When 'Lost' was in its prime, it was must-watch television. Remember first watching it, found it remarkably easy to get into, was hooked from the start and was on Season 3 by the end of one week. The general consensus is that the final season is a disappointment and cannot disagree.
Season 3 was for me a solid if uneven season, with many brilliant episodes but a few slightly underwhelming ones, an inconsistent first part of the season and containing one of 'Lost's' low points "Stranger in a Strange Land". Season 4 had a good amount to live up, and its first episode "The Beginning of the End", was a brilliant start. The following episodes between that and this were generally strong, with "The Constant" being a season and show high-point although "Eggtown" and "The Other Woman" disappointed.
While not one of the best episodes of the season or show, "Cabin Fever" is very nicely done. It is more a cooling off putting things into place episode, where character development is advanced but story progression has been stronger before and since.
Found the candy bar scene between Hurley and Ben, intended to be a battle of the emotions, to lack tension and being more like filler as well.
There is a lot though for fans to sink their teeth into and satisfyingly chew, a good deal happens with a lot of characters involved making for a densely written episode that doesn't make the mistake of being shallow.
"Cabin Fever" doesn't feel dull and has enough tension, fun and emotion to keep one engrossed. Locke is very interesting and one doesn't feel like the episode is reiterating known knowledge or going round and circles, and the dream is imaginatively surreal. The ending is surprising
Can't fault the performances, with a terrific as ever performance from Terry O'Quinn and Jorge Garcia and Michael Emerson being more than up to his level.
Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effectively understated and chilling use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction.
Overall, very good. 8/10 Bethany Cox