?

I suppose it's become something of a guarantee that anything written by Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof is going to be excellent (the only exception being "... And Found"). "?" is one of their best efforts, and in general one of the greatest and most surprisingly ignored episodes on "Lost". I'll never understand why this isn't regarded by fans as being on par with the generally accepted 'classics', even if it is very well-regarded in general.

The episode is phenomenally well-written, revisiting, even at its most 'genre', the main themes of the characters, the driving force of "Lost". The dialogue is absolutely brilliant, although it's almost a given since the main plot centers on Locke and Eko's quest to find one of the hatches the blast door map points to. There's a lot of philosophizing here, but it all feels intelligent and on par with its ambition, which is more than can be said for a lot of other film and television. Eko and Locke's conversations are genuinely thought-provoking, and Eko's monologue about Yemi and the importance of the work John has been doing is one of the best monologues on the show.

It's not surprising that Darren Aronofsky was slated to direct the episode but ended up having to cancel at the last minute; the episode is a bit odd and requires a cinematic touch, particularly during the excellent dream sequences. Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje carries the episode during the flashback scenes, which show Eko, now an actual priest in Australia, dealing with claims of a miracle. There's an interesting connection featuring the psychic who met with Claire in season one, Richard Malkin (I think that's the name). The rest of the episode, concentrated on the aftermath of Libby and Ana-Lucia being shot, is also excellent, and features the first real dramatic acting Jorge Garcia has had to do as Hurley, and he pulls it off brilliantly.

"?" is a knockout of an episode. It's a stunning script, excelling at drama like few other episodes do, and subtly but strongly developing both the characters and the mythology. It provokes thought about more than just the mysteries of the island and what the hell DHARMA was/is doing (another intriguing orientation film shown here), asking questions about the nature of faith and belief, and showing many sides of human nature, both bad and good.

10/10

One of the most enjoyable episodes so far! The tension and drama were at their peak, making it impossible to look away. The way the storylines intertwined was masterfully done, and each character had their moment to shine. Michael's actions and decisions in this episode were shocking and added a dark layer to his character that I didn't expect. He's definitely the filthiest character, not just because of his actions but because of the moral decay they represent. The show's ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats is unmatched. Thank you, Lost, for delivering another unforgettable episode!

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.

Season 2 of 'Lost' to me was very solid with many good to outstanding episodes (with a notable exception being "Fire + Water", which took strangeness too literally). "?" is one of the season's best. Other previous Season 2 favourites are "Man of Science, Man of Faith", "Orientation", "The Other 48 Days", "The 23rd Psalm", "One of Them", "Lockdown" and "Two for the Road".

Following on from the devastating events of "Two for the Road", "?" has everything that makes 'Lost' so good and what a good episode of anything should do. It advances the island events and makes them even more intriguing.

In addition, it has many unexpected twists and turns, tension, suspense, emotional impact, intelligent philosophical elements, great character interaction (especially with the coming to terms with the devastating events of the previous episode) and flashbacks that fit within the story well and make an already fascinating character even more so.

Can't fault any of the acting, with Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje giving an especially powerful performance.

Visually, 'Lost' continues to be stylish, atmospheric and beautiful in "?", as always making the most of the island setting. The music is as always chilling and understated, the writing is taut and smart and the episode is one of the best directed ones of Season 2.

Overall, fabulous and a Season 2 high. 10/10 Bethany Cox

An Eko-centric episode the "?" explores the aftermath of the tragic events that rocked the castaways in the previous one. As the main characters John, Locke, Sawyer, Kate and Hurley come to terms with the incident in the hatch, Locke and Eko set out to find out where Henry took off to. As it turns out Eko is on a mission of his own trying to figure out the symbol ? which Locke had drawn on his sketch. We see flashes of Eko's life in Sydney as a priest who comes in contact with his brother through a stranger. We also witness the tragedy that struck the hatch boil down to a room temperature as Michael continues to remain a mystery.

An excellent LOST episode with many interesting turns.

"?" centers on Mr. Eko and Locke's journey to find a mysterious symbol seen in Locke's vision, revealing more about the island's secrets. The episode opens with Locke and Mr. Eko setting out to find the symbol, driven by a sense of urgency and curiosity. Directed by Deran Sarafian, the episode effectively blends mystery and spiritual exploration.

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje delivers a standout performance as Mr. Eko, portraying his unwavering faith and determination. Terry O'Quinn also shines as Locke, capturing his growing frustration and desperation. The flashbacks reveal Mr. Eko's past as a drug lord and his transformation into a man of faith, adding significant depth to his character.

The writing in "?" explores themes of faith, destiny, and the search for meaning. Mr. Eko's unwavering belief in the island's purpose and Locke's struggle with his own faith create a compelling narrative. The script skillfully balances character development with plot advancement, revealing new layers of the island's mysteries and the characters' motivations.

The cinematography captures the episode's eerie and spiritual moments, using close-ups and atmospheric lighting to convey the island's enigmatic presence. The editing maintains a steady pace, ensuring a seamless flow between the flashbacks and present-day events. The sound design, including the use of ambient noises and haunting music, heightens the episode's tension and emotional resonance.

In conclusion, "?" is a captivating and spiritually charged episode that delves into Mr. Eko and Locke's complex characters and the island's mysteries. The performances by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Terry O'Quinn are compelling and multifaceted. The writing, direction, and cinematography create a rich and engaging narrative, adding significant depth to the series' character dynamics and overarching themes.