Having already come up with the most expensive pilot on mainstream American television, a gem that boasted Hollywood blockbuster ambitions and qualities, and subsequently launched a series that had people hooked on its mix of mystery, philosophy and science fiction, it was logical to assume the makers of Lost would come up with an explosive finale for the first season, which went on to win an Emmy in the Outstanding Drama Series category (plus a few other awards, including a directing trophy for J.J. Abrams). And if Exodus: Part 1 was the intriguing promise of things to come, then Part 2, again written by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse and directed by Jack Bender, delivers on said promise like few season finales manage to (even Abrams' own Alias was partially derailed with that Russian zombies storyline at the end of Season 4).
Continuing where the first part ended, Jack, Kate and Locke continue their expedition to open the hatch, but are interrupted when Locke is taken by the so-called Smoke Monster. When he is returned unharmed, he and Jack have a conversation about science and faith, discussing the meaning of their attempt to get inside the hatch. Back in the camp, Rousseau's attention towards Claire's baby Aaron raises suspicion, prompting Sayid and Charlie to believe she might be hiding something. Meanwhile, the raft crew - Michael, Walt, Sawyer and Jin - makes an unpleasant discovery when trying to get help...
The pre-Island section, much like in Part 1, deals with the survivors' experiences at the airport before boarding Oceanic 815. Jin, for instance, is approached by an employee of his father-in-law, Locke has trouble getting on the plane due to technical problems and, most hilariously (and ironically), Hurley wakes up late and goes through one hell of an ordeal to make it in time.
Part 1 was pretty spectacular on its own, but this is the one with all the fireworks (literally, in some cases): casual and amusing deaths (Arzt exits the show in a brilliantly absurd manner), great material for all the people involved, new twists and mysteries that make sure fans will stay on for further seasons, and so on. Everyone gives it their best, from the writers to the effects team to the cast, to deliver an entertaining, satisfactory epilogue to a terrific first year. Oddly enough, though, the Island stuff (what an ending!) is almost overshadowed by the flashbacks, especially the montage of everybody getting on the plane: the sight of Hurley giving Walt a thumbs-up as he finally makes it on board is a strong candidate for best scene of the entire season, as it perfectly sums up the spirit of the show: beneath the epic scope, what really matters is the characters. Still, the Smoke Monster and the hatch are also good reasons to keep watching...