The Glass Ballerina

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.

"The Glass Ballerina" is not as good as the previous episode, the Season 3 opener "A Tale of Two Cities", and is far from a 'Lost' classic. It is a reasonably solid episode that doesn't disgrace the show at all (none of the episodes up to this point did, even the strange disappointment oddly enough that was "Fire + Water" from Season 2), while not being one of the best representations of what 'Lost' is all about.

Other 'Lost' episodes do a much better job at advancing the characters and the events, can understand those criticising "The Glass Ballerina" for being a filler episode. Due to it being an episode that doesn't add very much to the on-going island events or say much new on the characters it focuses on, also an episode lacking in suspense and excitement. Well done, solid but bland.

Sun and Jin's flashbacks are certainly very well-acted and it was interesting to see a different not-so-perfect/likeable side to Sun. It however doesn't really say anything about Jin or add much new to what we already know about their relationship other than that it was more deceptive than one thought initially, some of the dialogue was soap-operatic here too.

However, the Sayid, Sun and Jin scenes are interesting to watch. Even better are the character of Juliet, getting more interesting all the time and she was one of the better characters this season, and the scene between Jack and Henry/Ben which is the most story forwarding scene in the episode.

Can't say anything bad about the performances, which are very rarely bad on 'Lost'. Michael Emerson is especially good.

Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, the effective use of music, mostly taut writing in the non-flashback scenes and the tightly controlled direction.

In conclusion, solid episode but not a great one. 7/10 Bethany Cox

"The Glass Ballerina" continues to delve into the complex dynamics between the survivors and the Others, focusing on Sun, Jin, and Sayid's attempt to rescue Jack, Kate, and Sawyer. Directed by Paul Edwards, the episode begins with a flashback to Sun's childhood, revealing her capacity for deception and the lengths she will go to protect herself.

Yunjin Kim delivers a powerful performance as Sun, whose flashbacks provide a deeper understanding of her character. Daniel Dae Kim also excels as Jin, showcasing his loyalty and love for Sun amidst growing tension. Naveen Andrews as Sayid adds intensity to the episode, as his strategic mind and protective instincts drive the rescue mission forward.

The writing in "The Glass Ballerina" explores themes of deception, loyalty, and moral ambiguity. Sun's flashbacks, including her affair and the subsequent fallout, are woven seamlessly into the narrative, providing context for her actions on the island. The interactions between Sun, Jin, and Sayid highlight their differing approaches to survival and protection.

The cinematography captures the episode's intense moments, using dynamic camera angles and lighting to emphasize the emotional and physical stakes. The editing ensures a smooth transition between the flashbacks and present-day events, maintaining a steady pace throughout. The sound design, featuring suspenseful music and the ambient sounds of the island, enhances the overall atmosphere.

In conclusion, "The Glass Ballerina" is an emotionally charged episode that deepens our understanding of Sun and Jin while advancing the overarching plot. The performances by Yunjin Kim and Daniel Dae Kim are particularly noteworthy. The writing, direction, and cinematography create a compelling and engaging narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Sayid lies to Jin, and convinces Sun to sail to a dock to make a bonfire on the beach and signalize to Jack, Kate and Sawyer but actually he wants to attract and ambush a group of "The Others". Sun recalls her childhood, when she broke a glass ballerina and lied to her father, blaming the maid. Later she cheated Jin with Jae Lee, her father finds the truth and he orders Jin to get rid of Jae Lee lying about the reasons. Jin lied when he said that he cannot understand English. Kate and Sawyer are sent to a field for labor work, and Henry Gale proposes Jack to send him back home if he cooperates with him.

"The Glass Ballerina" discloses a little bit more the relationship of Sun and Jin and we see that their relationship was built on lies. Meanwhile, Juliet shows how dangerous she is and Henry Gale discloses his leadership and how connected he is with the world outside the island to Jack, and introduces himself as being Benjamin Linus, in the best and most intriguing part of this episode. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

Note: On 5 April 2013, I saw this episode again on DVD.

"The Glass Ballerina" is part of the Hydra island pod of six episodes which kicked off the third season of "Lost". As a result, there is plenty of soap-opera nonsense with Sawyer and Kate and Jack, and some mean-looking Others. The whole setting and idea is complete and utter crap, and there's nothing to talk about here at all (ooh, Sawyer kisses Kate!! *rolls eyes*), with the exception of the great scene where Jack finds out that the Red Sox won the world series.

Outside of that we get a bunch of tolerable but unimpressive scenes catching up with Sun, Jin, and Sayid on the boat. It's alright I suppose. The flashback stuff is as soap-opera-ish as the Sun and Jin relationship goes, but there's some genuinely good character development there. Er... Paul Edwards directed the episode nicely. Eh, there's nothing to talk about here, the whole Hydra island storyline depresses me to no end.

5/10