8 reviews
Best season 6 episode so far
- gridoon2024
- Mar 9, 2010
- Permalink
Redemptive Ben
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 one of the best of the episodes up to this point of the season (second best), 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" to me was uneven but decent.
Season 6 hits a high here again with "Dr. Linus", for me replacing the excellent though much darker "Sundown" as the best episode up to this early point of the season and one of the season's best episodes overall. Showing that not all the season was disappointing. Not quite one of my all-time favourite episodes of 'Lost', but there is a lot of classic elements here.
There is really very little to fault with "Dr. Linus". Its only issues to me being the rushed cliffhanger and the implausible resolution to the blackmail plot.
Pace though is tight and none of the writing is taut and not soapy. There are even more shocks and even more illuminating revelations and characterisation, generally more story clarity and character motivations are not as vague as some of the previous Season 6 episodes. The climactic parts are tense and poignant and one just wishes that the cliffhanger wasn't rushed.
The alternate universe storyline was a strong contender for the best of the season, more so than "Sundown", it doesn't get soapy and actually has tension, suspense and emotion while also providing new information instead of reiterating what is already known. Even more impressive is how it still makes sense, doesn't feel disjointed and it is by far the episode that links the timelines and their themes together the most successfully at this point of the season. The island events are utterly gripping, full of suspense and has emotion. The story and character development feels advanced rather than going backwards, being reiterated or ground to a halt. Ben was already a fascinating character, it must have been difficult trying to advance even more a character more fleshed out than most of the other characters on the show but somehow it's managed.
Acting can't be faulted, with an absolutely brilliant performance from Michael Emerson. While he was always one of 'Lost's' best and most consistent performers, the acting here is among his best for this fascinating character. The visuals are slick and stylish, the music chilling and understated, the writing tightly structured and the direction showing ferocity and control. The more action-oriented parts are unpredictable and superbly choreographed.
Summing up, excellent episode, if anybody was to ask me what episodes stood out as among the best of Season 6 "Sundown" and especially "Dr. Linus" very high up. 9/10 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 one of the best of the episodes up to this point of the season (second best), 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" to me was uneven but decent.
Season 6 hits a high here again with "Dr. Linus", for me replacing the excellent though much darker "Sundown" as the best episode up to this early point of the season and one of the season's best episodes overall. Showing that not all the season was disappointing. Not quite one of my all-time favourite episodes of 'Lost', but there is a lot of classic elements here.
There is really very little to fault with "Dr. Linus". Its only issues to me being the rushed cliffhanger and the implausible resolution to the blackmail plot.
Pace though is tight and none of the writing is taut and not soapy. There are even more shocks and even more illuminating revelations and characterisation, generally more story clarity and character motivations are not as vague as some of the previous Season 6 episodes. The climactic parts are tense and poignant and one just wishes that the cliffhanger wasn't rushed.
The alternate universe storyline was a strong contender for the best of the season, more so than "Sundown", it doesn't get soapy and actually has tension, suspense and emotion while also providing new information instead of reiterating what is already known. Even more impressive is how it still makes sense, doesn't feel disjointed and it is by far the episode that links the timelines and their themes together the most successfully at this point of the season. The island events are utterly gripping, full of suspense and has emotion. The story and character development feels advanced rather than going backwards, being reiterated or ground to a halt. Ben was already a fascinating character, it must have been difficult trying to advance even more a character more fleshed out than most of the other characters on the show but somehow it's managed.
Acting can't be faulted, with an absolutely brilliant performance from Michael Emerson. While he was always one of 'Lost's' best and most consistent performers, the acting here is among his best for this fascinating character. The visuals are slick and stylish, the music chilling and understated, the writing tightly structured and the direction showing ferocity and control. The more action-oriented parts are unpredictable and superbly choreographed.
Summing up, excellent episode, if anybody was to ask me what episodes stood out as among the best of Season 6 "Sundown" and especially "Dr. Linus" very high up. 9/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Sep 19, 2018
- Permalink
"Dr. Linus" centers on Benjamin Linus, one of the most enigmatic and morally ambiguous characters in Lost
"Dr. Linus," directed by Mario Van Peebles, centers on Benjamin Linus, one of the most enigmatic and morally ambiguous characters in Lost. This episode explores Ben's quest for redemption and his struggle to reconcile his past actions with his desire for a better future. In the alternate reality, Ben is depicted as a high school teacher who is faced with a moral dilemma that mirrors the choices he made on the island. The episode is a poignant exploration of guilt, redemption, and the possibility of change, offering a rare glimpse into Ben's vulnerabilities and the consequences of his past.
Michael Emerson delivers an outstanding performance as Ben, capturing the character's inner conflict with remarkable depth and nuance. On the island, Ben's interactions with Ilana, played by Zuleikha Robinson, are particularly impactful, as he is forced to confront the full weight of his betrayals and the possibility of his own demise. In the alternate reality, Emerson portrays a more subdued and introspective version of Ben, whose moral choices have far-reaching consequences. The contrast between the two versions of Ben highlights the episode's central theme of redemption and the possibility of change.
The script, written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, is character-driven, focusing on Ben's journey while also advancing the broader narrative. The pacing is measured, allowing for the exploration of Ben's internal struggles and the consequences of his past actions. The dialogue is sharp and emotionally resonant, particularly in the scenes where Ben grapples with his guilt and seeks forgiveness. The writing effectively balances the episode's character development with its exploration of broader themes, making "Dr. Linus" a compelling and emotionally charged installment in the final season.
Visually, "Dr. Linus" is more subdued compared to previous episodes, with the cinematography reflecting the introspective nature of the story. The direction by Mario Van Peebles is focused on the characters' emotional journeys, with the use of close-ups and intimate framing emphasizing Ben's isolation and internal conflict. The episode's visual style is understated, allowing the performances and the writing to take center stage. The contrast between the muted tones of the island and the more vibrant colors of the alternate reality further underscores the episode's exploration of duality and the possibility of redemption.
The sound design and Giacchino's score play a crucial role in enhancing the episode's emotional impact. The music is used sparingly but effectively, with Giacchino's compositions underscoring the poignancy of Ben's journey. The sound effects are subtle, adding to the episode's reflective tone without overpowering the narrative. The auditory elements work in harmony with the visual storytelling to create a powerful and emotionally resonant episode.
In conclusion, "Dr. Linus" is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged episode that offers a nuanced exploration of one of Lost's most complex characters. Michael Emerson delivers a standout performance, and the script effectively balances character development with the exploration of broader themes of guilt, redemption, and the possibility of change. The episode's visual and auditory elements work together to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative, making "Dr. Linus" a significant and memorable entry in the final season of Lost.
Michael Emerson delivers an outstanding performance as Ben, capturing the character's inner conflict with remarkable depth and nuance. On the island, Ben's interactions with Ilana, played by Zuleikha Robinson, are particularly impactful, as he is forced to confront the full weight of his betrayals and the possibility of his own demise. In the alternate reality, Emerson portrays a more subdued and introspective version of Ben, whose moral choices have far-reaching consequences. The contrast between the two versions of Ben highlights the episode's central theme of redemption and the possibility of change.
The script, written by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, is character-driven, focusing on Ben's journey while also advancing the broader narrative. The pacing is measured, allowing for the exploration of Ben's internal struggles and the consequences of his past actions. The dialogue is sharp and emotionally resonant, particularly in the scenes where Ben grapples with his guilt and seeks forgiveness. The writing effectively balances the episode's character development with its exploration of broader themes, making "Dr. Linus" a compelling and emotionally charged installment in the final season.
Visually, "Dr. Linus" is more subdued compared to previous episodes, with the cinematography reflecting the introspective nature of the story. The direction by Mario Van Peebles is focused on the characters' emotional journeys, with the use of close-ups and intimate framing emphasizing Ben's isolation and internal conflict. The episode's visual style is understated, allowing the performances and the writing to take center stage. The contrast between the muted tones of the island and the more vibrant colors of the alternate reality further underscores the episode's exploration of duality and the possibility of redemption.
The sound design and Giacchino's score play a crucial role in enhancing the episode's emotional impact. The music is used sparingly but effectively, with Giacchino's compositions underscoring the poignancy of Ben's journey. The sound effects are subtle, adding to the episode's reflective tone without overpowering the narrative. The auditory elements work in harmony with the visual storytelling to create a powerful and emotionally resonant episode.
In conclusion, "Dr. Linus" is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged episode that offers a nuanced exploration of one of Lost's most complex characters. Michael Emerson delivers a standout performance, and the script effectively balances character development with the exploration of broader themes of guilt, redemption, and the possibility of change. The episode's visual and auditory elements work together to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative, making "Dr. Linus" a significant and memorable entry in the final season of Lost.
- fernandoschiavi
- Aug 16, 2024
- Permalink
Inspiring good and evil Benjamin battle, excellent Michael Emerson performance, intense dual story and well synchronized editing, intriguing but rushed cliffhanger
A deal with Locke. In Sundown Sayid did a Faustian bargain. He could have rejected it but instead he decided to follow his troubled heart and accepted. Dr. Linus was a bit similar as Ben has always been a character oscillating between good and evil. One minute he's Dr Jekyll, the next he turns into Mr Hyde. Such a strange case was perfectly covered in The Constant, featuring Desmond Hume, but this time it was very different as it was about Linus the history teacher and Linus the island defender outcast.
The story used the same dual pattern as the past episodes. Linus really reminded me of Bill Gates as a teacher and it was quite funny at first but soon I forgot all about it as Michael Emerson performance was excellent, as always. The substitute, John Locke, was also featured and I really liked how their only dialog was a direct reference to what was occurring on the island. Indeed all along Ben had to make choices, hard ones. What would you be capable of doing to seize an opportunity ? It was quite interesting to watch Linus answering that bugging question because we all had or will have to answer it ourself one day.
So the urban arc was great but the island one was even better. First as expected the temple was no more and we saw the characters running wild in the jungle wondering where to escape. How can you survive such an abomination ? Should you have joined its team instead ? What's the point of being a Candidate when you're dead ? So the survivors had to think fast and move even faster. But don't get me wrong the episode wasn't as dark and brutal as Sundown. In fact it was far much more peaceful than I expected. The calm before the storm ? I don't know what will happen next but as often the cliffhanger really intrigued me even if I found it rushed. As for Ben of the jungle his story mirrored the teacher's one, even more than in the past episodes. The matter what he chose, good or evil, his character development leaded to some very emotional moments and Emerson's acting reached heaven or hell at times. His destiny is so captivating that I didn't know if I wanted him to conclusively become Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde.
To sum things up the eternal battle between good and evil will never stop to fascinate us. And when it's so well directed, written and acted you can only applause. Moreover we all know Lost is not an all black or white show so I'm sure either Dr Green or Mr Red will come back with a vengeance. But his twisted profile reminded me so much of Desmond that I can't wait to watch his featured episode. I don't know when it will air nor even if it will ever do and I don't want to know it because Lost is all about the mystery. We saw him in LA X for a few split seconds in the plane beside Jack and then he vanished. The world for a Penny !
The story used the same dual pattern as the past episodes. Linus really reminded me of Bill Gates as a teacher and it was quite funny at first but soon I forgot all about it as Michael Emerson performance was excellent, as always. The substitute, John Locke, was also featured and I really liked how their only dialog was a direct reference to what was occurring on the island. Indeed all along Ben had to make choices, hard ones. What would you be capable of doing to seize an opportunity ? It was quite interesting to watch Linus answering that bugging question because we all had or will have to answer it ourself one day.
So the urban arc was great but the island one was even better. First as expected the temple was no more and we saw the characters running wild in the jungle wondering where to escape. How can you survive such an abomination ? Should you have joined its team instead ? What's the point of being a Candidate when you're dead ? So the survivors had to think fast and move even faster. But don't get me wrong the episode wasn't as dark and brutal as Sundown. In fact it was far much more peaceful than I expected. The calm before the storm ? I don't know what will happen next but as often the cliffhanger really intrigued me even if I found it rushed. As for Ben of the jungle his story mirrored the teacher's one, even more than in the past episodes. The matter what he chose, good or evil, his character development leaded to some very emotional moments and Emerson's acting reached heaven or hell at times. His destiny is so captivating that I didn't know if I wanted him to conclusively become Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde.
To sum things up the eternal battle between good and evil will never stop to fascinate us. And when it's so well directed, written and acted you can only applause. Moreover we all know Lost is not an all black or white show so I'm sure either Dr Green or Mr Red will come back with a vengeance. But his twisted profile reminded me so much of Desmond that I can't wait to watch his featured episode. I don't know when it will air nor even if it will ever do and I don't want to know it because Lost is all about the mystery. We saw him in LA X for a few split seconds in the plane beside Jack and then he vanished. The world for a Penny !
- igoatabase
- Mar 9, 2010
- Permalink
Personal Favorite
Lost was once must-see television; that's what I've read, anyway... but this episode has always been a personal favorite... I can only imagine the writers loving Michael Emerson so much, making their once villain Linus into a kind of neurotic, Kevin Spacey-like anti-hero, and this is his sideways episode and it's a great one...
Bringing back Alex, his daughter who is, in this side-world, a potentially-smart student in detention as Linus is a teacher, Locke's a substitute, and Ghostbusters weenie William Atherton's the... weenie, basically, a principal who bullies Linus like that box company manager did to Locke...
The scenes between Linus and Alex are fantastic, and the present story has some good moments centering on Linus finally, possibly, being punished for what he did to Jacob...
The only downpoint, and this will get downvotes, is Miles... sorry, but he's not a good glib/caustic comic-relief character... he can't bounce the sarcasm like Hurley and Sawyer, and he's just a weak character.
Bringing back Alex, his daughter who is, in this side-world, a potentially-smart student in detention as Linus is a teacher, Locke's a substitute, and Ghostbusters weenie William Atherton's the... weenie, basically, a principal who bullies Linus like that box company manager did to Locke...
The scenes between Linus and Alex are fantastic, and the present story has some good moments centering on Linus finally, possibly, being punished for what he did to Jacob...
The only downpoint, and this will get downvotes, is Miles... sorry, but he's not a good glib/caustic comic-relief character... he can't bounce the sarcasm like Hurley and Sawyer, and he's just a weak character.
- TheFearmakers
- Jul 28, 2024
- Permalink
Ben's Redemption
Ben flees and meets Ilana, Sun, Miles and Frank also escaping from the attack to the temple. Ilana gives the ashes of Jacob to Miles to know how he died, and he tells that Ben killed him. Ilana forces Ben to dig his grave, but Locke offers him the chance to escape.
In the parallel reality, Dr. Linus plots a Machiavellian scheme to overthrow Principal Reynolds and occupy his position. But he sacrifices his plan to help the student Alex Rousseau.
"Dr. Linus" is another strange episode with the redemption of the despicable Ben. The writers continue stalling the conclusion of this show and now expect that the viewers feel sympathy for the sordid Ben? My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Dr. Linus"
In the parallel reality, Dr. Linus plots a Machiavellian scheme to overthrow Principal Reynolds and occupy his position. But he sacrifices his plan to help the student Alex Rousseau.
"Dr. Linus" is another strange episode with the redemption of the despicable Ben. The writers continue stalling the conclusion of this show and now expect that the viewers feel sympathy for the sordid Ben? My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Dr. Linus"
- claudio_carvalho
- Apr 20, 2013
- Permalink
Dr. Linus is a Professor of Awesome!
I recant: I enjoyed the tangent/parallel/sideways stuff!