The first thing that must be said about "Man of Science, Man of Faith" is that the opening scene is brilliant. No, it's more than just brilliant- it's one of the best-executed scenes in television history. After a few months with no "Lost" you sit down with the cliffhanger from "Exodus" still very much in mind, and you get this almost surreal scene instead of what most season openers on other shows go for. Everything about the scene, especially Jack Bender's direction and the use of music, is absolutely outstanding, and when the camera goes up and reveals that we were inside the hatch... It's still a great moment even if you know what happens and the initial 'WOW' isn't there anymore.

Everything that follows the opening scene is also pretty much perfect. As good as season one certainly was, it was nothing more than an introduction and a tease. In many ways this episode was where the actual narrative story of "Lost" really got going, and it doesn't hurt that this is a definitive "Lost" script by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse. It's got literally everything you could want out of "Lost"- great character moments, great handling of the show's massive thematic mythology (a mythology less-discussed than the narrative mythology, but one that certainly exists in its own right), and some really surprising moments. The flashback is possibly my favorite Jack flashback, a beautiful examination of his character unfortunately marred slightly by one of the worst wigs seen on modern television.

"Man of Science, Man of Faith" also features some great visuals. Outstanding direction by Jack Bender and photography by Michael Bonivillain, and Giacchino's score here is especially good. The performances by the entire cast are simply flawless, as well.

This is great drama if there ever was such a thing. Still one of the best episodes to date and one of the best scripts Lindelof and Cuse have written.

10/10