I wanna live a vibrant life, but I wanna die a boring death

I've heard a lot of people call Claire annoying in this episode, but I feel like this is genuinely Emilie De Ravin's best acting performance in the entire show. This episode offers such a visceral depiction of motherhood that is so rarely shown on TV. Even before the whole babynapping, Claire's struggle with being exhausted and overwhelmed and scared and confused is so well-portrayed. I appreciate how they emphasize the emotional aspect of being postpartum; Claire doesn't handle all her emotions very logically or clearly in this episode. But I also appreciate the acknowledgement of the physical pain too, as Claire is freaking out over being too tired and too hurt to carry Aaron to the caves. It's still not a true representation of what the experience is like, but it's pretty good for TV.

And I also think the actor does a brilliant job of switching between frantic, panicky crying and complete emotional numbness. I love how by the end of this truly horrible day, Claire physically and emotionally has no energy left to be upset.

If Lost would have continued to write her storyline this way, she could've been an insanely well-written character. Obviously she should have had other, non-baby related plotlines too, but I hate the way they pretty much just decide she's a perfect mom with no problems by season 2 (and certainly by season 3).

Jack and Kate: I feel like they would make it about halfway. They're both competitive, fit, and fast. Butttt, Jack would never let Kate do roadblocks and that would start annoying her. Then they'd start arguing. Then, they'd crumble. I feel like they'd get tired and frustrated and spend like 4 hours doing a detour, ending up in last place.

Sawyer and Juliet: They could win. They balance each other out well. They're both athletic and clever. I see them making it to the finale for sure. Juliet would be patient and not panic when they were falling behind. Sawyer would be conning the other teams to get ahead. I don't see them fighting much, just engaging in some sarcastic banter.

Sun and Jin: They could also win. In the later seasons, I think they would. Jin would do any challenge that Sun didn't want to do. They would both be supportive of each other. Dare I say, later seasons Sun and Jin would not only win, but also have a great time. Early seasons Sun and Jin would not win (due to relationship conflict), but I do feel like they'd immerge with a stronger bond and understanding.

Desmond and Penny: They would be the third team in the finale. They both have like a million skills. And they work well together. I mean, Penny went looking for Desmond and FOUND HIM by herself. Desmond found Penny when he was stuck in a TIME LOOP. They have strong chances. I feel they would also have a great time just getting to be together.

Charlie and Claire: They would not do awesome. I feel like Charlie is extremely competitive and Claire is not. Charlie would get frustrated with her if she took too long or made a mistake. She would get frustrated with him if he started to get snappy. They would break up during the race. I can really see Claire withdrawing from the race, forcing Charlie to lose too.

Rose and Bernard: They would not make it very far. They're old. But, I think they'd make it through like 2 legs, because they do work well together. And Rose would always keep a positive attitude.

Libby and Hurley: I also don't see them making it very far. There's nothing objectively wrong with them, I just feel like their hearts wouldn't be in it. I also feel like they only work okay together. They might be too calm and too chill with no hustle.