October 19, 2006 - There are several words that could be used to define Lost; exhilarating, suspenseful, and frustrating, just to name a few. "Answers" would never be found amongst those words. Apparently, season two's finale was so epic that it has taken three whole episodes for the series to finally acknowledge the majority of the cliffhangers. Yes, acknowledge. If you were expecting to find out how Desmond, Locke and Eko escaped the hatch after the final moments of last season, it would be best to stick with the message boards where rampant speculation and theory offer much more in possible answers. That's not to say "Further Instructions" isn't an entertaining hour of television. The episode certainly offers its fair share of excitement, but as with any typical Lost episode we are presented with more questions than answers.

"Instructions" chronicles Locke's effort to find out what happened to his hatch-mate Eko after last season's finale. Locke's journey is prompted after a meditation session in a makeshift "sweat hut" causes him to have visions of the late Boone (Ian Somerhalder), who helps Locke realize that he must seek out and rescue Eko. Locke is also the focus of this week's flashback theater, which gives us further insight into his confidence issues as this time around Locke is deceived by an undercover cop infiltrating a major marijuana operation.

Charlie assists Locke on his trek through the island and the two characters are allowed to resolve various issues with each other that were left hanging from the previous season. As a character, Charlie works best when paired with either Locke or Eko. His relationship with Locke has had several transitions and is not unlike that of a son with a father. A relationship that both characters appear to be missing in their off-island lives. This episode is no exception as Charlie uses this opportunity to prove to Locke that he is more than just a simple heroin addict. This is a welcome evolution for a rather mundane character.

Along their journey they encounter Hurley who is returning with the message he received from The Others last season. Hurley's first appearance this season is memorable and a scenario you would expect the character to walk right into. After Hurley's short, but humorous, run-in with Locke and Charlie, we are greeted to yet another introduction - Desmond. The last time Desmond was on screen, he was turning a fail-safe key that would hopefully stop the electromagnetic force from destroying the hatch. Now he is naked and running through the woods. Hurley's encounter with Desmond is another incredibly funny scene but it's also the genesis of a new mystery that will surely be the big conversation piece over the course of the week.

Just like the last two episodes, "Further Instructions" is missing several major series regulars and focuses on resolving; er, prolonging story threads from the conclusion of last season. While, story wise, this is probably the soundest choice, the absence of Jack, Sayid, Sawyer, etc. is noticeable. The story is clearly working towards reuniting these characters but sadly that doesn't appear to be happening in the foreseeable future. However, the wheels are certainly in motion after Locke's inspirational speech at the end of this episode.

"Further Instructions" is an improvement over last week's episode, which saw very little development of story and character coupled with a bland narrative that didn't provide anything substantial or new. "Instructions" delivers an exciting adventure through the island complete with a cameo from an old cast member and a polar bear. Locke's flashbacks, while giving us further insight into the character, didn't really pertain to the content of the episode. Also, it was great to see Desmond and Eko again, but having them on screen for approximately five minutes was little more than a disappointing tease. With next week appearing to be a Jack, Sawyer and Kate episode, there is no telling when we will see Desmond and Eko again. So far it feels as if these first six episodes, before the winter hiatus, are only a prologue to the bulk of the story that will begin early next year.