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 2 of 'Lost' to me was very solid with many good to outstanding episodes (with a notable exception being "Fire + Water", which took strangeness too literally). "Maternity Leave" is not one of the best episodes of the season and a little bit of a let down after the brilliant "One of Them". It is still very good, just not outstanding and missing the extra something that the best Season 2 and 'Lost' in general episodes had.
"Maternity Leave" may not have the tautest of writing in the present day Claire scenes, particularly when the scenes between the men and the memories with The Others are so strong.
Furthermore, while Emilie De Ravin is still good, and gives some of her most heartfelt acting at this point of the show, she pales a little in comparison to the rest of the cast who have stronger characters to work with.
However, the men's scenes and chemistry have a lot of compelling power and advance the story and raises some interesting points. Henry is getting more fascinating as a character all the time. Meanwhile the memories are beautifully shot and have real urgency and tension, providing necessary answers to necessary questions and again raising points that one cannot wait to see being explored.
It's a very well acted episode, with a touching Mira Furlan, sincere Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and Terry O'Quinn and Michael Emerson giving intensity to the proceedings being most impressive. De Ravin is not as strong but is still good and one does care for Claire.
Visually, 'Lost' continues to be stylish, atmospheric and beautiful in "Maternity Leave", as always making the most of the island setting. The music is as always chilling and understated, most of the writing is very well written and the direction handles everything with great skills.
Overall, very good while falling short of being outstanding. 8/10 Bethany Cox