The Economist

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, an inconsistent first part of the season 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", was a brilliant start. The following episode "Confirmed Dead" is very nearly as great and already there are signs of a season that settled much quicker than the previous one. That continues once again with "The Economist".

The episode has pretty much everything that 'Lost' is all about. It's taut and thought-provoking, with utterly gripping and beautifully developed on-island events. On top of all that, it introduces with enormous potential new characters, keeps the existing characters interesting, shows plot progression rather than repeating itself or being filler.

Also found "The Economist" to be once again a non-stop thrill ride of insane entertainment value, edge of your seat tension and very emotional moments. The time discrepancy, cellphone and secret room parts are highlights, as are the intriguing flashforward and Hurley containing one of the episode's best lines which is very funny (it has been mentioned by two of the previous reviews so won't repeat).

Can't fault the performances, particularly Naveen Andrews.

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).

In conclusion, great episode. 9/10 Bethany Cox

"The Economist" focuses on Sayid Jarrah, revealing his role as a hitman in the flash-forwards, while exploring his attempts to negotiate with the freighter team on the island. Directed by Jack Bender, the episode intertwines the two timelines, offering a deeper understanding of Sayid's character and the moral dilemmas he faces.

Naveen Andrews delivers a standout performance as Sayid, capturing the character's internal struggle between his loyalty to his friends and his darker, more pragmatic side. The flash-forwards reveal a more complex and conflicted Sayid, hinting at the toll that the island and its aftermath have taken on him. His interactions with the enigmatic economist and the freighter team add layers of intrigue and tension to the episode.

The writing in "The Economist" delves into themes of loyalty, morality, and the cost of survival. The episode effectively balances the island's present-day conflicts with the flash-forward revelations, creating a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for the development of Sayid's character and the unfolding mystery of the freighter's true intentions.

Cinematography and direction are used to great effect in "The Economist," with stark contrasts between the lush, dangerous island and the cold, calculated world of the flash-forwards. The editing ensures a smooth flow between the two timelines, maintaining the episode's suspenseful and mysterious atmosphere. The sound design, featuring a haunting score, enhances the episode's emotional and dramatic impact.

In conclusion, "The Economist" is a compelling and character-driven episode that explores the complexities of Sayid's character while advancing the season's overarching narrative. Naveen Andrews' performance, combined with the strong writing, direction, and cinematography, creates a rich and engaging story that resonates on both an emotional and thematic level.

Jack deals with Frank and proposes to bring Charlotte back; in return, Frank would take Sayid to the ship. Frank accepts and Sayid seeks Locke with Kate and Miles, and when they meet each other, Sayid trades Miles per Charlotte. Meanwhile, in a flash-forward, Sayid becomes a hit-man and travels to Berlin, where he meets Elsa and has a brief affair with her.

"The Economist" is another episode where there is no new revelation or answer to the countless unresolved mysteries of the island. The most intriguing is the situation of Sayid in the future as a hit-man and the identity of his boss. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

Note: On 13 April 2013, I saw this episode again on DVD.