The Shape of Things to Come

What happened in the end of this episode considered to be one of the greatest moments in tv history.

"The Shape of Things to Come" is a pivotal episode in "Lost's" fourth season, blending action, intrigue, and emotional intensity. Directed by Jack Bender, the episode focuses on the escalating conflict between Ben Linus and Charles Widmore, leading to a deadly confrontation on the island. The episode's title foreshadows the impending chaos, setting the tone for the rest of the season as the power struggle between these two enigmatic figures comes to a head.

Michael Emerson delivers an outstanding performance as Ben Linus, showcasing his character's complexity and calculating nature. The episode delves into Ben's psyche, revealing the lengths he is willing to go to protect the island and those he cares about. The shocking death of Alex, Ben's adopted daughter, serves as a turning point for his character, pushing him to the brink of despair and fueling his desire for revenge. This moment is one of the most harrowing in the series, with Ben's reaction highlighting the depth of his emotions, despite his usually cold demeanor.

The writing in "The Shape of Things to Come" is tightly focused, with the tension building steadily throughout the episode. Themes of power, loss, and revenge are explored through Ben's actions and the consequences they bring. The pacing is relentless, with the action unfolding rapidly as the stakes continue to rise. The episode is also notable for its exploration of the island's mysterious properties, particularly through Ben's ability to summon the Smoke Monster, adding another layer of intrigue to the show's mythology.

Cinematography and direction are top-notch, with the jungle and beach settings used to create a sense of isolation and impending danger. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, particularly the intense gunfight at the Barracks, which is both thrilling and devastating. The editing is sharp, ensuring that the narrative flows smoothly despite the rapid shifts in tone and action. The sound design, including the eerie and ominous score, heightens the episode's tension and emotional impact.

In conclusion, "The Shape of Things to Come" is a gripping and emotionally charged episode that propels the series forward in significant ways. Michael Emerson's performance, combined with the episode's strong writing, direction, and action sequences, creates a memorable and intense viewing experience that leaves a lasting impact on the audience.

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. The episodes between that and this all ranged from decent to brilliant, disappointing only with "Eggtown" and "The Other Woman".

"The Shape of Things to Come" is one of the best episodes of the season, along with "The Constant" and "The Beginning of the End".

It has pretty much everything that 'Lost' is all about. It's taut and thought-provoking, with utterly gripping on-island events from the very start right up to the finish.

On top of all that, it advances characters, shows plot progression rather than repeating itself or being filler. Ben is the most prominent character here and everything with him holds interest and nerve-shredding in tension. Really liked Sayid's role too. "The Shape of Things to Come" may end slightly anti-climactically, but it ends on a truly intriguing note and makes one excited for what is to come.

Also found "The Shape of Things to Come" to be a non-stop thrill ride of insane entertainment and playful value, edge of your seat tension and suspense, constant intrigue and very emotional moments. The smoke monster appearance is suitably suspenseful and the episode contains one of the show's most shocking and most emotionally devastating death scenes.

Can't fault the performances, particularly from Michael Emerson demonstrating why Ben is considered one of the best, most interesting and most popular 'Lost' characters for good reason, the most intense moments almost frightening.

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, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox

This is a Ben-centric episode and it's one of the few great episodes of a somewhat crap season 4. This and the episode The Constant are the top two episodes of season 4 and if you're watching them on DVD, you can't skip them.

It's about a year into the future and Ben wakes up and finds himself in the middle of the Sahara Desert. How did he get there you might ask? The answer is revealed later down the track.

I never trusted Ben when I was watching the show on TV but now I appreciate him and he's just an awesome character. If you love Ben, then I guarantee you'll love this episode.