S04E02: 'Confirmed Dead'

Towards the end of this so-so episode, Locke confronts Ben and demands answers. 'What is the smoke monster?' he demands, only for no answer to be forthcoming from TOFKAHG (The Other Formerly Known As Henry Gale). Locke's abject frustration very much mirrors that of the audience, as the fourth series seems to be suffering a case of X-Filesitis by chucking up new questions and brushing aside the old.

Several new arrivals parachuted into the island, but the real solution would be to send in Jack Bauer and interrogate the truth out of everyone. "Where's the goddamn polar bear, DAMN IT?!" he could scream into Ben's ears. Well Jack, apparently he's gone on a sightseeing holiday to the desert and forgotten to bring any sun cream or parasols.

Fortunately, the new revelations in the episode are fairly startling and provide a momentary distraction from the frustrations. In particular, the footage of the wrecked plane at the bottom of the sea is rather shocking and very well realised. The image of the skeletal body of the pilot in the cockpit is poignant, but who on earth is it? Indeed, given the new elements being introduced, such as the ability to talk to the dead, perhaps it is from another planet entirely?