Dingę Something Nice Back Home (2004–2010) Online

Undoubtedly one of the most under-appreciated episodes of "Lost", and also one of the most underrated hours of television in 2008, "Something Nice Back Home" has bewilderingly attracted a large group of haters who dismiss the episode as 'the Jate episode'. I couldn't disagree more. I really think this is a fine script, and one which is quite an important one in the run of the series, very far from being a 'filler' episode.

One: Jack's slow descent into depression is executed with subtlety and grace. Those complaining that there was not some horrible violent event which led to his state in the season three finale clearly have very little emotional maturity, not that we've even seen everything which happened after this point. The beauty of the writing is that for Jack that meeting with Hurley was enough to start him on this slippery slope, to unearth the subconscious issues he was dealing with. Jack, from day one, made it his goal and his aim to get the survivors off the island. As if it were not enough that more than half of them died, he not only failed in doing so when he got the chance (and partly due to his own mistakes), but is completely unsure of what happened to those he left behind, so his meeting with Hurley is even more frightening to him. It is more common in reality for people to enter severe depression or become addicted to alcohol and prescription medication over guilt and paranoia than over a traumatic event (and while the final stages of season 4 may not seem all that traumatic to us as viewers, imagine yourself in such a situation). I truly appreciated the quality of the writing in this episode, and of the acting. If you are looking for a show which consistently does the obvious, and has no concept of subtlety nor an understanding of the human psyche, please watch another show.

Two: Sawyer, Miles, and Claire. In spite of some great one-liners when Sawyer and (according to Hurley) the freighter version of Sawyer clash, this storyline achieves a rare sort of eeriness, and Sawyer is now more than ever broken and scared. His jokey attitude is masking a terror evident in his eyes, body language, and the excellent makeup job done in this episode. I found this storyline very effective, and Christian Shepard's appearance was remarkably interesting. Love the ending. Three: The appendicitis story. Yes, the appendicitis story. It was not great, but it linked nicely to the rest of the episode thematically and was well-written. It is also basic confirmation that the island was not pleased with Jack's actions, if all you care about is the mythology of "Lost".

A great episode, although it took me more than one viewing to realize that, and tremendously affecting on many levels. A big thank you to the writers of this episode and the entire creative team behind this series for rarely resorting to the over-dramatic and displaying an understanding of the human psyche and human emotion which few shows on television do.

"Something Nice Back Home" is not the full-on assault on the senses that "The Shape Of Things To Come" was; in fact, it could almost be considered a "cooling-down" episode. But it's still worth watching and packs quite a bit of information in its 42 minutes. For example, we learn that Charlotte, for some reason, has been hiding the fact that she can speak Korean. We learn that Frank, the pilot, is definitely a good guy, as he saves the lives of Sawyer, Miles, Claire and her baby. Jumping into the future, we learn that Hurley is still having visions (?) of his dead friend Charlie, and Jack's seemingly happy life is just starting to fall apart. And we learn that Sawyer decided to stay back on the island. My only complaint is that the most interesting group of characters at the moment - Ben, Locke and Hurley going to Jacob's cabin - is completely neglected. But hey, that's what the next episode is for! *** out of 4.

Jack is not feeling well believing that it was fruit poisoning; however Juliet finds that he needs an emergency appendectomy, otherwise he would die. Meanwhile, in a "flashforward", Jack is living with Kate and Aaron and proposes her. However, the deranged Hurley questions to Jack whether they are not dead in heaven, and later Jack sees his father, Dr. Christian Shephard. While heading to Jack's camp, Sawyer, Claire and Aaron and Miles meet Frank Lapidus that advises them to hide from Keamy and his men. In the morning, Claire has vanished and Miles tells that she had woken up in the middle of the night calling for her father.

"Something Nice Back Home " is a reasonable episode that unfortunately goes nowhere. There is only one new mystery, with the presence of Dr. Christian Shephard, and once again there is an absolute lack of answers for the countless mysteries. After watching this "stalled" show I question again whether these successive breaks in this series do not indicate that the writers are unable to resolve the issues raised along the three successful first seasons. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

Note: On 14 April 2013, I saw this episode again on DVD.

A normal day on the island...

In contrast with most of the other episodes of this seasons, but still good. Most of the other episodes were characteristic of action and more information(answers that bring other questions)while this one is a calmer episode, but it still gives some remarkable questions about some events (as well on the island as in flash forwards). It's just the stress that lays on the events at the beach, which aren't very suspenseful. In fact, there're predictable, and that's why most of the fans will call it weak (and perhaps also boring).

It is not one of the best, but it is still worth of watching.

It is plain annoying, when scriptwriters make actors build up tension without cause. If Jack proposes to Kate and Kate is overwhelmingly happy about that, then there is no good reason for them to mistrust each other 100% and not tell each other _anything_. Just to build up misunderstandings and tension. And if Sawyer thinks Miles is evil, and keeps threatening his live, then he wouldn't sleep like a baby next to him. This is bad storytelling.

There is grounds enough for real tension in the story, the writers wouldn't need to fake it. Noise like that has distorted the otherwise great signal before, this time is got really bad. I hope they cut that crap in future episodes.

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.

Season 3 was for me a solid if uneven season, with many brilliant episodes but a few slightly underwhelming ones, an inconsistent first part of the season and containing one of 'Lost's' low points "Stranger in a Strange Land". Season 4 had a good amount to live up, and its first episode "The Beginning of the End", was a brilliant start. The following episodes between that and this were generally strong, with "The Constant" being a season and show high-point although "Eggtown" and "The Other Woman" disappointed.

While not one of the best episodes of the season or show, "Something Nice Back Home" is very nicely done. It is more a cooling off transitioning episode, where there are answers provided and character development is advanced but story progression has been stronger before and since.

There is a lot for fans to sink their teeth into and satisfyingly chew, a good deal happens with a lot of characters involved making for a densely written episode that doesn't make the mistake of being shallow.

"Something Nice Back Home" doesn't feel dull and has enough tension, fun and emotion to keep one engrossed. The flashforward may not be one of the most illuminating or saying much new, but it's cleverly done and the ending is a surprise.

Can't fault the performances, with Matthew Fox giving one of his best and emotionally wide-ranging performances and Elizabeth Mitchell and Jeremy Davies also being good.

Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effectively understated and chilling use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction.

In summary, very good episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox