I just had to say somewhere how wonderfully acted and written Michael's story in "Special" was. Did anyone else notice that in the early flashback's, Michael seemed to have a totally different manner of speaking when he was a young artist? It seemed that the breakup with his girlfriend and separation from his son turned him into a completely different person. Really terrific details in this episode.

I agree, the acting was great. He was a totally different person, almost looked like a totally different person before she took Walt away. I was really impressed how he showed the change that care had made in Michael.

Michael has been my second favorite character in the show the whole time.


Walt is my favorite ;D ;D

I can't wait to see Michael's character developed even further. He's someone that has been consistently helpful yet overlooked. I've empathized with Michael all along because I never thought that he was a bad father. I'm so glad that the reasons for why he has trouble relating to Walt were elaborated on in a very well-written episode. The loss of a child is something that could turn someone bitter and hard but Michael still seems to be a classy, decent human being.

Harold is an amazing actor....I thought his episode was back to the brilliance of the show after some
ho-hum eps.....He just really has a handle on his character, and I agree with you guys, he REALLY
seemed ten years younger when he needed to be. That is called ACTING.

Well, it's certainly refreshing to see some positive comments about Michael. At every site I visit (not so much this one) everyone seems to post negative things about him. Even after "Special" people were posting things like, "I still don't like him." Ridiculous!

Wow, people are negative towards him? That's so ...odd...I think he is one of the more interesting
characters on the show....he is NOT and never has been a "bad" father.... he was caught up in
circumstances, not of his own making. Harold really brings this character to life, you can just
feel what he's trying to convey....

His character did seem to evolve alot in that episode. People don't like Michael? I never thought he was a bad father, either. He just went through alot, and Susan took his only child away.

I don't know why people dislike Michael, either. He had a good reason for being upset. Having your only child taken away does not make you a happy person.

Michael's flashback story is one of the most interesting of all the characters. I guess in Season
Three we will see his second flashback (sarcasm here). I really enjoy all of them, but it doesn't
seem right some of them already have had their third flashback of the first season when others
haven't even had their second.

I'm a Michael (and Harold!) fan, too, and wish he'd get more air time. His wariness of Locke was very understandable, and not overdone, as is his "truce." He's been exceedingly helpful to other characters (using skills to clear the cave-in, etc.) Wonder if he knows about the footbridge.... He needs more onscreen time--but I guess the finale and the raft will provide some

I agree he needs more screen time. I know it's hard for them with so many cast members, but
I really do think it's unfortunate that some of them have already had three backstories and others
(with more interesting backgrounds) haven't had their second yet. His backstory is fascinating.

Special was one of my favorite episodes for the flashbacks. Really well acted. I love that scene when he goes to pick up Walt. You could real feel the awkwardness in the scene. And I will forever respect this character because he didn't put the blame on anyone else. He took responsibility for some things that were out of his control just to spare Walt. He could have bad mouthed the mom and Brian but he didn't. All he cared about was making Walt feel loved and comfortable.

Awesome acting. To see someone age and mature so obviously in such short snippets. I hope the writers will give him meatier island material.