#1 - 6.07 "Dr. Linus"
It was neck-and-neck between this episode and "Ab Aeterno," but Michael Emerson's performance simply sold me. While not much happens in this episode, that doesn't really matter; it's a character-driven episode, and Emerson is the one driving. In both the flash-sideways timeline and the original timeline, the story revolves around Ben's chances for redemption -- and for the first time in his lives, he takes them.
Miles, using his ghostbuster ability, ousts Ben's role in Jacob's murder, and Ilana resolves to kill him - after he digs his own grave. Resigned to his fate, he begins digging. That is, until the Man in Black appears, undoes his bonds, and asks Ben to come join him. Ben takes off and runs, finding a rifle in the jungle and tearfully confessing to Ilana while holding her at gunpoint. He comes clean about the pain he's feeling and his responsibility for his daughter (whom he aids in the flash-sideways), and Ilana accepts him. Even I, who hardly ever cries (except when British rock stars drown), found myself shedding a tear for the Island's big manipulator, who is finally realizing he's not so big after all.
The flash-sideways was on par with the on-Island storyline, and I found myself not wanting either to be over when that familiar whooshing/skipping noise occurred. It was that good. And talk about an ending -- Charles Widmore's arrival on the Island was a definite surprise to me, and it was a great way to end the episode.
How will "Dr. Linus," hold up against episodes of the second half of the series? If I had to guess, I'd say it'll probably fall behind a few places, especially when compared to the upcoming series finale, which is sure to be an event, as well as several other episodes which SpoilerGuy has dished upon. What do you think? Is "Dr. Linus" worthy of the #1 spot? If not, what should be? And what are you looking for in the remaining nine hours of LOST's final season?
Ab aeterno was the best episode of the entire show, so it's definitely #1
I agree with the top 3, although maybe not in that order.
I definitely agree with your top two.
I wouldn't say best of the entire show. I think "Through the Looking Glass" still gets that honor. But it's up there. Probably in the top ten.
nice ranking, although I would place recon slightly higher, and have ab aeterno as #1. but I agree with most of the choices :)
"Recon" was good, but I can't see it as better than any of the episodes, other than "What Kate Does." It's been a really good season.
I believe christian Shepard body was on the plane, but it dissapeared over the island. There is flash-awarness or loop awarness, Charlie says he was supposed to die. Ab Aeterno Baptism? wine=Blood of christ?? have not read anything about this.
The Constant was the best of the entire show. In fact i think 3 of my top 5 are Desmond episodes. The writers always knock his episodes out of the park.