The final season of ‘Lost’ has been impressive thus far. While it remains to be seen how the parallel universe will fit into the overall story (if at all… and don’t say that it would surprise you), the flash sideways have provided a good framework for presenting intriguing and different perspectives on the characters we know and love.

The main storyline has been building steam and is about to tip over into a full-blown roller coaster ride until the end (if faux-Locke’s words to Widmore in this episode are any indication). But first, we have this week’s episode, ‘The Package’.

And it’s a disappointment.

The problem with ‘The Package’ is that is mostly filler, and never rises above being just average. This episode is about going through the motions; we already know that Jin winds up in the refrigerator at Keamey’s restaurant (per the episode ‘Sundown’), so it’s not a stretch to imagine who he is supposed to deliver the money to.

The ‘twist’ regarding the nature of Jin and Sun’s relationship in the parallel universe is mediocre by the series’ standards; and it was visible from a mile away where Sun’s incomplete discussion with Jin was headed, or what would ultimately happen in the restaurant.

The flash sideways offers little in the way of surprises (although I was happy to see Mikhail return), and given that we are so late in the series’ run, it is disappointing.

The main storyline doesn’t fair much better.

They lost their way when they introduced the dumbest plot device the series has ever used: Sun hitting her head and losing her ability to speak English. Not only was it a cheap way to protract events and muddle things for our heroes, it is such a cliche that I was shocked to see the writers stoop to it.

After this point it was just a matter of (again) going through the motions; Sun is frustrated, no one understands her, until Jack finds a way to help her communicate again (never mind the question where he got a notebook and marker so quickly). Yawn.

Even the revelation of just what the Package is was a disappointment; did anyone really not see that coming?

The highlight of the episode comes from Sawyer, and his quip to faux-Locke about why he needs a boat to get to Hydra Island. Now that was funny.

It is also the most amusing thing about ‘The Package’. Every season has a clunker, and ‘The Package’ takes pride in fulfilling that role.  Let’s hope that it the only one from here on out.