S.O.S.

I've rewatched the series several times. This is the high watermark of story telling without leaning on the shows core mysteries and characters. Rose and Bernard are the best people on the island and their arc throughout the series is probably the only one without flaw. And "these arms of mine" is a banger and the best song featured in the series. 10/10.

Bernard tries to convince the survivors to build a S.O.S. signal with rocks on the sand, hoping to be seen by a satellite or an airplane. His first encounter with Rose, who was terminal, and their romance, are disclosed through flashbacks. Bernard never gives up searching for the cure of Rose before crashing the island. Meanwhile, Jack invites Kate to join him in the woods to propose to "The Others" a trade between Henry and Walt. John Locke is intrigued with the words of Henry about the unnecessary use of the computer and obsessed with the symbols her saw while trapped under the door.

In this episode, the beautiful and dramatic love story of the bachelor dentist Bernard and Rose is presented, and the viewer can see how the island has a great energy, healing not only Rose, but also Locke, Charlie, Mr. Eko, Sun. Locke seems to be a little paranoid or deranged, with an abnormal behavior. And Jack challenges "The Others" and has a great surprise in the end of the episode. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

Note: On 31 March 2013, I saw this episode again.

If there's an episode to skip then this is the one. It doesn't add anything to the myth arc and you can easily skip it if you're watching for the first time and not miss much. But if you're a fan of Rose and Bernard (I'm not) than watch It.

Filler episode and I disagree with those who are saying being called a filler episode is undeserved.

"S.O.S." isn't a perfect episode, nor is it the most eventful of "Lost" episodes nor did it come along at the perfect ime, nor is it a masterpiece of character-driven drama. It is, however, a completely pleasant, genuinely well-written gem which takes a look at Bernard and Rose, two of the few 'normal' people on the island, and certainly one of the more realistic and authentic couples. The flashback scenes are genuinely effective and involving, and even tie into the mythology (through the faith healer and the 'energy areas', one of which is the island, obviously) for those who believe the mythology is the main driving force of "Lost".

The episode is notably well-directed by Eric Laneuville, and very well-written by Leonard Dick and Steven Maeda, and as much as the plot involving Bernard and the sign he wishes to make is unnecessary, it's hardly aggravating or worth getting upset about, and is very, very far from the most annoying episode-contained storyline on the show. It's a good bit of sometimes humorous fun, actually.

The acting is excellent as well from L. Scott Caldwell and Sam Anderson as Rose and Bernard, and the scenes involving Fenry Gale are really fun to watch as well. The episode as a whole is just a really good, enjoyable episode, with an ending that sets up a superior, devastatingly good episode to come.

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.

Can see why fans may dismiss "S.O.S.", with it often dismissed as a filler episode. It is slower in pace from the relatively general tautness of the previous episodes, more low-key and intricate in tone and is not the most character or plot-advancing of all 'Lost' episodes, there are signs of it with the Jack and Kate story-line and the surprising ending but they were more setting up what was to follow.

However, count me in as another person who likes "S.O.S." and considers it one of the most underrated 'Lost' episodes. It is not 'Lost' at its best by any stretch, or even Season 2 at its best, but there are a lot of pleasures and interest points (it's far from Season 2 at its worst, that distinction will always go to "Fire + Water").

"S.O.S." isn't flawless as such. The Mr Eko and Charlie stuff doesn't add an awful lot and is not as memorable as the rest of the episode, and Jack and Kate's dialogue can be very cheesy in spots.

On the other hand, everything with Henry Gale continues to delight (at points even he's creepy here) as does the interaction with Locke. Where "S.O.S." deserves most credit is giving minor characters up to this point more exposure and development and in a way that makes one identify and emotionally invest in Bernard and Rose, as well as giving Jack and Kate something to do that is crucial to the goings on and worthwhile (something that many previous episodes didn't achieve). There are many delightful character moments, and the flashback scenes are among the show's most poignant.

Acting is uniformly good, with the best performances going to Michael Emerson (that shot with the grin indeed will haunt one for days), L. Scott Caldwell and especially Sam Anderson who moved me to tears in his most emotional moments (i.e. the proposal).

Visually, 'Lost' continues to be stylish, atmospheric and beautiful in "S.O.S.", as always making the most of the island setting. The music is as always chilling and understated, everything is well directed and the script is very well written.

Summing up, very good episode deserving of more credit. 8/10 Bethany Cox