Ep 4. Walkabout

The first season of the popular television series Lost has been captivating audiences since its debut, and episode 4 entitled "Walkabout" is no exception. The episode opens with the show's core ensemble of disparate characters continuing to struggle on the deserted island they've found themselves on after their plane crashes. As they search for food and water, tensions begin to mount, particularly between the show's two alpha males, Jack and Sawyer. But the central focus of "Walkabout" is the character of John Locke, a mysterious man who seems to know more about the island and its dangers than he lets on.

The episode begins with a flashback to Locke's previous life in which we see him working a dead-end job at a box company. We see him daydreaming about a trip to Australia, where he plans to join a walkabout, a traditional Aboriginal trek through the wilderness that is meant to be a personal test of endurance and survival. Later, we see him in Australia, excitedly preparing for his journey through the rugged Australian wilderness.

In the present day on the island, Locke is shown to be one of the most capable members of the group despite his being in a wheelchair. He's able to hunt and forage and soon sets his sights on hunting wild boar. The other survivors are initially skeptical of his abilities and few have any interest in learning from him. But when one of the survivors, Michael, is attacked by a boar, the group realizes that they need Locke's skills to survive.

We then see a series of flashbacks that show us more about Locke's previous life. We watch as his love of the outdoors becomes increasingly apparent, culminating in his decision to go on the walkabout. When he arrives at his campsite, he meets up with a woman named Helen, whose rough exterior belies her own personal issues. The two connect on a deep level, with Locke telling her about his hopes for what the walkabout will bring for him.

The present-day story on the island continues as the group attempts to catch a wild boar with Locke as their guide. Despite his efforts, they prove unsuccessful and tensions continue to flare as the survivors become increasingly frustrated. In a crucial scene, Locke reveals to Jack that he'd been paralyzed from the waist down before the crash and that his newfound abilities on the island are his own personal redemption.

This revelation has a profound effect on the others, and they begin to see Locke in a different light. His hunting skills prove invaluable when he manages to track and kill a boar, bringing a much-needed source of protein to the group. The episode concludes with a montage of flashbacks that show us more about Locke's struggles in life, culminating in a shot of him in his office at the box company, calling up a travel agent to book his trip to Australia.

Overall, "Walkabout" is a fascinating episode that provides us with a deeper understanding of who John Locke is as a character. We see him as much more than a mysterious figure with knowledge of the island; he's a complex individual with a rich backstory and a deep desire to prove himself and find meaning in the world. The flashback sequences help to flesh out his character and make us more invested in his journey on the island. The episode also features some impressive writing and performances, particularly from Terry O'Quinn, who plays Locke with a quiet intensity that is both eerie and compelling. Overall, "Walkabout" is a standout episode in what is already proving to be a stellar first season of Lost.