[Spoilers] Season 1, Ep. 9, Solitary, 3rd Rewatch

This episode, where Sayid wanders off down the beach, is a turning point for the show. For the first time, other people on the island (Danielle and Ethan) are introduced.

IMHO This script is easily the most dramatic and well written one since the Pilot. And it's also one that integrates flashback to present time in an essential way. What surprised me was how much is packed into this episode, with Sayid's history and the lighthearted golf scenes, the tremendous poignancy of Danielle, and the appearance of Ethan.

On the rewatch we get treated to Hurley's golf course and then cringe when we hear that Claire has been left alone at the camp. But best of all, I think, is the acting of Mira Furlan (Danielle.) Her exchanges with Sayid are some of the best television I've seen.

All of this happens while setting us up for things that unfold next. As a rewatcher, the foreshadowing here is tremendous. If all you remember from "Solitary' is Sayid's time in the Republican Guard, it's time to see it again.