My First Days Work of 2021

Before yesterday my last day of work was at Cheltenham 2020 and since then I've barely left Port Talbot apart from job interviews and getting my Covid jabs. Since then Stadium Hospitality has nearly opened back up a few times but been postponed at the last minute. So anyway yesterday I had my first days work of 2021, Golf firmly remains as something enjoyable is unappealing to play and not at all interesting to watch, plus at £167.00 for a round it has become laughable. It was the first time I'd been on a long distance train journey for a year and given that it was just after 06:00 I didn't notice much difference. Newport looked rather nice - truth be known I've always had a soft spot for Newport, the most polite way of summing up Newport is that its the South Easts equivalent of Neath but more friendly. So getting into Newport at 07:30 I headed out of the city centre heading for Celtic Manor hotel / golf course. Newport was just waking up, the sun hadn't made it over the hills yet and a 3.6 uphill walk was enriched by a lovely view.

Reaching The Coldra was the sign I was rapidly approaching the edge of town and my destination. A left turn took me up a sharp climb - seriously sharp as despite being below the M4 for all of the walk I suddenly had to get above and cross it. All I knew about Celtic Manor was that it was a bit posh so I was mildly surprised to find that its so close to one of the busiest sections of the M4. I arrived at the entrance which is the rear of the hotel (the hotel faces away from the M4 in a rather bizarre if we ignore the noise and pollution it isn't really there kind of way) and it was time for the major challenge of the day, navigating the site.

I had been told to head to car park 2 to pick up my accreditation and there were shuttle buses from there to the rest of the site. I found car park 2 and it was empty of cars, buses and check in sites. Realising this was not the place I was meant to be I headed in to the hotel for directions. Alas I was at the rear of the hotel and headed into the trade entrance hoping to find a reception or security office to ask directions. Apparently it was too early for security and I couldn't find a check in area for casual workers so I opted to head back out and go in the front of the hotel to try for directions at reception. There was no direct way from the back to front entrance by foot and I had to travel by narrow road via two car parks (none of which was car park 2) and a kiddies play area. When I reached the front I entered reception and was given directions but also told it was inaccessible via foot.

For anyone whose never been on a golf course, one of the main key features of one is that its designed to be traversed on foot. I headed off armed with directions and passed a few golfers on the minor courses. When I could get no further I commandeered a golf cart that was laying around with the key in the ignition. I reached car park 2 and left the cart at the security desk advising it had been left unattended and keeping quiet about my lack of drivers license. After picking up my staff pass I jumped aboard the shuttle bus to my workplace for the day which was in hospitality at the clubhouse overlooking the 18th green.

Most of the workforce were from the same company as me and I recognised one or two faces from working Cardiff City matches. Sadly it was a bit of a tame day, we were a restaurant of twenty tables and we never had more than six tables full at the same time all day. Plus we only had two tables at all for the duration of afternoon tea - I know afternoon tea, I was unaware this had been a thing since 1910. We were let go at 19:00 as it was dead, in the hospitality area on the 18th hole of a European Tour event.

I got a lift to the front gates and headed back into Newport as the sun still shone in the summer evening. The view of Newport was better on the way back as you could see more of the bridges and gentle glow. The night life was getting into gear at this point as I passed many a pub and people heading into town. A few elderly revellers were out and had donned headshields. Newport's pubs had their outside drinking areas packed as I reached the station with ten minutes until the next train. The way home I saw how public transport had really changed as passengers were asked to sit in the window seats so staff could traverse the train. Strangely on a Great Western Train on a Friday evening there were barely ten people to a carriage.

Hopefully this day is the first of many as the hospitality industry reopens however to prove some things never change on checking my emails I had received the offer of a few shifts at the football IN NORTH ****ING LONDON.

Deep Space Nine - A Man Alone

After the extended opening episode Emissary its time to jump full throttle into the show with the second episode, which isn't the second episode as Netflix have the episodes in the wrong order! Hopefully this is a one off or things are going to get confusing. Right that's the admin done where was I? Oh yeah, A Man Alone! Whereas the opener was concerned with setting up a number of things this episode is concerned about life aboard DS9 while at the same time there's a good little mystery.

This episode makes very good use of the ensemble cast, its an Odo episode but he's not to far at the front of proceedings. Its also about the other characters relationship with him, most of them have only just met him, he seemingly has only one ally in Kira and supposedly an enemy in Quark. We have to talk about this relationship between Quark and Odo as already its one of the best things about the show. The scene in Odo's office as Quark arrives and tells him he hasn't found any information on the murdered Bajoran is the best of the episode.

Moving on to Jadzia, this episode examines the Trill and their relationships with other races after changing host. We're in transgender territory and largely the subject is treated well, in particular Bens reaction and later acceptance that their relationship is going to have to change. Julian however is written as a chaser and comes across as creepy every time he's in a scene with Jadzia. This is an aspect of transgender life that the show doesn't really need to be going into as the majority of viewers today don't understand what a "chaser" is let alone when it was broadcast.

The plotline with the school is perhaps the most satisfying it brings together a group of the supporting characters in Keiko, Jake, Nog and Rom. I'm watching this with my sister whose viewing it for the first time and it is so satisfying watching these characters start out while she has no idea how they'll grow.

Summing up this is a 9/10 episode from me as the establishment of daily life on the station combined with the setting up of the Odo / Quark relationship is completely my kind of jam. It loses a point for the Julian Bashir is a chaser stuff and an odd scene where Rene Auberjones genuinely looks like he's not aware the camera is rolling, he's saying his lines not acting them and looks like he's trying to block his movements out for when the camera starts rolling.

A good start to the series proper.

Lost - Not in Portland

This episode is no filler all killer as we get the conclusion to last episodes story, Kate & Sawyer are on the run on Alcatraz hunted by The Others while Jack sabotages surgery on Ben in an attempt to hold The Others at bay while the viewer is unaware about whose side Juliet is one. Blimey that was a long sentence! This is a culmination of so many plots as the mysterious girl Alex is revealed to be Bens daughter and tries to help the Losties escape in the hope they rescue her boyfriend and take him with them. Juliets motivation is revealed through her flashback - she's like a different person in the flashback and the performance shows how much life on the island and empty promises has broken her.

As the episode moves on it has a breathless energy, combined with the plot throwing multiple swerve balls at us this episode feels big. On top of feeling big we have Nestor Carbonell making his debut as Richard, it comes as a bit of a shock in that they sneak him in via Juliets flashback and I was sat there sitting gobsmacked as I forgot this was where he turned up. There is no clue what so ever about the character he will become and its a very satisfying performance in hindsight.

To sum up just when you think this episode can't get any better Rob McElhenney off of Its Only Sunny in Philadelphia turns up.

The Empire Strikes Back - Review

The Empire Strikes Back 9.5/10

As a child this was the Star Wars film that wasn't as much fun as the other two, its improved with age. The sexual tension between the characters is fun, there is more overt comedy than the other early films - in particular Chewy, Yoda, R2 and 3PO, there are loads of cool bits I remember with the ships, effects and everything. In particular I loved the snow speeders as a kid and they still press my fan buttons. 

I'd forgot how tight this film was, from the sets to the plot its possibly the slickest production of the entire franchise. Hoth feels dangerous before the Empire turn up, the Rebellion are battling conditions, the conditions and at times even their technology. Harrison Ford has turned into a meme in recent times over how laid back and dry he is in real life but on screen he's carrying the sass and its up to everyone else to keep up. You take him out of this film and you take away the heart of the film.

I can't give this a full 10/10 due to the Dagobah stuff - it belongs in a series in a film format it doesn't work or at least needs a montage. Also some of the action sequences are a bit "Michael Bay" and the physical geography is a bit bonkers. Bar that it still stands up and I like it better than in my youth.

Oooh, those new effects though, I proper dig seeing more of Cloud City than just the corridors.

Lost - I Do

This is a very unusual episode in that essentially its the opening episode of a two part storyline. Its all about the set up to cliff hanger and how we get there. Theres some stuff happing on the main island at the camp however its rubbish and only exists to give us something to cut away to from the main action. 

Kates flashback is a good character piece, it feels like this is the closest we'll get to see Kate settle down since going on the run. Nathan Fillion makes a good guest character appearance, he needs to have the acting chops to go up against Matthew Fox and Josh Holloway the male members of the cast who we know Kate is interested in. We know Kate won't stay with him but it shows how good he is that he convinced me for a few seconds that I could ship them as a couple.

The main action on Hydra Island is absorbing as Ben tries to manipulate Jack despite not having much time to do so and appearing to achieve his goal. It all ends as Jack during surgery cuts Ben and holds him hostage unless Kate and Sawyer are released. Meanwhile Pickett is set up as a low level villain in that he wants revenge for Colleen murder, originally when aired the wait for the next episode was unbearable but the ending was fantastic. Its a 9/10 from me being a near perfect set up episode with the only negative being the disrespect given to Mr Eko in not giving him a funeral.

June Football

 The new part of the blog continues as I rank the football matches I watched in April from least favourite to favourite. Based on nothing more than my opinion and enjoyment from watching each match.

Sweden 1-0 Slovakia, Euro 2020, after the 0-0 against Spain I was excited to see what Sweden could do next. Sadly not a lot, Slovakia downed tools early and set themselves up for a draw despite Duda trying to lead his team mates over the half way line. Sweden huffed and puffed but sadly couldn't break through until they had a penalty that saved us from the dreaded 0-0. Isak for Sweden sprung to life after they went ahead but did nothing in the first seventy minutes. 

Denmark 0-1 Finland, Euro 2020, for forty minutes this was a lively game with wave after wave of Danish attack narrowly held off by the Fins who looked to attack on the break. Then Christian Eriksen collapsed near the end of the first half. Things looked bleak as the stadium medical team rushed out and the players formed a barrier to keep the cameras out. Eventually they got Eriksen off the pitch and the game looked like it was going to be abandoned. Eriksen later regained consciousness and requested for the match to go on. The relief for Eriksen being stable was tangible and so play resumed but it had turned into an awkward sit. Were we absolutely sure he was ok? Was it really sensible for the Danes to playing football when a few hours earlier they were stood around their team mate expecting the worse? The Finland scored and this match turned from a tricky sit into a hard sit. Everyone involved in this match going ahead again needs to ask themselves weather they did the right thing, personally I'm not sure they did.      

Finland 0-1 Russia, Euro 2020, very low quality affair with two teams who have disappointed..

England 1-0 Romania, International Friendly, bit dull England got a penalty.

Belgium 1-0 Portugal, Euro 2020, a really good goal by Thunder Hazard knocked Portugal out and everyone rejoiced. The rest of the game was Portugal being Portugal.

England 0-0 Scotland, Euro 2020, any Scottish bloggers will have this game higher and rightly so however for the rest of us it was a bit of a stinker. Scotland managed England well by marking a few of their players out of the game while others such as Sterling were suffering from poor form. Scotland had the better claim for would be winners with Gilmour, McGinn, Adams and Tierney were outstanding, Dykes wasn't. Also bonkers decision to start two defensive midfielders by England. 

Wales 1-1 Switzerland, Euro 2020, one of the most soul destroying first halfs I've ever watched as bar 30 seconds of nifty running Wales did NOTHING. Letting Switzerland play themselves into form proved costly as they scored. Wales then turned up, got an equaliser and made an ordinary Switzerland side look like Stan Wawrinka instead of Roger Federer. Lessons needed to be learned we would find out if they had in the future. 

England 1-0 Croatia, Euro 2020, England started off unusually fast then remembered they were in an international tournament and got themselves bogged down in midfield. Croatia were slow to get started and when they did get going were overtaken by the over 70s Bavarian relay team. A game that suffered due to timing and hot conditions creating a slow game.

Portugal 2-2 France, Euro 2020, an odd game as despite being favourites and held as the best thing since someone took a good look at bread and decided it needed to be thinner, Portugal matched them. Portugal with their trademark ploop housery had a relatively comfortable time. The match had a few lively five minute spells but largely it was disrupted by fouls hence three of the four goals being penalties.  

Ukraine 0-1 Austria, Euro 2020, with the other match in this group a virtual dead rubber these two duked it out for second place. A slow paced match where Austria always felt comfortable, Ukraine squeezed through in third.

Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic, Euro 2020, the Czechs had the same game plan as England "go at the Croatians - their old and for the taking." They also have Dejan Lovren in defence who sadly is a bit of a disaster zone who this time conceded a penalty by smashing an elbow in Schicks face and blasting his nose open. Schick duly stuck some cotton wool up his nostrils and converted the penalty. Croatia equalised early in the second half and the game petered out. Croatia look potentially vulnerable against Scotland...

Spain 0-0 Sweden, Euro 2020, a strange game with wave after wave of Spanish attacks. Morata missed a sitter and Spain lost all their confidence afterwards. Good first half with some awesome attacking play that got dull in the second half as Spain went to bits. This would have been higher if Sweden hadn't played 4-4-2 which gave them little chance to break through Spains midfield - however when they did they got some good chances.  

Belgium 1-1 Greece, International Friendly, strange game Greece were attacking by their standards and able to close off most of the Belgium attacks before they got into the penalty box.

Finland 0-2 Belgium, Euro 2020, the thoughts going into this match were if Belgium could give Denmark a helping hand all would be right in the world. Belgium said certainly and then took their time eventually going ahead in the 74th minute despite Finland holding on by the skin of their nails.

Brazil 3-0 Venezuela, Copa America, a depleted Venezuela got eaten alive in a lively match.

Belgium 3-0 Russia, Euro 2020, played in the aftermath of the Christian Eriksen affair which had left me numb and to be honest if I hadn't already been financially tied up in this match I would have given it a miss. Belgium looked strong without getting out of second gear and Russia looked like a team stitched together who were beat when the first goal went in.  

Wales 0-4 Denmark, Euro 2020, its an odd feeling in an international tournament when you roll up in the knockout stage and you feel like a guest character in someone elses story. This was all about Denmark and their story after the shock of Christian Eriksen collapsing in the opening game. After a decent twenty minutes Denmark made some changes and there was nothing from the Welsh. They had us in disarray after that first (very good) goal went in and they could have been three up at half time. Injuries and red cards were the least of our troubles as Wales got tonked.  

France 1-0 Germany, Euro 2020, the heavyweights in the group of death went at it in a decent early game. France went ahead through a crackingly well set up own goal which lead to a game of German attack against French defence. France won although should have one by more as they had some good attacks on the break that resulted in offside. If France learn the offside rule they could walk this tournament, Germany however need to find their form in front of goal. 

France 3-0 Wales, International Friendly, a dominant display by the Euro 2020 favourites with a good performance in the Wales goal by Danny Ward.

Germany 7-1 Latvia, International Friendly, oh behave Germany we all know you're one of the favourites. 

Wales 0-0 Albania, International Friendly, what looked like being a dull little warm up turned into an unexpected full blown war as Albania started kicking lumps out of the Welsh. Highlight of the match was when a Welsh player knocked the Albanian manager over by throwing his own player into him.

Hungary 0-3 Portugal, Euro 2020, for eighty minutes this looked a fun banter of a game as Hungary held everyones favourite divers at bay and looked like escaping with a draw. Portugal were pulling their hair out with wave after wave of attacks that wouldn't go in. Then in the final few minutes a deflected goal went in and then Portugal really started taking the mick with two more goals including a penalty. 

Italy 1-0 Wales, Euro 2020, never has a one nill loss felt like a win. Italy were dominant and Wales struggled under their force but at half time it was still one nill and Wales were in it. Then early in the second half Ampadu mistimed a tackle and got red carded. Wales held on thanks to Danny Ward who surely has played himself into a first team transfer when his summer holidays are over. Wales went through is second thanks to goal difference and a good night was had by all. 

Netherlands 0-2 Czech Republic, Euro 2020, Hollands story through the tournament had been good in attack and poor in defence - ala most Eredivisie games. The Czech story had been attack with pace and take no prisoners. After a fun first half things changed in the second as Delicious and Light de Ligt was sent off. The Czechs went for it and scored two goals as Holland struggled to find a shape in the second half.

Slovakia 0-5 Spain, Euro 2020, Spain finally clicked and killed a team, Slovakian keeper did an absolutely brilliant own goal. 

England 2-0 Germany, Euro 2020, after 55 years England finally found a strategy that worked against Germany: let Chelsea buy their players and ruin them. As a game this felt like watching a blockbuster film that you'd already seen, fun fluff but no edge as the only players on form for most of the game looked to be Stirling and Hummels. Stirling eventually put England ahead with fifteen minutes remaining and in between Germany fluffing their chances Kane scored a second. This game was won in two minutes, when Stirling scored and when Werner signed for Chelsea as their striker curse claims another victim.   

Croatia 3-1 Scotland, Euro 2020, the dream ended for Scotland as they finished bottom of the group. They went out fighting having pulled level after falling behind, they very nearly went ahead when McGinn arrived at the back post and shot wide. They miss William of the clan Gilmour but there were reasons to be cheerful as Scotland finally got a goal and some youngsters got tournament experience.

Russia 1-4 Denmark, Euro 2020, Russia started the night second in the table and Denmark needed a win with help from Belgium to progress. Denmark went for it, gubbed Russia and finished second with a win cheered around the world.

Scotland 0-2 Czech Republic, Euro 2020, a fun attacking game as both teams looked to avoid the group wooden spoon. The Czechs went scored just either side of half time but the story of the game was Scotland in front of goal, Dykes played himself out of starting next game and Robertsons weakness in decision making struck again as Scotland game away with no points. Has to be said they were actually very unlucky in running with a lot of their shots on goal. 

Switzerland 3-1 Turkey, Euro 2020, Switzerland dominated Turkey and it could have been 5-1 but thankfully for Wales it wasn't. Shaqiri showed how good he can be when played further forward. Switzerland finished on four points which as of writing should be enough to progress.   

Sweden 1-2 Ukraine (AET), Euro 2020, nobody died during this game although it felt like it. Sweden and Ukraine had all the appeal of a football match between Sweden and Ukraine although it actually turned out to be a fun game. The commentators wheeled out their Switzerland V Ukraine (2006 world cup)  anecdotes early on and were determined to tell us how boring this game was despite the evidence of our eyes. Ukraine eventually one in the dying seconds of extra time when I was braced for penalties but the game will be remembered for turning into a banter as players started dropping like flies to the extent where both countries may have to merge to field a team to give England a match in the next round. This game was the best kind of fun, unexpected fun.   

Italy 3-0 Switzerland, Euro 2020, Italy dominated the game and got another three goals. The Swiss looked decent and had a game plan that didn't work.   

Austria 3-1 North Macedonia, Euro 2020, blimey this was fun North Macedonia started off quick and went for the jugular however while they were at the circus Lainer popped up at the back post and put the Austrians ahead. The Macedonians kept their heads and were back level before the break. Austria looked rattled for a few minutes and as the second half ended we faced the prospect of an unexpected result. Austria brought on the amusingly named Philipp the Lienharted after the the break and started winning more battles as the game went on winning 3-1 with two late goals.    

Netherlands 2-2 Scotland, International Friendly, a proper fun game with Scotland going ahead twice and nearly getting the win. A very good banter of a game with some very good Dutch goals from Walking in Depay.

Italy 2-1 Austria (AET), Euro 2020, a very good game saw Austria give Italy a scare and hold them to extra time. It was another story of offside as VAR rightly ruled out an Austria goal but come extra time Italy powered ahead with two goals leaving Austria to much to do even though they scored and gave Italy a few heart tremors. 

Turkey 0-3 Italy, Euro 2020, the tournament got off to a start involving a remote controlled car, U2 and a rampant Italy who took 45 minutes to find their shooting boots. Turkey were reduced to playing on the break until they scored an Own Goal. The attacking players union boss then turned up to ensure Immobile and Insigne got their quota. Chiellini also had a good game and got excited with a clean sheet saving tackle.

Hungary 1-1 France, Euro 2020, France looked like they were going for a record in this game, namely to see if the entire team could miss an open goal. Chance after chance went begging in the second half, after seeing them miss so many chances Hungary decided to have a go and scored during injury time before the break. The second half turned into a mission for Hungary to stay ahead which didn't happen as they were pegged back by a Griezmann equaliser but with the determination of John Hurt they said "NO MORE!" and held out for a shock draw.

Spain 1-1 Poland, Euro 2020, Morata got the backing of the manager before kick off and he needed a big game, he didn't deliver a big game he got the goal but like so many Spanish players tonight he should have a lot more. With Spain continuing to miss Poland got forward and Lewandowski netted a proper strikers header as he swatted off a Spanish defender mid leap. Spain became even slower and predictable which let Poland back into the game. Spain went to bits, missed a penalty and escaped with the second of two draws.

Sweden 3-2 Poland, Euro 2020, there are many mysteries in life that may never be explained, the chief among them being how the bleep did Poland lose this match? Sweden went ahead in the opening minutes which resulted in endless wave after wave from Robert Lewandowski and his boys until somehow Sweden scored again. The boy Lewandowski pulled one back straight away with a captains performance and then finally pulled things level with five minutes to go. Then those Nordic gits scored again and bundled the Poles out and finished top of the group. Somehow due to playing absolutely boring for two games and then knocking out an attacking team Sweden got a 3-2 win and topped the group. 

Germany 2-2 Hungary, Euro 2020, an absolute barn stormer of a game as Germany dominated from start to finish yet scrambled a draw with a late goal. One of the best banters of the tournament saw Germany going out for nearly eighty minutes.

Netherlands 3-2 Ukraine, Euro 2020, lock up your daughters and hide your stash the Dutch are in town and they've brought some chaos to the party. After an exciting first half which was a lot more even than expected things were goalless but it was easily one of the best first halves yet. The the second half gave us five goals, a comeback from two goals down and chaos on the inplay markets. Without doubt one of the most fun games this tournament will produce. Its easy to forget that the Ukraine won their group finishing ahead of Portugal who are a shorter price to win the thing. The Ukraine could be a dangerous floater if they tighten up the defence.

Turkey 0-2 Wales, Euro 2020, an epic game full where if you were Welsh everything mattered. Every tackle hurt, every shot that didn't go in was a disappointment or a near heart attack and when Aaron Ramsey finally scored it was ecstasy. This was my Wales, the Wales I see match in and match out - not that insipid performance in the first half against Switzerland. The match had everything, goals, offsides, very nearly a punch up, frustrating misses and countless man of the match performances from the Welsh.  

Portugal 2-4 Germany, Euro 2020, coming after Black Friday which saw a collection of poor games we needed something special and these teams delivered, the Germans started as they meant to go on with have after wave of destructive attacks saw the inevitable result as the worlds favourite divers charged on a rare break and scored. Cue more waves of German attacks, every viewer outside of Portugal was willing them on as they got closer and eventually they got two own goals before half time. The second half saw more of the same with Portugal resorting to poop housery to gain traction in the game. Pepe was a delight in this game as he made bad decision after bad decision and continued to blame team mates. The Germans however looked scary.

Croatia 3-5 Spain (AET), Euro 2020, this game started off with the best own goal in the history of ever which alone would have netted a top ten position. However this game then somehow got better! Spain equalised in the first half and we went in level. Two mistakes from Croatia resulted in two goals and all looked lost. Modric went on a charge and created a goal mouth scramble and a goal on the 85th minute. Then in injury time a cross found the head of Pasalic and we were going to extra time. However Spain had to much for them and scored two more in extra time.

France 4-5 Switzerland (Penalty Shoot Out), settling down for the second quarter final of the day shattered from the previous match we all expected a French win but what we got was a classic. Seferovic put Switzerland ahead with a deft header. Somehow despite chances for both it remained 0-1 at half time. The game look liked it turned early in the second half, Rodriguez took an insipid penalty that was saved and France were 2-1 up minutes later. Pogba then scored a contender for goal of the tournament and it was 3-1 and game over. Seferovic scored with ten minutes to go and we all had flashbacks to the earlier game, could it happen again? Mario Gavranovic said it could and scored on the 90th minute and it was off to extra time again. Both teams had chances in injury time but it would be the tournaments first trip to Penaltyville. Both teams penalties were cheeky however as the shootout got deeper I found myself rooting for the Swiss and each penalty starting wiping years off my life. Lloris got a hand to a penalty but couldn't quite save it but Sommer had no trouble as he save Mbappes penalty and knocked the favourites out.

Lost - The Cost of Living

Its a goodbye to Mr Eko but he goes out in some style. Its hard to review this episode as its so tempting to just list the things I like, obviously I give the episode 10/10 as its not only excellent from an artistic standpoint but also a production standpoint. From Eko's view point the episode feels like a last moment gasp of breath before death, theres a distance in him from the other characters - there always has been but its more defined in this episode. His flashbacks have a yellowish filter to help convey the feel of Africa which makes a visual difference even from other flashbacks set outside of America. The story of the flashback perfectly counterpoints where Eko was when we first met him on the island as before his arrival he had sunk to a judgemental low, murdering in a church and defiling his brother church Amina's line about owing Yemi one church lingers long in the mind long after viewing.

I mentioned production earlier, as one main character leaves others are introduced in the form of Nikki and Paulo - we'll bang our heads against a wall about them later. The Losties head out on a mission separate from Eko but heading in the same direction adds emotional distance. As viewers we want details about this mission, we want to know about eyepatch guy but we're tied into Eko. Eko's ending confrontation with the smoke monster who kills him is dynamic and raises the threat of the Smoke Monster to another level, up to now its been a mystery, a bit of fluff when an episode needs excitement - now its a killer. Without going into spoilers it feels like something wanted Eko and because it couldn't have him wouldn't let anyone else have him.

The stuff on Hydra island is low key which is good as our main attention is elsewhere this episode but as we say goodbye to Eko the show moves on and the plot of the next few episodes are developed. We now know for sure why they took Jack, what they want from him and that Juliet isn't what she seems. 

A pivotal and powerful episode.