Ep 8. Flashes Before Your Eyes

Desmond takes center stage in season 3, episode 8 of Lost entitled "Flashes Before Your Eyes." Desmond experiences a series of intense and emotionally jarring flashbacks that seem to pull him further away from his present reality. All of the flashbacks center around a single fateful day in his past where he met a woman who would change the course of his life.

The episode begins with Desmond on the beach holding a photograph of himself and Penny, the woman who would shape his life more than any other. Suddenly, he is caught in a powerful flash of light and finds himself in a completely different time and place. He is no longer on the island and is instead back in the life he led before the crash of Oceanic Flight 815. He appears to be reliving the day he met Penny at a stadium where he worked as a bartender. It is here that his life is forever changed.

The narrative unfolds as Desmond discovers that he is speaking with an unexpected figure from his past. The person is revealed to be a familiar face from the Lost universe, and they engage in a philosophical discourse about fate and choices that lead to the present. This exchange is a pivotal moment in the episode as it underlines the themes of determinism and free will that shape the entire series.

As Desmond continues to flash through time, he is struggling to make sense of the chaos that surrounds him. He is jolted from one time to another, uncertain of whether he is in past, present or future. He has several interactions with people from his former life including Penny, her father, and his old friend and roommate, Charlie. During these flashbacks, we learn more about Desmond's past, his relationship with Penny, and the life he led before he became a castaway.

The episode is also notable for its aesthetic choices. The scenes set in the past are tinted with a sepia-tone, which helps to create a feeling of nostalgia and serves as a clear visual cue for the audience about which time period they are viewing. Additionally, the episode makes expert use of music, especially a song by the U.K. band Oasis that plays during a key moment in Desmond's journey.

As the episode draws to a close, Desmond has several revealing moments of self-discovery that hint at his future importance to the mythology of Lost. He is left to contemplate whether everything in his life is predetermined, or if he has the power to change his future. It is a thematic question that will continue to resonate throughout the series.

Overall, "Flashes Before Your Eyes" is a captivating episode that places the character of Desmond at the forefront of the narrative. It is both a standalone story that addresses the larger themes of the show and a crucial moment in the ongoing mythology of Lost. With its deft use of music, color, and imagery, the episode engages viewers on an emotional level, while also exploring complex philosophical concepts. It is a must-watch for both fans of the series and newcomers alike.