end.

"Pilot, Part 2" continues the momentum of the series' explosive debut, delving deeper into the survivors' predicament and the island's mysteries. The episode opens with the aftermath of the initial shock, as the survivors begin to organize and address their immediate needs. The direction maintains the high energy and tension established in the first part, with J. J. Abrams skillfully balancing character development and plot progression.

The performances continue to impress, with Josh Holloway's Sawyer emerging as a complex and contentious figure. His confrontational demeanor and morally ambiguous actions add a layer of intrigue and conflict to the group dynamics. Jorge Garcia's Hurley provides much-needed comic relief, his everyman charm and humor offering a counterbalance to the intense atmosphere.

The writing in this episode introduces more layers to the characters and their backstories, particularly through the interactions between Jack, Kate, and Charlie (Dominic Monaghan). The script deftly weaves together personal histories and present challenges, deepening the audience's investment in the characters. The revelation of the transceiver and the subsequent expedition to higher ground heighten the sense of adventure and urgency.

The cinematography captures the island's stunning and treacherous landscapes, enhancing the visual appeal of the episode. The editing maintains a brisk pace, effectively intercutting between the beach camp and the jungle expedition. The sound design, particularly the eerie noises in the jungle and the chilling transmission from the French woman, adds to the episode's suspenseful atmosphere.

In conclusion, "Pilot, Part 2" successfully builds on the foundation laid by the first episode, deepening the characters and expanding the narrative. The combination of strong performances, effective writing, and skilled direction ensures that the series continues to captivate and intrigue. The episode leaves viewers with more questions than answers, compelling them to continue watching.

Although I'm not among those who consider "Pilot, Part 1" to be a superior episode of "Lost", despite it being excellent, I am a big fan of the second half of the pilot, with its brilliantly multi-layered writing for the on-island events as well as the Kate and Charlie flashbacks. The subtle introduction of further character traits works excellently here- particularly for Hurley, Sayid, and Charlie.

The superlative music from Michael Giacchino helps accentuate this remarkably emotional episode of "Lost", along with J.J. Abrams' excellent direction. The performances here are absolutely superb with Harold Perrineau's Michael Dawson and Terry O'Quinn's John Locke immediately standing out in the fine ensemble cast. The relatively poorly-developed characters of Boone and Shannon are minor annoyances in an otherwise fine episode, and I grew to like both of them eventually.

I've always loved the atmosphere created in "Pilot, Part 2". "Pilot, Part 1" was about the shock of landing on this mysterious island and meeting the monster for the first time. "Pilot, Part 2" introduces the sense of wonder and anticipation that plays into later seasons of "Lost" a lot as we uncover more of the island's mysteries. In this episode it is a simple message on a loop for 16 years. Yes, 16 years. That scene is followed by the line that to this day completely defines "Lost", when Charlie says "Guys... Where are we?". It's a brilliant line, so well-placed that if you weren't hooked by "Pilot, Part 1" you definitely would be now.

The best scene of the entire two parts of the pilot is the backgammon scene between Walt and Locke, which plays brilliantly on the 'black vs. white' theme with the backgammon pieces, and introduces key character traits for both of these characters.

"Pilot, Part 2" is the episode that hooked me on "Lost". It's a masterstroke of writing and production skill. Simply phenomenal.

10/10