This episode is truly a masterpiece of the television arts. The drama, humor, story, and character works were all top notch. Even the melodrama of this episode got to me. And despite absolutely hating the characters of Toshiko and Owen in the first series, I was sad to see them pass.

The second series of Torchwood has impressed me greatly. It was far superior to the first season, and I am saddened to hear that the show has not been renewed for a third series (at this point.) I hold out hope; this show has gotten better, and it only beginning to reach out and realize its potential.

To me, Torchwood's second season reminds me of season two of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and not just because of James Marsters.) I wasn't impressed with the first season of either show; they seemd unfocused, like they were having trouble finding their "zone" and establishing themselves. The second seasons, though, were tremendous; the shows found their footing, both in substance and style, and took us on one hell of a ride.

Some shows have a strong beginning, but hit a creative wall in their sophomore season. Shows like Lost and Heroes, for example, came out of the gate running in their first season, and built a huge fanbase, but these shows faltered in their second season. They had enough good will up-front to weather the rough spots, but their success and popularity were questioned.

Torchwood, like Buffy, had a rough start, but both shows had strong second seasons, and left me with a desire for more. More Torchwood, BBC!

For the first few seasons, this would have simply been a filler episode with no meat beyond the main characters' story. But this episode makes progress on multiple fronts. Not only do we finally get an answer to the "man on the boat" non-mystery (yes, it's the obvious reveal), but we also get anotehr glimpse into the future, in regards to Jin and Sun's baby.

The flash-forwards reveal not only the birth of the eponymously named baby, but also give us a future mystery vis-a-vis her father. (And was it just me, or was Hurley's visit a little strange?)

On the freighter, more off-island insanity. At least two more crazies on the boat. One decided to take a swim wrapped in chains, and another decided to eat a bullet at some point. What is it with these freighter people?

Next week's episode promises another death. Is it just me, or are the suvivors starting to get killed off at an accelerated rate?

BTW, given Kate's episode, my money's on Claire. She no longer seems important to the story. Also, consider Jack's story about the Oceanic 6 having originally been 8 survivors. Does that mean we get 2 deaths? Is one of the Jin?

The long distance diagnosis in season 2 occurred while House was snowed in with Stacy, and the ducklings had to do the legwork. This time, the patient was almost completely isolated. The interaction between House and the POTW was great, I especially enjoyed the first time he took her to his apartment (so to speak.)

I was a little disappointed that the eventual diagnosis reinforced House's misanthropy towards patients. By caring for this patient, he missed the symptom that would have solved the case about two acts earlier, and he blamed himself because of his behavior towards the patient.

One thing I didn't like was the mini-case in the teaser. I was certain Mr. Artery was a bleed out for sure. I don't know what she did to staunch the flow, but I suppose that's only natural, given that I am not a doctor.

I'm glad the seasonal arc has ended so we can get back to the traditional format of House. I just hate that the writers' strike is going to leave us with so few episodes.

When this show gets predictable, it gets boring. And pretty much everything in this episode happened by the numbers. The "surprises" would only come as a surprise to anyone with significant brain damage, or someone who has never watched this show, read a comic book, or ever seen any television before. Among the "surprises":

*gasp* Sylar killed one of the Telemundo Twins. *gasp* Kensai killed another of the founders. *gasp* Mohinder found the cure, but is being diverted from his quest to save Nikki.

And as predictions go, I'm sure everyone knows what is to come:

1. I wonder how Kensai will be dealth with? Could it possibly be be decapitation, as it mentioned repeatedly in this episode as the only way to kill Immortals...I mean regenerators? Hmm?
2. With Mohinder diverted to deal with Sylar and What's-her-name, will we see Nikki make some decision to sacrifice herself to save Micah and/or Monica (ironically not getting her cure)?
3. Will Maya/Peter figure out that Sylar/Kensai is the "bad guy" at the last minute, only to be unable/able to prevent them from getting their power back/unleashing their nefarious scheme? Someone phone it in to me. Like the writers phoned in their scripts. Meh.

This, to me, was a quntessential episode of House. Insults. Humor. Interesting case. Interesting patient. Excellent character intereaction. Oh, and lupus!

Don't get me wrong; I'm not a fan of actual lupus. But anyone who knows the "It Could Be Lupus" featurette from the DVDs knows what I mean when I say, "It's about time."

I'm sorry to see Dr. Big Love go, but I understand House's reasons. I'm sure the spoiler fans already know the decision from next week's episode, but I will wait patiently (pun not intended.)

Loved this episode. Didn't seem like filler. Story line did not seem overly outrageous (though I could have done without the clever edit magic tricks.)

I'd congratualte the writers, but they're on strike right now, and there are only 2 episodes of House left in the can. I'm not coming down against the writers, per se, so no hate mail. I'm just saying that there's only 2 EPISODES LEFT! Gah!