One of the lesser "Lost" episodes, which is a bit surprising, considering who wrote and directed it. My favorite part is probably the Claire-Jin side story: Emilie de Ravin is both amusing and creepy as the new crazy Claire (when she picked up the axe, she reminded me of a prettier version of Kathy Bates from "Misery"!), and there is a surprise appearance in the last 10 seconds that steals the show and ends the episode on a high note. The main island part, chronicling Hurley's and Jack's mission, under Jacob's guidance, to locate a lighthouse so that "someone" who's coming to the island can find it, is very slow-moving but has its moments too, like a visit to the Adam & Eve caves, and an encounter with Kate (whom Jack actually invites along, and she actually refuses to come; what is this, ANOTHER alternate reality?). Of course the main set piece is the visit to the Lighthouse itself: the magic mirrors that reflect much more than just the ocean had huge potential, which is smashed to pieces by Jack in a scene that had already been spoiled in most of the official promos for season 6! The alternate reality scenes (or should we start calling them "flash-forwards" by now?) are kind of dull, to be honest: yes, Jack has a son, and yes, he's trying to be a loving, non-pressuring, non-demanding father unlike Christian was to him, but the most intriguing part of this section is easily the unexpected appearance of an alternate, costumed Dogen (along with his own son). He seemed to me like he knew more than he was telling - just like his island version. *** out of 4.
9 Reviews
Discovering the lighthouse
TheLittleSongbird11 September 2018
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.
It, Season 6 that is, started promisingly enough with "LA X", both parts, before reaching disappointment with the still watchable "What Kate Does", which had great moments but a dull and soap-heavy central story. "The Substitute" was a step up and perhaps the best of the episodes up to this point of the season, but not one of the best 'Lost' episodes, did find a couple of issues with it but can understand why critically it has been positively received.
"Lighthouse", while better than "What Kate Does", isn't as good as the previous episode. It is certainly a good episode, often very good, with a lot of great things. It is also uneven, with a few things not coming off as well as they could have done.
Had mixed feelings on the flash-sideways subplot. It did have heart, cannot fault the acting and had some interesting and shocking revelations and answers but the pace did feel dull in places, the drama static and some of the dialogue soapy.
Some of "Lighthouse" does get weird, some of the Hurley lighthouse subplot could have been clearer in writing, not without shocking moments but those wanting answers or everything to make complete sense will be disappointed.
On the other hand, the numbers/names mystery is very gripping, with a lot of intensity and intrigue. The character of Jacob is suitably ambiguous and quite scary at times and the whole rapport between him and Hurley make for some of the episode's better moments in an episode full of great character interaction. Jack's development is illuminating and doesn't go round in circles or reiterate what is already known, his chemistry with Hurley also well done. It was interesting to see a different side to Claire, that was somewhat out of character but actually made her more interesting, and the quite spooky subplot with her and Jin is also one of the episode's better aspects. Another highlight is the leaving-one-floored cliff-hanger, didn't see it coming.
The performances can't be faulted, especially from Matthew Fox, Jorge Garcia and Mark Pellegrino. Don't always rate Emilie DeRavin highly as an actress but she is fine here and brings out a side one doesn't see usually from her. "Lighthouse" looks stylish and atmospheric, always beautifully shot with the locations still mysterious and striking. The music is understated and chilling and most of the writing, other than in some of the flash-sideways subplot, is tight and thought-provoking. The direction has alertness and breathing space.
In summation, decent but uneven. 7/10 Bethany Cox
It, Season 6 that is, started promisingly enough with "LA X", both parts, before reaching disappointment with the still watchable "What Kate Does", which had great moments but a dull and soap-heavy central story. "The Substitute" was a step up and perhaps the best of the episodes up to this point of the season, but not one of the best 'Lost' episodes, did find a couple of issues with it but can understand why critically it has been positively received.
"Lighthouse", while better than "What Kate Does", isn't as good as the previous episode. It is certainly a good episode, often very good, with a lot of great things. It is also uneven, with a few things not coming off as well as they could have done.
Had mixed feelings on the flash-sideways subplot. It did have heart, cannot fault the acting and had some interesting and shocking revelations and answers but the pace did feel dull in places, the drama static and some of the dialogue soapy.
Some of "Lighthouse" does get weird, some of the Hurley lighthouse subplot could have been clearer in writing, not without shocking moments but those wanting answers or everything to make complete sense will be disappointed.
On the other hand, the numbers/names mystery is very gripping, with a lot of intensity and intrigue. The character of Jacob is suitably ambiguous and quite scary at times and the whole rapport between him and Hurley make for some of the episode's better moments in an episode full of great character interaction. Jack's development is illuminating and doesn't go round in circles or reiterate what is already known, his chemistry with Hurley also well done. It was interesting to see a different side to Claire, that was somewhat out of character but actually made her more interesting, and the quite spooky subplot with her and Jin is also one of the episode's better aspects. Another highlight is the leaving-one-floored cliff-hanger, didn't see it coming.
The performances can't be faulted, especially from Matthew Fox, Jorge Garcia and Mark Pellegrino. Don't always rate Emilie DeRavin highly as an actress but she is fine here and brings out a side one doesn't see usually from her. "Lighthouse" looks stylish and atmospheric, always beautifully shot with the locations still mysterious and striking. The music is understated and chilling and most of the writing, other than in some of the flash-sideways subplot, is tight and thought-provoking. The direction has alertness and breathing space.
In summation, decent but uneven. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Broken
tomasmmc-771988 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
After so long, 316, there's finally an episode focused on Jack. It wasn't perfect, but there were memorable moments. Jack's stories are always heartfelt.
On one hand, the episode follows Jin's time under Claire's watch. He has an injured leg, which she treats, while also interrogates the Other hostage, Justin. It's revealed that Claire had been living the last three years in the company of the Man in Black, who previously impersonated Christian Shephard. She had been avoiding the Others constantly, and setting traps for them. She had killed, losing her innocence, her good side. Jin is stunned to discover all this, and pretends to be ok, to be her friend. In the end, he tries to tell her that Kate actually took Aaron out of the island, so in her fury she kills Justin with her axe. A horrified Jin decides to take back his words in order to prevent another death. The Claire I saw here is wild, and nothing like the one of earlier seasons. I don't know what was the problem for her disappearance in Something Nice Back Home, and it's sad to see how much the character has changed. Considering her ending, it seems like a development with inconsistencies. Aaron has a crazy mother.
On the other hand, there's Jack storyline in the alternate reality. He has a son, David, but for some reason is divorced from the mother (Juliet). She doesn't appear on the episode, sadly. Father and son has a estranged bond, much like Christian and Jack in the past. Jack proves to be a bad father, but not because he doesn't try, actually because he doesn't really act like it. David is upset, and fearful of his high expectations. Apparently he gets along pretty well with Juliet, who is in good terms with Jack. Anyway, Jack doesn't know how to get to talk to him, until his mother helps him, reminding how he was with Christian. In the end, Jack listens David play the piano on a conservatory, and meets Dogen, who also has a son playing there. Jack finally makes up to David, who confides in him probably for the first time. He was simply scared of Jack seeing him fail. This part was slow, but nice. I liked seeing Jack struggling as a dad, considering how he failed in the real timeline. It would have been good to expand more of this new background.
Then, the big deal of the episode is Jack's path to the Lighthouse. He has a good talk to Dogen, and then he secretly leaves the Temple with Hurley's guide, who was contacted by Jacob. On the road, they meet Kate, and though Jack invites her to join them, Hurley refuses. Kate doesn't really mind, and gently tells Jack that she hopes he finds what he's looking for. She goes to find Claire on her own. Then, Hurley apologizes to Jack, who simply says there's nothing left to wreck with Kate. When Hurley asks what happened, about having a family and kids, Jack says "I guess I wasn't cut out for it". Later, they get to the caves, where Jack remembers the time he found the place following his father's ghost, and the coffin. He explains he broke it because his father wasn't in it. And Then, comes the best scene. When asked, Jack tells why he returned to the island. "I came back because I was broken, and I was stupid enough to think this place could fix me" Shortly after, Hurley finds Jacob's lighthouse, where Jack sees on the mirror, the reflection of his childhood house. He realizes Jacob has been watching him since little, and breaks the glass when Hurley falls to contact the Man. Later, Jack stares at the ocean, alone, and thinks. Jacob appears next to Hurley, and is revealed that he wanted this to happen, so Jack can understand how important he is. And to take them out of the Temple. I loved Jack's lines. He finally explains what he has been feeling since Something Nice Back Home. He's broken. He needed fixing. He's not good at letting go things, and has been living basically alone his whole life, except for the time on the island. He feels he failed, and not only to his father. Jacob wants to say that he is special. That he's destined to do something. I guess many of us want to feel that way someday. Like we're worthy of living. This episode is deeper than it seems. Jack is becoming a man of faith, just like John was. That way, life can fix him.
On one hand, the episode follows Jin's time under Claire's watch. He has an injured leg, which she treats, while also interrogates the Other hostage, Justin. It's revealed that Claire had been living the last three years in the company of the Man in Black, who previously impersonated Christian Shephard. She had been avoiding the Others constantly, and setting traps for them. She had killed, losing her innocence, her good side. Jin is stunned to discover all this, and pretends to be ok, to be her friend. In the end, he tries to tell her that Kate actually took Aaron out of the island, so in her fury she kills Justin with her axe. A horrified Jin decides to take back his words in order to prevent another death. The Claire I saw here is wild, and nothing like the one of earlier seasons. I don't know what was the problem for her disappearance in Something Nice Back Home, and it's sad to see how much the character has changed. Considering her ending, it seems like a development with inconsistencies. Aaron has a crazy mother.
On the other hand, there's Jack storyline in the alternate reality. He has a son, David, but for some reason is divorced from the mother (Juliet). She doesn't appear on the episode, sadly. Father and son has a estranged bond, much like Christian and Jack in the past. Jack proves to be a bad father, but not because he doesn't try, actually because he doesn't really act like it. David is upset, and fearful of his high expectations. Apparently he gets along pretty well with Juliet, who is in good terms with Jack. Anyway, Jack doesn't know how to get to talk to him, until his mother helps him, reminding how he was with Christian. In the end, Jack listens David play the piano on a conservatory, and meets Dogen, who also has a son playing there. Jack finally makes up to David, who confides in him probably for the first time. He was simply scared of Jack seeing him fail. This part was slow, but nice. I liked seeing Jack struggling as a dad, considering how he failed in the real timeline. It would have been good to expand more of this new background.
Then, the big deal of the episode is Jack's path to the Lighthouse. He has a good talk to Dogen, and then he secretly leaves the Temple with Hurley's guide, who was contacted by Jacob. On the road, they meet Kate, and though Jack invites her to join them, Hurley refuses. Kate doesn't really mind, and gently tells Jack that she hopes he finds what he's looking for. She goes to find Claire on her own. Then, Hurley apologizes to Jack, who simply says there's nothing left to wreck with Kate. When Hurley asks what happened, about having a family and kids, Jack says "I guess I wasn't cut out for it". Later, they get to the caves, where Jack remembers the time he found the place following his father's ghost, and the coffin. He explains he broke it because his father wasn't in it. And Then, comes the best scene. When asked, Jack tells why he returned to the island. "I came back because I was broken, and I was stupid enough to think this place could fix me" Shortly after, Hurley finds Jacob's lighthouse, where Jack sees on the mirror, the reflection of his childhood house. He realizes Jacob has been watching him since little, and breaks the glass when Hurley falls to contact the Man. Later, Jack stares at the ocean, alone, and thinks. Jacob appears next to Hurley, and is revealed that he wanted this to happen, so Jack can understand how important he is. And to take them out of the Temple. I loved Jack's lines. He finally explains what he has been feeling since Something Nice Back Home. He's broken. He needed fixing. He's not good at letting go things, and has been living basically alone his whole life, except for the time on the island. He feels he failed, and not only to his father. Jacob wants to say that he is special. That he's destined to do something. I guess many of us want to feel that way someday. Like we're worthy of living. This episode is deeper than it seems. Jack is becoming a man of faith, just like John was. That way, life can fix him.
To the Lighthouse
sho_a_s21828 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, people are crazy - this episode was AWESOME. Sure, it was slow and wasn't action-packed, but neither are the majority of LOST episodes, and it's not like action is the only good thing about the show. I thought this episode was a great mix of nostalgia - revisiting the cave with Adam & Eve and Christian Shepherd's coffin, having casual conversations as they trek through the ever-so-familiar jungle - as well as some fantastic new revelations, contrary to some peoples' complaints. The LIGHTHOUSE?! The numbers and names that conflict with those in the cave???! The MIRROR??! I am stoked to find out more about all of these, and I am pretty sure we'll see more of them, maybe with the exception of the mirror since it was demolished by Jack.
Speaking of which, I think this is the best Jack-centric episode I've seen. Well, maybe not as good as "Through the Looking Glass", but this was the first time in the show where I genuinely felt a connection with his character - with the help of the episode's references to Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse". I think it was a genius move on Darlton's part to present the similarities between Jack and the character of Mr. Ramsay from Woolf's novel - being unable to communicate his feelings and connect with anyone emotionally (even his own son), the eventual reconciliation with his son, and pondering the meaning of his life and existence as he helplessly looks out to the sea. Through this comparison, I got a better understanding of Jack's psychology as a thinking and breathing character, and not just some dull, stubborn, one-dimensional idiot who is endlessly confused and angry. Through this episode, I finally realized that this connection and understanding of a character makes all the difference, and Darlton's magic definitely worked for me. If this is to be the final Jack-centric episode of the series, this isn't a bad way to go.
Speaking of which, I think this is the best Jack-centric episode I've seen. Well, maybe not as good as "Through the Looking Glass", but this was the first time in the show where I genuinely felt a connection with his character - with the help of the episode's references to Virginia Woolf's "To the Lighthouse". I think it was a genius move on Darlton's part to present the similarities between Jack and the character of Mr. Ramsay from Woolf's novel - being unable to communicate his feelings and connect with anyone emotionally (even his own son), the eventual reconciliation with his son, and pondering the meaning of his life and existence as he helplessly looks out to the sea. Through this comparison, I got a better understanding of Jack's psychology as a thinking and breathing character, and not just some dull, stubborn, one-dimensional idiot who is endlessly confused and angry. Through this episode, I finally realized that this connection and understanding of a character makes all the difference, and Darlton's magic definitely worked for me. If this is to be the final Jack-centric episode of the series, this isn't a bad way to go.
Like Jack Shepard? Love this Episode!
kjlevine27 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
First I was blown away by the premiere, then the substitute wowed me, but The Lighthouse is just one big meaty sandwich full of crazy and emotional Matthew Fox scenes. Varying from when Jack was running around looking for David(throwback to classic controlling jack),to when he revisited the caves and confessed to Hurley the truth about what happened 3 years ago during the episode "White Rabbit", and finally to when he was screaming at Hurley demanding to know why Jacob was watching him. I definitely don't think anything can match up to the best Jack scene ever(One of Them S.2), but this episode developed his character even further, transforming him from the failure he thinks he is, back to a leader. I may be a little biased because Jack is my favorite character, but I hadn't seen a decent Jack face since season 4. Bottom line, if your a fan of Jack or Matthew Fox, this episode will not disappoint. This episode Is definitely one of my favorite Jack-centric episodes, and much better then the season 4 and 5 Jack episodes (even though I liked those too).
Empathic Shephard family, scooby adventure with Hurley, extra puzzle pieces to assemble and decent strange Claire arc
igoatabase27 February 2010
The Substitute was about John Locke, this one was about Jack Shephard. As expected Matthew Fox gave a convincing performance and learning more about who Jack is in the city was quite interesting. I never really pictured him as a father as in the past only the relationship with his own father was covered. So it was refreshing to see him interact with his family members, his son and mother. I specially liked the intergeneration links between the three men of the Shephard family. How can you avoid to do the same mistakes as your father ? How can you befriend a son you rarely see ? In fact it reminded me of The Variable featuring Daniel Faraday. However I think it was better because Jack and his son are characters we can easily relate with.
As for the island arc of course it also involved Jack but Hurley joined him for a little adventure. As often he served as the comic relief and now Jacob's spooky appearances are really delightful. But his role was important because he helped Jack to comprehend his destiny. However don't expect to get answers because in fact the episode arose many intriguing questions. It's an issue for some people but I don't mind the slow progression because it makes the story far much more interesting when it gets intense. Otherwise I found the Lighthouse metaphora a bit too literal and was expecting something more subtle.
Last but not least the episode also featured Jin and Claire. It was definitely the weirdest arc and ended with a cliffhanger. I suppose some viewers saw it coming but I didn't. As for Emilie de Ravin's performance I didn't find it convincing. Behind the dirty make-up I saw she was just acting and it made her strange character less believable. But she's young so comparing her to Matthew Fox or Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond Hume) is inappropriate. At least she succeeded in bringing craziness to her scenes so let's just say she did a decent job.
To sum things up it was an other decent installment but nothing to amaze the demanding viewer. However it really intrigued me so I can't wait to watch the upcoming episode. In fact I already anticipate the mesmerizing collision between all the dual stories. Jack stumbled upon Kate in the jungle but only for a few seconds. Will it ever happen in the city ? And what about Desmond ? Who Smokie will recruit next since Sawyer decided to join it in The Substitute ? It's hard to resist to many puzzling questions.
As for the island arc of course it also involved Jack but Hurley joined him for a little adventure. As often he served as the comic relief and now Jacob's spooky appearances are really delightful. But his role was important because he helped Jack to comprehend his destiny. However don't expect to get answers because in fact the episode arose many intriguing questions. It's an issue for some people but I don't mind the slow progression because it makes the story far much more interesting when it gets intense. Otherwise I found the Lighthouse metaphora a bit too literal and was expecting something more subtle.
Last but not least the episode also featured Jin and Claire. It was definitely the weirdest arc and ended with a cliffhanger. I suppose some viewers saw it coming but I didn't. As for Emilie de Ravin's performance I didn't find it convincing. Behind the dirty make-up I saw she was just acting and it made her strange character less believable. But she's young so comparing her to Matthew Fox or Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond Hume) is inappropriate. At least she succeeded in bringing craziness to her scenes so let's just say she did a decent job.
To sum things up it was an other decent installment but nothing to amaze the demanding viewer. However it really intrigued me so I can't wait to watch the upcoming episode. In fact I already anticipate the mesmerizing collision between all the dual stories. Jack stumbled upon Kate in the jungle but only for a few seconds. Will it ever happen in the city ? And what about Desmond ? Who Smokie will recruit next since Sawyer decided to join it in The Substitute ? It's hard to resist to many puzzling questions.
Claire's Friend
claudio_carvalho21 April 2013
Jack tells to Sayid that the pill was poison. He does not tell that there is a darkness growing inside him like happened with Claire. Meanwhile Claire rescues Jin from the trap and he awakes in the survivors wrecked camp with a prisoner that tells that Claire will kill them both. Claire wants to know where her son is and Jin tells that Kate took him to Los Angeles. Jacob gives new instructions to Hurley about a secret tunnel and tells that he should bring Jack with him. Jack and Hurley meet Kate that is seeking out Claire and they reach a lighthouse that they have never seen before where they make a weird discovery.
In a parallel reality, Jack asks his mother when he had his appendix taken out while waiting for the coffin with his father. Jack has an estranged son, David, and when his mother find's Christian's will, she asks who Claire Littleton is. When Jack returns home, he does not find David but in the admission test for the conservatory of music.
"Lighthouse" is another episode of Lost with the parallel story with the fate of the passengers of the Oceanic Flight 815 after the arrival in Los Angeles. This weak Fifth Season shows an unstable and impulsive Jack in the island, capable of destroying the glasses of the lighthouse without measuring the consequences. Fortunately there are only a few more episodes to end this deceptive show. My vote is six..
Title (Brazil): "Lighthouse"
In a parallel reality, Jack asks his mother when he had his appendix taken out while waiting for the coffin with his father. Jack has an estranged son, David, and when his mother find's Christian's will, she asks who Claire Littleton is. When Jack returns home, he does not find David but in the admission test for the conservatory of music.
"Lighthouse" is another episode of Lost with the parallel story with the fate of the passengers of the Oceanic Flight 815 after the arrival in Los Angeles. This weak Fifth Season shows an unstable and impulsive Jack in the island, capable of destroying the glasses of the lighthouse without measuring the consequences. Fortunately there are only a few more episodes to end this deceptive show. My vote is six..
Title (Brazil): "Lighthouse"
Come on already, there isn't much left in the show!!
x-m1326 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
In short: Slow rather useless episode. I'm starting to get the feeling this is the worst season already...with the whole alternate LA being completely useless and uncalled for. Even if its existence is gonna be an important key in the future (the not so distant future), having it take up half of every episode and making us live the alt-characters life is just not reasonable....unless of course there isn't much else to fill the remaining dozen or so episodes of the show.
But when you think about it, revealing secrets of the past five seasons should take more than just that, and the illusion that we all got that this final season is gonna deliver most anticipated answers in every episode is now slowly dying.
The monster, the numbers, and somewhat an idea of what everyone of the lost is doing on the island have been revealed, along with the inhaler secret...but i must say the answers somehow seemed a lot weaker than our anticipation, and now raising more questions (the lighthouse, Richard's past, the kid running in the jungle) along with old ones (walt, Micheal, what the lost are "watching" like it was said in season three, the "real" truth about the temple and the good-evil war).....i can only get the feeling this show is gonna end in a very disappointing way, crashing down all our anticipation and excitement that has been growing for five years now
But when you think about it, revealing secrets of the past five seasons should take more than just that, and the illusion that we all got that this final season is gonna deliver most anticipated answers in every episode is now slowly dying.
The monster, the numbers, and somewhat an idea of what everyone of the lost is doing on the island have been revealed, along with the inhaler secret...but i must say the answers somehow seemed a lot weaker than our anticipation, and now raising more questions (the lighthouse, Richard's past, the kid running in the jungle) along with old ones (walt, Micheal, what the lost are "watching" like it was said in season three, the "real" truth about the temple and the good-evil war).....i can only get the feeling this show is gonna end in a very disappointing way, crashing down all our anticipation and excitement that has been growing for five years now
I missed the old days
realtvhrdbfq-126 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
In the previous seasons, there was a village atmosphere. Hurley distributes the food, Jack occasionally shouts "Bring some water here.", 48 castaways do not live like castaways, they live like neighbors, happy neighbors and they don't care about their future, well except Jack.
There were some mysteries too but it was not emphasized, we were not confused, we were just enjoying the show, but now, when I watch Lost, I feel myself like confronted by a very difficult puzzle. I admit it, I like these puzzles but I admit that too, I miss the village atmosphere. I miss Kate and Jack's weird relationship, I miss the days of ignorance. Let me take it a little bit forward: It was like Northern Exposure, except it was not snowy, but everything else looked alike. I do not intend to say that this show is inspired, it is not inspired from one thing, it is inspired from many things and this feature makes it special, but I simply request: Can't we just go back to good old times?
There were some mysteries too but it was not emphasized, we were not confused, we were just enjoying the show, but now, when I watch Lost, I feel myself like confronted by a very difficult puzzle. I admit it, I like these puzzles but I admit that too, I miss the village atmosphere. I miss Kate and Jack's weird relationship, I miss the days of ignorance. Let me take it a little bit forward: It was like Northern Exposure, except it was not snowy, but everything else looked alike. I do not intend to say that this show is inspired, it is not inspired from one thing, it is inspired from many things and this feature makes it special, but I simply request: Can't we just go back to good old times?
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