Top Ten Cases: All Time Top Ten Episodes of Lost - #6

Number 6: Episode 1x20 – “Do No Harm”

Featured Character: Jack
Major Events & Revelations: Aaron is born
Major Death: Boone


As with many things in life, the first is oftentimes the most memorable. Such is the case with “Do No Harm,” which featured the first significant death for a series that never hesitates to kill off its main characters. Some might even argue that this episode even introduced the concept of the island no longer needing somebody, and without that shield of protection, they lost their life. Consider that Boone survived relatively unscathed following a severe plane crash, yet he perished due to injuries sustained from a plane falling out of a tree. On a thematic level, this episode is also highly significant because it’s the moment that the relationship between Jack and Locke truly became adversarial.

But what truly made this episode work was the fact that Boone’s death wasn’t some obligatory event for the sake of shock value or to establish that they are indeed willing to write off central characters. On the contrary, I might go as far to say that Boone’s avoidable demise had more emotional impact than arguably any other fatality on this show. Seasons after the event, Locke was still rattled by the significant role he played in Boone’s death. And between the flashbacks and his attempts at saving Boone at any cost, I would say that “Do No Harm” truly brought to light how obsessive and controlling Jack can become in a seemingly unwinnable situation (example: Jack drawing blood from himself to transfuse into Boone in the midst of trying to save him, while also giving Jin instructions on how to deliver a baby). This trait has played a major part in explaining his actions and behaviors, and letting go of this tendency has been critical throughout his rebirth.

And to me, one of the most memorable parts of the episode was the fact that Boone died in the middle of his sentence. How often do we see a character moments from death, only to say something poignant or passionate in his dying breath? It just doesn’t ring true. Instead, Boone simply said, “Tell Shannon I….” and then died. And while it would have been easy to unintentionally fall into that territory, it wasn’t done in a comical fashion, either. He was there one second, but was just gone before he could finish speaking.

So in many ways, this episode will always be important because it signifies the first time we lost a main character. And If you question the importance of Boone’s death, simply consider the fact that the graveyard in which all of the deceased characters are buried is referred to as “Boone Hill” by not only fans, but the show’s creators as well.

And, fittingly since “balance” has been an ongoing theme on Lost, this episode was also highlighted by the birth of a new life, with Kate helping Claire deliver baby Aaron (in a moment that could be an excellent example of foresight, as (a) Jack conveniently got to avoid a front row seat to his half sister giving birth and (b) it added some real substance to the prospect of Kate raising Aaron as her own son seasons later). We also got a pleasant glimpse of “nice guy Jin” when he expressed his unrestrained happiness to Charlie after Claire had given birth.

Watch this episode in its entirety: