Lost Television Show Season 3: A Deep Dive into “Enter 77”
The third season of Lost continued its trend of complex narratives and cryptic clues, leaving viewers both thrilled and frustrated. “Enter 77,” penned by executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, stands as a prime example of this season’s intricate storytelling. This episode, while seemingly packed with revelations, ultimately delivers more questions than answers, a hallmark of the Lost experience.
The Flame Station and Mikhail Bakunin
“Enter 77” introduces a new Dharma Initiative station, “The Flame,” a communications outpost overseen by the enigmatic Mikhail Bakunin. The discovery of this station, equipped with a satellite dish, initially sparks hope for the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815. Could this be their long-awaited connection to the outside world?
Bakunin’s narrative adds another layer to the already convoluted mythology of the island. He claims that “The Others” are not part of the Dharma Initiative, but rather a rogue faction predating the scientific community. This revelation contradicts previous understandings and raises questions about the true nature of the island’s inhabitants.
Locke’s Questionable Decisions
“Enter 77” portrays John Locke in a particularly unfavorable light. His blind faith and impulsive actions lead to a series of disastrous choices. Ignoring the ongoing conflict within the Flame station to play a computer chess game, Locke allows Bakunin to escape and gain an advantage. Furthermore, his unquestioning obedience to the computer’s commands triggers a self-destruct sequence, potentially destroying the survivors’ only means of contacting the outside world.
The Return of Ms. Klugh
Adding to the tension, “Enter 77” features the brief return of Ms. Klugh, a prominent figure from the second season. Her reappearance, coupled with a tense hostage situation and a shocking execution, further complicates the already tangled plotlines. This scene underscores the ruthless nature of the conflict on the island and leaves viewers wondering about Klugh’s ultimate role in the larger narrative.
Flashback Filler and Missed Opportunities
A common criticism of Lost, and particularly evident in “Enter 77,” is the use of flashback sequences as filler. While Sayid’s backstory is compelling, the flashback in this episode retreads familiar themes and feels disconnected from the main narrative. Given the abundance of new information presented in the present-day storyline, the flashback feels like a missed opportunity to delve deeper into the mysteries of the island.
Balancing Mystery and Character Development
“Enter 77” epitomizes the struggle Lost faced in balancing its intricate mythology with compelling character development. While the episode offers glimpses of progress in unraveling the island’s secrets, it does so at the expense of meaningful character interactions and emotional resonance. The lack of balance leaves the viewer overwhelmed with information but lacking a deeper connection to the characters and their struggles.
In conclusion, “Enter 77” serves as a microcosm of Lost season three, showcasing the show’s strengths and weaknesses. While the episode is undeniably engaging and packed with intriguing developments, it also highlights the show’s tendency to prioritize mystery over character development and its occasional reliance on filler. The episode ultimately leaves viewers with more questions than answers, yearning for a deeper understanding of the island and its inhabitants.
