Across the Sea
I liked it. I know a lot of people are giving the episode grief, and no, it was not perfect, but I liked it. Then again, the mythology of LOST has always been my favorite part. I was happy to get some backstory on Jacob and Smokes.
I do, however, think the episode should have been more far reaching. I felt like there were a lot of unnecessary scenes that could have been cut in favor of showing Smokes and Jacob a few centuries later still playing their game. I wanted more answers about their game, how they came up with the idea, how they came about their roles of fate vs. free will, why ash stops Smokes, how Smokes can change forms, etc. It would have been neat to see Smokes and Jacob seeing some faces that are familiar to us (Richard, Dharma folk, Losties) and seeing their reaction to how they fit in the 'game'.
I have a feeling, however, that these things might be explained in the finale when the new Jacob is chosen.
So. Overall, liked it. Should have been further reaching and a bit more epic/mythological in tone.