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.
"The Greater Good" may not be one of the best 'Lost' episodes, or one of the best of Season 1, but will agree that it is better than its reputation and a great episode. It may not advance the mysteries of the island as much as previous and succeeding episodes and may lack the emotional power of "Do No Harm" (a very tough act to follow). Also could have done without Hurley's "I Feel Good", that had the cringe factor and didn't add much.
Credit is due for returning to its old themes and there is foreshadowing of what will happen later conflict-wise, especially between Jack and Locke. What "The Greater Good" does, and brilliantly, is developing Sayid more, building upon what we already know about him, and finally giving Shannon something interesting to do after being underwritten for much of the season.
The flashbacks have garnered criticism from fans, to me they added a lot to Sayid's character development and benefitted from a fine guest appearance from Donnie Keshawarz. They are not subtle but they're honest.
Acting is very good, especially from Naveen Andrews and Maggie Grace, the former believably intense and the latter truly touching. Terry O'Quinn relishes his juicy scenes.
Visually, "The Greater Good" is slickly shot as ever, the island beautiful and mysterious. The music is understated and chilling, while the writing is taut, the story absorbing and the direction skilful.
In summary, not a 'Lost' classic but great all the same. Better than given credit for. 9/10 Bethany Cox