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.
"Born to Run" is not one of 'Lost's' best episodes. It's not even one of Season 1's best episodes, and somewhat of a step back agreed after a few very emotionally powerful outings ("Do No Harm" being a prime example). There is a lot to like about "Born to Run" but it is a case of the flashbacks being its weak link and the island events being far more interesting. It is easy to dismiss it as a filler episode and there are elements of that but there is also foreshadowing of what is coming, especially with the hatch.
It is always good to see some development to Kate and Evangeline Lily is growing all the time in the role. There are far better written and illuminating flashbacks however that do a better job adding to the story and developing the character in question.
The flashbacks certainly advance what we know already about Kate, but the writing is clunky and the flashbacks themselves distract from the island events and considering the characters that are focused on on the island most here didn't seem relevant, seemed more of an excuse to make Kate more interesting.
However, the present-day island events are very compelling and suspenseful. Michael's illness and Walt's warning are handled brilliantly, and we do see some great acting and chemistry between Malcolm David Kelley, Terry O'Quinn and Harold Perrineau.
Visually, "Born to Run" is slickly shot as ever, the island beautiful and mysterious. The music is understated and chilling, while the writing is taut on the most part apart from the flashbacks and the direction skilful.
Overall, very good but not great or classic. 8/10 Bethany Cox