Ep 21. The Greater Good

In Lost season 1 episode 21, titled "The Greater Good," tensions rise on the island as the survivors are forced to confront the consequences of their actions. The episode begins with Sayid, still reeling from the betrayal of his former friend and fellow survivor, Shannon, who he believes played a role in the death of Boone.

Meanwhile, flashbacks reveal that Sayid had been recruited by a CIA operative named Sam Austen (Kate's father) to infiltrate a terrorist cell in Australia. There, he meets a man named Essam, who he befriends and comes to admire for his dedication to his cause. However, Sayid soon discovers that his mission is to betray Essam and turn him over to the authorities.

Back on the island, Sayid's past catches up with him when Essam shows up unexpectedly after having been presumed dead for years. Essam is seeking Sayid's help in carrying out an attack on a target in order to further the cause of their movement. Sayid is torn between his loyalty to Essam and his desire to do the right thing and prevent innocent lives from being taken.

Meanwhile, Jack and Locke continue to search for a way to open the mysterious hatch they discovered, leading to a clash between their respective leadership styles. And as tensions continue to mount, the survivors are forced to grapple with the difficult choices they must make in order to survive on the island.

"The Greater Good" is a powerful episode of Lost that explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of human nature. Through the flashbacks, we see the moral dilemmas that Sayid faced in his past as a soldier and as a spy, and how they continue to haunt him in the present. And on the island, the episode shows how the survivors are forced to confront their own darkness and make sacrifices in order to survive.

The performances in this episode are particularly strong, with Naveen Andrews delivering a powerful portrayal of Sayid's inner turmoil as he tries to come to terms with his past decisions and the consequences of his actions. Terry O'Quinn is also excellent as Locke, continuing to command the screen with his enigmatic presence and complicated motivations.

Overall, "The Greater Good" is an engrossing and thought-provoking episode of Lost that continues to explore the series' complex themes and characters. It is a standout episode in a season full of memorable moments and is a must-watch for any fans of the show.