Lost 3.03: Further Instructions review

The One Where: A naked Desmond predicts the future.

Why you can trust 12DOVE Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about our reviews policy.

AIR-DATE: 18/10/2006

Written by: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Carlton Cuse

Directed by: Stephen Williams

Starring: Ian Somerhalder, Justin Chatwin, Chris Mulkey

In Flashback
Locke picks up
a hitchhiker and introduces him to
the “alternative” community
where he’s now living. But the
hitcher is really an undercover
cop, trying to get proof that the
community is growing marijuana.
Locke promises to deal with the
situation, but cannot bring himself
to shoot the cop.

On the Island
Locke wakes
after the Hatch explosion unable
to speak. He meditates to
commune the island, and
hallucinates Boone telling him
that he must save Me Eko. When
he snaps out of the vision, he can
speak. Then, with the help of a
reluctant Charlie, he saves Eko
from (it’s back!) the polar bear.

Hurley returns from the
meeting with the Others. He
bumps into a naked Desmond in
the forest. Desmond lets slip that
Locke will make a speech about
going to save Jack and co.

Later, Locke makes a speech to
the survivors about going to save
Jack and co. Oooh, spooky!

Review
This is more like it.
Loads going on, loads of new
mysteries, loads of good dialogue
and THE BEAR IS BACK. The
flashback is still a bit m’eh, but it’s
great to see Locke as the mystic
in tune with the island again. And
what’s with Desmond. Is he
psychic? Or from the future? Cool.

This episode also feels like a
return to form because it’s more
of an ensemble piece. Though
Jack fans may be disappointed by
his three-second appearance.

Dialogue
Charlie:
“Hairspray? I hate to be the one
to point this out to you, but…”
Locke: “It’s not for me!”

Dave Golder

SFX Magazine is the world's number one sci-fi, fantasy, and horror magazine published by Future PLC. Established in 1995, SFX Magazine prides itself on writing for its fans, welcoming geeks, collectors, and aficionados into its readership for over 25 years. Covering films, TV shows, books, comics, games, merch, and more, SFX Magazine is published every month. If you love it, chances are we do too and you'll find it in SFX.

Latest in Adventure Shows
MrBeast and Beast Games
Amazon's Beast Games might be the most expensive TV season of all time as MrBeast admits he lost "tens of millions" on the reality series
Iñaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy stretching his cheek during season one of the Netflix series One Piece.
Filming on One Piece season 2 has reportedly wrapped, which gives us our best clue yet as to when it'll land on Netflix
One Piece
One Piece creator says season 2's newcomers are the "perfect choice" after meeting them during filming
The cast of Outer Banks
Hit Netflix show Outer Banks with a stellar Rotten Tomatoes score announces it will end with next season
One Piece
New behind-the-scenes look at One Piece season 2 reveals first episode title
One Piece
One Piece season 2 is now filming, and Netflix has released a special BTS video to celebrate
Latest in Reviews
WWE 2K25
WWE 2K25 review: "A colossal package even if you never go anywhere near Virtual Currency"
Altered: Trial by Frost booster box and packs on a playmat
Altered: Trial by Frost review - "Satisfying enough to offer highly varied gameplay"
Boro and Alta sit on a bench together in Wanderstop
Wanderstop review: "Exalting the transformative power of tea"
The pump header of the NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB showing a 35 degree cpu
NZXT Kraken Elite 360 RGB review: "Has some solid design points that make installation a lot easier"
Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid gaming keyboard on a wooden desk with blue lighting
Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid review: "one of the best value Hall effect gaming keyboards out there"
Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in The Electric State
The Electric State review: "Although this may be their most visually stunning movie yet, it looks like the Russos are yet to find their footing outside of the MCU"