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.
Alongside "Not in Portland", "Flashes Before Your Eyes", "Enter 77", "The Man from Tallahassee", "One of Us", "The Brig" and "The Man Behind the Curtain" and "Greatest Hits", Season 3's finale "Through the Looking Glass" for me is one of the best Season 3 episodes (for me a very solid season where the only misfire was one of the worst episodes of the show "Stranger in a Strange Land") up to this point of the season. Also feel that it is one of the best of Season 3 in general (maybe the best), one of the best episodes of 'Lost' up to this point and among the best of the show in general. Every aspect of "Through the Looking Glass" is brilliant and with all the trademarks for a 'Lost' classic.
The episode has pretty much everything that 'Lost' is all about. It's taut and thought-provoking, with utterly gripping on-island events, also providing some answers and surprises, with as mind-blowing a flashforward as one can possibly get.
On top of all that, it advances characters, shows plot progression rather than repeating itself or being filler and there are some shocking revelations that one doesn't see coming. The ending is also a triumph.
After a deliberate but still utterly gripping start, the second part especially is a non-stop thrill ride of ingenious twists, edge of your seat tension and very emotional moments.
Can't fault the performances, glorious acting from every single cast member.
Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effectively understated and chilling use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction (one of the best of the season and perhaps of the show).
In conclusion, one of the best season finales for anything on television. 10/10 Bethany Cox