“Two For The Road” is an example of a narrative-based episode that provides enough punch to be able to overlook a relative lack of character or thematic depth. That isn’t to say that this particular episode is entirely shallow, however, when comparing this one to the other episodes of Lost, there’s a distinct shift in focus. Ostensibly, this is an episode about misinformation, about masquerades, and an attempt at redemption. But it is the episode’s final scene which will leave everyone talking.

Character connections are a big deal in this episode. The flashback focuses on Ana Lucia, and her continued struggle with her emotions, especially after she had murdered the man who previously shot her. She quits the police force, joins airport security and bumps into none other than Christian Shepherd, Jack’s father. He invites her to be his bodyguard on a trip to Australia and she agrees. Whilst there, Christian confronts a woman, pleading to see his daughter and she throws him out – the identity of the daughter is left unrevealed, but it’s likely to be another connection. Also, as Christian leaves ot head into a bar, they bump into Sawyer. Later, while standing in line for a return to Los Angeles, Ana Lucia overhears Jack pleading with the ticket agent, about the need to get his father’s body home as quickly as possible.

But more than all of that, the scenes do provide a measure of commentary about fate and choices and redemption. After hearing Jack’s rant about needing closure, Ana Lucia calls her mom and tries to begin to make amends for her actions – to get the help she so desperately needs. The irony of Ana Lucia’s brief employment to Christian also adds to the layer of destiny, and of the interconnectedness of everyone on the island. And, also, it establishes the episode’s numerical theme of “two.”

Back on the island, Ana Lucia confronts Henry Gale one more time and this time, he talks, accusing her of the murder of two of the “Others.” Henry Gale then attacks Ana Lucia, trying to strangle her. As a result she heads off in search of Sawyer to retrieve his gun – for the purpose of killing Gale, herself. Ana’s means of acquiring Swayer’s gun are a bit Freudian … she sleeps with him. But their coupling also has the added benefit of fitting into the episode’s theme of two.

Another element of “two” is found in the “date” which Hurley has planned for himself and Libby. This subplot provides the counterbalance of humor to the more serious matters at hand. And it’s enjoyable to watch Hurley’s well-intended bumbling as he tries to impress Libby. Instead of ending up at a secluded beach, they end up back at their own beach – without blankets. So Libby, amused and flattered by Hurley’s attempts, heads off to the hatch to pick up a few blankets for their meal, while Hurley looks for some wine.

The other element of the episode is the more serious one as Michael comes to and recounts his experience with the Others. He describes them as fairly bad off, living in tents and having almost no weapons to speak of. He wants to return with guns to attack the Others and to take back his son, by force. His tale is enough to incite Jack and Locke to head off and retrieve the guns from Sawyer. This leaves Michael alone with Ana Lucia, who cannot bring herself to kill Henry Gale. Instead, Michael talks her into giving him the gun so that he can kill the prisoner, instead.

And then the twist.

Michael shoots and murders Ana Lucia, then Libby (who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time), opens the vault, shoots himself in the shoulder, and the episode ends.

It certainly is a radical and ominous twist. And for anyone who wasn’t spoiled before hand, the moment is sure to be a shock. Was Michael “reprogrammed” (in a Manchurian Candidate sort of way)? Or was he simply acting on orders, doing what he believed would help get his son returned to him?

Overall Grade: B

“Two For The Road” is very good at telling its tale, at providing a story with a respectable amount of depth, and one hell of a shocking twist. And it all works on-screen.

Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
Filed under: Lost
Modern Myth: Lost In Faith and Science

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