The Beginning of the End

"The Beginning of the End" isn't one of those episodes that makes you fall down from your chair. It doesn't shock you like the last episode of Season 3 would. But it's still a great piece of movie work. The acting is great (with Jorge Garcia reaching his career high), the pace is snappy, and the scenario uses all the disturbed chronology fun for its own advantage. You get a chance to see all of the show's most important characters, a few main threads combine together well - it's a great introduction to a new season, considering we've had so long, 8-month hiatus.

"Lost" is still "Lost", so don't suppose you won't get as much emotions and mysteries as possible. There are a few new questions that you'll wonder about for some time. You also meet a new character, which is definitely evil and unsetting. "Lost" remains American TV's unique show - good to see it back, it's the only one of its kind.

My vote is 9. I really enjoy and appreciate it, but I am sure we'll see some better episodes this season.

A thoroughly satisfactory follow-up to "Through the Looking Glass" did not feel anti-climactic to me after waiting all those months for the show's return, and on DVD seems about as good. It's not a brilliant episode, but it's an emotional gem pretty much throughout, and it's got some winning moments of humor and heart which elevate it beyond the typical season opener. It doesn't quite hit the highs of "Man of Science, Man of Faith", but it's significantly better than "A Tale of Two Cities", and the shift from Jack to Hurley works very well, although Jack is still featured prominently in the flashforwards.

The on-island events are a logical extension of "Through the Looking Glass", and work as both follow-up to that episode and a setup for the rest of season four, and pretty much cover all bases in relation to the characters involved in season three's climactic stages (unlike season three's opening stages, which took several episodes to even get to some of the characters impacted by season two's finale, and only set up the Hydra pod of episodes). I don't care at all for Naomi's not being dead, which pretty much redefines 'plot contrivance', or for Rose's line about Claire treating Charlie 'real good' when (sigh) he returns. The rest of it is pretty great, especially the only real surprise in the episode, Hurley's encounter with Jacob's cabin.

The flashforwards are clearly happening well before "Through the Looking Glass", and work well as a setup for the rest of the flashforward stories which would ultimately lead to Drunk Bearded Jack's visit to the mystery coffin. All in all this is a good script, very well-performed and nicely-directed which functions as a pleasingly efficient and rewarding season opener.

well this was great. it never had the shocker at the start like season 2 and 3, but i still think that start was great and baffling.

and i didn't like the start episodes as of season 2 and 3 as much as this, nothing happened in them apart from the shocks.

this had great confrontation, emotion, story.

and whoever said Smallville makes good television, HA, don't make me laugh. They aren't going to answer all the series question in the opening episode of season 4.

I cant believe Locke tried to kill Jack as well, i like Locke more than Jack and Locke wouldn't have done that

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 3 was for me a solid if uneven season, with many brilliant episodes but a few slightly underwhelming ones and containing one of 'Lost's' low points "Stranger in a Strange Land". Season 4 had a good amount to live up, and its first episode "The Beginning of the End", carrying on from where the shocking events of the previous season's finale "Through the Looking Glass", couldn't be a better way to start. Also found it the best 'Lost' season opener since the first season's pilot, if not quite as good as that, and can totally see its universal critical acclaim.

The episode has pretty much everything that 'Lost' is all about. It's taut and thought-provoking, with utterly gripping on-island events. It may be primarily setting up and putting into place what is to come, but does that extremely well.

On top of all that, it advances characters, shows plot progression rather than repeating itself or being filler. There may not be many shocking revelations/moments, apart from Hurley's cabin encounter and with Naomi (slightly contrived but can be overlooked), and other episodes may provide more answers, but you know what? Neither were in any way a problem.

Also found "The Beginning of the End" to be a non-stop thrill ride of insane entertainment value, edge of your seat tension and very emotional moments.

Can't fault the performances, particularly from Jorge Garcia giving some of his best acting of the whole show and some of his best ever even.

Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effectively understated and chilling use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction (one of the best of the season and perhaps of the show).

All in all, wonderful season opener and didn't want it to end. 10/10 Bethany Cox

"The Beginning of the End" marks a dramatic and thrilling return to the island as the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 grapple with the aftermath of the discovery of the freighter. Directed by Jack Bender, the episode opens with a tense and mysterious flash-forward, revealing that some of the survivors, now referred to as the "Oceanic Six," have escaped the island. The narrative then shifts back to the island, where the survivors are divided over whether the freighter's arrival signifies rescue or something far more sinister.

Matthew Fox delivers a powerful performance as Jack, capturing the internal conflict and mounting desperation as he struggles to maintain his role as the leader. The tension between Jack and Locke, portrayed by Terry O'Quinn, is palpable and sets the stage for the ideological divide that will shape the season. The episode's structure, oscillating between the island and the future, adds a new layer of complexity and intrigue to the series.

The writing in "The Beginning of the End" effectively sets the tone for the season, exploring themes of survival, trust, and the consequences of past actions. The flash-forwards are particularly compelling, offering glimpses into the future that raise more questions than answers. The episode's pacing is deliberate, allowing for both character development and the buildup of suspense as the survivors confront the new threat.

Cinematography plays a crucial role in the episode's atmosphere, with sweeping shots of the island contrasted against the bleakness of the flash-forwards. The editing seamlessly weaves together the two timelines, maintaining a coherent and engaging narrative. The sound design, featuring the iconic score by Michael Giacchino, heightens the tension and emotional weight of the episode.

In conclusion, "The Beginning of the End" is a gripping and well-crafted episode that effectively sets the stage for the season. The strong performances, particularly from Matthew Fox and Terry O'Quinn, combined with the intricate writing, direction, and cinematography, create a compelling narrative that leaves viewers eager for more.