Ep 12. Everybody Loves Hugo

The episode "Everybody Loves Hugo" is the twelfth installment of the sixth and final season of the acclaimed television drama series, Lost. The episode is directed by Daniel Attias and written by series creators and executive producers, Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse.

The episode picks up the story of the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815, who find themselves stranded on a mysterious and mystical island after a catastrophic plane crash. The central character of the episode is Hugo "Hurley" Reyes, played by Jorge Garcia, who has been a fan favorite since the beginning of the series.

The episode begins with a flash-sideways, a narrative device introduced in the final season of the show. In this reality, Hurley is the successful owner of a fast-food restaurant chain called Mr. Cluck's Chicken. He is greeted by his business partner, an old friend named Johnny, who informs him that he has won the lottery again, though Hurley is initially unimpressed.

In the main narrative of the episode, Hurley is seen struggling with his new role as the "man in charge," appointed by his deceased friend, Jacob, in the previous episode before his death. Hurley has to negotiate the tension and rivalry between Jack and Sawyer, the two alpha males of the group, who are both vying for leadership.

At the same time, Hurley is forced to confront his past and his demons, as he encounters the ghost of Michael, a former survivor who died on the island. Michael delivers a cryptic message to Hurley, warning him that he and the other survivors are in danger from the "others," a group of hostile and mysterious inhabitants of the island.

The episode also introduces a new character, Dr. Pierre Chang, played by Francois Chau, who has been featured in previous seasons as a researcher for the enigmatic Dharma Initiative. Dr. Chang appears to Hurley in the guise of a history teacher in the flash-sideways, and as a ghostly apparition on the island.

In the flash-sideways, Hurley is shown struggling with his love life, as he tries to woo a woman named Libby, played by Cynthia Watros, who was also a fellow survivor of Flight 815. The two are shown sharing a picnic on a beach, reminiscent of a scene from a previous season.

The episode is notable for its exploration of the themes of love, fate, and redemption, which have been central to the show's overall narrative. Hurley's journey in the episode is one of self-discovery and acceptance, as he comes to terms with his role as a leader, and confronts his fear of failure and disappointment.

The episode also features a number of significant plot developments, which set up the series' final arc. These include the revelation that the "others" are planning to attack the camp of survivors, and the introduction of a mysterious man in a suit, played by Titus Welliver, who appears to be an emissary of the island itself.

The episode culminates in a tense and emotional confrontation between Hurley and Michael, in which the latter reveals the true nature of the island, and the role that the survivors are destined to play in its fate. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, as the "others" begin their attack, and Hurley is forced to make a fateful decision.

Overall, "Everybody Loves Hugo" is a compelling and engaging episode of Lost, featuring excellent performances from the cast, and a carefully crafted narrative that builds on the themes and mythology of the series. It is a must-watch for fans of the show, and a fitting tribute to one of its most beloved and iconic characters.