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.
It, Season 6 that is, started promisingly enough with "LA X", both parts, before reaching disappointment with the still watchable "What Kate Does", which had great moments but a dull and soap-heavy central story. "The Substitute" was a step up and one of the best of the episodes up to this point of the season (second best), but not one of the best 'Lost' episodes, did find a couple of issues with it but can understand why critically it has been positively received. "Lighthouse" to me was uneven but decent.
After two excellent episodes in "Sundown" and especially "Dr Linus", "Recon" is a slight disappointment. Don't get me wrong, it is still very good indeed with many great things, and one of the episodes so far of the season that is indicative that not all the sixth season disappointed. Up to this point of the season, only "Lighthouse" and particularly "What Kate Does" did.
"Recon" fares better in the on-island events storyline. In that there is a lot of tension, intrigue, emotion, tautness and unexpected and unsettling twists and turns. One learns more, things are built upon, things are made clearer and the character motivations are less confused and vague as a few of the previous episodes were. The Los Angeles storyline is not quite as good, so there is a slightly disjointed feel.
In this storyline, there are intriguing and thought-provoking moments and there are moments of unpredictability and emotional power. Really liked the development for Sawyer, which avoids reiterating things already known and instead illuminates or builds upon what is familiar. At the same time, there is not as much excitement, tautness or surprises as in the on-island story, so it was not quite as gripping. Some of it was a little clichéd and soapy and the pace could have been tighter if a couple of not so relevant parts were excised.
The whole episode is very well acted from everybody, with Josh Holloway turning in excellent work, matched by Alan Dale (managing to still intrigue and chill as Widmore) and Rebecca Mader. The characters are compelling and don't feel stereotypical or cartoonish. The character interaction adds to the tension and emotion and the ending makes one excited and impatient for what's coming next.
Furthermore, "Recon" is a typically exceptionally well made episode on a visual level, being very stylish and atmospheric. The music is chilling and understated, while most of the writing is tight and the direction has control yet alertness.
On the whole, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox