Everyone should experience the best episode ofLostat least once. With six seasons and more than 100 episodes, there is no shortage ofgreatLostepisodes, but one stands out above the rest.
While it is not generally considered to be the best episode, the two-part pilot is one of the all-time greats. From the shot of Jack Shephard (Matthew Fox) opening his eyes to the immediate aftermath ofOceanic Flight 815’s crash, the beginning moments ofLostare gripping and immediately make the audience feel hooked.
Other well-regardedLostepisodes include the two-part season 3 finale “Through the Looking Glass” and the season 6 episode “Ab Aeterno,” which largely focus on Charlie Pace (Dominic Monaghan), Richard Alpert (Nestor Carbonell), and many ofLost’s other best characters. As phenomenal as these episodes are, there is another one that is in a class of its own.
Every Fan Will Agree That “The Constant” Is Lost’s Best Episode
It Stands Above The Other All-Time Greats
Lostfans can be passionate and disagree on many aspects of the series, butone thing almost everyone can agree on is that “The Constant” is the best episode. On IMDb, “The Constant” has the highest rating of any episode with a 9.7 out of 10, which outranks “Through the Looking Glass,” “Ab Aeterno,” and other beloved episodes.
1
9.7
2
Season 3, Episode 23: “Through the Looking Glass: Part 2”
3
Season 3, Episode 22: “Through the Looking Glass: Part 1”
9.6
9
Season 6, Episode 9: “Ab Aeterno”
9.2
“The Constant” primarily follows Desmond Hume (Henry Ian Cusick) as his consciousness fluctuates between his past in 1996 and his present in 2004. As instructed by Daniel Faraday (Jeremy Davies),Desmond must find a constant, someone or something familiar in both time periods that will ground him and allow his consciousness to fully return to 2004.
Desmond’s girlfriend andthe love of his life, Penny Widmore (Sonya Walger), is the constanthe needs to make contact with, but this is easier said than done, with Sayid Jarrah (Naveen Andrews) being the only person he can definitely count on aboard the freighter. It is an enticing setup, and the payoff cements “The Constant” asLost’s best episode.
What Makes “The Constant” Such A Special Lost Episode
It’s A Perfect Sci-Fi Love Story
“The Constant” is special because it cleverly uses time travel to tell a moving love story that stands the test of time.Lost’s time travelcausing Desmond’s consciousness to alternate between 1996 and 2004 is a compelling hook, and the episode makes the stakes feel real and emotional.
Time travel became an even more prominent part ofLostin season 5.
Desmond’s survival and sanity are on the line, but it is the power of his love for Penny and the couple’s faith in each other that ultimately saves the day. It isa perfect blend of science-fiction elements and a story of stirring romancethat transcends time.
Earlier episodes impact “The Constant” and it has ramifications for later episodes. At the same time, it is just as effective as a largely standalone episode that can be enjoyed and appreciated on its own.
“The Constant” Has Excellent Rewatch Value
Lostinevitably has lackluster episodes alongside the all-time greats, but “The Constant” is an undeniable classic. It is not onlyLost’s best episode, but is arguably thebest sci-fi episodeto ever air on television.
No matter how many times I watch it, “The Constant” is always riveting to watch.The phone call between Desmond and Penny always makes me emotionaland renews my faith that true love can exist. It also reminds me of why I love science fiction, as the more fantastical elements can be utilized to tell a deeply human story.
Desmond and Penny’s relationship is the heart of the episode, but I also love how ithighlights the underrated friendship between Desmond and Sayid. Even though Sayid does not fully understand what is happening, he puts his faith in Desmond, and does his best to help his friend navigate the situation.
When I think ofLost, “The Constant” is often one of the first things that I think of, as it is an example of the show at its very best. It is alsoan example of howLostmanages to stay fresh and subvert its formula, which in this case it accomplishes by tackling the episode’s two timelines in an inventive and rewarding way.
Lost Is More Than Worth Watching Despite The Divisive Ending
“The Constant” Is Only One Of Many Fantastic Episodes
While it is not as prevalent as it once was, there has, unfortunately, been a narrative thatLost’s divisive endingmakesit not worth watching. This narrative is largelyrooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of what happens in the series finale, although the misconception is less common than it used to be in popular culture.
I personally loveLost’s ending, as I feel it is a rewarding culmination of the rich character development. All the mysteries that I cared about the most are answered, and even though some questions are not explicitly answered, enough clues are left for the audience to put the pieces together for themselves.
Those who refuse to watchLostare doing themselves a disservice and missing out on one of the greatest shows ever made.
Not everyone agrees with this sentiment, and regardless of how one feels aboutLost’s ending, I still believethe entire show is worth watching. “The Constant” is the best episode, but there are plenty of others that are also profoundly entertaining, thought-provoking, and emotional. Those who refuse to watchLostare doing themselves a disservice and missing out on one of the greatest shows ever made.
