"Walkabout" is one of the most unanimously praised Lost episodes there is, and it's not hard to see why. The island story is a collection of fine, interesting character interactions while Locke's flashback provides insight into this intriguing and then-mysterious character and an ending that at the time had tremendous impact and even when you know what to expect still packs quite a punch thanks to Terry O'Quinn's unbelievably superb performance and one of Michael Giacchino's finest compositions.
"Walkabout" could be called the first true "Lost" episode. Sure, we had the transmission signal and the monster in the pilot episode, but "Walkabout" makes a definitive statement about the sort of television series "Lost" was going to grow to be what with Jack seeing Christian Shepard repeatedly, a much more interesting encounter with the still-undefined monster, and the then mind-blowing and now still emotionally effective fact that in some manner John Locke has regained his ability to walk. As brilliant and exciting as "Pilot, Part 2" is, one cannot deny that "Walkabout" is a sort of definitive episode for the show and one that many fans will point to as the episode that truly hooked many of us. Indeed, it does have the series' first true shocker of an ending, something that would become more common and occasionally contrived later on in the series.
Fans have commented negatively, positively, and indifferently on the evolution of John Locke's character between "Walkabout" and the end of season four (the point at which this review is being written). Personally, I think "Walkabout" is a perfect demonstration that the aforementioned evolution is perfectly natural and expected within the narrative- John Locke has always been, for lack of a better word, a loser. Upon arriving on the Island Locke realizes his special relationship with the island faster than any other character. John's determination to find and kill the boar is an early precursor to his determination to follow his instinct with the button in the hatch and anything else he feels he was meant to do.
Personally I feel that the scene most worth commenting on in this episode is Locke's encounter with the monster. In "Exodus, Part 2" Locke encountered the monster and was nearly dragged into a hole in the ground by it. At that point Locke insisted he wanted to go. Indeed "Walkabout" raises the question of whether or not the monster's intentions in the season finale were harmful. Would it have killed Locke had Jack not intervened? Certainly Locke's encounter in "Walkabout" with the monster is the closest and yet most mysterious (to the audience, at least) encounter any of the 815'ers has had with the monster that didn't end in death(s).
David Fury's script for "Walkabout" is an awe-inspiring work of art. It slowly builds up to a brilliant climactic 15 minutes or so but never wastes time on trivial matters, focusing on character development for many members of the huge ensemble cast and leaving tantalizing hints for future episodes. There's just enough humor in this episode to keep the mood from being too depressing but thankfully not enough to undermine the dramatic impact of several key scenes including the brilliantly-written and produced final scene.
"Walkabout" is one of the richest and most important episodes of "Lost" and that is all the more impressive since this episode arrives so early in the run. Superb.
10/10
"Walkabout" could be called the first true "Lost" episode. Sure, we had the transmission signal and the monster in the pilot episode, but "Walkabout" makes a definitive statement about the sort of television series "Lost" was going to grow to be what with Jack seeing Christian Shepard repeatedly, a much more interesting encounter with the still-undefined monster, and the then mind-blowing and now still emotionally effective fact that in some manner John Locke has regained his ability to walk. As brilliant and exciting as "Pilot, Part 2" is, one cannot deny that "Walkabout" is a sort of definitive episode for the show and one that many fans will point to as the episode that truly hooked many of us. Indeed, it does have the series' first true shocker of an ending, something that would become more common and occasionally contrived later on in the series.
Fans have commented negatively, positively, and indifferently on the evolution of John Locke's character between "Walkabout" and the end of season four (the point at which this review is being written). Personally, I think "Walkabout" is a perfect demonstration that the aforementioned evolution is perfectly natural and expected within the narrative- John Locke has always been, for lack of a better word, a loser. Upon arriving on the Island Locke realizes his special relationship with the island faster than any other character. John's determination to find and kill the boar is an early precursor to his determination to follow his instinct with the button in the hatch and anything else he feels he was meant to do.
Personally I feel that the scene most worth commenting on in this episode is Locke's encounter with the monster. In "Exodus, Part 2" Locke encountered the monster and was nearly dragged into a hole in the ground by it. At that point Locke insisted he wanted to go. Indeed "Walkabout" raises the question of whether or not the monster's intentions in the season finale were harmful. Would it have killed Locke had Jack not intervened? Certainly Locke's encounter in "Walkabout" with the monster is the closest and yet most mysterious (to the audience, at least) encounter any of the 815'ers has had with the monster that didn't end in death(s).
David Fury's script for "Walkabout" is an awe-inspiring work of art. It slowly builds up to a brilliant climactic 15 minutes or so but never wastes time on trivial matters, focusing on character development for many members of the huge ensemble cast and leaving tantalizing hints for future episodes. There's just enough humor in this episode to keep the mood from being too depressing but thankfully not enough to undermine the dramatic impact of several key scenes including the brilliantly-written and produced final scene.
"Walkabout" is one of the richest and most important episodes of "Lost" and that is all the more impressive since this episode arrives so early in the run. Superb.
10/10