Ep 12. Par Avion

In Lost season 3 episode 12, titled "Par Avion," the focus expands beyond the main characters of Jack, Kate, and Sawyer to delve into the backstory of French survivor Danielle Rousseau. The episode opens with Rousseau observing a flock of seagulls flying overhead, prompting her to reflect on her own daughter, Alex, who was taken from her as an infant by the Others.

Meanwhile, on the beach, Claire is struggling to come to terms with Aaron's illness, which has left him feverish and unable to keep food down. When Jack and Juliet determine that Aaron needs a transfusion, Claire reveals that she was adopted and doesn't know her blood type. Overhearing the conversation, Sun suggests that they attempt to contact the outside world for medical assistance.

Back in the jungle, Kate and Sayid encounter Rousseau while searching for the Others' communication equipment. Rousseau reveals that she has a plan to contact her daughter, Alex, using one of the Others' hot air balloons. Kate and Sayid agree to help her with her plan, which involves capturing one of the Others and convincing him to give them the balloon.

As they make their way back to the beach, Claire insists on joining the group, telling Kate that she needs to find a way to contact her mother. Kate is initially reluctant, but ultimately agrees to take Claire along with them.

The group manages to capture an Other named Mikhail, who agrees to show them where the balloon is located in exchange for their help in removing a toxic gas from the Others' underground living quarters. While Sayid and Kate work with Mikhail to neutralize the gas, Claire sneaks off and attempts to use the communication equipment to contact her mother. However, when she is unable to make contact, she becomes increasingly distraught and runs off into the jungle.

As the group prepares to launch the hot air balloon, they are ambushed by a group of Others led by Alex. Rousseau attempts to reason with her daughter, revealing that she is dying and that this may be their only chance to be reunited. Alex ultimately agrees to let the group take the balloon, but warns them that they will face consequences for their actions.

This episode offers a compelling exploration of mother/child relationships, as both Claire and Rousseau struggle with the pain of separation from their children. The tension between the survivors and the Others also continues to build, with the episode ending on a cliffhanger that raises questions about what consequences the survivors will face for their actions. Overall, "Par Avion" is a strong entry in the series that offers a mix of emotional depth and action-packed suspense.