Namaste

"Namaste," directed by Jack Bender, continues to explore the survivors' integration into the Dharma Initiative, highlighting the challenges and tensions that arise as they attempt to blend into their new surroundings. The episode also marks the return of several key characters to the island, setting the stage for the conflicts and revelations that will drive the rest of the season. The title, which is the traditional greeting used by the Dharma Initiative, serves as a metaphor for the uneasy welcome that the survivors receive upon their arrival in the 1970s.

The performances in "Namaste" are strong across the board, with Matthew Fox as Jack, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, and Josh Holloway as Sawyer delivering particularly noteworthy portrayals. Jack's struggle to adapt to his new role within the Dharma Initiative contrasts sharply with Sawyer's more comfortable position, creating tension between the two characters. Kate's emotional turmoil as she deals with the consequences of returning to the island adds depth to the episode, as she grapples with her unresolved feelings for both Jack and Sawyer.

The script by Paul Zbyszewski and Brian K. Vaughan is tightly constructed, weaving together multiple storylines and character arcs with precision. The episode explores themes of trust, leadership, and the consequences of past actions, as the survivors navigate the complex social dynamics of the Dharma Initiative. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for both character development and plot progression, with several key revelations and twists that keep viewers engaged.

Cinematography in "Namaste" effectively captures the contrast between the seemingly utopian setting of the Dharma Initiative and the underlying tensions that threaten to unravel the survivors' plans. The direction emphasizes the characters' unease and the precariousness of their situation, particularly in scenes where their cover is nearly blown. The editing is sharp, ensuring that the episode's various plot threads are interwoven seamlessly, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative.

The sound design and score play a crucial role in establishing the episode's atmosphere. Giacchino's music, with its blend of suspenseful and emotional themes, enhances the tension and drama of the episode, particularly during the scenes involving the survivors' attempts to maintain their cover. The use of sound effects, especially during the scenes set in the Dharma Initiative's facilities, adds to the authenticity of the setting and the sense of immersion.

In conclusion, "Namaste" is a well-crafted episode that delves into the complexities of the survivors' integration into the Dharma Initiative. Strong performances, particularly from Fox, Lilly, and Holloway, combined with a tightly written script and effective direction, make this episode a key chapter in the fifth season of "Lost." The episode's exploration of trust, leadership, and the consequences of past actions adds depth to the show's ongoing narrative, setting the stage for the conflicts and revelations to come.

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 4 was a solid season, with high points such as "The Beginning of the End", the three part finale and particularly "The Constant" and the only disappointments (though they were still decent) being "The Other Woman" and "Eggtown". "Because You Left" couldn't be a better way to start Season 5, definitely among the stronger 'Lost' season openers and one of the most confident and most settled. The episodes between that and this were also good to great, with the weakest "Jughead" still having a lot of great values.

"Namaste" is a very good episode, albeit not one of the show's or season's best. It's taut and thought-provoking, providing new mysteries and questions if not always resolutions or answers here, but what could have been a problem in this regard was not annoying at all because everything else was so exceptional. Everything here grips, past and present.

On top of all that, it advances characters, shows plot progression rather than repeating itself or being filler. There are surprising moments and also illuminating ones.

Also found "Namaste" to be an episode with enough entertainment value, tension and emotional moments to satisfy, though other 'Lost' episodes do all three better. The more dialogue-driven parts is a case of it being thought-probing, relevant and adding a lot rather than slowing things down and rambling.

Can't fault the performances, which are superb all round. Michael Emerson has yet to put a foot wrong.

Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effectively understated and chilling use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction.

It is agreed though that the absences of Locke and Desmond are noticed and felt and at times it does feel a little too exposition-heavy.

Otherwise, as already indicated, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox

"Namaste" holds no power as a self-contained episode. There is no clear centricity, no clear focus, but the episode works as what it is, another week of "Lost" and a setup for the events to follow. All things considered not only is this all handled very well (even the love quadrangle aspect wasn't focused on for too long), but there is a lot of cool stuff for fans in this episode. For example we get to see Radzinksy (finally!) building a model of the Swan, Jack being processed by Pierre Chang/Marvin Candle/Edgar Halliwax, and find out who Ethan's parents were, as well as get a fabulously creepy appearance from Christian Shepard.

The episode opens with us seeing how 316 landed on the Hydra island, and where Sun and Ben and the rest ended up. Overall the dynamic of this group of survivors has yet to really take form and I expect won't really. Ilana and Caeser simply haven't been developed as actual characters yet, but they aren't really annoying on a Nikki and Paulo sort of scale, mostly because they were brought into the story for a reason. Scaredy cat Lapidus on the main island and destroyed barracks was hilarious, not that I blame him at all. I nearly jumped when Christian appeared in that doorway. Great Christian appearance this time too, but like the rest of the episode it's more hints of greatness to come in the future than greatness in and of itself.

In 1977 we see how Hurley, Kate, and Jack become part of DHARMA. This is handled quite well by writers Brian K. Vaughan and Paul Zbyszewski. There is occasionally some grating dialogue but overall the interpersonal drama is effective. Jack's conversation with Sawyer was fantastic, and it feels so oddly satisfying to see Sawyer finally get the better of Jack, and I don't really even like Sawyer more than Jack. After Sawyer was almost totally useless for the entirety of the first few episodes of season 5 it is so great to see the writers giving the character a great story for the first time pretty much since the first two seasons. Good stuff.

Hopefully "LaFleur" and "Namaste" have finished off the setup portion of this second half of season 5. "316" and "The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham" felt like a season finale, and these two have felt very much like the first two episodes of a brand new season. I enjoyed both episodes a lot but look forward to getting to the bigger, more important stuff now.