Eggtown

I've been hate watching this show for awhile now but this is my breaking point. I'm done. I can't believe Kate gets off with no jail time. Of course they aren't giving the cute little white woman jail time. She gets away completely free with everything she did is unbelievable. Jack makes me sick he has since early season 1 but it's worse now. At the point I'm just gonna skip to the last episode because I can't take this bs anymore. I always heard how good this show is. The writing is terrible episode after episode I just can't get over how bad the writing is also. So don't waste your time. Go watch peaky blinders.

"Eggtown" is the fourth episode of the fourth season of Lost and the writing debut for supervising producer Gregg Nations (fans may recognize him as the friendly guy from The Fuselage who actually answers a fair few questions) who co-wrote this episode with Elizabeth Sarnoff. I'd love to say that it's a good debut, but it is actually pretty dull and uninspired to say the least, only remaining vaguely watchable and entertaining in spurts due to the well-established characters and the decent beach camp scenes, especially the one involving a phone call to the freighter and Charlotte's bit with Daniel.

Although "Stranger in a Strange Land" and "Whatever the Case May Be" are the most cringe-worthy of episodes, "Eggtown" isn't really too far off, even though it is significantly better than those two. There's some really, really awful dialogue and silly contrivances, and the courtroom scenes are the ultimate hang-your-head-in-shame moments for a "Lost" fan, even worse than Bai Ling. Ultimately however, as previously stated, there are just enough interesting things going on that this episode doesn't become a complete turkey, it's really just the god-awful flashforward and the rubbish writing for Claire and Sawyer that stand out as being especially worse than usual for Kate episodes.

The direction is, as per usual for Stephen Williams, competent but uninspiring, relying far too much on attempting to look stylish and energetic (see the scene where Kate first arrives at the courthouse). "Eggtown" is one of the weaker episodes in the series, though certainly far from being as bad as some others mostly thanks to the story somewhat advancing. The script really is bad.

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 continued once again with "The Economist".

"Eggtown" is a solid enough episode, but is somewhat of a disappointment compared to the previous three episodes and after the latter half of Season 3 was so good. Didn't know what to make of the courtroom flash-forward, it does intrigue and Jack's characterisation likewise but some of the dialogue is too forced to the point of silliness, the outcome was unsatisfying and it felt somewhat soap-operatic.

Sawyer's writing really isn't some of his best, the character deserved better than the inane dialogue he was given. As one can guess, the writing is very flawed here, not being natural and lacking substance. Enough of it holds interest, is thought-provoking and taut, but it is not consistent and when 'Lost' is at its best all those qualities came consistently.

There is enough tension here however, same with the entertainment and emotion. Faring best are the stories of Locke and with Ben and the shocking final twist in an episode where there are otherwise no real major or jaw-dropping twists.

It does do a very good job advancing existing stories and moving things forward, answering existing questions and introducing others to provoke thought.

Can't fault the performances. Evangeline Lilly is good here, though Kate has never been one of 'Lost's' most compelling characters. Locke and Ben have always been far meatier characters, have far better material here with their subplots being the episode at its most intriguing and Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson don't disappoint.

Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effectively understated and chilling use of music, enough moments of taut writing and the above competent direction.

Overall, more than decent but disappoints. 7/10 Bethany Cox

"Eggtown" centers on Kate Austen, revealing her life after the island through a series of flash-forwards, while on the island, she makes a desperate attempt to learn more about the freighter team. Directed by Stephen Williams, the episode delves into Kate's struggles with identity, motherhood, and her unresolved feelings for both Jack and Sawyer.

Evangeline Lilly shines as Kate, delivering a nuanced performance that captures the character's vulnerability and strength. The flash-forwards, which reveal Kate's life as a mother to Aaron, add a surprising twist to her story and raise questions about what happened to Claire. Kate's interactions with both Jack and Sawyer on the island highlight the complexities of her relationships and the choices she must make.

The writing in "Eggtown" explores themes of identity, guilt, and the consequences of past actions. The episode effectively balances the emotional weight of Kate's story with the ongoing tension on the island, creating a narrative that is both character-driven and plot-focused. The pacing is steady, allowing for the development of Kate's character and the unfolding mystery of her future.

Cinematography and direction are used to emphasize the emotional and dramatic moments in "Eggtown," with close-up shots and intimate framing that draw the viewer into Kate's perspective. The editing ensures a smooth transition between the flash-forwards and the island events, maintaining a cohesive and engaging narrative. The sound design, featuring a mix of suspenseful and emotional music, enhances the episode's impact.

In conclusion, "Eggtown" is a powerful and emotionally resonant episode that delves into Kate's character and her journey. Evangeline Lilly's performance, combined with the strong writing, direction, and cinematography, creates a compelling narrative that adds significant depth to both Kate's story and the series' overarching themes.