Ep 18. Dave

In Lost season 2 episode 18, titled "Dave," the audience is treated to a glimpse into the mind of one of the show's most complex characters: Hurley. The episode begins with a flashback to Hurley's stay at the Santa Rosa Mental Health Institute. The reason for Hurley's stay is not initially clear, but it becomes apparent that he has a history of mental health issues.

The bulk of the episode takes place on the island, where Hurley is struggling to come to terms with his new reality. While the rest of the survivors are focused on building a raft to try and escape the island, Hurley is preoccupied with his own demons. He is haunted by visions of a man named Dave, who he claims is his friend from the mental health institute. Dave is always encouraging Hurley to give up on his new life on the island and return to his old ways.

As the episode progresses, the line between reality and fantasy becomes increasingly blurred. Hurley's visions of Dave become more vivid, and he begins to suspect that Dave may not be real at all. When Dave leads Hurley on a wild goose chase through the jungle, Hurley is forced to confront the possibility that he is hallucinating.

The other survivors are skeptical of Hurley's claims about Dave, and they become increasingly frustrated with his erratic behavior. But Hurley is convinced that Dave is real, and he refuses to give up his search for him. In a particularly memorable scene, Hurley and Charlie climb to the top of a cliff to try and get a better view of the island. At the top, Hurley has a panic attack and begins to hallucinate that Dave is pushing him off the edge. Charlie is able to talk him down, but the incident further underscores the severity of Hurley's mental health issues.

In the final moments of the episode, Hurley has a revelation that changes everything. Without giving too much away, it becomes clear that Dave is not who he appears to be. This twist leaves the audience with more questions than answers, and sets the stage for the remainder of the season.

Overall, Lost season 2 episode 18 is a fascinating exploration of one of the show's most beloved characters. Hurley's struggles with mental health are handled with sensitivity and nuance, and the episode does an excellent job of blurring the line between what is real and what is imagined. The revelation at the end of the episode is a game-changer that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.