Whatever Happened, Happened

"Whatever Happened, Happened," directed by Bobby Roth, is an emotionally charged episode that delves into the theme of fate versus free will, a central concept in "Lost." The episode focuses on Kate, played by Evangeline Lilly, and her efforts to save the young Ben Linus after he is shot. The episode is notable for its exploration of Kate's maternal instincts and her complex relationships with both Jack and Sawyer. It also raises important questions about the nature of time travel and the possibility of changing the past.

Evangeline Lilly delivers a strong performance as Kate, capturing the character's internal struggle between her desire to protect Ben and the knowledge that he will grow up to become a dangerous and manipulative man. The episode also features solid performances from Matthew Fox as Jack and Josh Holloway as Sawyer, whose differing perspectives on the situation create tension and conflict. The scenes between Kate and Sawyer are particularly poignant, as they reflect on the choices they have made and the consequences of their actions.

The script by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse is tightly focused on character development and the exploration of the show's central themes. The episode delves into the idea that certain events are predestined and cannot be changed, even with the knowledge of future outcomes. The pacing is deliberate, allowing for a deep exploration of Kate's character and her motivations, while also advancing the season's overarching plot. The writing effectively balances the emotional weight of Kate's story with the larger mysteries of the island, making this episode both engaging and thought-provoking.

Cinematography in "Whatever Happened, Happened" enhances the episode's emotional and thematic depth, with the use of natural lighting and intimate camera angles reflecting Kate's internal conflict. The direction emphasizes the tension between fate and free will, particularly in scenes where the characters grapple with the implications of their actions. The editing is smooth, ensuring that the episode's narrative flows naturally and that the emotional beats are given the space to resonate with viewers.

The sound design and score play a crucial role in establishing the episode's mood, with Giacchino's music underscoring the emotional intensity of Kate's journey. The use of sound effects, particularly during the scenes involving the young Ben's surgery, adds to the tension and drama, making the stakes of the episode feel real and immediate. The sound design also helps to reinforce the episode's exploration of fate, with subtle auditory cues that hint at the island's mysterious and immutable nature.

In conclusion, "Whatever Happened, Happened" is a deeply emotional and thematically rich episode that explores the concepts of fate, free will, and the consequences of past actions. Evangeline Lilly's strong performance, combined with thoughtful writing, direction, and cinematography, makes this episode a standout in the fifth season of "Lost." The episode's exploration of the tension between predestination and the possibility of change adds depth to the show's ongoing narrative and provides a compelling look at one of its central characters.

Ben does not die and Juliet tries to save his life; however, Jack refuses do help in the surgery. Kate and Sawyer decide to carry Ben to Richard Alpert to save his life. Meanwhile Kate recalls the fate of Aaron.

"Whatever Happened, Happened" is the worst episode of this awful Fifth Season of "Lost". In addition to the inconsistencies and paradoxes, now the selfish Sawyer and Kate, who had recently discovered that Ben had plot a Machiavellian scheme with Aaron to force her to travel to the island, try to save the life of Ben Linus, in the latest absurd of the writers of this former great TV show. My vote is three.

Title (Brazil): "Whatever Happened, Happened"

A very slightly better entry than "He's Our You" in my humble estimation, but again extremely annoying at times and almost totally pointless. These past two episodes have seen the writers clearly stalling which is appalling considering where we are in the show right now (and surprisingly they were both written by writers who usually write the more 'important' episodes). The Ben being shot storyline is absolutely horrible, and I was amazed at the 'OMG' reaction everyone had last week. They've been hammering 'whatever happened, happened' into our heads for weeks now, they're not going to create an alternate timeline all of a sudden. Obviously Ben was going to survive and (oh how convenient) he would somehow forget about it (and hey look it's the magic immortal memory-wiping Richard to the rescue!), and this whole episode was basically about getting to that point and more repetitive, plain character drama with Jack, Kate, Sawyer, and Juliet. Horrible exposition in the conversation between Miles and Hurley to explain what's going on to the inattentive viewers who can't understand even simplified science fiction. Interesting writing for Roger Linus, though he's been such a dick every time we've seen him that it seems odd that he never started being nicer to Ben, even after nearly losing him (though he could have, but it struck me more as a last ditch effort to make the character sympathetic). In any case the last three or so minutes were interesting (sans the memory wipe, which, and there's no better word for it, sucks), and promise an exciting final few episodes of the season.

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.

Very like "He's Our You", "Whatever Happened, Happened" is a very good episode, albeit not one of the show's or season's best. It's not one of the most original episodes in terms of story and other episodes do much better in advancing the plot, events and general characterisation, can understand the "filler" complaint.

Also found some of the exposition slightly rambling. Having said that, the episode is not dull and is thought-provoking, providing new mysteries and questions as well as some answers and the more philosophical approach to the writing intrigues. Everything here grips, past and present and things don't get too confusing. The young Ben stuff was intriguing.

There are surprising moments and also illuminating ones, the Kate and Sawyer revelation particularly.

Also found "Whatever Happened, Happened" 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 mostly 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. Evangeline Lilly compared to the early seasons shows how much she improved as time went on. Josh Holloway and Elizabeth Mitchell are reliably excellent too.

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

In summary, very good but not great. 8/10 Bethany Cox