15. Cabin Fever
Starring: Locke
Why it was great: When it first aired this had potential to be one of the most important episodes ever, with all the reveals of Locke's destiny before he was even on the island. Now we know that all of that was just Richard being misinformed. (But then how did kid Locke draw that picture of the black smoke, huh writers?) On the island Locke meets Christian Shepherd (aka the monster) who is with Claire, in the cabin, and is told some pretty alarming news. "He wants us to move the island."
Starring: Richard
Why it was great: This was the only non-finale, non-premiere that showed much about the pasts of Jacob and the MIB (until tonight), and also revealed everything we wanted to know about Richard's ageless past as well as the story of the Black Rock. And the key to the entire show - the island is a cork - was revealed as well. "You have to stop him from leaving the island. Cuz if you don't... todos nos vamos al infierno. We all go to hell."
Starring: Desmond
Why it was great: Because the Losties started to piece together the time-flashes thanks to the brilliant Faraday, and because of the very cool conversation between Locke and 1950s Richard, and the reveal of young Widmore and young Eloise. And of course, because of Desmond, who is just awesome. "50 years from now, this island is still here..."
12. One of Them
Starring: Sayid
Why it was great: Classic Sayid at his best, torturing Ben Linus (Henry Gale?) and demanding answers: Is Henry an Other? Is he telling the truth What is going on?!? At then near the end, when Sayid, fully convinced that Ben is an Other, cannot convince Jack that Ben is an Other, Ben flashes the most devious smile at Sayid and creeps us out like no other. "How many shovels full of dirt! You would remember!"
Starring: Locke
10. The Other 48 Days
Starring: The Tail Section
Why it was great: Well, in retrospect, it wasn't all that important; most of the Tailies died pretty quickly. But this episode revealed so much about the Others, about Goodwin and Ana Lucia and the tumultous journey of the tail-survivors, and culminated in the first death of a major character when Shannon was shot. "Nathan was not a good person. That's why he wasn't on the list"
9. LaFleur
Starring: Sawyer
Why it was great: At first watch this episode was just okay; but the more you think about it, the more vital it becomes to the scope of LOST that the gang joined up with Dharma in 1974 and how those events unfolded. We see the four-toed statue in this episode for the first time, we find out that Sawyer and Juliet are together, and then Sawyer meets up with his 3 friends - Jack, Hurley and Kate - after 3 long years without them. "It's 1977." "Uhhh ... what?"
8. The Man Behind the Curtain
Starring: Ben
Why it was great: Honestly this list could just be a list of all the Ben-centric episodes. Everytime he is the focus the episode is amazing. This episode was positively full of amazing reveals: Richard is ageless, Ben murdered the entire Dharma Initiative, Jacob lives in a cabin and may or may not actually be real ("Help Me..." and then at the end, Ben shoots John Locke in the kidney and nearly kills him. "I certainly hope he helps you, John."
7. Numbers
Starring: Hurley
Why it was great: Because it took the show 18 episodes to finally have a Hugo-centric episode, and they didn't dissappoint by revealing that he won the lottery using cursed numbers and is worth $156 million. "I am not ... crazy!'"
6. The Brig
Starring: Sawyer
Why it was great: Because of pure emotional power and the best acting performance EVER. Sawyer comes face to face with the man he has chased and hated for his entire life, and kills him in a gut-wrenching, tear-jerking scene that no LOST fan can forget. "You wanna go to hell? You wanna go to hell!!" This is the episode that made everyone love Sawyer.
5. Raised By Another
Starring: Claire
Why it was great: This episode was great for two reasons, neither of which has to do with Claire. Firstly, on the island this was when we learned that the Others were definitely real, and not to be messed with. And secondly, off the island was the flashback where we learn that Aaron will be 'surrounded by danger' if he is raised by another, which of course he was. I'm betting that in the finales of finales we'll be reminded of this episode. "One of them isn't in the manifest. He wasn't on the plane."
4. Orientation
Starring: Locke
Why it was great: John Locke, the man of faith, began pushing the button and saving the world, while Desmond ran around frantically, Jack pouted, and Jin yelled "Others! Others!" This episode was the center of the Jack - Locke rivalry. Also, the Dharma initiative was introduced. "See you in another life, yeah?"
Starring: Ben
2. Walkabout
Starring: Locke
Why it was great: This is widely considered the best episode in LOST, and certainly one of the main reasons the show took off. The character development of John Locke was done perfectly, and the stunning reveal - Locke is paralyzed! - was just perfect. Terry O'Quinn won an Emmy and it was because of this episode. "Don't tell me what I can't do!"
1. The Constant
Starring: Desmond
Why it was great: Aside from introducing the element of time-travel in a unique and mind-bending way, this episode featured two of everyone's favorite characters - Desmond and Faraday - in a dramatic race against time while Desmond was fighting for his life ... all while incorporating the best love story in LOST and the single best moment in the show. I can't decide whether to say "I love you Penny!"or "I'm callin' my bloody constant."
Starring: Kate
JACK: That's what they say. It's not what they mean.
I cannot believe that "The Incident" is not on your top 20 BEST list. That episode had it all. Jacob, the incident, the shows directional change, the heart wrenching Sawyer and Juliet moment. Still gets me upset to this day. Sun and Jins death paled in comparison with Juliet falling down the hole.
ReplyDeleteOk I just read the first paragraph. But still.....it should have been on there.
ReplyDeleteif i included the incident i would have had to include all the finales and then the top 6 would have been 5 finales and the constant
ReplyDeletebut you're right, the incident was the best of the finales, solely because of the jacob/MIB conversation "you know how badly i want to kill you" and "you found your loophole" and juliet's death was indeed the saddest death in lost
so yes you're right the incident was probably #1 all time
but i think tonight might top it