tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-356160562024-03-13T15:06:19.281-04:00Lost NotesRutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-18447825787537811722010-05-24T19:08:00.029-04:002010-05-26T10:48:02.699-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 16: "The End"</span><br /><br /><br />I'm not sure where to begin. Rarely am I so lost for words at the beginning of a post, but I guess if any episode was going to do it, it was going to be this one....it's just that I really wasn't expecting it.<br /><br />I went into Sunday's finale with a celebratory attitude, happy to be taking part in the end of such a long and entertaining journey. Over the last few months, people have asked me "what will you do when it's over?" or "are you upset that it's ending?" My answer has always been, quite honestly, no. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed everything that has to do with this show - in watching, writing, and discussing it with all of you -but as we know, everything must come to an end. I was glad that the writers were able to end it on their own terms and I was excited to see what those terms would be. I mean, it's a TV show, right? How sad could I possibly get? I mean, look at this jokey pic I sent to some friends Sunday night and tell me that's not the face of a guy at peace with the end of his favorite show:<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs573.snc3/31246_394236336159_706276159_4596972_4682763_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 450px;" src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs573.snc3/31246_394236336159_706276159_4596972_4682763_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So at 9pm I got my notepad ready, poured a glass of wine for myself and Kersten, and settled in with the rest of the you, ready to let go of the show we've held so dearly for 6 years.<br /><br />Then, about half way through I tossed the notepad aside. There was too much to process and I had too little left to try and capture the emotion in words. And by the end, I was pretty much a wreck. It was....a surprising reaction. One in which I did not expect or fully understand. But at the same time, I wouldn't trade it for anything.<br /><br />"The End" fully met and exceeded my expectations for what a Lost finale could be. While I was expecting more of an emotional conclusion versus that of a sci-fi riddled shocker, I was not expecting to be so moved by what is, in the end, a Television show. I forgot how strong these characters are, how real they seem, and how close we've become with them over the years. I forgot how powerful a simple image could be, and how embedded those images are in our "Lost" subconscious. A coffin, a church, a sneaker, a wheelchair, a plane, an eye. And after it was over, I was terribly sad that those things were gone.<br /><br />Was some of it cheesy, overkill? Yes. Is this post already cheesy? Hell yes. But it was also so unbelievably appropriate. Did you smile? Did you get chills? Did you cry? Then "it worked." Lost is a show about emotional connection - to yourself, to each other, to a home, to a choice - so it's no surprise that its final chapter relied heavily on these themes, and less so on the mysteries that will go unanswered. Life is full of questions that will never be answered, so why should the world in Lost be any different? At the end of it all, it's the experiences you share with those around you that makes life worth living. It's certainly not a new message that Lost left us with, but it's one that needs to be shared more often.<br /><br />That all being said, I'll try and explain how I understood "The End" below, but keep in mind that best part of this show is that it is very much open to interpretation, so feel free to provide your reaction as well. Since there was so much to digest (and since I admitted to you that I did a crappy job in taking notes), I'm going to focus on some of the larger moments of the finale, and leave the rest to the imagination. The two moments that I found to be the most important were the function/purpose of the Light, and of course, the tear jerking final scenes. Let's tackle the Light first and then move on to The End.<br /><br /><br />After stealing Desmond from his rescuers (Bernard, Rose, and of course Vincent!), Flocke and his motley crew of Light soldiers marched towards the heart of the Island, each with a completely different hope of what would happen in the cave beyond the Bamboo field. Flocke, banking on Desmond's ability to withstand the Island's energy, hoped that he could somehow cancel out the Light, destroying the Island in the process. Jack, simply following orders from Jacob, hoped that Desmond truly was the Fail Safe that Jacob said he was. And Desmond assumed that the Light would allow him to leave not only the Island, but the Sideways world as well ("Because I want to leave" Desmond says to Kate in the Sideways) and move on. But as we know, none of these things happened. Instead, after being lowered to the core, Desmond unplugged the proverbial "cork" of the Island and, quite literally, all Hell broke loose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend2/the-end0746.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 372px; height: 205px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend2/the-end0746.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As the Island began to crumble around them, we were left to ponder the consequences of a world without Light. As Widmore, Eloise, and Jacob have all paraphrased in the past, "everyone you know and love will cease to exist" if MIB squanders the Light and leaves the Island. To be sure, the immediate effects of an uncorked Source were evident in the scenes immediately following Desmond's action. The rain started pouring down. The sky, and even the colors of the once vibrant Island, turned cold, dark and gray.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend2/the-end0949.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 356px; height: 196px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend2/the-end0949.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Simply put, the Island had lost its Soul. And if the Island lost its Soul, we must assume that the same happened to all of humanity. And if the Soul ceases to exist, then with it goes the chance to move on to the next life. Is this what our former leaders meant by our loved ones "ceasing to exist?" Because if anything, "The End" showed us that this life is <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> actually The End. Instead, it might very well be the beginning. The beginning of the next journey that awaits beyond the church doors. But without some of the light that resides in all of us, we turn from carriers of the Source (emotion, connection, benevolence, belief, love) to heaping piles of dead weight waiting to rot in the ground, stuck there forever. Not an appealing thought, to say the least.<br /><br />So this uncorking...it was a problem. But out of the darkness came a silver lining: MIB became human. And not only that, Richard began to age. In releasing the Light, Desmond seemed to have lifted the curtain on the Island's special properties, and with that MIB became vulnerable to the most significant of all human traits; death. Ironically MIB got everything he ever wished for, realizing it just in time to get shot in the back and kicked off a cliff. The image of MIB splayed out on the rocky cliff, unmoving on his back was reminiscent to that of Locke's ultimate betrayal after being thrown four flights to the ground by the hand of his Father. But for MIB, there would be no redemption...and it's safe to say that he'll never walk again.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend2/the-end1001.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 199px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend2/the-end1001.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Right before his death, Flocke did close the circle on one of this season's lasting images, and as it turns out one, of its biggest clues; the cut on Jack's neck. Before getting shot by Kate, Flocke's dagger dug ever so slowly into Jack's neck, creating the cut we've seen on numerous occasions in the Sideways. In essence, it helped finally reveal the mysterious connection between worlds. It hinted that the cut Jack saw in the mirror wasn't a reflection of his life on the Island, it was a symbol of his death in the Sideways.<br /><br /><br />All season, we've been wondering which timeline was the "real" one. Was the Island simply a proving ground for what seemed to be the "real" lives of our characters in the Sideways? Was the age old Purgatory theory right? Have we spent all of this time stuck on an Island that doesn't even exist, following the lives (or deaths) of our characters only to learn that all along they had completely different lives in another dimension?<br /><br />Well, the answer is yes and no. Yes, we've been tricked. Yes, the Purgatory theory was right. But the Island wasn't the purgatory proving ground for our characters, the Sideways was. The Island was very real, and everything that happened on the Island was real. Indeed, "what happened, happened." Conversely, the Sideways was an intermediate reality constructed specifically by and for our characters to cope with their deaths and prepare them for the next world (or the other side, or another life, or what have you.) To do so, emotional connections needed to be established, memories unlocked, and experiences realized. Most important was the understanding that their connections to each other were paramount in being able to let go and move on.<br /><br />In the church, Christian says to Jack that "nobody does it alone...you needed all of them, and they needed you....to remember, and to let go." We're not meant to live our lives in isolation, and for so long this was Jack's struggle. Even before his time on the Island he managed to push away his wife and distance himself from his Father. After Oceanic 815 crashed, he shunned the Island itself, refusing to adhere to its fateful advances. Instead, he fought against what would be his destiny and left as one of the O6, only to then detach himself from Kate, abandon Aaron, and fall into a haze of addiction and depression. Even with his compulsive need to fix all those around him, he remained desperately alone.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100518042402/lostpedia/images/thumb/8/8d/SuicideJack.jpg/800px-SuicideJack.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 205px;" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100518042402/lostpedia/images/thumb/8/8d/SuicideJack.jpg/800px-SuicideJack.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Only upon returning to the Island did he start to realize that he was not alone in his journey. He began to take a back seat role, listening first and speaking second. He opened his eyes to the notions of fate and purpose, subscribing to the distant words of an old nemesis ("turns out [John] was right about nearly everything" he says as he descended into the cave). In doing so, he gained back the trust of his friends ("I believe in you, Jack"), and became one with the Island itself. The man that once kept himself in the dark quite literally brought the light back to everyone by plugging the cork back into its Source. After finally allowing himself to realize all of this in the Sideways, Jack's journey was complete and he, along with all those truly important to him, move on the next journey that awaits them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1445.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 366px; height: 202px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1445.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The trigger that solidified this understanding for Jack was the vision of a coffin, and the memory of his Father. For others, it was the realization of true love. For Locke, it was the feeling of the Earth beneath his feet. For Claire, Charlie, and Kate it was the birth of a boy that shared their love. These triggers signified profoundly emotional moments, during what Christian described as the "most important time of their lives."<br /><br />The Island helped our characters not only find themselves, but each other. The Sideways world taught us that when you move on to the next life you keep what's truly important, and leave the rest behind. Jack's claim back in the early years of Lost was more true than they ever knew, "if we don't live together, we'll die alone." And in the end, by living together and sharing these experiences with each other, they were able to die together as well. As the Light poured into the Church, Jack and his loved ones moved on to the other side.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1729.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 220px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1729.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But not everyone went along for the ride. Some were not ready yet. They still had work to do, and connections to make. Daniel had a network of his own to build, including not only Charlotte but maybe also former love Theresa, likely needing to redeem himself for what he did to her with his experiments. Ben's work included living out his time on the Island, finally acting as its true Protector following Hurley's reign. And when it's his time to move on, his community will likely include Alex and possibly even Rousseau.<br /><br />And don't get confused by the obvious time constraints that exist within the Sideways. Christian (somewhat conveniently), tells us that "there is no now, here." Time is a variable that does not exist within this world. As Christian says, "we all die, kiddo." Sure, some died long before Jack and some died long after, but death in and of itself is inevitable, which is why they all exist <span style="font-style: italic;">void of time</span> in the Sideways. Even though we see him outside the Church, Ben is still living his life on the Island. We may never know how Kate, Richard, Sawyer, Miles, and Frank die, but it's my belief that they landed safely in the real world and went on to live fulfilling lives before entering into a death that would reunite them with the ones they love.<br /><br />And it's this understanding that ultimately leaves Jack smiling at the sky just before his death in the Bamboo field, coming full circle from the first image we saw 6 years ago. He's not only happy to see his friends fly away - knowing that he fulfilled his purpose and saved them - he's happy to see them in the Church, greeting him with open arms and glowing smiles. The two worlds become one, and the Light washes over it all. And with that image in his eye and Vincent by his side, not even Jack dies alone.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1738.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 249px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1738.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1733.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 445px; height: 246px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1733.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1740.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 244px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1740.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1742.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 434px; height: 240px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1742.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1744.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 432px; height: 238px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/theend3/the-end1744.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />******<br /><br /><br />Writing this last post was tough, and I hope I did it justice. As I mentioned above, this is just my take, and I'd love to hear your experiences with The End. True to Lost form, the community doesn't have to end here, and the discussions and connections we've made through the show will live on. How appropriate.<br /><br />On a personal note, I'd really like to thank you guys for sharing in this experience over the years, and passing these thoughts on to others. This little thing started as an email to a handful of co-workers and built into something pretty cool from there, and it's because you have shared so much positive feedback throughout it all. A special thanks has to go out to my own Dharma Lady, Kersten, for being the ultimate Lost companion. Her insight was probably responsible for most of the good ideas on this site, and she patiently put up with my incessant ramblings in the process. What can I say, she was a great number 2, and I couldn't have picked a better person to share it all with.<br /><br />So I think that'll about wrap her all up. Thanks everyone, and see ya in another life.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-7929742704513454532010-05-19T19:34:00.016-04:002010-05-21T10:21:55.213-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 15: "What They Died For"</span><br /><br />Alright then. After 6 seasons, 121 episodes, 94 hours (without commercials), and countless of mind numbing yet exhilarating minutes discussing the boundless possibilities of this epic journey, we have just one more cozy night of Lost goodness to go. (Did any one else just get misty eyed? No? Oh, cool, it must be this damn dust in my eye). And as we get close to the end, it's nearly impossible to keep expectations in check, but with that said I enjoyed this week's episode. I think we all knew deep down that all the pieces would be put nicely into place for Sunday's big finale, and that expectation certainly came to be true. As bossman Richard W. stated Wednesday morning, "What they Died For" was the "Ultimate set up episode," and indeed he was right. But of course, that doesn't mean we weren't left with plenty of questions to ponder, per usual.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Eyes, Mirrors, Cuts....and Bran Flakes.</span><br /><br />So once again we get the iconic eye opening to start us off...but this time it doesn't open so quickly. Instead, it's more of an eye fluttering as Jack just wakes up from a night of dreamy Sideways sleep. Significant? Maybe, especially if you noticed that his eyes flickered very similarly after tipping back the baptized drink from Jacob, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Getting back to the point, the next scene in the bathroom brings us the requisite Mirror shot, and in the reflection looking back at him we see that the cut on Jack's neck - the same one that he spied in the plane bathroom in "LA X" - is growing larger.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100519165120/lostpedia/images/thumb/c/c7/6x16_jack_mirror.jpg/800px-6x16_jack_mirror.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 459px; height: 258px;" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100519165120/lostpedia/images/thumb/c/c7/6x16_jack_mirror.jpg/800px-6x16_jack_mirror.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Again, this picture of himself gives Jack pause, as the wounds are giving him a brief look into his physical state on the Island. Along the same lines, Ben's battered face in the both the Sideways (after he gets pummeled by Desmond in the school parking lot) and the Island are exactly the same this week. The two worlds are coming together at a rapid pace now, and many of our characters are beginning to realize that something significant is happening.<br /><br />For example, after being told by Ben via Desmond to "let go," Locke's long standing self-imposed restriction to his wheelchair is being lifted. After adding up all the signs, he has decided to take a leap of faith and goes to see Jack about getting on his feet again. More and more, he's turning into the Locke that we knew and loved, a man of faith. Jack - while still holding steady against tales of "destiny" from Locke - received his own wake up call earlier when Desmond posed as the baggage claim office reporting Christian's coffin as found. But why would Desmond do this? How will this move Jack towards enlightenment? Well,he may have just wanted to remind Jack that all the pieces are coming together and falling into the place. If you recall, it was Locke that told Jack in the baggage office that even though his Father is lost that doesn't mean that he's truly "gone." By calling Jack with the news of his found Father just before Jack meets with the one person that told him to keep faith, Desmond is triggering a range of emotions in him that will continue to fire as the day continues. The fact that Locke has been brought to him once again, the thought of his Father in the coffin, the meeting of his long lost half-sister, and the eventual meeting of Kate, Hurley, Desmond, Sayid, Miles, Charlie, and Sayid at the concert will be too much for Jack to explain empirically to himself or anyone else. The flood of memories will come to him and he will no longer be able defy the power of fate. Oh, and it just so happens that around the same time he took on the ultimate leap of faith on the Island by agreeing to be its protector. Jack is about to have a revelation of epic proportions, and we will be there to see how it goes down in the concert hall.<br /><br />Oh and speaking of memories, you all may have seen that Jack was eating a bowl of "Super Bran Flakes" for breakfast. Well, thanks to some info from fellow fan and co-worker Ed G., bran is supposedly able to sharpen one's memory if eaten regularly. Coincidence? (We all know what else it's supposed to help with as well, but I'm not sure if that symbolism works in this analysis ;)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >"We're very close to the End, Hugo."</span><br /><br />The campfire pow wow with our remaining candidates and an almost dead Jacob provided some answers for some mysteries that have taunted us this season and all series long. First and foremost, we learn that Kate was crossed off the candidate cave wall due to a shift in her responsibilities, namely her being a Mother. I thought Jacob's line of "it's just a line of chalk in a cave" was another nice tongue in cheek comment to us viewers that pour over every little detail and contradiction with maybe a bit too much fervor (guilty as charged). But while Jacob states that the job is still hers if she wants it (PLEASE GOD NO), we all knew that this was Jack's chance to fulfill his own destiny. We've certainly all expected this moment, but am I the only one that thought that it came a bit too soon? I have no evidence to back this up, but I get the sense that Hurley is truly the one that will be the last man standing. He's always been special, and I just get the sense that his abilities are more suited to guarding the Island that Jack's, but time will tell.<br /><br />Regardless of who does what, the campfire scene gave us a sense of finality in terms of Jacob's intentions. In the end, we learn that he is more human than we typically perceive, and feels a sense of responsibility for what has happened with Smokey and the Island. And while he notes that he's not perfect, he does point out that by bringing the candidates to the Island he has given them a chance to redeem and repair what was broken from their terribly flawed lives. More importantly, his confession of guilt sets an example that no one is perfect - not even the "god" of the Island - and that there is strength in embracing that notion while striving to move forward in the right direction. So really, he couldn't have picked a better candidate in Jack, as we've watched him come to this exact conclusion throughout the series. "You're like me now" rings true in a whole different light, as Jacob and Jack have more in common than we ever thought.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100519114709/lostpedia/images/thumb/4/4a/6x16Illdoit2.jpg/800px-6x16Illdoit2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 454px; height: 255px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100519114709/lostpedia/images/thumb/4/4a/6x16Illdoit2.jpg/800px-6x16Illdoit2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Jack: "But there's nothing beyond that bamboo."<br /><br />Jacob: "Yes...there is, Jack. And now you'll be able to find it."</span><br /><br />I touched upon this in last week's comments and I think it's worth noting quickly here in this week's recap based on this comment offered by Jacob. Subsequent to Jack's coronation, Jacob reveals the location of the Light, which he states is just beyond the bamboo field. Jack protests, saying that there is nothing beyond that point. It's a significant point because it's not the first time that an entity has suddenly become available once someone is "ready" or "believes" it to exist. As I stated in the comments, another Lost blogger (Vozzek of "Things I Noticed" fame), has touched on this topic in more detail, but the theory revolves around the fact that our characters' belief in something allows it to become available to them. Think about it, when Hurley brings Jack to the Lighthouse, he quips, "how did we never see this before?" Hurley responds, "I guess we weren't looking for it, dude." Similarly, when Ben brought Locke to the special "box" way back in Season 3 he asked him to think of who or what he wanted to find in that box and viola, Anthony Cooper was behind the door. In another example, Hurley is able to find the Cabin when no one else could, simply because he believed in its very existence. It could be argued that everything the Losties have encountered has been provided to them as their level of belief and interaction with the Island evolved.<br /><br />It's a complex theory (and for more check out Vozzek's recaps at DarkUFO) but interesting. Regardless of the details, it could certainly explain why MIB was never able to find the Light after his lazy river ride into the cave in which it was held. Blinded by hate and vengeance, he no longer believed in the purpose of the Island, and therefore is not able to "see" its source. It could be for this reason that he needs Desmond. More than anyone, Desmond has a physical connection to the Light and certainly has a faith in the Island and its purpose, so who better to lead Flocke to the source that has evaded him for so long?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >"Did you say there were some other people to kill?"</span><br /><br />Oh Ben...just as I think you've crossed over from the Dark Side you go running back at break-neck speed. The grand manipulator was back to his old ways by teaming up with Flocke and bringing him directly to Zoe and Widmore. While I didn't mind seeing Zoe go (how awesome was that?), I would have like to have gotten more info out of Widmore before seeing him get pumped with a chest full of lead. I guess we'll have to assume that his sole purpose was to bring Desmond back to the Island, but still, there seemed to be more to his story. In getting back to Ben, I can see how he derived some satisfaction from killing his nemesis, but I'm hoping that's where his thirst for blood ends. I maintain that he-who-is-always-a-step-ahead, can be a step ahead of even the best of con-men in MIB. Flocke is pissed and desperate, and his anger is clouding his judgment. In trusting Ben, he's making a mistake and falling right into Ben's trap (I hope).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/diedfor2/died-for334.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 254px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/diedfor2/died-for334.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I think in the end it could be Ben that delivers the final blow to Flocke...how appropriate seeing that he's killed Jacob already. Hell, could Ben be the one that remains with the Island? After all this time - leading under false pretenses, having the Island and his people revolt against him, losing his daughter in such a brutal fashion - maybe a part of his journey was to experience such pain so that he could be prepared for an era of true leadership.<br /><br />Or I'm totally wrong about this and Ben becomes the next Man in Black. Who the F knows. After all, he is a totally awesome bad guy. ("Is there any more milk?")<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Desmond is the Key</span><br /><br /></span>Appropriately, it looks like it's all coming down to Desmond, as it should really. I mean, out of all of our characters, Desmond's relationship with the Island, while maybe not the longest, could be most significant. The original button pusher, he influenced how the Losties first interacted with the Island after finding him in the Hatch. Then after turning the Fail Safe key - showing us his ability to withstand a heavy dose of Light (or electromagnetic energy if you prefer) - he truly became special as his consciousness started traveling through time. Then this season we witnessed his ability to seamlessly pass through both worlds, guiding our characters along the path towards redemption.<br /><br />The big question moving into the finale is why both good and evil see him as the key to their success. As we learn from Widmore, Desmond was brought to the Island as a final option, a fail safe. But at the same time, Flocke states that Desmond's ability will help him destroy the Island. So what's going on here?<br /><br />Well, as I mentioned above, Flocke may need Desmond so that he can be guided to the Light. And seeing that he's now been told of Desmond's abilities, he may think that he has the capability to both extinguish the Light and destroy the Island all in one. But Jacob has a hand in this pot as well. Why would he want Desmond to come back to the Island if he could be the cause of its destruction? Instead, maybe Desmond as an ability to absorb the Light, and carry it beyond the borders of the Island itself.<br /><br />I keep going back to the first scene of Season 6, where we're shown a shot of the Island, dormant at the bottom of the Ocean.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax/lost6x01-0077.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 439px; height: 242px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax/lost6x01-0077.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Assuming that this is an image we get an answer to (and I certainly expect one), there has to be a cause to this effect. So knowing that Desmond can withstand exposure to the Island's source, who's to say that the Island itself is the only vessel capable to care for its contents? Instead, could Desmond be that vessel? Or, more specifically, could he come to be its protector, messenger, and provider all in one? If so, the Island is no longer necessary to house the Light. Furthermore, why should only a select few candidates get to be given the chance to be enlightened? Who's to say that Sideways Desmond will stop giving guidance after this chapter is complete? By carrying the Light with him and in him (oh boy that got a little Jesus-y), Desmond can continue to open the eyes of people everywhere, helping them find their way in a world of Lost souls. After all, a modern day Jacob doesn't spend his time spinning looms in the foot of an ancient statue, he drives a sports car and drinks some of the finest scotch around. It's a new world people, evolution is inevitable.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100503052109/lostpedia/images/thumb/3/37/6x11_CheersToMe.jpg/800px-6x11_CheersToMe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 225px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100503052109/lostpedia/images/thumb/3/37/6x11_CheersToMe.jpg/800px-6x11_CheersToMe.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />(And for those keeping track at home, that's three characters I've now predicted to take over Jacob's role. Oh wait, four if you count Ben. Four it is.)<br /><br /><br />Alright, what started out as a post that wasn't supposed to include predictions ended with far too many, so I think it's time to just wrap it up and see what hits us on Sunday. So enjoy everyone. Grab a couple bottles of wine, turn those baby monitors off, and settle in for what will simply be known as "The End." Enjoy.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-36467084534254041652010-05-15T16:00:00.016-04:002010-05-17T11:32:44.824-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 14: "Across the Sea"</span><br /><br />Ok. So this one was probably the most polarizing episode of the season, some loved it and some hated it, and I can definitely see both sides of the argument. On the one hand, plenty of people were not too psyched to get an hour of Lost that contained basically no face time for the characters that we've come to know and love. Instead, we get introduced to yet another "new" character in Mother, the unnamed Island caretaker and foster mother to Jacob and Man (Boy?) in Black. Furthermore, in showing a some of the mythological history of the Island, we are inevitably left with a bevy of new questions - (where did Mother come from? Who is the father of the children? How does the dagger kill Jacob if they can't die?) - questions that certainly won't be answered before the show's conclusion. As frustrating as this may be, you had to love Mother's line "Every question I answer will just lead to another question" at the beginning of the episode - a direct line to us from the producers telling us to just deal with what we get.<br /><br />On the other hand, I thought what we got was satisfying and necessary. For years now we've been asking questions regarding the origin of Smokey and Jacob. And based on how much of this season is focused on their relationship to the Island and to each other, I don't think we could have moved to a conclusion without knowing where they came from. Also, as a bonus we got an answer for a question that has plagued us from Season 1; the explanation of the Adam and Eve skeletons. Finally, we were given this download at an appropriate time - people that are upset about the late season placement of this episode should remember that we have 3.5 hours of Lost to go, all of which will no doubt be focused back on our current storyline. So maybe I'm a half glass full type of guy, but I liked "Across the Sea." And as always, there are conclusions that can be drawn from this episode that weren't overtly explained to us....and that more than anything is what got me excited about this week's recap.<br /><br />To start, it is my belief that Mother was Smokey. Actually, I think that Mother was both Smokey (protector of the Island) AND the protector and purveyor of the Light. Meaning, that she was both the Black and White that we see exemplified today as MIB and Jacob. For who knows how long she was performing both duties, and quite frankly, it was wearing her out ("I'm tired" she says wearily to Jacob halfway through the show). So when a pregnant Claudia washed ashore and gave birth to boy twins, Mother quickly sprung into action and devised a plan. She would groom these two boys in specific, yet separate ways so that they would grow up to inherent the heavy responsibilities that she currently shoulders alone. One - the more curious and cunning of the two - would be the protector of the Island itself, ridding it of all unworthy "people" that arrived there. In order to do so, that person will need to understand the capabilities of man, the greediness they posses and the evil they inflict. The other - the purer of the two - would be responsible for guarding and choosing those that were to possibly succeed him in protecting the Island's (and maybe World's?) most valuable resource, the "Light." He would need to shielded from those negative aspects in order to recognize the goodness in man, so that only the most qualified individuals were chosen for consideration. Most important, having two entities perform these tasks instead of one creates a necessary Balance to the entire landscape...a theme that we've been hit over the head with this season.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100512052132/lostpedia/images/thumb/c/cb/6x15agame.jpg/800px-6x15agame.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 229px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100512052132/lostpedia/images/thumb/c/cb/6x15agame.jpg/800px-6x15agame.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Skeptical? Let's review some of Mother's manipulative actions. First, she plants the game for Boy in Black to find. This seeds his curiosity of worlds that might exist outside of the Island ("Where else would it come from?" she asks. BIB responds "From somewhere else....across the sea.") Next, Mother manipulates Boy in Black further by taking the form of his real mother, Claudia. In this encounter, Smoke Monster Claudia shows Boy in Black where he truly came from. In doing so, BIB is motivated to leave Jacob and Mother to live with the his people from the shipwreck. Again, this development was orchestrated by Mother so that BIB could learn understand the seedier characteristics of Man. Later, we learn that the tactic worked; 30 years after his defection, MIB explains to Jacob that the people he lives amongst are "greedy, manipulative, untrustworthy, and selfish." But as long as they help him get off the Island, he doesn't care.<br /><br />Mother's next move is probably the biggest clue to her being Smokey. After learning that MIB has worked with the people to create a system that will harness the Light (the donkey wheel, by the way), she knocks him out, carry's him out of the cave, destroys the entrance to the well, and promptly obliterates all who lived in the village. Now, if you think that an old woman was able to not only destroy a well made with heavy stones but also kill a village full of people then I'm not sure what to say. But do you know what could inflict that type of damage? Right, good ole Smokey.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100513204705/lostpedia/images/thumb/a/a6/Villagem.jpg/800px-Villagem.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 240px;" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100513204705/lostpedia/images/thumb/a/a6/Villagem.jpg/800px-Villagem.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />After obliterating the village, she takes Jacob to the cave and explains that he will be the one to protect the Light, adding that he must find a replacement when his time is over. Also, she makes him understand that he can never go down the tunnel. After Jacob asks if he'd die if he did so, Mother responds, "it'd be worse than dying Jacob, much worse." Of course, only one who had gone down there herself would know the consequences, right? The look she gave when uttering these words was of knowing regret, as she's been roaming the Island as Smokey - inheriting bodies of the dead for centuries - and her only way out is to pass on that sentence to another. But first Mother anoints Jacob as the one who will protect the Light ("it was always you"), and then moves on to the final part of her plan. One down and one to go.<br /><br />After telling Jacob to go gather firewood during the walk back to camp, she pauses, giving him a longing look as if to say goodbye, and then walks back to the campsite alone knowing that an enraged MIB will be waiting for her. Abiding by the long crafted rules, she says nothing to her killer, and is stabbed in the heart . Before dying, she utters "thank you" as her never ending life and duties have finally come to an end. On cue, Jacob arrives to find the bloody knife in the hand of his brother, drags him to the cave, and gives him a punishment worse than death. And with that, Mother's promises come to fruition. As Smokey, MIB truly is trapped on the Island, and will never be permitted to fulfill his desire to leave and return home. Instead, he will roam the Island for eternity and devour the men that are not worth to inhabit it. He provides the Balance to Jacob's responsibility to protect the source and bring those candidates that are good enough to the Island for possible replacement. The rules of the Game have been switched, now Jacob is making them, and for years and years the battle persists in a never ending stalemate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100512165940/lostpedia/images/thumb/7/7c/6x15smokeyissuesforth.jpg/800px-6x15smokeyissuesforth.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 421px; height: 236px;" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100512165940/lostpedia/images/thumb/7/7c/6x15smokeyissuesforth.jpg/800px-6x15smokeyissuesforth.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But what Mother didn't account for was MIB's loophole. By figuring out how to free himself without breaking the rules, MIB is dangerously close to being able to actually leave the Island. And if this happens, we've been told that all sorts of shit will go down. Why so? Is it because without the Black, the Balance is jolted, allowing the Light on the Island to go out? If so, it means bad news for everyone, because as Mother said, "if the light goes out here, it goes out everywhere."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100512060200/lostpedia/images/thumb/6/61/6x15thecave.jpg/800px-6x15thecave.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 252px;" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100512060200/lostpedia/images/thumb/6/61/6x15thecave.jpg/800px-6x15thecave.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />So that's my take on "Across the Sea." I know it's a bit long and clunky, but thanks for sticking with it if your still reading here. After watching it again, there's definitely other analysis that could be argued: one being that MIB was simply the victim of bad parenting (which is certainly not a new theme on Lost), and that the hate and resentment he held for his Mother was so intense that those emotions helped literally generate Smokey - or "evil incarnate" - from the Light itself....but that's a whole other post!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tid Bits</span><br /><br />The board game Boy in Black and Jacob were playing was called "Senet." From Lostpedia;<br /><br />"<b>Senet</b> (or <b>senat</b><sup id="cite_ref-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senet#cite_note-0"><span>[</span>1<span>]</span></a></sup>), a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Board_game" title="Board game">board game</a> from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predynastic_Egypt" title="Predynastic Egypt">predynastic</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt" title="Ancient Egypt">ancient Egypt</a>. The oldest hieroglyph representing a Senet game dates to <i>circa</i> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3100_BC" title="3100 BC" class="mw-redirect">3100 BC</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-Piccione_1-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senet#cite_note-Piccione-1"><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></a></sup> The full name of the game in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egyptian_language" title="Egyptian language">Egyptian</a> was <i>zn.t n.t ḥˁb</i> meaning the "game of passing."<br /><br /><br />I haven't been able to find a translation for what Mother said while "blessing" the wine for Jacob...anyone got something?<br /><br /><br />Another take on how the dagger killed Mother, and how the dagger is special. I've read a theory that because MIB's dagger was so close to the "Source," it was able to destroy something that also came from the Source, namely the Mother. If true, this means that the same dagger could theoretically kill Flocke, seeing that he also came from the Source. Interesting to ponder about....but none of this explains how Jacob was able to be killed. I think that particular mystery will remain unsolved.<br /><br /><br />Oh, and for those that still doubt the Mother/Smokey theory...who are the only two characters on this show that aren't given names? You guessed it, MIB and Mother.<br /><br />(Also, I think this is obvious, but after MIB becomes Smokey, he obviously inherits his old dead body, and it is that form that we see in most other flashbacks that include him. He had this form until he took the form of Locke.)<br /><br /><br />And one parting thought: if Jacob needs a replacement, and Mother as Smokey was replaced, will Flocke need a replacement as well? If so, who might that be?<br /><br /><br />That's it for this week. Get ready for a big week of Lost: tomorrow night is the penultimate edition, and then this Sunday is the finale extravaganza. I promise to get my recap for tomorrow's ep before Sunday. Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-70790170145225049912010-05-09T17:47:00.010-04:002010-05-10T17:24:44.812-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 13: "The Candidate"</span><br /><br />Sometimes you have to be careful what you wish for. If there was one gripe I've had with the last few episodes previous to this week, it was the feeling that the end was near but the story was not moving forward fast enough to keep up. Well, this week the writers had the last laugh, leaving us bruised and battered after seeing three (!) main characters bite the dust. I was pretty much on the edge of my seat for most of the episode, one which I think will rank up there with one of the best the season has had to offer thus far. Aside from the obvious, there were plenty of little clues dropped in this week, so without further ado, let's get to it.<br /><br /><br />Starting right at the top, I found the very first scene between Jack and Locke to be pretty significant. If you remember, Locke wakes up after surgery and sees a saintly looking Jack Shepard standing calmly over him. Locke's first words - "I know you" - immediately evoke a sense of awareness of who Jack is and what he represents. Sure, he could have simply remembered Jack from the missing baggage office in LAX, but I think we're too far down the line here to ignore the fact that instead, Locke remembers Jack from the Island. To be sure, Locke's next question is asked with a sense of grave trepidation; "Am I......Am I alright?" In that pregnant pause I believe that Locke was about to ask "Am I dead" instead of "alright." It makes perfect sense....if Locke has an awareness of the other side, he knows that his life was cut short in the Island world, and therefore his biggest fear is that the same will happen in the Sideways. But instead, he learns he's just fine...well, as fine as he can be for a paraplegic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_004.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 412px; height: 228px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_004.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next, Jack goes into Mr. Fix It mode, telling John about how he is a "candidate" for a new procedure that could restore the use of his legs. But in a curious turn of events, Locke wants nothing to do with the opportunity, and isn't saying why either. We later learn that Locke suffered his accident while flying - and crashing - his maiden voyage on a plane with his father, Anthony Cooper, in tow. So instead of being the victim of his Father's brutality like in the Island events, Locke is now the one responsible for Anthony's catatonic state in the Sideways. But regardless of the details, in both scenarios it is Locke's inability to let go of his Father's pull that holds his life back from where it should be. In the Island World, he continued to try and gain his acceptance, which essentially lead him to be manipulated and coerced, ending him up in a wheelchair for his efforts. In the Sideways it is his guilt for what happened that leads him tied to the chair, not letting himself get the opportunity for repair as long as his Father remains so damaged by Locke's hand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_247.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 407px; height: 225px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_247.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On Jack's end, his desire to fix Locke consumes him. He goes so far as to track down the oral surgeon (Bernard!) that worked on Locke and Cooper three years earlier. The conversation he has with Bernard is interesting on a couple of levels. First off, when learning that Bernard was also on flight 815, Jack's "this shit is too crazy to be a coincidence" bells start going off, just as they have been doing so on the Island for a little while now. Additionally, after giving Jack the only bit of info he can without violating "the rules" (yes, I think Bernard may know more to what's going on than we think), Bernard utters the familiar line, "Jack, I hope you find what you're looking for."<br /><br />This statement, of course, is something that has been drilled into our heads for 6 seasons now. If nothing else, this show is about our characters finding themselves, their purpose, and their key to happiness. And up until this season, Jack has assumed that fixing other people's problems was his purpose. What he failed to realize though is that not everyone needs fixing. People make choices on their own, and those choices will reflect how their lives are lived outside of his sometimes overpowering interference. Island-Jack is first to come to terms with this notion. This season Jack has taken a back seat in the shot calling, letting others take the lead that he so comfortably assumed in the past. And this week in the Sideways, we similarly start to see Jack finally understand that he can't fix everything, especially if it's against the other person's will.<br /><br />In the end, Jack and Locke have a very heady conversation in the hospital revolving around the idea of "letting go." Both acknowledge their inabilities to let go of the events that shaped who they became to be, for better or worse. But at the same time, Jack continues to try and at least influence Locke to see his predicament in a different light. "What happened, happened," he says, attempting to convince Locke that in order to move on he must let go of the guilt he carries for his Father's condition. This, more than wheelchair itself, is what confines Locke. Jack ends with, "I can help you, John. I wish you believed me." Let's not forget that this exact statement was what Locke wrote in his suicide note - addressed solely to Jack - two seasons ago. Jack no longer wants to "fix" John, he simply wants to help him. And if restoring his ability to walk will help heal his soul, then that is what he can try to do. But first John has to believe in that notion too. He needs to embrace it with open arms, and choose to put his trust in Jack for that help. How ironic: the one who so earnestly wanted to gain Jack's trust on the Island won't allow himself to trust Jack in the Sideways. "I wish you had believed me" works both ways.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_574.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 247px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_574.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />But what's important here is the finality of Jack's revolution. In both worlds he has an understanding of what he needs to do, as clear as day. So when Sayid says "because it's going to be you, Jack" before sacrificing himself to save the others, we have little trouble believing him. Say hello to the true "Candidate."<br /><br /><br /><br />So what went down on the Island this week? Oh yeah, a ton of shit. But for the most part, understandable shit. Basically, Flocke's long con finally came to fruition, with varied amounts of success. And while I hate to pat myself on the back - oh who am I kidding I love patting myself on the back - I had anticipated this move from Flocke long ago. Below is a little excerpt from my recap of the season's third episode, "The Substitute:"<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />"So, as we all know, MIB concocts a plan to get [off the Island] by manipulating Locke, taking over his body, and eventually persuading Ben to kill Jacob. But the game doesn’t end with Jacob’s death. In order to free himself completely, he needs to be sure that the remaining candidates – Hurley, Jack, Sayid, Jin (I’ll explain that one later), and Sawyer - are eliminated so that Jacob’s role isn’t fulfilled once again, which would keep the never-ending battle alive. But as we know from the rules, he can’t simply kill the candidates himself....So he does the next best thing. He sets the stage for them all to kill each other."<br /><br /></span>Ok, so maybe it wasn't rocket science, but more than enough people were starting to think that Locke simply needed the candidates to leave the Island with him, and that no blood would be spilled in the process. He is, after all, a pretty convincing dude. But his little speech at the plane after finding the C4 on board ("Widmore wants us all in the same place, at the same time. A nice confined space we have no hope of getting out of...and then he wants to kill us") rang a little too close to what I figured was Flocke's plan all along. And sure enough, the sub is an even nicer, smaller, more confined space to get everyone in and blow a couple packs of C4 off, right? And if it weren't for Sayid's heroics, his plan probably would have worked. (And yes, I do believe that if Sawyer hadn't touched the bomb that it would not have gone off. Jack was right. By touching the bomb, Sawyer effectively took the blood off of Flocke's hands and is responsible for Sun and Jin's death. Again, Locke set up a scenario where the candidates were effectively killing each other.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_460.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 227px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_460.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />But coming out of this at least now we know what everyone is angling for as we enter the last three episodes, which is exciting. And while we're offering predictions, why not offer a couple more:<br /><br />To start, I'm not convinced that Lapidus is dead. Sure, it looks grim for our fuzzy friend, but he didn't come all this way just to get unceremoniously killed in a flash of the eye, right? (editors note: Really? You remember how Ilana died, right? Alright, whatever....continue). We didn't necessarily see him die like we did Sun and Jin (which, I must admit, was pretty damn sad), and I'm not sure the Island is done with him yet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_472.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 226px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_472.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Next; how is the Island and Sideways world division going to be resolved? If you've been keeping track of any interviews with the show's producers this year, the only "promise" we've gotten is that this many worlds issue will have a resolution. Well, I've been wracking my brain as to how this could happen, and this is what I have so far...<br /><br />We've discussed how our characters' lives are affected by the decisions they make in the Island World. And for the most part (though certainly after some hiccups), things seem to be working out for most folks in the Sideways. Specifically, Sun and Jin's story wrapped up quite happily...Sun and her baby recovered from the gunshot wound and when Jin reunites with her in the hospital he says to her, "It's over...and we're all going to be okay." Could this be a clue that while their story ended so sadly in the Island, that the true ending is what we see in the Sideways? Are they being rewarded for staying with each other to the end, trusting that their love for each other would overcome the mysterious blackness of death?<br /><br />However, in theory, this ending only works for those that die in the Island. Assuming that not everyone gets dusted, what happens to the characters that survive Flocke's wrath? How will their worlds be resolved? Well that's where Lapidus comes in. As noted above, I think Lapidus lives, and is able to pilot the Ajira plane for those that make it through whatever might go down on the Island in the upcoming episodes. As they fly away from the Island, the plane experiences a flash similar to the event that transported the crew to 70's Dharma in Season 5, but this time instead of flashing through time, they flash through worlds. Cue requisite close up on an eye opening in the Sideways and viola, everyone lives happily ever after.<br /><br />Of course, along the way we'll be shown how our Sideways characters are acutely aware of their Island-selves, and that awareness will lead them to make correct life decisions based on what they learned and experienced there. Connections will continue to be made between our friends, bringing them closer together, just as they do in every iteration of this cycle. But the difference is that this specific cycle is the right one, the one that was always meant to be....because this world is a direct effect of good overcoming evil, light over dark, etc etc. The Island - no longer needed now - is underwater and irrelevant. Enough progress was made, and Jacob won the game over the Man in Black. Crazy? Probably, but I can't think of any other way as to how they will wrap this up. To me, it just seems more and more likely that the Sideways world will be the world we are left with after all of this. And I'm still waiting for that scene where Juliet meets Sawyer in a coffee shop...after all, she was the first to tell us back in Season 5 that "it worked."<br /><br /><br />Of course this theory brings with it many, many holes, but it's what I got so far. Chime in below with your thoughts. There's only 4.5 hours left, so now's the time to take some guesses!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tid Bits</span><br /><br />Where the hell are Richard, Ben, and Miles? The last we saw them, they were on the way to blow up the Ajira plane. So is it possible that the C4 Locke found was planted by them and not Widmore? Could be, but to my knowledge they didn't have access to any C4, just old dynamite. Food for thought, but I'm hoping that they will pop up soon....as I've kind of forgotten all about that crew.<br /><br /><br />Did everyone else pick up the gigantic irony revolving around Locke's paralysis in the Sideways and the lack thereof on the Island? That in one case, a plane crash gave him his legs back, and in the other, a crash took them away? Good. Now, which event is the "right" one?<br /><br /><br />I have to give a proper goodbye to our fallen friends on the sub. Sayid, ever the bad ass, was able to redeem himself by taking the impact of the bomb himself in attempting to save his friends. Hopefully this last heroic act can give him a chance to live a full and free life in the Sideways. But more importantly, his act proves that the hold that Flocke has over his minions is not all encompassing. Sayid was able to pull away enough to realize that what Flocke was doing was wrong. In doing so, he provided Jack with the information to go and rescue Desmond, likely a key event in the upcoming episodes. Next up to defect from Flocke's control: Claire.<br /><br />Sun and Jin. Yes, the death was very Titanic-y, and yes they probably should have realized that in <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> dying they were orphaning their daughter, but nonetheless, the death was sad and somewhat appropriate. While tragic, dying in each other's arms seemed fitting. As I said above, I do believe that in staying together, their reward will be a long life of happiness in the Sideways. While I think the writers are having their cake and eating it too with this narrative device, but I'll let it slide...cause it would be too sad to see more of our characters bite the dust without some sort of hope that there could be a happy ending.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_532.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 221px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x14/candidate_532.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Alright, that's enough for this week. Strap in for the last few hours, because if "The Candidate" is any indication of how we're going to end this thing, it's going to be a wild ride.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-41451723678407809592010-04-26T10:21:00.002-04:002010-04-26T11:17:05.890-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6; Episode 12: "The Last Recruit"</span><br /><br />So I have to be honest, after the first viewing of this week's episode I was underwhelmed. It seemed as if it was 100% set up and had no real meat to it. However, a few things may have contributed to such an analysis: 1) I wasn't able to watch it live; 2) was extremely tired when I did actually watch it (about 11:20pm Tuesday night, because going to work on Wednesday NOT having watched Lost really isn't an option for me at this point); and 3) well, I kind of just powered through it so that I could go to bed. But being the loyal fan that I am, I gave it another viewing on the weekend and even though I still feel that it was a set up ep, I was able to pick up plenty of goodies to discuss. But enough about me, let's get to it.<br /><br /><br />Obviously the biggest focus of the "Last Recruit" was on the relationship between the recruit - Jack Shepard - and the man that so desperately needs him to succumb to his leadership - MIB/Flocke. As we've seen so many times with other characters this season, Flocke takes Jack out to the woods for another one of his "let's go have a talk so I can brainwash you" pow-wows. Flocke gets right to the point and makes Jack an offer that he figures he can't refuse: freedom from the Island. For as long as MIB has "known" Jack (which, as we learn for sure now, was since he appeared to him disguised as his Father after the initial plane crash back in 2004), he's understood that Jack's main objective while on the Island was to do everything in his power to get himself and everyone with him OFF it. We know, of course, that Jack's mindset has shifted drastically since MIB has seen him last. Once a Man of Science, Jack has flipped 180 degrees to Man of Faith - essentially carrying on the real John Locke's torch since returning to the Island. However, it's important to note that MIB has not had the same access to Jack as we have. It's been quite a while since MIB has interacted with him...to be sure, they haven't "seen" each other since before Jack initially left the Island in the first place. Conversely, Flocke had close interactions to those that he baited correctly: Claire succumbed when he offered a reunion with Aaron, Sayid with the offer of Nadia, and so on and so forth. But with Jack, he misfired. He offered Jack the one thing that he actually doesn't want, and in that moment he lost the opportunity to truly corrupt him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit047.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 440px; height: 243px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit047.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />That being said, it doesn't mean that Flocke didn't have a back up plan. Let's remember what Flocke's overall objective is at the moment: to get all of the candidates together and leave the Island. As far as we know, this is the only way he can escape himself. And so far, the only thing that can get them off the Island is either the sub or plane, both of which are located on Hydra Island. So he set up the following scenario: ask Sawyer to grab the sailboat and come back to pick them up, knowing full well that Sawyer will defy him and devise an escape plan of his own. Flocke knows that Sawyer has already been to see Widmore, possibly cutting a deal in the process, so he doesn't trust him anyways. Furthermore, none of that really matters because the place where they are "escaping" to is exactly where Flocke wants them to go: Hydra Island. He also likely figures that they will take Jack and the others along, which again, is totally fine with him because having them all together on the other Island works towards the final objective. And maybe once he arrives (maybe after ditching all the extras with him on the Island) he will have another chance to convince Jack that leaving is the right thing to do. Problem solved, right?<br /><br />Wrong. Everything seemed to be working perfectly until Jack had some time to look out at the damn ocean again. Sitting there at the bow of the boat, Jack makes a decision of his own. In his best Man of Faith rhetoric, he explains to Sawyer that the Island isn't finished with them yet, and that leaving is not the right thing to do. Sawyer, unconvinced, tells Jack that he'll have to take a leap of faith on his own. Then, after apologizing for Juliet's death, Jack does exactly that, taking a leap of faith off the boat, and swims back to the Island. The decision that Jack makes here - entirely on his own - gives him the edge on Flocke. Sure, the last "cliffhanger" line delivered by Flocke to Jack ("you're with me now") tries to leave us guessing, but I think we have to believe that Jack is still very much in control of his senses, and even his destiny. Flocke's line is simply another attempt to convince Jack that he needs his help, his protection. But Jack's not buying it for a second. At least, I hope he's not.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit473.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 235px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit473.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I know there was some other stuff going down on the Island, but let's move to some Sideways points of interest first. We start off following Desmond's newest Time Coach project: Claire. After some serious prodding, he gets there to see a lawyer about her upcoming adoption. While at first I figured his goal was to bring Jack and Claire together, I read some interesting theories that the real reason he brought her there was to set up a scenario where she does not give Aaron up at all. It makes sense...if Desmond is trying to make our characters' lives whole in the Sideways, then Claire needs to keep Aaron. He is the biggest thing she is missing on the Island, and if she were to give him up in the Sideways she'll regret it forever. So meeting Jack in Ilana's office, and more importantly, meeting his son might make her think twice about giving Aaron up. Score another one for Desmond...dude's on fire.<br /><br />Next up we see an interesting interaction between Sun and Locke as they are rushed into the Hospital at the same time. Sun is straight up terrified at the site of Locke next to her...but why? They probably haven't met in the Sideways and even if they had, Locke is a pretty tame substitute teacher in a wheelchair, certainly not a threat to society. But as we've seen in the past, traumatic events seem to trigger memories from the other side. Sun is seeing Flocke from the Island, not John Locke the substitute school teacher in the Sideways. And conveniently we see that memories can go both ways...once Sun and Jin reunite on the Island she suddenly can speak English again. The line between both worlds is seriously starting to blur.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit065.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 434px; height: 240px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit065.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So if Sun was able to gain access to Island memories from her traumatic event, surely Locke will too, right? Getting run over by a car qualifies as a traumatic event in my book. I'm not sure if we got any clues from what he said this week ("call me John"..."where is Helen"), but I'm guessing that the writers will want to devote a good amount of time to such revelations. (And conveniently enough, I've heard that the next episode focuses on arguably the shows biggest stars; Locke and Jack. Be sure to strap in for that one.) But we did see predictions from last week ring true, Jack is called in to operate on Locke, and as we see him look at that old familiar face in the<span style="font-style: italic;"> mirror</span> he utters, "I think I know this guy." The question remains though, does he know him from the LAX baggage office, or the Island? Or both??<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit546.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 219px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit546.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tid Bits</span><br /><br /><br />If you get "Wired" be sure to check out the article they have on Lost in their MAY issue (Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerman on the cover). The article contains clues that supposedly give some insight as to how the series will end. The opening picture spread with writers Lindelhoff and Cuse shows some hidden gems in their writers room...and additionally there is a manifest of all the things found and gathered after the initial 815 crash. I'm told these two things hold the clues...but I'm too dense to decipher them. At the same time, I'm not big on spoilers, so maybe I just don't want to see them. Anyways, give it a look.<br /><br /><br />I know I didn't really touch on Desmond on the Island this week...but it does seem that he is acting very "Jacob-ish" in both worlds. There are theories out there that he may in fact be Jacob reincarnate, and some of his words and actions from this week fit that mold. In the Sideways, his actions are reminiscent of Jacob's "touching" campaign, leading candidates along the path that they need to follow in order to fulfill a pre-destined course of action. In addition, his conversation with Sayid at the well reminded me of Jacob's conversation with Richard in "Ab Aeterno." Lines like "what did he offer you" and his overall calm demeanor while at a bottom of a well with a gun pointed at him evokes memories of Jacob. He got right to the root of Sayid's motivation quickly (Nadia), and was able to use that to make the once zombie-like-possessed-killer think twice about killing again. Maybe Sayid isn't a goner after all?<br /><br /><br />Please tell me I wasn't the only one who thought it would have been amazing if Sun and Jin were blasted by the sonic fence just before reaching each others arms? I mean, I'm glad they found each other and all, but at the same time I think they missed an opportunity for tragic comedy right there.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit581.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 211px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x13/last-recruit581.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It was interesting to note that when Sawyer interrogated / flirted with Kate in the station that he took a few big bites of that shiny red apple and Kate left hers be. Has Sawyer fully succumbed to the temptations of the dark side? Is Kate still then able to save herself from the same fate?<br /><br /><br />This isn't a big deal, but an episode or two ago, Sawyer came upon Flocke carving a wooden stick into a spear at the camp. After Sawyer asks what it's for, Flocke responds, "I don't know yet." This week, Flocke then uses said spear to crush Zoe's walkie-talkie after she demanded Desmond's return. Again, could be nothing, but also could be a sign that MIB/Flocke is toward the end of his designed plan, and from here on out, he's just as blind as to what will happen as the rest of us. He can prepare and manipulate all he wants, but at the end of the day the outcome relies solely on the decisions that our Losties make. Free will: it's a bitch, even for Smokey.<br /><br /><br />So all in all, a satisfying episode, even though it took me a couple viewings to appreciate. Note that next week is a repeat (I must say, I'm totally ok with this), and then after that get ready for some fireworks because I don't think there's any time left for filler at this point! Also, I'll have more details as it approaches, but the week leading up to the finale (Sunday 5/23) is going to chock-full of Lost content...8 hours so far and counting. The finale is 2 hours, but ABC is going all out by surrounding the event with specials, re-runs, and even a Jimmy Kimmel special immediately following "The End." Enjoy the week off, and I'll see you on the other side....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-81097317790462323202010-04-17T15:17:00.010-04:002010-04-20T11:22:40.002-04:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 11: "Everybody Loves Hugo"</span><br /><br />The hits keep on coming in this raucous final season and "Everybody Loves Hugo" was no exception. We had a little bit of everything this week; dead cameos, boy ghosts, hit and runs, solved mysteries, odd couples, and of course, human explosions. There's certainly never a dull moment in the world of Lost these days. While exciting, "Everybody Loves Hugo" was a little bit more straightforward than last week's mind bender, but of course that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to discuss.<br /><br /><br />So even though this week technically focused on Hugo, the Desmond storyline carried a heavy load as well. Armed with a fresh passenger list from his trusty driver George, Desmond is setting out to show our Sideways <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Losties</span> to the truth, much like how Charlie and Daniel helped open his eyes to the existence of another world, or more specifically, another life last week. His first target is Hugo himself, and in their meeting over a bucket of chicken, Desmond pushes Hugo to explore is his initial feelings for Libby. He knows that if he is united with his Island love, Hugo will suddenly become aware of a life that has been shielded from him thus far.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100416023305/lostpedia/images/2/20/6x12_AKissToRemember.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 201px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100416023305/lostpedia/images/2/20/6x12_AKissToRemember.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So far it seems that while familiar faces or traumatic events have helped trigger quick moments of clarity for our characters (Jack in the airplane bathroom after turbulence, Kate seeing Jack in a cab while running from the police, Sun looking into the mirror after <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Keamy</span> knocks at the door, Claire yelling out Aaron's name after her false labor, etc), it's the encounter of true love that busts open the floodgate of memories from their other lives. While Hugo didn't encounter those thoughts at first, the kiss he shared with Libby granted him access to scenes of their courtship and happiness on the Island. Desmond had a similar experience after finally meeting Penny, and after becoming aware to the truth, he has assumed the role as newest Time Coach/Guidance <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Counselor</span> in the Lost world. These characters are meeting their Constants, and with those meetings comes the connection that bridges both worlds. But what happens when love isn't the answer for all?<br /><br />Locke is Desmond's next target, and as we've seen so far love is the one thing that is not missing in his Sideways world. He and Helen are as happy as ever, and even have plans to marry in the near future. Instead, the one thing missing for Locke is his ability to walk. So while at first I thought that Desmond ran over Locke in response to learning of his apparent evilness in the Island world (even though <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Flocke</span> is obviously not Locke), co-worker and fellow Lost aficionado Andrew pointed out the obvious: Desmond ran over Locke so that he would be rushed to the hospital and be reunited with the ultimate Mr. Fix-It; Dr. Jack Shepard. Jack had already teased Locke with the possibility of walking again when they met in the baggage claim office in LAX, and now that possibility could become a reality. Furthermore, I'd be willing to bet that Jack and Locke are each others Constants. They've been linked as yin and yang for the whole series and the look they shared at the end of this episode was especially poignant. Many are talking about how the show will end with Jack being the new Jacob and Locke remaining as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MIB</span>, and if we assume that Jacob and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MIB</span> are each others Constants, why would Locke and Jack's relationship be any different? Regardless, if Locke is rushed to the hospital we should believe that he will be healed by Jack in the Sideways. Will this healing give Locke access to his memories on the Island? I think so. But more importantly, does he even want them? After all, in the Island world John lived a life of continuous disappointment, ending with his own murder. Are those memories that he really wants? Furthermore, what happens to Sideways characters that have already died on the Island? Are their fates sealed to an early death in this life as well? If course correction holds true, we'd have to say yes, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100416022336/lostpedia/images/thumb/2/29/6x12_AnInjuredLocke.jpg/800px-6x12_AnInjuredLocke.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 200px;" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100416022336/lostpedia/images/thumb/2/29/6x12_AnInjuredLocke.jpg/800px-6x12_AnInjuredLocke.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As you can see, I'm still struggling with what happens to our characters after they have these revelations. Will they simply use them to live a fuller, happier life in the Sideways? Meaning, if Hurley sees himself with Libby in another life, does that prove to him that he needs to be with her in the Sideways? Or are these two dimensions going to be physically connected in some way at the end? Your guess is as good as mine...but for now, I'm leaning with the former. I think that our characters will use this information to live the life that they were supposed to. And be as happy as they can while they have the chance. We'll see...<br /><br /><br /><br />A quick note on the Desmond/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Flocke</span> conversation at the well: I think it had two meanings. First the obvious: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Flocke</span> learns that Des is not afraid of him, which concerns him greatly. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Flocke's</span> biggest weapon is his ability to prey on his followers' emotions, most notably fear. Claire fears that she'll never see Aaron again, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sayid</span> fears he's lost Nadia forever, Sawyer fears that he'll never get off the Island, etc. When Desmond questions the "point of being afraid," <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Flocke</span> knows that he can't manipulate him. Therefore, he needs him out of the picture for the time being. He knows he can't kill him (as proved by Boy Ghost Jacob's appearance...reminding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Flocke</span> of the "rules" just as he did when he was walking Sawyer out to the cave in the Substitute), so he does the next best thing; he throws him down a well. And Desmond, well Desmond's not afraid because he knows everything. He has access to knowledge that even <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Flocke</span> doesn't have. And that, ironically, scares the shit out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Flocke</span>.<br /><br />The second meaning of the conversation might be a stretch, but it's worth exploring. I think Locke's little monologue about how the well was built long ago was really a note from the writers describing their approach to this whole series. A metaphor for sure, but read the below dialogue from the perspective of the writers and let me know if you agree.<br /><br /><p>LOCKE: We're here. </p><p>DESMOND: What is it? </p><p>LOCKE: It's a well. </p><p>[Desmond approaches the well and looks down.] </p><p>LOCKE: Let me guess. You're wondering how deep it is? </p><p>DESMOND: You read my mind. </p><p>[Locke drops a torch down the well, it falls some distance and lands with a splash.] </p><p>LOCKE: You have any idea how old this well is, Desmond? </p><p>DESMOND: Very old? </p><p>LOCKE: That's exactly right, very old. So old in fact, that the people who dug this well did it completely by hand. God knows how long it took 'em. </p><p>DESMOND: That seems like a lot of work just to get some water. </p><p>LOCKE: Oh, they weren't looking for water. They were looking for answers. A long time ago places like the one we're standing at right now made compass needles spin. And the people holding the compasses needed to know why, so they dug. </p><p>DESMOND: Did they find what they were looking for? </p>LOCKE: No, they didn't.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100416013642/lostpedia/images/thumb/b/b6/6x12_DesmondAndTheWell.jpg/800px-6x12_DesmondAndTheWell.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 224px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100416013642/lostpedia/images/thumb/b/b6/6x12_DesmondAndTheWell.jpg/800px-6x12_DesmondAndTheWell.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />There are some questions that will never be answered. Or more specifically, there are some questions that will never have ONE answer. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Lost's</span> conclusion will not offer one answer that we all agree upon. We dig deep, we discuss, we analyze, but we tend to come to different solutions. The compass refuses any one specific direction. What is love...happiness...good...evil? These simple questions have spawned countless answers since as long as we can remember....and I think this answers offered by the shows writers will be no different. Or maybe I'm just digging too deep myself ;)<br /><br /><br />Alright, no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">tid</span> bits this week as this is already late. Well, one quick one, I wasn't impressed by the retro-fitted "Whispers" solution. There are plenty of characters that have shown up after the Whispers that are clearly not dead and trapped on the Island, but I'll give them a pass.<br /><br />It's been a long week, but looking forward to relaxing with a new episode tonight...enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-2362522532929700152010-04-10T10:33:00.014-04:002010-04-12T12:07:01.787-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 10: "Happily Ever After"</span><br /><br />So who else was scooping up their brains after this one? Desmond-centric episodes have a way of blowing minds on a consistent basis, but they also tend to offer some of the most important pieces to the Lost puzzle. "Happily Ever After" was no different. If anything, it seemed that literally every single line of this one was loaded with clues directing us to where we are going in this final run to the end. But in trying to decipher all those clues, I found myself spiraling into a land of confusion. That said, I'll try and keep it simple below, but at this point I think you know that probably won't be the case.<br /><br />Did anyone else notice that there was no "previously on Lost" breakdown this week? If there were to be one, I suspect that we would have been shown scenes from season three's "Flashes Before Your Eyes," which followed Desmond's initial adventure with being "unstuck in time" after turning the Failsafe key in the Hatch and surviving the catastrophic electromagnetic event. Maybe we would have seen how, in one of the flashes, Widmore denies his request to marry Penny, and then takes a swig of 60 year old MacCutcheon Scotch right in front of Desmond's face, claiming that it he'd never waste such an expensive luxury on a man that is never be worthy of his approval. Next we'd likely get a snippet of his first interaction with Lost "time coach" Eloise Hawking in the jewelry store while picking out a ring for Penny. Instead of encouraging him to buy the perfect ring, Eloise tells him pointedly that he will do no such thing, and that if he doesn't forget about her and go to the Island to push the button, that "every single one of us will die."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090110223533/lostpedia/images/3/3c/3x08_GiveMeTheRing.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 220px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090110223533/lostpedia/images/3/3c/3x08_GiveMeTheRing.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Next, we would have been reminded of a few important scenes from Season four's "The Constant," where Desmond's conscience once again travels through time after leaving the Island off the wrong bearing. We'd see him meet the Freighter's communication officer, George Minkowski, who is suffering from the same fate as Desmond due to overexposure to electro-magnetic energy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080813232909/lostpedia/images/2/21/Strain.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080813232909/lostpedia/images/2/21/Strain.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />We'd learn that if Desmond didn't make a connection with his Constant, that he'd soon die, just as Minkowski does later in that episode. Then we'd see possibly the most heartwarming ending of any Lost episode; the scene where Desmond connects with Penny by phone from the Freighter on Christmas Eve, and is able to both establish his Constant and express his undying love for his true soul mate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100122060155/lostpedia/images/thumb/c/ca/4x05_CallingPenny.jpg/800px-4x05_CallingPenny.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 442px; height: 241px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100122060155/lostpedia/images/thumb/c/ca/4x05_CallingPenny.jpg/800px-4x05_CallingPenny.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They didn't show us these reminders because by now we should know that Desmond is special and always has been. Somewhere in that brain of his, he has had the answers to the mysteries of this show and I think he finally realized what he needs to do next at the end of "Happily Ever After." But how did he get to that point? And what makes him so special in the first place?<br /><br />Clearly, Desmond's ability to successfully bridge the gap between the Sideways and the Island world is going to be very important as we hit this final stretch of the series. While other characters have had only a "sense" of another life and moments of eery deva vu, Desmond straight up <span style="font-style: italic;">sees </span>his other world. Moreover, as he flashes back and forth from the Sideways to the Island towards the end of the episode he seems to remember what he's experienced in each dimension. This is key, because moving forward he'll be able to pass on vital information to our characters between worlds. At the end of the episode, you'll remember that he passes out at the stadium after shaking Penny's hand. At that moment, we see him waking up in the Island with a sense of calm and a clear purpose. He's then taken by Sayid but knows that he will bring him to the others, which is likely exactly where he wants to go. Similarly, after waking up at the stadium he knows exactly what he needs to do next. He asks Minkowski for the flight manifest so that he can "show" the rest of our characters the truth. In both worlds, he wears a serene smile that is a mix of astonishment, excitement, and confidence. He has the answers that we all want.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100407200020/lostpedia/images/thumb/3/31/06X11Desmondtoshowthem.jpg/800px-06X11Desmondtoshowthem.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 435px; height: 229px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100407200020/lostpedia/images/thumb/3/31/06X11Desmondtoshowthem.jpg/800px-06X11Desmondtoshowthem.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />But what answers will he provide to the Losties? What does he want to show them? Because going up to someone and saying, "hey, so get this: you exist in a parallel world where your plane never crashed. You're living a life that is kind of the same but a little different. Jack - you have a kid; Hurley you're super lucky; and Sayid - well, you're still kind of the same, sorry man." For the Island folks this bit of info may be more than a bit unbelievable, but I don't think the same would be true for the Sideways characters. We've gone over the moments of clarity that the Sideways characters experience...Jack in the airplane bathroom, Sun in the hallway mirror, Kate and Jack's longing stare at the airport, etc. These people have a feeling that something is up but they can't quite explain what it is they are feeling. Is something missing in their lives? Are they letting opportunity pass them by? Do they unconsciously yurn for something more, just like Desmond did before being enlightened by Charlie? In these cases, having an encounter with Junior Time Coach Desmond might help them put it all in perspective. But before Desmond can guide our Sideways characters down the right path, he needs to first know what it is they are looking for. Well, what better way to find that out than by heading straight to the source...our Losties on the Island. Armed with the desires of the Island characters, Des will be able to "show" the Sideways crew the truth.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I've seen the truth"</span><br /><br />Speaking of revealing truths, it's interesting that the characters that show Desmond the way in his Sideways are characters that no longer exist on the Island. Minkowski, Charlie, Faraday - they guide Desmond along the path to enlightenment. Their deaths on the Island somehow give them a stronger sense of realization that the Sideways is not their true world and that something more real is just beyond their grasp. But what's troubling for them is that their existence in the Island world is no longer attainable. Unlike Desmond - who is very much alive in both worlds - they cannot bridge the gap between the two due to their deaths on the Island. This again, is what makes Desmond special. He likely shares this ability to "see" the Island world with these characters because he <span style="font-style: italic;">should</span> have died in the hatch implosion, but did not. (Add a hefty dose of Electro-Magnetic energy and you got yourself a dimension hopping hero). Instead, as Widmore says, he's the only person in the world to have survived such an event, and in return he's granted the ability to see and live in both dimensions.... and this ability is very troubling to a certain person who seems to have similar capabilities: Eloise Hawking.<br /><br />Desmond's interaction with Eloise in the Sideways was extremely interesting. If you watch closely, you can see that upon his initial introduction to her, Eloise is for an instant startled and unsettled. She quickly regains her composure and is able to shrug off the bad news that Driveshaft won't be appearing at her ball after all ("whatever happened, happened.") However, once Desmond inquires about Penny after hearing her name being called off the RSVP list, Eloise's tone and attitude change drastically. All of a sudden we hear her utter lines that seem to refer to something larger than the current situation: "I want you to stop. Someone has clearly affected the way you see things, and this is a serious problem. It is, in fact, a violation. Whatever it is you think you're looking for, you need to stop looking for it." Eloise is inferring that someone has broken the "rules" if you will, and that Desmond has been shown the truth. This is of course the case, seeing that Charlie opened Desmond's eyes to Penny's existence and another life during the car crash scene. She continues her tirade by reinforcing that Desmond has all the things he's ever wanted at the moment - the approval he receives from Widmore, the unattached lifestyle he currently enjoys, etc. These are things that were given to him to shield him from what he truly wanted but never even knew: Penny's love. Clearly, Eloise is aware that if the two ever meet an even bigger violation of the "rules" will take place. And case in point, the moment Desmond shakes Penny's hand later in the stadium he wakes up in the Island, knowing what he must do next. The connection is made, and it means trouble for Eloise, but why?<br /><br />I think that Eloise in some way has the same capabilities as Desmond, meaning that she can bridge the gap between realities. However, unlike what Desmond is setting off to do - which is to essentially open the eyes of our characters to the truth and incite possible change - Eloise is of the opinion that change is bad. She follows the rules, and guides her pawns with rigid structure. A part of me even thinks that she may not be all that "good," and that she's working for the wrong side, either knowingly or not. Someone, or something, has created this Sideways reality with care, and has given our characters the reality that they<span style="font-style: italic;"> think</span> they want. She reinforces to Desmond that he has everything he always wanted, but we know that is not entirely true. As mentioned above something critical is missing for everyone, and keeping them in the dark to such knowledge is of critical importance to Eloise. Moreover, I tend to think that Widmore is actually helping Desmond come to his realization and could be himself violating Eloise's mission. Why else would he literally send Desmond to the ball if that was the only place that he'd be able to get a lead on Penny? Also, when looking back at past episodes, Widmore - while under the veil of "hating" him - has always helped Desmond along his path: he orchestrated the sailboat race that initially brought Des to the Island; he unbelievably gave Des Penny's phone number in the "Constant," which allowed him to finally get in touch with her from the Freighter and save his life; and this week he led him straight to Charlie and Faraday, both of which opened Desmond's eyes to the truth. If he were on Eloise's side, why would he defy her so blatantly?<br /><br />It's almost Widmore's found his own special player in Desmond, and that now he and Eloise are battling on opposite sides of the Time Coach wars...Eloise wants the status quo, while Widmore/Desmond will fight to reveal the truth, and at least give our characters a shot to truly live "Happily Ever After."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x11/happily184.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 432px; height: 239px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x11/happily184.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100407054651/lostpedia/images/thumb/9/91/6x11_AreYouOkay.jpg/800px-6x11_AreYouOkay.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><br />To be honest, the more I think about this week's show the more I get confused. Clearly the lines between the worlds is blurring, and it will continue to do so as we move forward. But so many questions remain: how does all of this affect Flocke's mission? What is Widmore's true intent? Does he feel that being able to bridge "worlds" is key to winning the war? Which reality is the true world? Will our characters need to make a choice of one over the other in the end? Your guess is as good as mine. One thing's for sure, "Happily Ever After" will be an episode that will likely be even better to re-watch when this whole shindig is over...and I look forward to that.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tid Bits</span><br /><br />First off, I freaked myself out this week. Not sure if any of you guys noticed, but when searching for a Desmond picture for last week's recap, I settled on the pic below, which I simply thought was cool and certainly evoked memories of one of Desmond's big moments on the show. In no way did I know that almost the same image would be recreated this week in the chilling underwater car scene with Charlie and Desmond. But maybe my Sideways self knew something I didn't.....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091220165945/lostpedia/images/thumb/3/32/3x22_GoodbyeCharlie.jpg/800px-3x22_GoodbyeCharlie.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 424px; height: 229px;" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091220165945/lostpedia/images/thumb/3/32/3x22_GoodbyeCharlie.jpg/800px-3x22_GoodbyeCharlie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100412024557/lostpedia/images/7/73/6x11_HandWrittenDejaVu.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 229px;" src="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100412024557/lostpedia/images/7/73/6x11_HandWrittenDejaVu.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A painting in Widmore's Sideways office was a not only a scale, but a scale with white backgammon chips on one side and black on the other. The writers <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> wanted to get that image across, huh?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x11/happily095.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 223px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x11/happily095.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />The MRI scene was pretty interesting. Obviously the electro-magnetic energy in the machine acts as a catalyst and triggers more flashes for Desmond, but the most interesting line of the scene came from the technician himself when describing the panic button: "try not to push it, otherwise we'll have to start <span style="font-style: italic;">all over again</span>." For years on the Island, Desmond did just that...pushed the button, reset the clock to 108, and essentially stayed stagnant in his incredibly structured life. But the first time he does not push the button, he survives the blast and everything changes. And instead of being essentially stuck in time, he instead is able to move through it. If everything was a loop before that moment, Desmond was the one that broke it wide open, and allowed for our story to truly begin.<br /><br /><br />Alright kids, let me know what you think. Pretty much any theory could be the right one at this point. Till next week......<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-72855838297362038792010-04-02T15:17:00.013-04:002010-04-04T23:13:12.235-04:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 9: "The Package"</span><br /><br />So after last week's epic Alpert adventure, I didn't have high hopes for what was to be a Kwon-focused episode this week, but like all that is Lost, my expectations were not only met but surpassed. We returned to the Sideways-shifting scenarios, and I think we were left with a ton of questions to ponder this week. So instead of getting all theoretical, I'm going to attack this episode in chunks, and let's see if we can figure some shit out.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"There are only three left" </span><br /><br />So we didn't necessarily get an answer on which Kwon is the true candidate, but a few clues pointed to each being the possible chosen one. First, when Sun answers the door in the Hotel we see her stand and pause for an extra little second in front of the mirror, looking almost <span style="font-style: italic;">through</span> it rather than at its reflection. We've seen the use of mirrors in the Sideways before and I wrote extensively about it in the recap for "The Lightouse." We get the feeling that Sun is experiencing one of those deja vu moments as she gazes through the looking glass, which could lead us to believe that she is special in some way, similar to how Jack seems to have a sense of another world in his Sideways scenes in the Lighthouse.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100331235742/lostpedia/images/6/6b/6x10_FunnyLook.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 405px; height: 227px;" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100331235742/lostpedia/images/6/6b/6x10_FunnyLook.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Then on the Island, Flocke specifically seeks out Sun in order to recruit her to his side, this time by dangling the hope of bringing her and Jin back together (which ironically is the only "true" promise he's given to a potential recruit). Flocke doesn't quite know if she's truly someone he needs, but he's not going to take any chances and figures, why not get both?<br /><br />On the flip side, Jin is also highly sought after commodity in "The Package." In the Sideways he's hunted by Keamy, Mikhail, and Omer and is marked for death as punishment for messing around with the boss's daughter. Then on the Island, with a little help from a nasty bear trap wound, Flocke was able to keep him under his supervision until Widmore's clan (the new, <span style="font-style: italic;">new</span> Others? Sheesh), ambushed Team Darkness and captured Jin for themselves. Widmore knows that Flocke needs all the candidates to succeed, so in taking Jin to break up is master plan, we have to consider that Jin could indeed the be the all important candidate after all. Sun 1, Jin 1. Deadlocked. Damn.<br /><br />I still tend to think that Jin is still the candidate for a couple reasons. First off, we don't know what Flocke did to Sun after she ran head first into a tree (note: the tree won). While I'm not sure she could be "infected" since she (probably) didn't die, he still may have done something wacky to her in those moments of unconsciousness which may have tainted her status as possible candidate. Then, her inability to speak English upon waking up is definitely an ominous sign. It's almost as if a piece of her is gone, and that the rest will follow soon after. Additionally, let's not forget that her maiden name is not Kwon...a small note but a rather important one when you think about it. If she were the candidate, wouldn't the name on the wall be "Paik?" But then again, there is one other true "Kwon" out there that we should be aware of, Sun and Jin's daughter, Ji Yeon.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/thepackage/the-package460.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 236px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/thepackage/the-package460.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />There is a possibility that Ji Yeon is in fact the true candidate. While I find it hard to believe that somehow a toddler is going to make it back to the Island and save the world, I suppose anything is possible on this show. But what could make sense is that she stays right where she is in Korea and does absolutely nothing, which would actually throw a huge wrench in Flocke's grand plan to escape the Island. Based on what we learned this week, Flocke seems to need all of the candidates in one place before he leaves. His line now is that he'll help them escape, but my take is that his true intention is to gather up all the candidates so that they can be eliminated, which would allow him to FINALLY leave the Island. Remember, in "Ab Aeterno" Jacob said that even if he were killed, someone would come and replace his position, and keep the never-ending game alive. Until all of those "replacements" are gone, we should believe that MIB can't go anywhere. So when Jacob touched <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> Sun and Jin at their wedding in "The Incident", could he have really been touching the child that their union would eventually create? After all, Ji Yeon was conceived on the Island, something that was never possible before then. Did Jacob's touch allow this to happen? If this theory holds true, and if Flocke is held at bay due to the fact that he doesn't have all the candidates accounted for, Jacob may have pulled off the best long con ever.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090806061713/lostpedia/images/0/06/Lost_jacobsunjin_300x200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 353px; height: 234px;" src="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090806061713/lostpedia/images/0/06/Lost_jacobsunjin_300x200.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"She's not a Candidate...anymore"</span><br /><br />The debate surrounding Kate's candidacy continues. First, her name is not shown on the cave wall, but it is shown on the Lighthouse wheel. Then Flocke declares this week that she's not a candidate <span style="font-style: italic;">anymore</span>, insinuating that she once did hold the title. So what gives here? Honestly, I don't know what could have knocked Kate off the ticket for Island President, so I'd love to hear your guys' thoughts. One possibility could be that in taking Aaron for herself, Kate broke some cardinal rule and lost her candidate status. Caring for him seemed to be the right thing to do at the time, but let's not forget that she easily could have returned Aaron to Claire's next of kin after arriving back to the US from the Island. But instead she lived on with a pretty huge lie, but so did the rest of the O6 and none of them seemed to have lost their slots as chosen ones. Another possibility is that Flocke is simply lying to Claire when he says that Kate is no longer a candidate. Claire wants to take out her revenge on Kate for taking Aaron, but if Kate's a candidate Flocke would need to take her with him...alive. Therefore, by telling Claire that Kate isn't a candidate, Flocke keeps Claire wrapped around his finger, promising her need for revenge as a way of keeping her obedient to his rule. When Flocke utters "whatever happens, happens" to Claire, he may be referring to Claire's eventual doom versus that of Kate's. Once Flocke loses his need for Claire, I'm sure he won't mind throwing her by the wayside.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/thepackage/the-package265.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 458px; height: 254px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/thepackage/the-package265.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"It's not a what, it's a who." </span><br /><br />Finally, he's back. Desmond, the man to which "the rules" do not apply has returned to the Island, whether he likes it or not. And according to Widmore, he may have the ability to change everything. "Everything" in this case must point to the ultimate defeat of the Man In Black. What else can it mean, really? In a statement made prior to the Package's purpose, Widmore claims that if MIB wins, everyone in the world would simply "cease to be." Whoa, those are pretty heavy words. So if the Package changes everything, and if Desmond is that Package, then he must have the ability to stop and/or kill MIB. But how? I have no idea. But keep a few things in mind; something happened to Desmond when he turned that Failsafe key back in Season 2. All of a sudden he was flashing through time/consciousness (Sideways Worlds, anyone?), predicting the future, and bumping into Time Traveling scientists telling him to find crazy old ladies across the globe years into the future. In a word, he is special. I assume the biggest challenge at this point will be to get Desmond to believe that the Island is not finished with him yet and to believe that he alone has the power to change everything. If we've learned nothing on this show, we know that there is a huge difference between choice and force. And if Des can choose to save the world, he just may be able to do so.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091220165945/lostpedia/images/thumb/3/32/3x22_GoodbyeCharlie.jpg/800px-3x22_GoodbyeCharlie.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 453px; height: 245px;" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091220165945/lostpedia/images/thumb/3/32/3x22_GoodbyeCharlie.jpg/800px-3x22_GoodbyeCharlie.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tid Bits</span><br /><br />I'm probably a bit late to this one, but when Flocke said to Widmore "a wise man once said that war was coming to this Island" I was instantly drawn back to that conversation between Locke and Widmore in Tunisia. Locke had just left the Island (via the donkey wheel), and was about to head out to recruit the O6 to return to the Island. While it's true that Widmore was in fact the "wise man" that told Locke that a war was coming to the Island, what struck me were the parallels between Locke's mission back then and Flocke's current mission now in the Island. Both are recruiting (the O6 and the Candidates), and both have specific goals in mind (save the world / destroy the world). In Locke's case, the story ended with his death....will the same be true for Flocke?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/thepackage/the-package373.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 414px; height: 229px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/thepackage/the-package373.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I think most people got this, but enough at the office did not, so it is worth pointing out that Mikhail in the Sideways was our old friend Mikhail (aka "Patchy") the communications officer Other that killed Charlie at the Looking Glass station. It was great to see him again, and even better, it was pretty awesome to see that he got shot right through that eye in the Sideways, rendering him back to Patchy status once again. Some things never change.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090308021643/lostpedia/images/2/2f/Mikhail_glass_promo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 350px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090308021643/lostpedia/images/2/2f/Mikhail_glass_promo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A quick interesting note that a couple folks brought up to me: we learned that MIB is unable to travel/fly over water, which adds to the "Island is his prison" idea. To take it a step further, submerging the Island under water would then be the ultimate prison, right?<br /><br /><br />When Jack attempts to calm Sun down after her Korean laced tirade on the beach, he promises that he will get Sun and Jin off the Island. However I found his wording of the promise particularly interesting: "I promise that I will get you two off this Island." In seasons past, Jack has always included himself in these declarations...usually it's "WE need to stick together," or "WE will get off this Island." Now for the first time, he removes himself from the equation. Am I looking into this way too much, or is this a hint that Jack has no intention of ever leaving the Island ever again?<br /><br /><br />That's it for this week. I don't even know what Tuesday's ep is called, but here's to hoping that it's focused on Desmond!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-57886874120435658342010-03-27T13:29:00.008-04:002010-03-29T09:09:16.342-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 153);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 8: "Ab Aeterno"</span><br /><br />Well, that was awesome. After six seasons of mystery and speculation, we finally got some answers about our eye-liner wearing friend, Richard Alpert. This episode was a bit of a throw back as well, as the storytelling took a break from the Sideways world and focused more on the very long past of the ageless one. It's funny though, even though we were thrown a ton of info in "Ab Aeterno," there were few jaw dropping moments of revelation, but that certainly doesn't mean that there is nothing to talk about.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Your dead. We're all dead. We're in Hell."</span><br /><br />First off, let's make sure we're all on the same page: the Island is not Hell. I think most people worked this out, but it's worth running through briefly just in case. Richard's declaration to Jack that the "Island is Hell" was quite a way to start off the episode, but as we moved through the hour we learned that his assumption was based lies planted by none other than the Man in Black. He's a crafty one for sure, and I must admit, they had me going for just a little bit (especially when Jacob went all medieval on Richard at the statue), but in the end what we saw was MIB up to his old tricks.<br /><br />This episode was actually the perfect companion to last year's finale ("The Incident") when we saw - for the first time - Jacob and the Man in Black sitting on the beach waiting the arrival of the Black Rock to the Island.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x16/theincident012.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 434px; height: 240px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x16/theincident012.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Even back then, MIB was insistent on the frivolity of he and Jacob's game and let Jacob know that his ultimate goal was to kill him and escape from the Island. Therefore, when the ship subsequently crashes ashore, MIB goes straight to work on a plan to extricate himself from his own personal prison. In the form of Smokey, he wipes out the crew in short order, but stops short of finishing off Richard. While scanning his mind, he <span style="font-style: italic;">sees</span> something in him; a broken man that is ripe for exploitation. This is no different to when Smokey stares down John Locke years and years later (in Season 1) and sees a life of failure, false hope, and broken dreams. In short, a sap that will be easy to recruit. For John, MIB dangled the carrots of leadership, respect, and destiny to win him over - for Richard he simply needed to tempt him with the lost love of his wife and Richard was ready to do his dirty work.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100326232229/lostpedia/images/9/95/6x09_TheDevilSeesMe.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 450px; height: 243px;" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100326232229/lostpedia/images/9/95/6x09_TheDevilSeesMe.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Richard's first encounter with Jacob provided a nice counterpoint argument to MIB's rather convincing statements in the hull of the Black Rock. As I mentioned, the calm and soft spoken man that we're used must have been on vacation as he rather unfairly beat the shit out of a man that was on the brink of death as it is, but I guess Jacob figured he needed a good dose of reality to convince him that he was not in fact dead at all - and a good punch to the face is as good a way to do so as any. After the ceremonial dunking/baptism into the "faith of Jacob" in the water, Richard was ready to listen. And here, we get a reprisal of Jacob's mission: 1) prove that man is inherently good and can avoid corruption by choosing the right path <span style="font-style: italic;">on their own and without influence </span>and 2) to keep MIB trapped on the Island by any means necessary....cause if he gets out, then lookout cookout, the world quite literally turns to Hell.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100326232341/lostpedia/images/a/a4/6x09_AGiftFromJacob.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 217px;" src="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100326232341/lostpedia/images/a/a4/6x09_AGiftFromJacob.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />What's key here is the interpretation of what Jacob means by "Hell." Does he mean that if MIB escapes, the world goes all WWIII on itself and we're to live out our days in post-apocalyptic misery? I don't think so. I think what he refers to is that man's ability to execute free will in order to make himself, those around him, and his environment a better place will be lost forever. Meaning, that we will be faced to live in a world without purpose, which is a life not worth living. It might as well be Hell. In "Dr. Linus" Richard said to Jack, "why do I want to die?! Because I just found out that my entire life had no purpose!" MIB's stance is that this path to despair is inevitable. There is no purpose to life and there is nothing anyone can do to change that. And if he succeeds and escapes the Island, it will be so in the world. But what happens if he doesn't succeed?<br /><br />It may be a stretch, but I think the Sideways world is the direct result of MIB's ultimate failure on the Island. For a while now we've seen similarities between the two realities and how our characters' victories and defeats represent themselves in the Sideways, but we are still at a loss as to how the two worlds are truly connected. My take is that events that we see in the Sideways happen because they are living in a world in which MIB doesn't exist at all...or Jacob for that matter. And even without these forces of influence, man is able to make the right choices for themselves, entirely on their own. If this is the case, then it makes sense that the Island is under water, because its purpose to "cork" MIB's existence from the rest of the world is unnecessary. Similarly, if Team Light wins the war on the Island, then Jacob wins the eternal argument of man's inherent goodness, proving his point beyond doubt, which means that his existence (which arguably, is only to prove MIB wrong) is no longer necessary as well. And for the most part, the characters we've seen in the Sideways have made their lives better entirely on their own, through their own ability to choose the right path.<br /><br />Now, how does that explain that the Island is under water? Well, as we know from "Dr. Linus," Dharma existed in the Sideways and their work on the Island was very real. The Island was still a "special" place based on its location and the scientific properties within it. So Dharma still utilized it for its experiments, and in the end, I think the incident still happened which in turn sunk it to the bottom of the Ocean (and we will assume that Ben and Roger left before said incident this time). But what is different in this scenario is that the rest of it - the influences from the Losties and the Others and Jacob and MIB - weren't a part of it all, because they were never there. When you think about it, the Dharma storyline and the Others/Jacob/MIB storyline are mutually exclusive. Dharma still would have happened regardless of whether or not Jacob and MIB lived there or not. And the Incident still would have happened without any Other / Lostie influence because the decision to drill into the Swan station was entirely Dharma's. Therefore the Incident still occurred, causing the Island to sink in 1977, and Oceanic 815 therefore never crashed 2004. Case closed? (I doubt it).<br /><br />Who knows....as I said, it may be a stretch and I can already think of some holes in this theory (if Jacob and MIB never existed, why is the Statue still up in the sunken Sideways Island?), but it's what I got at the moment. I'd love to hear what you guys may think as well. At the office, theories of the long debated Purgatory scenario are making a come back, so there are plenty of theories going around. I may be wrong with the above, but I think that when we look back at the end of all this, "Ab Aeterno" will be viewed as an episode that provided some serious clues to the ultimate resolution of <span style="font-style: italic;">LOST</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Tid Bits</span><br /><br />The title of this episode, <i>Ab Aeterno,</i> is Latin for "from eternity." The phrase is used to mean "since the beginning" or "for long ages." This could certainly refer to a number of things, one of which would be Richard's agelessness.<br /><br /><br />You may have caught that the Captain of the Black Rock was Magnus Hanso. Indeed, Magnus Hanso is the great grandfather of Alvar Hanso, who was the leader of the Hanso Foundation, which funded the Dharma Initiative. Additionally, in the Season 3 episode "The Constant," Charles Widmore was shown as the winning bidder for a journal that was believed to be the property of the Black Rock's Captain on the ship's final voyage (at the time, another Hanso - Talvard Hanso - was the owner of the journal and was auctioning it off). Widmore likely wanted the journal so that he could use it to try and find the Island.<br /><br /><br />I found it interesting that MIB told Richard that "if you let him talk, it will already be too late," when referring to his instructions on how to kill Jacob. Of course, we remember Dogen saying this same thing to Sayid when instructing him on how to kill Flocke, and sure enough, once Flocke speaks to Sayid ("Hello, Sayid") he is incapable of being killed. But the confusing thing is that when Ben killed Jacob, Jacob <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> talk to him...but he was still killed. So apparently the same rules don't apply to both?? Or maybe the difference is that Jacob wanted/needed to die, so that a candidate can take over his position and end MIB's reign for good. <br /><br /><br />What Hurley says to a ghost (presumably Isabella) at the beginning of the episode: "<i>Ok.", "What can you do?", "Yes, I can help you.", "But, I don't know how to find him, if I don't where he went...</i>",<br /><br /><br />Illana continues to intrigue me...she is clearly an important character but we still know very little about her. After seeing in this episode that Jacob realized that Richard could be his adviser on the Island, I wonder if he eventually realized that having someone in the outside world would be helpful as well? If so, is that person then Illana? If so, is she also ageless? That hospital that Jacob finds her in seems like it's pretty old...maybe from the WWII era. Interesting to think about....hopefully we get an episode focusing on her as we wind down to the end of it all...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100325234222/lostpedia/images/6/6c/6X09_IlanasEye.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 424px; height: 239px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100325234222/lostpedia/images/6/6c/6X09_IlanasEye.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />That's all I got for this week. Thanks for reading, as always, and looking forward to this week's episode, which is titled "The Package." Until then....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-72673530637443970372010-03-20T12:45:00.009-04:002010-03-22T10:54:37.126-04:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 7: "Recon"</span><br /><br />So this episode didn't do much for me, but not every week can be perfect. The Flash-Sideways storyline was interesting, with Miles and Sawyer starring in their own buddy cop show, but some of the Island scenes dragged a bit. It wasn't awful, but I guess I just didn't see an evolution for the characters' story lines in "Recon"...but then again, maybe that was the point.<br /><br />As we've discussed here over the past few weeks, characters that find their purpose on the Island, for better or worse, seem to reflect that purpose and change in the Sideways world. Ben redeems himself on the Island, and is a changed man in the Sideways. Sayid reverts to evil on the Island, and does so as well in the Sideways...and so on. So when it became clear that "Recon" focused on Sawyer, I was expecting some sort of moment of clarity for our old friend. Will he stay with Flocke, or will he (re) con him and save the day for team light? What choices will he make and how will they impact the not only the story, but his role in both the Island and the Sideways? But in the end, no such moment came. Sawyer reverted back to his old (Season 1-3) self...looking out only for himself, playing sides against each other, getting hot on Kate, and you know... <span style="font-style: italic;">just survivin</span>'.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x08/recon529.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 420px; height: 233px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x08/recon529.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />So when we see him in the Sideways, he's not really any different than what we're used to seeing with him. Sure, he's a cop instead of a criminal, but it's almost as if the cop gig is just a cover for his true mission: to find and kill the man that is responsible for his parent's death. And it is this tragic event - both in the Island and Sideways world - that Sawyer can't overcome. His lack of trust for others, failed relationships, loner attitude, selfishness, and penchant for violence all stem from the loss of his parents at a young age. And if he can't move past these feelings, start to trust and work positively with others, he will remain without purpose both on the Island and in the Sideways. It's no coincidence that Jacob touched Sawyer outside the church where his parent's funeral was held. It is this event that defines him, and Jacob's hope is that it will end up making him stronger, not weaker. <br /><br />The only time Sawyer came close to putting the past behind him was during his time with Dharma. He held an important position within the community, was respected by all and trusted those he worked with. Most importantly, he fell in love, an act that requires a certain vulnerability that he was never truly capable of before. It's almost as if this period was Sawyer's time of redemption. All the pain he suffered before due to his past was gone, and he was at peace in his life. But when it was all ripped away, ending with Juliet dying in his arms, he unfortunately reverted back to his old ways. You can't blame him for being upset and wanting to just leave it all behind and get the hell off the Island, but something tells me that when it comes down to it, he won't be able to leave his friends behind. <br /><br />Sawyer "still has work to do" and that the Island isn't done with him yet, and I also don't think we've seen the last of his episode-centric story lines. My guess is that the hero within him will rise again, as it has in the past, and he will choose the right side, as he has in the past as well. He is capable of greatness, and I hope that he lives up to that capability. And if he does, I believe that we will see him once again in the Sideways, but this time in a different light. Instead of holding on to the thought of revenge and dealing with his grief through six packs and one night stands, he'll be hand in hand with Juliet, going "dutch over coffee," happy as can be. His reward for redemption on the Island will be to reclaim the happiness he once lost in the Sideways. That's my corny guess, anyways.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x08/lafleur517.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 238px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x08/lafleur517.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Some other stuff obviously went down in "Recon," the most important being Widmore's return to the Island. His meeting with Sawyer was interesting, and we were left to wonder what Widmore's true intentions really are. But the scenes left us with more questions than answers. What's in that locked door in the sub? Did Zoe and the others come with Widmore on the sub, or were they planted on Ajira 316 by Widmore so that he could finally find his way to the Island? Did they kill the remaining passengers or did Flocke? (I'm guessing Flocke). How does Widmore plan on killing Flocke? (Maybe with whatever is in that locked door?) But one thing is for sure, both Flocke and Widmore are aware of each other, and it doesn't look like they're buddy buddy either. This seems to point more to the fact that Widmore is actually a good guy, and has returned to the Island to help protect it. Time will tell, though.<br /><br /><br />A quick thought regarding Flocke: he's full of shit. This isn't a monumental claim or anything, but in no way do I believe that "his mother was hard on him" and that he went through some "growing pains" in their relationship as he claims in his little chat with Kate. Flocke is recruiting, just as he was when he appealed to Sawyer's weaknesses in the cave to have him join the team, and how he tugged on Sayid's strings when mentioning Nadia. He's using Kate's strained relationship with her mother (Kate's mother essentially chose an abusive husband over her, a tough pill to take for anyone) in order to create bond between them so that she will fully join his side. And the "crazy mother" comparison to Claire was a nice finishing touch. Dangling Kate's love for Aaron was as the final nudge to what he hopes will be her full conversion to the dark side. But Kate - for now - isn't taking the bait.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x08/recon512.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 439px; height: 243px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x08/recon512.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />She, just like Sawyer, is still in limbo per her overall purpose on the Island, and remains somewhat side-less. Therefore, it's not a surprise to see that she hasn't changed too much in the Sideways either. Kate the convict is still on the run, running away from both her problems and her responsibilities. Hopefully Kate and Sawyer can help each other find what their looking for.<br /><br />Tid Bits<br /><br />The man in the police station looking for his brother was Liam Pace, Charlie's brother. I hope we get to see a little more of Charlie eventually, but for now he's locked up for carrying drugs on the flight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x08/recon448.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 218px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x08/recon448.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />From Lostpedia, a summary of the books on Sawyer's dresser:<br /><br /><ul><li> <i><b><a href="http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Watership_Down" title="Watership Down">Watership Down</a></b></i>: This novel, written in 1972 by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Adams" class="extiw" title="wikipedia:Richard Adams">Richard Adams</a>, is on James' chest of drawers. The novel is a spoof of humans searching for a new home, using a society of rabbits as characters. The rabbits find what they think is utopia, but discover that it is a farm with traps and snares. They find that they have to live together or die alone, while establishing new rules by which to live. </li><li><i><b><a href="http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/A_Wrinkle_in_Time" title="A Wrinkle in Time">A Wrinkle in Time</a></b></i>: This sci-fi children's novel, written in 1962 by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madeleine_L%27Engle" class="extiw" title="wikipedia:Madeleine L'Engle">Madeleine L'Engle</a>, is on James' chest of drawers. The story follows Meg Murry, a teenager who travels in time and space with her younger brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O'Keefe. Their mission is to rescue her father, who is a scientist being held prisoner on an alien planet dominated by a large dark cloud called "The Black Thing." </li><li><i><b><a href="http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Lancelot" title="Lancelot">Lancelot</a></b></i>: This novel, written by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walker_Percy" class="extiw" title="wikipedia:Walker Percy">Walker Percy</a> in 1977, tells the story of Lancelot Lamar, an attorney who finds out he is not the father of his youngest daughter. Lamar kills his wife by blowing up their house. He ends up in a mental institution with his memories, where reality and the past get blurred for him. </li></ul>And to end the post with a little comedy, I couldn't help but think of the below clip when Flocke slapped Claire silly after putting a knife to Kate's throat. An oldy, but goodie:<br /><br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SOG2MHPQFqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SOG2MHPQFqY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Alright folks, strap in for next week, which focuses on the man, the myth, the legend: Richard Alpert. And the episode apparently runs 6 minutes over, so plan accordingly!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-83470782072945858322010-03-14T15:21:00.010-04:002010-03-15T10:09:57.025-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 6; "Dr. Linus"</span><br /><br /><br />This was my favorite episode of the season. Sure, Smokey death runs, slit throats, and axe wounds to the chest are thrilling and all, but in the end I'm a sucker for the slow cook variety of episodes that bring us new revelations about our beloved characters. Add the fact that Ben - the man we love to hate (and sometimes love to love) - was put back to the center of attention after a drought that lasted a little too long and you got yourself a perfect hour of television. There was a good amount of info to process from this particular hour, so let's get right down to it<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"He might just as well have been Dead"</span><br /><br />As Dr. Linus taught his European History students about the fall of the infamous Napoleon, you couldn't help realize that he was effectively describing his own history on the Island. In the lecture, Ben notes that Napoleon would likely choose death over a powerless life, and it would just so happen that he would have to make the same choice later on in the episode, but more on that later. What the line initially conjures up is a remembrance of Ben's own motivations throughout his life: his unrelenting lust for power.<br /><br />Ben was never a candidate. I know his name ("Linus") was on the Lighthouse wheel, but I believe that the name represented his father Roger, and that Ben was brought along for the ride. Not only was he not a candidate, but I don't believe that he was ever "supposed" to be the leader of the Others. Instead, he used his keen sense of manipulation to rise through the ranks, as the allure to gain total power was too strong to pass up. Just like his buddy Napoleon, he wanted it all, and he got it.<br /><br />As we know, little Ben was extremely unhappy with his original situation on the Island, and figured out a way to defect from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Dharma</span> and be "saved" by Richard and the Others. Once entrenched as a full time Other, he succeeded in the elimination of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Dharma</span> contingent for good. Then, surely after a series of tried and true Ben manipulations, he exiled <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Widmore</span> - the true leader at the time - siting various "rule" violations. With his quest to the top complete, he moved the Others to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Dharmaville</span> (now appropriately christened "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Otherton</span>"), and took over other various <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Dharma</span> stations for his own use (the medical hatch, the Hydra, the Looking Glass, the Flame communication station to keep in touch with the "real" world, etc), a move that contradicted how the Others typically lived and operated on the Island. Furthermore, he undertook various projects - the doomed fertility <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">experiment</span> being one - seemingly without higher level direction and in the process put many of his people in danger. Ben does all of this to supposedly "protect the Island" and his people, but time and time again what we really see is him protecting himself and his position of power. Case in point, when he has a choice between saving his daughter or saving himself, he choose the latter and watched Alex be murdered right before his eyes.<br /><br />All the while, Ben himself didn't seem to be protected <span style="font-style: italic;">by</span> the Island at all. We've seen miraculous recoveries by those that are "chosen" - Locke has healed from a gunshot wound (inflicted by none other than Ben), Jack has survived rusty blade surgery, Rose is healed from terminal cancer, etc. Yet Ben, the supposed chosen leader and protector of the Island, develops an aggressive cancer on his neck and has to rely on Jack rather than the Island for salvation. And most revealing of all, Ben never even met Jacob when he was in power. Jacob never called for him, never spoke to him, relying instead on Richard to relay messages and direction. In the end, frustrated with the lack of attention he received from Jacob, Ben confronts him in the foot of the statue. And when responding to Ben's plea for recognition, Jacob's cold response of "what <span style="font-style: italic;">about</span> you" acts as the final straw for Ben, and we all know what happened next.<br /><br />According to Miles, Jacob's last thought before getting stabbed in the heart by Ben was "I hope I'm wrong about him." You see, Jacob always knew that Ben was not the true leader of the Others, nor the protector of the Island. However there was little he could really do about his rise to power. Choices were being made, free will being manipulated by Ben to fuel his own success. Jacob can set out a game plan, but he can't change the game once it has begun. Therefore, he knew that Ben could be trouble for him. He knew that since Ben was essentially a rogue leader, that all his carefully set out plans for the true candidates could go to hell. But being a believer in man's inherent goodness, Jacob hoped he was wrong about Ben's intentions. He hoped that he would <span style="font-style: italic;">choose</span> the right path, that he would lead in the way that other candidates would have. After all, wouldn't that be the best story of all? A normal man, without the gift from Jacob, comes to the Island and proves that man is capable of good over evil. Jacob hoped that this could be true. But as we know, Ben's intentions remained rested on his own gain versus that of the Island, and as he plunged his knife into Jacob's chest, Jacob's fear was confirmed. He was <span style="font-style: italic;">right</span> about Ben…for now.<br /><br />While it may have been a little too late for Jacob, Ben does eventually prove him wrong. What we saw in "Dr. Linus" was Ben's final path to true redemption. While digging his own grave - an extremely apt metaphor for what Ben has essentially been doing throughout his selfish life - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Flocke</span> visits him and gives him a choice: come with me, and have it all back. The power, the glory, the control, the manipulation, everything. Come with me and have it all….or stay here and die. It's Napoleon's quote all over again. At first Ben reacts instinctively and runs. He retrieves the gun that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Flocke</span> left for him and turns to face a chasing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ilana</span>. But instead of killing her in cold blood - something that he would have done with no problems at all in the past - he hesitates. He doesn't want anymore blood on his hands. He knows what he's done is wrong and accepts that no one in their right mind would want him in their company. But he so desperately wants to choose correctly this time. On verge of tears and willing to accept his fate as the newest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Flocke</span> recruit, he laments that "he's the only one <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">that'll</span> have me." And in a line that truly saves Ben's life <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Ilana</span> responds, "I'll have you."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x07/dr-linus-393.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 216px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x07/dr-linus-393.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Illana</span>, ever the student of Jacob, realizes that Ben's road to redemption is nearly complete. Given the chance, he will work with them and turn what was evil within him to good. He will eschew power and be a part of the team. And as he approaches Sun back at the beach, he offers a lending hand with a tarp; to help not only rebuild shelter but to rebuild his trust with those that might give him one more chance, after all.<br /><br /><br /><br />Ben's choices to overcome temptation and evil on the Island leads to him make correct choices in the Sideways as well. Instead of sacrificing Alex for his own personal gain to become principal, he instead gives up that hope so that she can succeed. For once, he sacrifices <span style="font-style: italic;">himself</span> for someone <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">else's</span> gain. Have we EVER seen him do that? This is a new life for Ben, and I think that the change is for good, both here and on the Island. In the beginning of the episode our old friend Locke the Substitute respects Ben's devotion to improve his kids' educational environment, saying "it sounds like you really care about this place." While the old Ben used this notion of "caring" as a rationalization for his crude actions on the Island (claiming that everything he did was for his people and the Island), now he truly does care for this place and for these people. There are some out there that think that Ben will fall to the dark side again, and that all of this is just one more long con to gain back the power that he lost, but I tend to disagree. Sure, I may eat these words (as I think I fall for Ben's tricks every time), but I think that he is truly changed man. It's Season 6 my friends, and there are bigger fish to fry. (Good thing I can edit these posts whenever I need to when the time comes though ;)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"Wanna try another stick?"</span><br /><br />Let's move on to the awesomeness that was the Richard and Jack storyline. Jack and Hurley encounter an increasingly disheveled Richard in the jungle and he leads them to Black Rock, the place of Richard's embarkation to the Island hundreds of years ago. And simply put, Richard is looking for a way out. Much like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">MIB</span>, he's questioning his purpose on the Island. He sees the chains that once trapped him on the Black Rock and thinks that while he thought he gained freedom on the Island through Jacob, he instead entered into another form of slavery for all these years. He's completely lost faith in all that he once believed in, and figures that offing himself is the best way to just end it all. But there's just one thing. We learn that since Jacob has touched him, he is incapable of suicide. Interesting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x07/dr-linus-242.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 397px; height: 220px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x07/dr-linus-242.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As a side note (and props to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Bri</span> Guy for pointing this out), this little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">tid</span> bit of info explains a few unresolved mysteries from past episodes. In "Meet Kevin Johnson" back in Season 4, our old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">frenemy</span> Michael was wracked with guilt over the betrayal of his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lostie</span> friends, and for the breakdown of his relationship with Walt. In the beginning of that episode, we see him write a note to Walt, and proceed to drive his car into a dumpster at roughly 70 miles per hour. But he lived. Later in the episode, he acquires a gun, loads it, points it to his head, and…nothing. Jammed. Again. Jammed. Coincidence? Hardly. Like most of the our other characters that were brought to the Island, Michael was a candidate and therefore susceptible to the rules that Jacob imposed upon them. And as we learned this week, one of those rules is that you can't kill yourself. Be killed by others? Sure. But no dice if you want to do the deed yourself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season4/4x08/meetkevin220.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 207px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season4/4x08/meetkevin220.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Another example of this rule in action is when a disheveled and bearded Jack starts to step off that bridge in Season 4, but is interrupted just in time by an accident occurring behind him. They couldn't die not only because Jacob had touched them, but because both characters still had work to do for the Island. Michael's job was to get on that Freighter and redeem himself for his awful actions in the past. And Jack? Well Jack's starting to figure out what he needs to do as well.<br /><br />Jack has seemingly gone full circle from Man of Science to Man of Faith. No longer does he ignore the powers of the Island and chalk everything up to coincidence or chance. He's realizing that this Island, and this dude Jacob; they represent more than just a rock in the ocean and some loony-toon mythical leader. So when he casually lights the stick of dynamite in front of Richard and just sits there - calm as can be - he knows that he hasn't come all this way just to die in some freak explosion. Sure, the bit of info that Richard just laid down probably helped him pull such a radical move, but the fact that he even believed him is a huge step for Jack. Two seasons ago he'd think such an act was insane and would have been a mile down the road with Hurley. This change in Jack is significant, and be sure to keep an eye on it as we move along this season.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x07/dr-linus-306.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 389px; height: 215px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x07/dr-linus-306.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"There's only 6 left"</span><br /><br />Finally, I wanted to discuss <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Illana's</span> comment about the number of "remaining" candidates she made to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Lapidus</span>. She claimed that "only 6 are left." To our collective knowledge, the candidates that remain are Kate, Sawyer, Jack, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Hurly</span>, and one of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Kwons</span> (I think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Jin</span>…I do not think it's both, but I could be wrong). So with only five left, who is the sixth? Call me crazy, but I have a hunch that it's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Lapidus</span>. Think about it, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Illana</span> has been quasi-protecting him ever since they crashed, while also letting him in on all these little secrets along the way….she showed him Locke's dead body in the coffin before anyone else, and dropped this candidate info on him this week. Furthermore, we know that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Lapidus</span> was supposed to be the pilot of flight 815, and even though he slept through that gig, he obviously still made it back to the Island not once but TWICE (freighter crew and then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Ajira</span> 316). Ben certainly hit the nail on the head when hearing this, noting the "the Island really had it out for you, huh?"<br /><br />Another possibility could be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Widmore</span>. As I noted above, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Widmore</span> - while we've been conditioned to think of him as a bad guy - was the true leader of the Island before Ben kicked him out under false pretenses. Could it be that his intentions to come back and protect the Island were true all along? I'm not sure, but it's worth considering. There just seem to be a few holes in his story…don't forget that when Bram (who was a part of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Ilana's</span> team) picked up Miles (before he left to go on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Widmore's</span> Freighter), he specifically said that Miles was "playing for the wrong team." So I guess we'll just have to wait and see what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Widmore</span> is up to when he docks that sub.<br /><br />A third possibility is Desmond. Many believe that Des is on the sub with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Widmore</span>. I like this theory too…I mean, Des has to return to the show at some point, and he is special after all, right? But maybe he's too special. As Faraday claimed last year, "the rules don't apply" to Desmond. I'm thinking that he instead is more of a facilitator in all of this rather than a candidate for leadership.<br /><br />And what the heck, why not one more guess: Walt. Let's not ever forget about Walt.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Tid</span> bits.<br /><br />So Miles doesn't seem to be up for redemption anytime soon. In one last shout out to the widely hated Season 3 couple Nikki and Paulo, Miles got the last laugh by "hearing" their grave and learning that 7 million dollars worth of diamonds were buried with in there with them (he even knew that they were buried alive…classic). At the end of the episode we see that Miles succeeded in digging those diamonds up, showing us that he's as greedy and selfish as ever. But if he keeps up with the hilarious one liners, I don't mind.<br /><br /><br />The last scene this week (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">pre</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Widmore</span> sub scene, that is), where Jack and Hurley return to the beach was interesting in the sense that it was a carbon copy of the last scene of Season 3's "One of Us." If you recall, the happy reunion that went down in "One of Us" showed Jack, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Sayid</span>, & Kate returning to the beach after escaping from the Others. The cheery reunion was quelled though, by Juliet's appearance behind them. In this week's episode, the same exact scenario went down with Jack and Hurley returning, with a suspect looking Richard following. There's no real significance here, but I just thought the similarity was cool. And I love that homecoming music.<br /><br />One major thing I didn't touch on this week was that in the Sideways, Ben and his father Roger discussed the fact that they had been on the Island and a part of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Dharma</span> initiative. This is the first time that the Island has been specifically discussed by our characters in the Sideways. It's important, but I'm not sure if we have enough info at this point to know how so. Remember, the Island is at the bottom of the Ocean in the Sideways, and how that happened is also still a mystery, but the fact that Ben and Roger were there at some point is something to remember.<br /><br /><br />Upon seeing the happy reunion on the Island beach, the sub captain asks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Widmore</span> if he wants to stop there. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Widmore</span> says no, saying that instead they should keep going. Where are they going? Will they dock at the former pier where he was exiled? Or instead, will they make their way to the Hydra station, the same place where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Flocke</span> said he was heading? Could this be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Flocke's</span> way out? Or are he and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Widmore</span> working together? After all, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Widmore</span> agreed that Locke would need to "sacrifice" himself for the cause when Locke attempted to get the O6 back to the Island. Is it possible that he's been on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">MIB's</span> side the whole time (and yes, I'm aware that this completely contradicts my "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Widmore</span> is the 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">th</span> candidate argument"...but that's why Lost is great, you just never know).<br /><br /><br />Alright, I think this is way long enough…thanks for reading if you got this far. As always chime in below, this episode can be viewed a variety of different ways so I'd love to hear what you guys have to say as well. Till next week!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-26328272828874529392010-03-06T13:23:00.004-05:002010-03-09T13:39:39.328-05:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 5; "Sundown"</span><br /><br />The best part about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sayid</span>-centric episodes is that you can pretty much bank on the fact that some ass is going to be kicked. Still to this day my favorite "kill shot" on this show has been when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Sayid</span> body slammed some bad guy onto an open dishwasher filled with butcher knives...awesome. And "Sundown" was filled with action, not only from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sayid</span> but from our old friend Smokey too. But aside from kick ass ninja throw downs and a return from Sgt Evil (Martin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Keamy</span>) himself, this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ep</span> had some weight to it as well....so let's get right to it.<br /><br /><br />We're well aware at this point that Lost carries with it heady themes woven throughout its elaborate landscape. But perhaps no other character singularly encapsulates the struggle of good vs evil than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Sayid</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jarah</span>; and in "Sundown," we see his never ending battle finally come to an end.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sayid</span> has always known that he is capable of evil acts, but for so long, he fought to overcome that evil by <span style="font-style: italic;">using</span> it to help others. As a boy, he mechanically snapped the neck of a chicken for his brother, so to spare him punishment from their father. During his time with the Republican Guard he tortured countless victims, but eventually turned against his own side by working with the CIA, and was able to free Nadia in the process. When he worked as an assassin for Ben, he was doing so under the pretense that his work was protecting the lives of his Island friends.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x10/our-you003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 418px; height: 231px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x10/our-you003.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And at points in his life, he was able to suppress his evil ways entirely, and live a life of peace and tranquility. In both the Flash Sideways and the Island past, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sayid</span> made amends with his life of sin, and showed promise through reformation. In the Flash Sideways he stayed "clean" for 12 years, promising himself that he'd never return to the life he once led as a trained killer. He even punishes himself for his past behaviors by letting his love for Nadia go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">unquenched</span>, even though both parties seem to share feelings for each other. On the other hand, in the Island world - after leaving the Island with the O6 - he embraces that love with Nadia to help cleanse himself of his former life's habits. And later - after Nadia's death and his subsequent assassin work for Ben - he tries to repent through charity work, far away from the manipulations of those that prey upon his nefarious services.<br /><br />But as we know, all of his efforts are for naught. No matter how hard he tries, he finds his way back to killing. In the Sideways he is pushed to again clean up a situation his brother caused, and in response to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Keamy's</span> words of desperation - "you don't have to do this," all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sayid</span> can respond with is "yes, I do." After being convinced by Ben that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Widmore's</span> people are responsible for Nadia's death, he dives head first into a killing spree. Whatever name he is given, he kills with absolutely no questions asked. After Ben claims the work finished, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Sayid</span> realizes what he's done, and lashes out towards Ben, yelling "I killed all of those people for you, and now you're just walking away!" Ben calmly responds, "you didn't kill them for me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sayid</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">you're</span> the one that asked for their names." Later, when Ben finds <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Sayid</span> at the charity outpost he tries to convince him to return and save Hurley from the men waiting to kill him at the mental hospital. After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Sayid</span> balks at Ben's request, claiming that he no longer lives that style of life, Ben retorts, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sayid</span>, to put it simply, you're capable of things most men aren't. Every choice you've made in your life, whether it was to murder or torture, it hasn't really been a choice at all, has it? It's in your nature, it's what you are. You're a killer, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Sayid</span>." Even though <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Sayid</span> tries to fight these simple facts ("I'm not what you think I am."), we all know that he eventually does return to Hurley's aid, and in the process leaves a wake of dead men at his feet (one of which was from said dishwasher kill - awesome). And later, when he flashes to '77 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Dharma</span> times, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Sayid</span> confirms Ben's theory about him before shooting his younger version in the chest, "you were right about me...I am a killer."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x10/our-you486.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 419px; height: 241px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x10/our-you486.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Sayid</span> wants desperately to believe that "he is a good man," but deep down inside he knows what he truly is. Even though he is often manipulated into torturing and killing (by war, by Ben, by the thought of saving his friends, etc), in the end the choice to follow that path is his and he inevitably and comfortably settles into that familiar role of evil. In the end, it was so easy for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">MIB</span> to recruit him…because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Sayid</span> was always tipping toward darkness. Once infected, it was just a matter of time until he fell into it completely. As expected, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">MIB</span> did offer him a flicker of hope in Nadia's love in return for his service, but this is a lie - just as the hope to find Claire's baby is a lie - and deep down <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Sayid</span> probably knows it. Even at the end of Season 5, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Sayid</span> confesses to Jack "there is no hope for me any more". Then, towards the end of "Sundown" Ben tries - with good intentions this time - to pull him back to the light one final time, "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Sayid</span>, let's go, it's not too late," and in a creepiness that has become the trademark for Team Darkness, he sneers back, "it is for me." The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Sayid</span> we once knew, the man who clung to the hope that he could overcome his demons and fight for good is gone. The scale has tipped for the last time. And with another name crossed off the list, all of a sudden Team Darkness is looking pretty damn strong.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x06/sundown380.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 407px; height: 225px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x06/sundown380.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Sayid's</span> fall to darkness also relates to his lack of substantial change in his Sideways life. We've now seen a number of our characters in the Sideways world, and the one similarity their stories share is the noticeable change for good that they have undergone. Jack is able to repair his damaged relationship with his son. Locke - while still disabled - does not let his disability consume him and is open enough emotionally to accept true love from Helen. Hurley has gone from a bad luck mental case to a strong, confident man blessed with good fortune. Kate does not abandon Claire and instead sticks by her, so that Claire can live a full life with Aaron and raise what is rightfully hers. Some argue that the Sideways world is a representation of what life is for those that choose the right path in the Island world. A sort of a picture of what could be if the choices they make are the correct ones (read: lots of Jacob talk). But as we see in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Sayid's</span> Sideways, not much has changed in him as a person. Sure, he's still trying his best to suppress his urges, but in the end, he brutally murders <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Keamy</span> and Omar. It's no secret that these are bad people, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Keamy</span> gave him a way out...he pleaded for his freedom. But in the end, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Sayid</span> made the same choice that he always made. No redemption, no reformation, and therefore no happiness, both in the Island world and in the Sideways world. Jacob will have no use for him anymore.<br /><br /><br />Now let's quickly discuss Locke's Army of Darkness and his viewpoint on all of this. With Jacob's death announced, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Dogen's</span> death by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Sayid's</span> hand, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Flocke</span> made good on his promise to kill all that opposed him at Sundown. And even though Team Light (for now including <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Lapidus</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Ilana</span>, Ben, Sun, Hurley, and Miles) escapes Flock's grasp, his crew is looking pretty strong. Clearly <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Sayid</span> and Claire are fully controlled by him at this point, but what about Kate? As he gave his team the once over before that incredibly awesome slow-mo death march out of the Temple, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Flocke</span> seemed to pause on Kate's presence. She is not part of his plan. She's not infected, and so far he hasn't personally convinced her to join his side (like he did with Sawyer). But, since - as far as he knows - she is not a candidate, he seems to accept her spot on the roster. This decision could prove fatal for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">Flocke</span>. As mentioned in last week's blog, there must be a reason that Kate is not on his wall. And the reason could be that Jacob was keeping her candidacy a secret. Kate may be Jacob's ace up his sleeve, his spy across enemy lines. Who knows what will happen here, but keep an eye on this interesting dynamic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x06/sundown376.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 430px; height: 238px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x06/sundown376.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Tid</span> Bits:<br /><br />I think most people caught this, but when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Dogen</span> asks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Sayid</span> to kill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Flocke</span>, he states "if you allow him to talk, it's already too late." Indeed, as all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Flocke</span> needed to say was "hello, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Sayid</span>" for his apparent spell to be cast. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Sayid</span> seemed to think that allowing him to "talk" meant allowing him to state his case, but I think it was meant to be taken quite literally. This should be an interesting clue to keep in for future showdown scenes with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Flocke</span> and our characters. Also, it's important to note that this "rule" apparently didn't apply to Jacob, as he had conversation with Ben before getting killed.<br /><br />From <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Lostpedia</span>, on the "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">Shen</span> ring," the symbol on the Temple's secret door that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Ilana</span> and the others go through to escape Smokey:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">Shen</span> ring is an ancient Egyptian symbol of eternity and protection. In ancient Egypt, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Shen</span> Ring also represents dual concepts of time; the cyclic line of periodicity and lineal time (into infinity).</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Grey_Shen_ring.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 100px; height: 97px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d4/Grey_Shen_ring.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Also from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">Lostpedia</span>, an interesting correlation between the conversations immediately following Lennon's death on the show, and John Lennon's death in real life:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />After <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">Sayid</span> kills <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">Dogen</span>, </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Lennon" title="Lennon">Lennon</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> asks him "Do you realize what you just did?". <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">Sayid</span> replies "I know". This was similar to the conversation between Jose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">Perdomo</span> and Mark Chapman that occurred right after Chapman shot and killed musician John Lennon (who shares some similarities with the character Lennon). <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">Perdomo</span> shouted at Chapman, "Do you know what you've done?", to which Chapman calmly replied, "Yes, I just shot John Lennon."</span><br /><br />Finally, not much of a bit of info but more of a question to leave you with, what is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">Jin</span> doing locked up in the freezer in the Sideways world? My guess is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">Keamy</span> & company are connected to Mr. Pike's organization and maybe they were bounty hunting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">Jin</span> seeing that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">Jin</span> was trying to essentially "defect" from his life of crime (or at least that's what he was doing in the original storyline.) Anyways, I'm sure we'll find out eventually, but it's fun to take stabs at it before being proved utterly wrong ;)<br /><br /><br />Great episode, looking forward to next week, as usual. There have been some great comments this year, so keep it up below!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-2681699134848321292010-02-27T19:41:00.001-05:002010-02-28T19:42:27.185-05:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 4: "The Lighthouse"</span><br /><br />So after a fun first few weeks of introductions to alternate story lines, new Others, dark plots, returning characters, and end game answers, we focus on the man who started it all off in Season 1, Episode 1, scene 1: Jack Shepard. The eternally broken man who wants to fix everything but himself is the star of maybe the heaviest episode of the season thus far, and boy is he as messed up as ever. Exec Producers <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cuse</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Lindelhof</span> penned this one themselves, and whenever you see those credits roll up at the beginning of an episode, you know you're in for a noodle-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">scratcher</span>. So without further ado, let's see if we can get to the bottom of "The Lighthouse."<br /><br /><br />It's no secret that the writers of this show rely heavily both meaningful imagery and literary reference, and "The Lighthouse" had a very healthy dose of both. Right off the bat we find Jack in the Flash Sideways returning home to change his clothes as he spies something curious in the mirror - his appendectomy scar. Not entirely sure of its origin he asks his mom when he had it removed and we learn that it was done so when he was seven years old . <span style="font-style: italic;">We</span> know, however, that in the Island world Juliet removed his appendix in 2004 on the beach. But in the sideways world, while staring into the mirror Jack has another "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">vu</span>" type moment; he's lost somewhere in between both realities, trying to ascertain which experience caused the scar but unable to pinpoint either in any real kind of way. This experience is very reminiscent of when Jack looks into the mirror on the airplane bathroom in "LA X"…he notices a cut on his neck, which is brings us - the viewer - back to the world where Oceanic 815 did in fact crash, (the series pilot) where a cut and bruised Jack is racing through the jungle looking for lives to save. The common thread in these moments is a piece of imagery that is very significant throughout the series: the mirror itself. And its importance is represented in two ways.<br /><br />The first representation of the mirrors is its literary reference to "Alice in Wonderland." Alice literally went "through the looking glass" and "down the rabbit hole" to enter the world of her dreams, and the similarity of Jack looking through the mirrors in this episode and noticing things that happened in the alternate world could offer us an additional clue that these two time lines are happening concurrently, but not necessarily separately. Clearly Jack has some sort of recognition that his scars could have come from something other than what his mother tells him. I mean, how does a 7 year old forget a pretty major surgery? Did he instead remember that it happened on the Island? <br /><br />And the "Alice in Wonderland" nods don't stop there: David, Jack's son in the reset timeline, is reading an abridged version of the book, and upon seeing it Jack reminisces about reading it to him when he was a child. Specifically he remembers Alice's kittens, Snowdrop and Kitty, one black and one white (I don't think I need to explain that one). But more importantly, we should remember that in "White Rabbit" - another Jack-centric episode that has an Alice in Wonderland type title - he is reading the book to Aaron. Is the memory Jack is having truly of reading to David, or is he instead viewing through the looking glass at the parallel world?<br /><br />And maybe the looking glass works both ways. Clearly Jacob uses the mirrors within the Lighthouse as a portal to track what is happening in the lives of his candidates. As Hurley cranks the wheel towards 108 degrees (who's name was "Wallace" by the way - got nothing there), Jack sees the church in where Sawyer's parent's funeral was held, the building where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jin</span> and Sun were married, and finally the house where he grew up as a kid. Notice that pictures in the mirror only become apparent only for candidates that are not crossed off the list. For those that are, the link is broken. But what's clear is that in both worlds, the mirror acts as a viewfinder for what is happening in the world of Lost, and that the writers are pushing that point pretty hard. <br /><br />Now, the second explanation of the utilization of mirrors in the episode is much more direct. Mirrors, in the traditional sense, serve as a utility to reflect a person's appearance, but in the case of Lost they are utilized to represent a reflection of one's "self." While Jack stares upon his reflection on multiple occasions this episode, he's looking inside himself, wondering who he really is. Throughout his life he's been so wrapped up in fixing others that he's ignored his own needs and is at an utter loss as to what he is supposed to do, and to what path he needs to take to do it. He tells Hurley that he came back to the Island "because he was broken." He thought the Island would fix him, but is now finding out that finally, he's the one responsible for fixing himself. Jacob needed Jack to see the Lighthouse because he needed him to have a breakthrough moment and understand this revelation. As Jacob says to Hurley, "some people you can just hop in a cab and tell them what their supposed to do, other times you have to let them look out into the ocean for a while." <br /><br />Jack smashed the mirrors because he's beginning to understand what he needs to do. No longer does he need to wait for some outside revelation, or struggle with his inner demons and second guess his every move. Instead, he eschews the mirror and looks out into the open ocean - the future - with a clear mind. In Jacob's words, he needs to finally understand "how important he is" and take the role of leader against the war that is coming to the Temple and beyond. <br /><br />In the parallel world he's already had this revelation; he's realized his faults with David, and is able to reconcile a relationship that he never could with his own father. He took action on something that he never wanted to face up to personally. Is a similar realization brewing in Jack as he stares out into the ocean, now finally void of reflection and doubt?<br /><br /><br />I suppose we should also talk about Claire for a moment. Clearly, she's crazy...or infected...probably both. Her special friend is Fake Locke / <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">MIB</span> himself and we have to wonder if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Sayid</span> is going to follow this same path in upcoming episodes. Claire's main concern lies with the whereabouts of her baby, and it seems that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">MIB</span> - through the visage of Christian (her father) and Locke - has been coercing her to believe that the Others have Aaron, when clearly they don't. I wonder if this is how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">MIB</span> truly takes control of those that are infected? By identifying the one element that is most important to them and exploiting it so that they inevitably follow him into the fight. Because at the end of the day, being "infected" doesn't mean that you've lost total control of yourself. Claire still remembers the love she had for Aaron, and still holds memories for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Jin</span> and the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Losties</span>. Similarly, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sayid</span> (so far) seems to be acting pretty normal, even though "there is a darkness growing within him." So if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">MIB</span> needs an emotional string to tug to take control, what might that be for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sayid</span>? All that he has ever loved is dead (Nadia), but he's always had a soft spot for murderous revenge. If I were <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">MIB</span>, I'd introduce myself cordially to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Sayid</span> and quickly let him know that Jacob was effectively responsible for Nadia's death. If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sayid</span> takes the bait, he'd want to eliminate anything that Jacob stands for, including other Candidates.<br /><br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Tid</span> Bits:<br /><br />Another "Alice in Wonderland" reference that I didn't fit in: Jack lifts up a rabbit statue to get the key to his ex-wife's house. Also, who is his ex-wife? Is it still Sarah, the women we know from prior seasons? <br /><br /><br />The event sign at David's piano recital reads, "Welcome all Candidates." Furthermore, the piece that David plays (assuming it's the same as the liner notes Jack finds in David's room), is Chopin's "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Fainstaise</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Improptu</span>," the same music that a young Danielle Faraday was playing for his mother in a flashback of his in season 5. <br /><br /><br />The wheel in the lighthouse contained a whole host of new names that we didn't see in the cave, most importantly "Linus" and "Austin." But why is Ben's name crossed out? He's not dead yet, right? But what if the "Linus" on the wheel wasn't Ben's but instead belonged to his father Roger? This would explain why Jacob never seemed to care for Ben ("what about you?")...because Ben was never a candidate to begin with. And as for Kate: could her name have been left off the cave wall as a final fail-safe? If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">MIB</span> can successfully eliminate all of the candidates on the wall, could Kate be the Dark Horse that closes his Loophole once and for all? <br /><br /><br />Alright, that's it for this week...chime in below with stuff that I missed, which is plentiful this week. Sorry for the lack of pictures, but I'm a bit off the grid and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">internet</span> is choppy, I'll try to fill them in next week. Enjoy Tuesday's episode, which I know nothing about (and that's the way I like it!)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-6469015296117345832010-02-21T12:49:00.024-05:002010-03-16T13:27:25.106-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 3; “The Substitute”</span><p style="font-family: lucida grande;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;">Now we’re talking!<span style=""> </span>For all those that might have been a bit lukewarm on last week’s episode can’t have much to complain about the answer-packed, mythologically heavy, Locke centric roller coaster we were treated to this week.<span style=""> </span>I mean, is there a better character on TV than John Locke?<span style=""> </span>I could watch Terry O’Quinn work his magic all day, but I digress.<span style=""> </span>There’s a lot to review from “The Substitute,” so let’s get right down to it.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;">There’s likely no better place to start than in the Numbers Cave.<span style=""> </span>Some major information was revealed by MIB (“Flocke” or “Un-Locke” as the kids call him these days) to Sawyer in this scene, and to properly understand all the new info, we should quickly step back and review the tumultuous relationship between Jacob and the Man in Black.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;">Remembering back to last year’s finale, we learned that Jacob and MIB agree to disagree on the basic motivation of mankind.<span style=""> </span>Jacob, the white piece in this game, believes in their inherent goodness, while MIB thinks otherwise.<span style=""> </span>Time and time again, he sees them “come, fight, and destroy.<span style=""> </span>It always ends the same.”<span style=""> </span>He’s sick and tired of playing this never-ending loop with Jacob and he wants out.<span style=""> </span>But as we all know, there are rules to abide by…rules that we can now begin to piece together in a more cohesive manner.<span style=""> </span>First, Jacob selects the players by touch and essentially brings them to the Island, whether the players are aware of it consciously or not.<span style=""> </span>Because "he has a thing about numbers,” these players are assigned a number (and in case you somehow missed it, our 6 candidates are numbers 4,8,15,16,23,42 – a convenient solution to a pesky mystery the producers didn’t quite know what to do with), and ultimately have a chance to win what's behind door #1: personal redemption and the crown of protector of the Island.<span style=""> </span>MIB’s part in the game is simple…he cleans up the mess the candidates make when they ultimately fail themselves and their fellow man.<span style=""> </span>He can’t interfere in their personal failure, meaning he can’t kill anyone Jacob personally selects (including Jacob himself), but he is there to scoop them up when they inevitably ruin their own chances at success…which they do time and time again.<span style=""> </span>Once they fail, they belong to him.<span style=""> </span>There were a lot of names in that cave, and so far none of them have won the prize.<span style=""> </span>This game has been going on for quite some time, and MIB simply doesn’t want to play anymore.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;">So, as we all know, MIB concocts a plan to get out by manipulating Locke, taking over his body, and eventually persuading Ben to kill Jacob.<span style=""> </span>But the game doesn’t end with Jacob’s death.<span style=""> </span>In order to free himself completely, he needs to be sure that the remaining candidates – Hurley, Jack, Sayid, Jin (I’ll explain that one later), and Sawyer - are eliminated so that Jacob’s role isn’t fulfilled once again, which would keep the never-ending battle alive.<span style=""> </span>But as we know from the rules, he can’t simply kill the candidates them himself, as a little boy ghost version of Jacob that only he and the candidates can see reminds him in this week’s episode.<span style=""> </span>So he does the next best thing.<span style=""> </span>He sets the stage for them all to kill each other.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia">As Ilana said, MIB is recruiting.<span style=""> </span>So far he’s got Claire and Sayid, and he’s currently working hard on Sawyer.<span style=""> </span>He is preparing for war, a war that has been hinted at for quite some time now.<span style=""> </span>But it won’t be waged by Dharma or Widmore or any other outside influence against the Island.<span style=""> </span>Instead, it’s a civil war - Jacob’s team versus MIB’s – and it will be waged on the Island, winner takes all.<span style=""> </span>But it’s currently unclear to what that prize is for the winners.<span style=""> </span>At first glance a simple “good vs evil” answer seems to suffice, but after a closer examination, we start to see that the simple answer may not necessarily be the case.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia">Over the next few episodes, we will be forced to consider whether or not MIB’s is truly “evil” or not.<span style=""> </span>After all, who’s to say that he’s not the one that is right in the eternal argument between he and Jacob?<span style=""> </span>He made quite a good case to Sawyer in the cave, didn’t he?<span style=""> </span>In the end, didn’t Jacob effectively just use the O6 by pushing them to the Island, playing them as pawns in a game just to try to prove a point?<span style=""> </span>A point that he has, so far, been unable to prove?<span style=""> </span>Instead of vindication, Jacob tries and tries again, but “it always ends the same.”<span style=""> </span>You can't argue that makes some solid points. And while I wouldn’t want MIB / Fake Locke to baby sit my kids or anything, his actions and tone at this point don’t really put him in the anti-christ category just yet. We just haven't heard his full side of the story, which is what we're beginning to understand now.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia">So if MIB is not evil, than what does he stand for?<span style=""> </span>If Jacob hopes to prove man’s inherent goodness, what is MIB looking to prove?<span style=""> </span>In the cave, he asks Sawyer, “why are you on this Island?”<span style=""> </span>Jacob’s version of that answer might revolve around Sawyer needing to cleanse his soul of his past life, move beyond his criminal ways, come to terms with his traumatic childhood, and ultimately live a life filled with love and happiness.<span style=""> </span>After all, this is almost exactly what happens to Sawyer when living in ’77 Dharmaville with Juliet.<span style=""> </span>He was a changed man…for the better.<span style=""> </span>If Sawyer can accomplish those goals, then maybe he then could be the one to protect that ability to redeem one’s life for others – i.e. protect the Island.<span style=""> </span>But MIB’s answer to the same question is that Sawyer is on the Island because he was brought there against his will to act out a scene that ends the same way time and time again.<span style=""> </span>There would be no hope for redemption, no love, and no happiness.<span style=""> </span>Instead, Sawyer lives on as a prisoner on this Island both physically and emotionally, unable to break free of the misery and sadness that endures within him.</p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><span style="font-family:georgia;">In the end, MIB may not represent “evil” per se, I think he represents something even worse: nothing.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">He believes in a world that is void of meaning and hope.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">This perspective in a way, can be construed as even worse than “evil.”</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Everyone wants to feel that their lives have a purpose, and that they can fulfill that purpose and overcome any obstacles that come in their way along the ride.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">They want to feel that no matter how bad things get, they can always get better.</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">If MIB wins this war, and no one is left to protect the Island, could it mean that man is no longer able to rise above despair with hope and redemption, leaving him more lost than ever?</span><span style="font-family:georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family:georgia;">Does it, once and for all, answer the question that has intrigued us for so long - “what is the meaning of life” - with an emphatic “nothing?”</span><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia">I’m not sure if that’s the direction the show is going in, but you can be sure that the war is coming, and that its resolution will weigh heavily on what this show is ultimately about.<span style=""> </span>Jacob claims that each game played and each candidate brought to the Island represents “progress.”<span style=""> </span>But clearly the balance of power seems to be regressing in the direction of MIB’s motivation to end this game once and for all.<span style=""> </span>The metaphor couldn’t be more clear as Flocke tosses white rock from the scale out into the ocean…citing it as an “inside joke” between the two opposing Island powers.<span style=""> </span>Flocke is constructing an army, and at this point we should believe that he’s in the lead…but if perennial good guys Jack, Hurley, Jin, and Temple folk have anything to say about it, it will be a fight to the end.</p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x04/6x04-487.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 474px; height: 284px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x04/6x04-487.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia">But let’s move away this metaphorical business for a bit and focus on answering a few more Island mysteries.<span style=""> </span>First off, there is one conspicuous name missing from the Cave wall: Kate’s.<span style=""> </span>She was clearly touched by Jacob and brought to the Island, but now does not seem to meet the standards of candidacy. Frankly, I’m at a loss for this one.<span style=""> </span>The only thing I can think of at this point is that her “stealing” of Aaron removed her from Jacob’s good wishes.<span style=""> </span>But to Kate’s credit, there wasn’t much choice in the matter seeing that Claire decided to run off and play with Smokey in the jungle one night, leaving Aaron behind.<span style=""> </span>Chime in with any thoughts you might have…I’ve stayed away from the blogosphere thus far, so I’m sure many theories are abound.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" face="georgia"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;">Another mystery is which Kwon did Jacob truly bring to the Island?<span style=""> </span>Flocke states that even he didn’t know which one it was – Sun or Jin – but I think the answer lies in the another mystery that we’ve had since the beginning of last year.<span style=""> </span>Viewers have long wondered why Sun never flashed off Ajira 316 along with Kate, Hurley, Sayid, and Jack…well, I think it's because she was never the chosen Kwon.<span style=""> </span>Instead, Jin – who was already in ’77 Dharmaville – was the one that would eventually “come back” to present time after Jacob’s death, along with the rest of the candidates.<span style=""> </span>Furthermore, if you look at the candidates commonalities, all of them have personal struggles to overcome. Jin was a terrible husband living in a dark life of organized crime.<span style=""> </span>Sun, while no angel herself , was driven to acts of infidelity due to how Jin was treating her.<span style=""> </span>Her struggles were a direct result of Jin’s behavior.<span style=""> </span>The producers had mentioned that the answer to the non-disappearing Sun mystery would be indirectly answered early in the season, and I think we came upon that answer this week.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;">Now we’d be remiss not to go over some of the Flash-Sideways action in “The Substitute.”<span style=""> </span>As you should be highly aware of by now, these Flashes are going to coincide with what we’ve already seen in earlier seasons of the series, even if the contexts surrounding our characters are different.<span style=""> </span>First off, Hurley is still the owner of the box company where Locke works, and Randy – Locke’s boss at the Mr. Cluck’s in past seasons - is still his boss in the Sideways and still a total Douche (great line, Hurley!).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;">Sideways Rose may live in a different context as the Temp agency head, but she’s still diagnosed with terminal cancer, and has come to peaceful terms with that cancer just as she did on the Island (even before she felt that she was healed).<span style=""> </span>In pure Rose fashion, she put aside all the stressers and drama that surround her (both on and off Island), and becomes the voice of calm and peace.<span style=""> </span>Live in the now, and forget about everything else.<span style=""> </span>She’s remained the most consistent character we have had on the show, and I think that balance is necessary when surrounded by all these ridiculously unbalanced characters we deal with every week.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;">Ben will no doubt be an influence in Sideways Locke’s new life, and seems to fit nicely into his European History teaching gig.<span style=""> </span>I mean, Ben was a master teacher when leading the Others, don’t you think?<span style=""> </span>He molded minds, guided his people into the future, and created a functioning society based on rigid rules and regulations.<span style=""> </span>Not unlike High School, right?<span style=""> </span>And sure, maybe his intentions were a bit cloudy when leading the Others – you know with all the brainwashing, manipulating, ego trips, and more – but then again, that description could be pinned to at least a couple of my old teachers when I think about it.<span style=""> </span>Thankfully, those teachers fell short of trying to kill me, but I think you get the point.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x04/6x04-532.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 464px; height: 256px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x04/6x04-532.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;">Another curious coincidence is one that I haven’t gotten a lot of support on at the water cooler, but I think a Sideways Walt was floating around in this episode.<span style=""> </span>On two occasions (the delivery boy at Locke and Helen's house and at the high school), we were shown a somewhat out of focus picture of a young black boy.<span style=""> </span>Now, I’m not sure if it was specifically Walt or more of a nod to his “presence” and connection to Locke.<span style=""> </span>Clearly, the producers can’t physically put Walt into a scene in 2004 because he is probably about 6’ 7” at this point, but he played a crucial role in Locke’s early Island life and the writers would want to match that role in the Flash-Sideways…or at least pay homage to it.<span style=""> </span>I’m probably way off on this, but it’s a gut feeling…flame away!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x04/6x04-389.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 451px; height: 248px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x04/6x04-389.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;">And last but not least, there is the man himself, John Locke.<span style=""> </span>He’s with Helen, they are in love, and he seems to be in a pretty good spot.<span style=""> </span>Sure, we can still pick out the similarities between pre-dead Island Locke and Sideways Locke – the feelings of confusion, the shame, and the shield of bravado that he uses to hide behind.<span style=""> </span>But what’s most interesting is that on the Island, John is dead.<span style=""> </span>MIB has taken over him, but at the same time, he seems to have taken over just a slice of John’s persona with him.<span style=""> </span>The coincidence between the two is maybe even more apparent than that of any other characters: they are both trapped.<span style=""> </span>The old John Locke could never escape his eternal despair, wheel chair or not.<span style=""> </span>Every time he thought he was breaking free, it just turned out that he was being manipulated and used again and again, all the way up until his death.<span style=""> </span>Every time he would scream “don’t tell me what I can’t do!” he’d follow it up with exactly that – something he could not do.<span style=""> </span>MIB seems to be in the same exact boat.<span style=""> </span>He is physically trapped on the Island.<span style=""> </span>He so desperately is trying to escape but at every turn Jacob seems to be just one small step ahead of him, reminding him that no matter how hard he tries, he will lose this game.<span style=""> </span>Flocke looks so unbelievably frustrated when boy/ghost Jacob pops up, reminding him that just cause he’s (Jacob's) dead, the rules don’t stop applying to him that he slips right back into John Locke territory and repeats that ever present line “don’t tell me what I can’t do!”<span style=""> </span>The ghost’s presence serves as a reminder, and possibly a clue to his future demise.<span style=""> </span>John Locke, a handicapped man working at a box company (come on, you can’t get a bigger metaphor than that), was never able to truly break free from his own chains…and now we see that he and MIB may share the same fate.<span style=""> </span>After all, as Ilana said, Flocke is “stuck that way now.”</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x04/6x04-264.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 463px; height: 255px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x04/6x04-264.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;">Tid Bits:</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><br /></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Line of the week:<span style=""> </span><br /></p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">Far and away Lapidus’ remark after Ben’s eulogy at John’s burial:</p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">“This is the weirdest damn funeral I’ve ever been to.”</p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">Leave it to Frank to deliver perhaps the funniest line of the season thus far.<span style=""> </span></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">Numbers Breakdown:</p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">4 – Locke</p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">8 – Hurley</p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">15 – Sawyer</p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">16 – Sayid</p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">23 – Shepard</p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">42 – Kwon (I think Jin)</p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">Notice that now that Locke is crossed out Hurley is curiously next in the sequence.<span style=""> </span>Could the fact that Hurley is now kind of leading the Temple losties and is blessed with good luck in the Sideways serve as clues that he’s next in line for Jacob status?<br /></p><p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p face="georgia" class="MsoNormal">Other names:</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">10: Mattingley</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">222: O'Toole</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">233: Jones</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">291: Domingo</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Umm…Jacob fielding a baseball team or something?</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">The Last Supper Pic:</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">My buddy Vin made a great comment in last week’s post that maybe the “Last Supper” promo pic that ABC released before the season (and was posted here a few weeks back), was a clue to the two “sides” of this inevitable war.<span style=""> </span>I think he’s definitely on to something, although some of the players on each side don’t quite yet add up (Richard and Ilana on Flocke’s side?).<span style=""> </span>Who knows, but I thought it was pretty smart and definitely relevant to this week’s show so take a look for yourself.</p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/userpics/10425/last_supper3%7E0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 481px; height: 319px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/userpics/10425/last_supper3%7E0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">OK!<span style=""> </span>That is plenty for this week.<span style=""> </span>Again, sorry for the lateness, but unfortunately a Monday posting could become a regularity due to the fact that work continues to assert itself as time sucker #1…pesky work.<span style=""> </span>But look at it this way, now your primed for the next episode just around the corner titled, “The Lighthouse.”<span style=""> </span>Enjoy!<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-31545793308446909362010-02-14T11:27:00.008-05:002010-02-14T17:02:51.393-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Season 6, Episode 2: "What Kate Does"</span></span><br /><br />Kate Austin, the criminal with a heart of gold. The girl that seems to make all the wrong decisions for what she thinks are the right reasons. She breaks hearts, steals babies, and is one hell of a fugitive, but her actions can be maddening to Lost fans. But while episodes centered around Kate can be sometimes tough to get through, "What Kate Does" turns out to be a nice continuation in what will be a very interesting final season. Themes of fate and free will continue to shine, and the mysteries of the Temple and beyond on the Island grow deeper. What exactly is going on with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sayid</span>? Is Claire really "back," or is she infected as well? And how exactly did Sawyer get his hands on that engagement ring? He went to Jared's?<br /><br />To start off, let's once again examine some of the similarities of the reset story to what has happened in past seasons. Right off the bat, we pick up the flash-sideways with Kate escaping (again) at the airport by hijacking Claire's cab. We can now see that Claire is in fact pregnant, and the relationship with these two characters in the reset begins. While it certainly starts off a bit rocky - you know with Claire's life being threatened and all - Kate inevitably turns a corner after she sees a picture of a very pregnant Claire along with a little baby stuffed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Shamu</span>. She decides to double back and pick her up at the bus stop (where apparently all lost pregnant women go to after being robbed and thrown out of a cab in LA) and drives Claire to her adoption <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">rendezvous</span>. But the foster mother's life is a wreck, and Claire will end up keeping the baby after all. Just as we heard way back in Season 1 from the Australian psychic, Claire must be the mother of her baby. If not, very bad things will happen. Fate is intervening once again, and the baby will once again stay with Claire, for now.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/6/6f/1x10_malkin.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 218px;" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/6/6f/1x10_malkin.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next "What happened, happened" moment comes at the hospital where Claire starts going into labor. Kate pulls in a doctor to help and low and behold, it's Ethan, or to be more specific, Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Goodspeed</span>. The name is important because it shows that even in this world where the Island doesn't exist (and is under water), Ethan is still the son of Horace and Amy <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Goodspeed</span>, Horace being the leader of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Dharma</span> that we saw quite a bit of last season. If you remember, Amy gave birth to Ethan on the Island thanks to Juliet's help in 1977, and Ethan joins an exclusive club of babies that are able to be born on the Island along with Rousseau's daughter Alex, and of course Claire's Aaron (the latter two being conceived off Island). An interesting combination, especially when you consider how similar Claire appears to be to Rousseau when we see her at the end of the episode.<br /><br />But back to the delivery room for a moment. Ethan tells Claire that the baby is ready and can be born that night, and specifically asks her if she wants that to happen. If she were to agree, some drugs would need to be administered to ensure a safe and healthy delivery. This exchange is almost exactly the same as when Ethan and the Others captured Claire back in Season 1, and administered drugs and sedatives to her to see how it might produce a healthy on-Island birth, since such a procedure hadn't been successful in many years (likely since "The Incident.")<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/4/4c/EthanClaireMedical2x15.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 399px; height: 257px;" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/4/4c/EthanClaireMedical2x15.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Season 1 "Maternity Leave"</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x03/6x03-whatkatredid458.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 215px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x03/6x03-whatkatredid458.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Season 6 "What Kate Does"</span></span><br /></div><br />However, a small difference in the reset story is that Claire initially declines the drugs (where as she was convinced to accept them in Season 1), and just as she does so the baby's heart rate flat lines. After a few tense seconds, Claire shouts out "is Aaron <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ok</span>?!" and viola, the heart rate returns. Is destiny playing its hand here to ensure that certain events happen as planned? And where does the name Aaron come from? Claire even admits that she hadn't thought of a name for her baby and that it just came to her. How did she know?<br /><br />That takes us to a larger association between the parallel story lines. We've now seen a few examples of our characters seemingly "knowing" or "feeling" something at critical junctions in the reset that brings them back to feelings of historical familiarity. It seems reminiscent of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">vu</span>, a feeling of understanding that is at once extremely powerful yet entirely inexplicable. Jack has it twice on the plane, first he feels a tremendous amount of relief when the plane doesn't crash after turbulence, as if he was certain that it was going to plummet to the ocean. Then, he meets Desmond and feels strongly that they had previously met ("see you in another life, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">brotha</span>"). Kate has a moment of her own in this episode when she sees Jack standing on the airport curb and is obviously hit with a powerful feeling of nostalgia.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x03/6x03-whatkatredid057.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 438px; height: 243px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x03/6x03-whatkatredid057.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x03/6x03-whatkatredid058.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 235px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x03/6x03-whatkatredid058.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Then, Claire seemingly knows that her baby is a boy and that it should be named Aaron, but can't explain how she came to that fact ("I don't know why I said it, um, it's like I knew it or something"). It's not a stretch to predict that these moments will continue in the reset story.<br /><br />Similarly, if you look at past Island events, we have been witness to some of our characters feeling absolutely positive of what they "should" do, even when they can't explain why. Locke was a huge proponent of this action, as he was absolutely positive that (among other things) moving the Island was his mission and of critical importance. Later, Jack felt the same way when he made blowing up the Island his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">uncompromising</span> goal. In both these cases, the characters weren't privy to why they needed to do so, they "just knew." Desmond may have the most obvious example, as he came out of an off-Island hiding with Penny to deliver a message to Eloise Hawking after visually receiving that message from an on-Island Daniel through a dream/time flash. Penny tried to persuade him that it was only a dream, but Desmond protested. It was more than that, it was something that clearly happened, but had not presented itself as a memory until that moment.<br /><br />I don't know exactly what to make of these larger, more abstract collisions between the parallel story lines, but I'm willing to bet that they will in some way lead us to how the two stories will be resolved. These moments are shown to us with a deliberate purpose, and so far they are the only clues of any direct correlation between the two "worlds." Could the actions of one world live within the conscious of the other? Continue to be on the look out for more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">deja</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">vu</span> interactions as the season moves on.<br /><br /><br />Moving on and as mentioned in the beginning of the post, I found the Island events to be steeped in almost too much mystery to analyze properly (except for Kate ignoring Sawyer's request and following him anyways, that was entirely predictable. That's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">soooo</span> Kate). The main question of course is what's going on with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sayid</span>? At the moment, we are being led to believe that he is infected, or has been "claimed." Claimed by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">MIB</span>? Does this mean that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">MIB</span> can be multiple people at once? Or instead, does he have the "sickness" that Rousseau's French crew looked to have after they were attacked by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Smokie</span>? In that case, I'd say that the "infection" is not necessarily the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">MIB</span> claiming the body himself (as he is doing with Locke), but instead is a way for him to gain disciples, or followers of his mission to act out his will (maybe similar to how Richard seems to be Jacob's main disciple).<br /><br />Claire fits neatly into this group as well, since when we saw her last she was in the Cabin with Christian, (who I believe <span style="font-style: italic;">was</span> the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">MIB</span> at that time), while Christian/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">MIB</span> was beginning his long con on Locke, telling him to move the Island. In that scene, Locke inquires about Claire's presence in the Cabin - who was devilishly lurking in the shadows - and Christian responds, "don't worry, she's with me." Well it looks as if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Sayid</span> might be "with him" as well. But at the same time, I'm not ruling out the fact that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Sayid</span> could be Jacob as well. We are just going to have to see how this all pans out as the season moves on.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season4/cabinfever2/cabinfever-cap399.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 492px; height: 273px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season4/cabinfever2/cabinfever-cap399.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">From Season 4's "Cabin Fever"</span></span><br /></div><br />One last issue of importance on the Island, and more specifically in the Temple, is that the O6 are still extremely important to the Temple leader <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Dogen</span>. He needs them to be on his side, but clearly cannot force them to submit to his will. While it seems that they are being held captive, Sawyer still leaves with little to no resistance, and Kate and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Jin</span> are even allowed to go and try and retrieve him. Simply put, they will all need to come back to the Temple on their own free will and believe in what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Dogen</span> and the Others are trying to accomplish. Back at the Temple, Jack has multiple encounters with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Dogen</span>, who tries to convince Jack to kill <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Sayid</span> instead of doing it himself. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Sayid</span> needs to take the pill willingly, just as Jack needs to believe that doing so is the right thing to do.<br /><br />Again, the idea of free will persists even within the web of ongoing conflict between the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Losties</span> and the Others. If you think about it, even though the Others have done some evil shit in their time, they have always manipulated their enemies to act upon their own will to carry out their nefarious plans. When Ben needed Jack to operate on his tumor, he couldn't simply force him to do so, he needed Jack to <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to save his life. And on the operating table, the choice to kill or save Ben was all his own. When the O6 needed to return to the Island, they couldn't be forced to do so, they needed to return on their own terms. After Locke fell down the well and broke his leg, he received no help from Christian when asked, because moving the Island was something he needed to execute personally.<br /><br />Now, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Dogen</span> needs much of the same from our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Lostie</span> friends. They will need to believe. But the question is, will their beliefs be right?<br /><br /><br />Sorry for the late post this week but it's been a little busy as of late. Hopefully you guys have a nice three day weekend to take this in and then we're right back on Tuesday with "The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Substitute</span>." Enjoy!<br /><br />Tidbits:<br /><br />It's Always Sunny in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Otherton</span>: Not a big revelation here, but I was pretty shocked to see "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" star Mack in this episode, playing the somewhat annoying character "Aldon," who apparently had a bit of a chip on his shoulder for Kate, who had pistol whipped him a few seasons ago. I wonder if the producers are fans of the cult hit on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">FX</span>?<br /><br /><br />Hurley's question to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Sayid</span>, "are you a zombie?", held a particular significance to Lost nerds like myself, since the producers have a running joke that Season 7 will be the "zombie season." I guess you had to be there.<br /><br /><br />The baby <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Shamu</span> that Kate found in Claire's luggage was the same stuffed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Shamu</span> that Aaron was holding in Season 4's "Something Nice Back Home" when he walked in on Kate and Jack arguing over Kate's secret involvement with Sawyer's daughter. It's also important to note that this scene ended with Jack shouting, "at least I'm related to him!" which proved his Brother/Sister relationship to Claire. Burn.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season4/4x10/4x10cap-862.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 230px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season4/4x10/4x10cap-862.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />As always, let me know what I missed in the comments...till next time!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-76210521391655470072010-02-04T08:05:00.029-05:002010-02-05T09:15:33.066-05:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 6, Episode 1: "LA X parts 1 & 2"</span><br /><br />Welcome back! The long wait for the final season of our favorite show is over and now we can get back to wasting hours of precious work time trying to figure out what the hell is going on. And there are oh so many questions already. How did the Island get under water? Did the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Losties</span> reboot or is this some sort of dream sequence? <insert another="" question=""> And who the hell is this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fu</span> Master that is guarding the Island's Temple? And what about Fate vs Free Will? Did Jack's decision to change the past to alter the future actually work?<br /><br />First things first. I won't answer all of these questions. Mostly because I don't know the answers. But I think I can at least get us off to the right start on the bigger picture. The most important issue to tackle right off the bat are the coinciding story lines. One of the main reasons this show is so engaging is the fact that the writers continue to come up with innovative ways to tell their tale to the viewers. In the first few seasons, they utilized Flashbacks to give depth and context to the characters. Then, they collectively blew our minds with the sneaky switch to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Flashfowards</span>, which forced the audience to think about the narrative of the show in a completely different fashion, working almost from back to front. Then, to up the ante even more, we shifted back and forth through time, tracking the moves of our characters 30 years apart. And now, the final trick is at the same time the simplest and most confusing. Enter, the Flash-Sideways.<br /><br />The Flash-Sideways, in the simple form, tracks the <span style="font-style: italic;">present </span>narrative for the characters in a parallel fashion. On one track, we have a scenario ("the reset") in which the original Oceanic 815 never crashes, and will presumably show us how life turns out for our crew if they had never crashed on the Island. In the second, we remain on the Island and play out the seemingly never ending duel between light and dark, or more aptly between Jacob and the Man in Black/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Smokie</span>/Awesomely Evil Locke. But when trolling deeper into the idea of both scenarios, things get complicated...how can both exist at the same time? How can the Island be submerged, and if it was blown to pieces, how can certain people who were on the Island still exist in the future?<br /><br />The complicated questions are likely the ones to ignore...for now. Throughout the series, in my opinion, the overall story has superseded the sometimes infuriatingly complicated logic (I mean, last year was basically one giant time paradox, but we got through that, right?). And in the opening chapter to this final arc, the story once again focuses on one of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Lost's</span> thematic constants, Destiny vs. Free Will. Is there a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">pre</span>-determined path that our lives follow or do we have the power to create our own fate? While the question is omnipresent throughout seasons 1-5, we may have finally got our answer in the first 10 minutes of LAX. It's both.<br /><br />Let's look at the reset scenario first. After campaigning aggressively on the "let's blow this Island up so that we change the future" party line in Season 5, Jack and his time-traveling gang of variables do just that. They change the future. Oceanic 815 stays in the air and lands safely in LAX. But some things are slightly different. Desmond is on the plane. Shannon isn't. Jack gets only one extra nip of vodka, and not two. Hurley is the luckiest man alive. Boone's a decent actor. <br /><br />But what's interesting to me are the sly, yet out of context, similarities between what happens on the plane after it <span style="font-style: italic;">should</span> have crashed and what happened on the Island after it <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> crash in Season 1. If you notice, even though we are viewing a separate reality in which the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Losties</span> never crashed and met, their paths are inevitably beginning to cross, in ways that are strikingly similar to their past fates on the Island. The first example is Jack's random cut on the neck. Where did that come from? No worries, just patch it up and return to business, similar to how we sequestered himself in the jungle during the opening scenes of the series to stitch up (with Kate's help) that ugly tear in his side.<br /><br /></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax/lost6x01-0037.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 551px; height: 305px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax/lost6x01-0037.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><br /><br /></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cap-that.com/lost/101/images/pilot_064.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 558px; height: 313px;" src="http://www.cap-that.com/lost/101/images/pilot_064.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question="">Next, we find Charlie locked in the bathroom, apparently choking on his bag of smack (instead of it falling into the toilet during turbulence, this time the bag falls down his throat...an interested simile in its own right). As Jack and the stewards try unsuccessfully to break open the bathroom door, from behind we hear a familiar voice, "perhaps I can be of some assistance." It's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Sayid</span>, offering up his services, just as he offered up his services on the Island to get crucial info out of Sawyer by way of torture. Once the door is busted through, Jack goes to work on Charlie, first looking for something sharp - his pen - which is exactly what he tells Boone to find so that he can save <enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""> Rose after the plane crashes on the Island in the series pilot. And after pulling the bag out of his throat, Charlie yells out to Jack, "why did you save me, I'm supposed to die." An <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">eery</span> prediction, seeing that not only was Charlie "supposed to die" in our original story, he eventually did so by drowning in the Looking Glass station.<br /><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-laxa/lost6x01-0439.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 531px; height: 290px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-laxa/lost6x01-0439.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br /><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cap-that.com/lost/101/images/pilot_033.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 537px; height: 302px;" src="http://www.cap-that.com/lost/101/images/pilot_033.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br />The similarities don't end there. Some others are smaller; Rose and Bernard clearly still love each other, as they playfully flirt like teenagers in their seats next to Jack. Sawyer is back to old self, quipping to the flight attendant "hey Amelia Earhart where you running to" as she rushes back to assist Jack with Charlie. But others hold more striking similarities. Kate escapes her captivity once again </enter></insert>(by stealing Jack's pen by the way...remember when she bumped into him coming out of the plane bathroom?)<insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi="">, and gives the FBI agent a nasty blood gushing cut on his head in precisely the same spot that the overhead luggage knocked him in the original crash.<br /><br /><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax2/lost6x01-0837.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 534px; height: 296px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax2/lost6x01-0837.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br />Locke still can't walk, but he has hope to do so after meeting miracle spinal surgeon Jack Shepard...after all, "nothing is irreversible." Sun will soon have to betray <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Jin's</span> trust by speaking English in order to clear him of any wrong doing at the customs desk, just as she did when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Jin</span> went crazy on Michael for stealing his watch; the same watch that sparked the custom agent's interest in LAX.<br /><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-laxa/lost6x01-0638.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 541px; height: 300px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-laxa/lost6x01-0638.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax3/lost6x01-0974.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 547px; height: 303px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax3/lost6x01-0974.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season1/1x06-house/house571.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 539px; height: 302px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season1/1x06-house/house571.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br /></enter></insert><div style="text-align: center;"><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""></enter></insert><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""></enter></insert></div><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br />And then there's maybe the most obvious connection - Jack's father is missing. That's kind of a big deal, right? And to drive the point home even further, we have Juliet's post-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">mortem</span> confirmation of the plan..."it worked." Before her death - and in a very Charlotte-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">esque</span> manner - Juliet floats through consciousness and speaks of going dutch on a coffee date. Maybe she knows the plan "worked" because what she saw was a coffee date with Sawyer, when the two inevitably meet once again for the first time in a future Flash-Sideways.<br /><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-laxa/lost6x01-0593.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 574px; height: 318px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-laxa/lost6x01-0593.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br /></enter></insert><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi="">Not surprisingly, I'm guessing that we will continue to see these familiar story lines and connections progress as the 'reset' story continues. Which all supports the notion that while you can use free will to change even the biggest of life's moments, fate will play its hand in one way or another and correct its course, no matter how far off the path it may be. These people are meant to cross paths, and whether it be as crash survivors on a far away Island, or in the mundane dimension of the real world, it <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> happen. And maybe most importantly, regardless of context, the characters are all still dealing with their own demons. Jack looks just as lost as he ever did, Kate is a fugitive, Locke is ashamed, Sun and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Jin</span> have fallen out of love, and Sawyer's already working how to con Hurley out of his money. The act of free will changed everything and nothing at the same time.<br /><br />But enough with the reset, what's going on back on the Island? Awesomeness, is what. Locke finally reveals himself as both the Man in Black and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Smokie</span> after taking care of Bram and company and afterward utters another amazing Lost line to Ben; "sorry you had to see me like that." Soon after, he scolds both Richard and the rest of the crew, sighting his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">disappointment</span> in all of them...an interesting line for someone that should expect no loyalty due to his, you know, evilness and all. Unless of course he's not the evil one. After all, he just wants to "go home." Where is that? Or more likely, <span style="font-style: italic;">what</span> is that? Maybe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">MIB's</span> motive for getting rid of Jacob and therefore the rest of the Others is to get his home back. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Smokie</span> has been on the Island far longer than any of them. Maybe the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">MIB</span> is simply trying to reclaim what he feels is rightly his own?<br /><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax3/lost6x01-1163.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 570px; height: 316px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax3/lost6x01-1163.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi="">And then we get to the Temple. A ton of questions arise in this sequence (who is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Kung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Fu</span> Master? And what's with his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">squirrely</span> interpreter? Why don't the Others always live there...seems pretty nice), but I'm going to let those lie in hopes that future episodes will provide some answers. The most important clues in these scenes revolve around what happens to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Sayid</span>. Hurley receives an urgent message from Ghost Jacob to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Sayid</span> to the Temple, but when they finally get him there, the situation looks dire. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Sayid</span> looks like he's beyond saving, and the Temple folk see that their little fountain of life is not as clear as it should be. In fact, it looks a little red, as if blood is flowing through its depths. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Kung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Fu</span> Master's sliced hand doesn't heal immediately, and in the end the magic water fails to save <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Sayid's</span> life. But in a last second surprise, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Sayid</span> springs to life and the all too familiar L O S T thump-to-black hits us like ton of bricks.<br /><br /></enter></insert><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi="">How could <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Sayid</span> be alive? After all, "Dead is Dead," right? Not only did Doc Jack confirm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Sayid's</span> passing, but so did the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Kung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Fu</span> Master; and I think we all know that when a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Kung</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Fu</span> Master says <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">someone's</span> dead after waving their hand over their head, they're fucking dead. Well, the explanation could be pretty simple: Jacob resurrected through <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Sayid's</span> body.<br /><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax3/lost6x01-1294.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 577px; height: 319px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax3/lost6x01-1294.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi="">Think about it, Jacob was insistent that they get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Sayid</span> to the Temple asap. And the fountain water was running red with his own blood due to his death two hours earlier. And hell, if the Man in Black can take the form of others, why can't Jacob? Who's to say that the "original" Jacob and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">MIB</span> weren't just the bodies of some dead Black Rock visitors? They could simply be Island Spirits that inherent the human form when necessary...you know like Jesus and fallen angels and...<br /><br />Alright, I'm not going down that path, but you get the point. But with Jacob's resurrection complete, his counterpoint to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">MIB's</span> "loophole" is a success. He brought the O6 back and the table is set for one last showdown for ages. And I for one, can't wait to see how it goes down.<br /><br /><br />Tidbits:<br /><br />We finally see exactly what the gray ash is for as both Bram and the Temple dwellers use it to (try) and protect themselves from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Smokie</span>. While it's certainly not full proof (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">lookin</span>' at you Bram), the ash will work if administered properly. This also explains how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Smokie</span> accessed Jacob's Cabin, since we saw a break in the ash circle when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Ilana's</span> team approached the area last season. This confirms that Locke's first encounter with "Jacob" was the beginning of the manipulation by the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">MIB</span>...the start of a very long con that was the impetus of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">MIB's</span> "loophole" plan. (Another theory is the ash was used to KEEP <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Smokie</span> within the Cabin, but since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Smokie</span> has long been used as a security system of sorts, I tend to agree with the former theory.)<br /><br /><br />So what was that thing in Hurley's guitar case? Well, it was a familiar symbol in the Islands' mythology - an Ankh - which is a symbol for Eternal life that the Four Toed Statue holds in both hands (and was also worn by Amy's late husband Paul). Within this Ankh was a message - from Jacob - to save <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Sayid</span> at all costs. If my theory of Jacob taking over <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Sayid</span> holds true, what better carrier for this note than a symbol that reflects eternal life?<br /><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/6x01_ankh.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 547px; height: 307px;" src="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/6x01_ankh.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">Dharma</span> Shark still <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">kickin</span>' it (look at the tail fin area).<br /><br /><br /></enter></insert><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax/lost6x01-0074.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 567px; height: 314px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax/lost6x01-0074.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br /><br />Also, that little space between the "A" and "X" in the episode title above is not a mistake. Is it a clue reflecting how this reality is just a bit altered from the original? Check your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">DVR's</span> for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">show's</span> title and you'll see the space is there. Those loony writers. <br /><br /></enter></insert><br /><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br /></enter></insert><insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi="">And finally, the best line of the night (of many to choose from): </enter></insert><b><br /><br />''Hello, Richard. Nice to see you out of those chains.''<br /><br /><br /></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax3/lost6x01-1262.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 584px; height: 324px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season6/6x01-lax3/lost6x01-1262.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Awe-some. <b><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></b>We're off to a great start folks, and I know I left a bunch of stuff out so chime in with your thoughts below! <insert another="" question=""><enter season="" 1="" saved="" life="" with="" fbi=""><br /><br /><br /><br /></enter></insert><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-59834692544423709502010-01-29T10:45:00.003-05:002010-01-29T11:10:29.894-05:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Weekend > Lost</span><br /><br />It's Friday, and for pretty much everyone I know, this week has been nuts. But it's almost over, and to celebrate the weekend and the ever-so-close Season 6 premiere, I wanted to share some more fun tidbits to help close out the day.<br /><br />First up is a cool "24" style recount of the original plane crash, with all the different perspectives shown throughout the series strung together in one continuous scene. Neat.<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MKcKtjrL5bc&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MKcKtjrL5bc&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br />Next up is a pretty hilarious "summary" of the series, as played out by a fan's large, extended Italian family. I think the Locke character is my favorite, although Ben offers a pretty solid performance as well...<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M1D-cuc8OTI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M1D-cuc8OTI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Finally, a buddy passed along quite an interesting tidbit to me this morning. Follow the instructions below and see what you find out!<br /><br />Go to www.kayak.com<br />Click "flights" on the left<br />select "One-Way"<br />Go from "SYD" to "LAX"<br />For depart date enter 9/22/2010 anytime<br />Check "Prefer Nonstop"<br />Click search, and then scroll to the last result<br /><br /><br />Alright folks, have a great weekend and enjoy Tuesday...the long wait is almost over!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/dharma_guitar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://www.glidemagazine.com/hiddentrack/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/dharma_guitar.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-14972794537946825082010-01-26T09:40:00.002-05:002010-01-26T10:10:21.305-05:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >ONE WEEK....</span><br /><br />Hey everyone! So after 8 long months we are finally within reach of the premiere of Season 6. As you can imagine, there has been an abundance of chatter, theories, and DVD bonus fueled Lost excitement (they even added virtual "Lost University" classes that you can actually enroll in on the Season 5 DVD) generated over the break. But since I'm a little too lazy to dig all that up, I thought I'd add just a few of the more fun tidbits below to whet our appetite over the next week.<br /><br />Enjoy, and also feel free to follow me on Twitter (link to the right), as this year I have some socially fueled ideas that could make live viewing a bit more fun and interactive. I'll be sure to follow back so that we can be connected.<br /><br />First off is a pretty hilarious Onion spoof of how annoying all of us are going to be to our non-Lost fans over the final season...this has made the round for sure, but if you haven't seen it, check it out.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="430"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://www.theonion.com/content/themes/common/assets/onn_embed/embedded_player.swf?image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theonion.com%2Fcontent%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2FLOST_FANS_ARTICLE_1_13_10.jpg&videoid=100222&title=Final%20Season%20Of%20'Lost'%20Promises%20To%20Make%20Fans%20More%20Annoying%20Than%20Ever"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.theonion.com/content/themes/common/assets/onn_embed/embedded_player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" flashvars="image=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theonion.com%2Fcontent%2Ffiles%2Fimages%2FLOST_FANS_ARTICLE_1_13_10.jpg&videoid=100222&title=Final%20Season%20Of%20'Lost'%20Promises%20To%20Make%20Fans%20More%20Annoying%20Than%20Ever" width="480" height="430"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br />Next is one of the more discussed Season 6 promotional photos...the significance being a little more pronounced than normal, I'd say...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/userpics/10425/last_supper3%7E0.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 526px; height: 350px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/userpics/10425/last_supper3%7E0.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />And here's a different version of the pic with a bit more gossipy touch....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNNcah9ZUI_XUTw7LYGYomgwxoFPMHN9pskbhaYl0VZ5O3qZs5D4RJ5sB0wa7LaUkUJtLD4kohoVpDzIe4UHVQve_BgaTuaIVYYrh7SmlCGZ4XWjC1BNYax2rDKDaMR3fxLNcqA/s1600/59745682.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 538px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqNNcah9ZUI_XUTw7LYGYomgwxoFPMHN9pskbhaYl0VZ5O3qZs5D4RJ5sB0wa7LaUkUJtLD4kohoVpDzIe4UHVQve_BgaTuaIVYYrh7SmlCGZ4XWjC1BNYax2rDKDaMR3fxLNcqA/s1600/59745682.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Finally, be aware that for some lucky (and seriously devoted) fans, the premiere is being screened on Waikiki Beach on Oahu on January 31st...so be sure to be sensitive to your social outlets and whatnot to stay away from any spoilers. It's sad that even a two day head start could cause widespread plot leaks, but you know it'll happen. <br /><br /><br />I'll try and post some more info as the week rolls on, but until then have great week and get ready for the first ep of Season 6, accurately dubbed "The Beginning of the End," on Tuesday February 2nd!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-31211509890834371252009-05-13T20:17:00.024-04:002009-05-19T14:02:49.582-04:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Season 5, Episode 16: "The Incident"</span></span><br /><br />So, like what I've done with the place? I deemed a change was appropriate, given the shocking fade to white we experienced in last week's fantastic Lost finale. The two hours were filled with what we've come to love in Lost: philosophy, fist fights, paradox mind fucks, ghosts, dead people, broken hearts, and hippies (what up Bernard and Rose?!?!). But the essence of the episode - and the series really - can be broken down in two simple colors: black and white.<br /><br />Call it what you will; Light vs. Dark, Good vs. Evil, God vs. Satan, etc, etc...but the first scene in "The Incident" was the most important we've seen in the series thus far. Two men, one - Jacob dressed in white - and the other unnamed Man in Black are basically playing a game against one another. Just as Locke introduces Backgammon to Walt in the first episode of the series ("Backgammon is the oldest game in the world...Two players. Two sides. One is light. One is dark."*), Jacob and the Man in Black are on opposite sides of the spectrum. But in this game, the stakes are a bit higher...and the fate of humanity rests with the winner.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x16/theincident010.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 376px; height: 208px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x16/theincident010.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The Man in Black believes solely in man's potential for dark deeds. "They come, fight, they destroy, they corrupt. It always ends the same." He's indifferent about man's potential because he's seen what they are capable of time and time again - and some of the actions of the Losties in the past 5 seasons prove his point in full. The Man in Black literally feeds on their sins ("Want some fish?" "No thanks, I just ate.") But Jacob disagrees. He responds, "You're wrong. It only ends once. Anything that happens before that...is just progress." Jacob implies that we have not seen the ultimate end in the story, and that one day man will overcome his demons and choose redemption. With that our Dark friend issues what I think was the best line of the season; "Do you have any idea how badly I want to kill you?"<br /><br />The Man in Black is tired of reliving this loop over and over again and yearns for a way to break the circle and kill his nemesis. But it's not as easy as it seems...there are rules to abide by. Clearly he can't do the deed himself. Just as Ben can't kill Widmore in his London loft ("Why don't you just kill and get it over with?" "We both know I can't do that."), Jacob can't be killed directly by the hands of his foe. What we learn though is that the Man in Black has finally figured out a way to break the loop: he must manipulate man's free will to do his dirty work for him. But it wasn't just Ben that was manipulated in the Man's long con, it was our old friend Locke as well.<br /><br />This is as good a point as any to state the obvious: the Man in Black and Smokie are one in the same (or as Ilana said in the Cabin that the Man in Black hijacked, "He's using it" ... meaning he's accessed Smokie's power). They are the guardians of the Island, and act as judge, jury, and executioner of the Island's lost souls. He has been able to take many forms, specifically those of Yemi and Alex, but most importantly Christian and eventually Locke himself (all corpses that "reside" on the Island). Smokie has always had the ability to "read" the thoughts and memories of his victims, and back in Season 2 he came face to face with Locke and liked what he saw. He saw an impressionable man that was looking for a greater purpose. He saw a man that repeatedly fell for the ruse. He saw a man filled with pain looking for answers. He saw his loophole.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/a/a1/Walkaboutmonster.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 223px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/a/a1/Walkaboutmonster.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />From that point on the Man in Black uses Locke as the the linchpin in his great plan to take Jacob down. He just needed to make him believe that he was destined for greatness. Step 1: cultivate a leader. Step 2: Make others believe he is their Leader. Step 3: Kill the leader, assume his form. Step 4: Use Leader's unquestioned power to kill Jacob. Sure it's a long and complicated process, but anything that's worthwhile takes time and dedication...just as the Man in Black says, "you have no idea what I've gone through to be here."<br /><br /><br />Don't believe me? Ponder this: after Locke's meeting with Christian in the Cabin ("Cabin Fever") he believes that his "purpose" is to move the Island. But Christian/Man in Black/Smokie's plan backfires...because Ben turns the wheel instead of Locke. This was not a part of the plan, but luckily there is an easy fix. The Man in Black/Ghost Locke from the future instructs Richard to tell pre-dead Locke in a time flash that he must go back to the mainland and personally see to the O6's return, and conveniently adds that he "must die" in the process. Next, after a fall in the donkey wheel cavern the Man in Black/Ghost Christian reprimands Locke ("I said that YOU needed to move the Island") and reaffirms that he will need to die in order to do the Island's bidding. In accordance to "the rules" Christian refuses to help Locke turn the wheel, because in the end the decision to embark on such a mission MUST be made by Locke, just as Ben's decision to kill Jacob must be <span style="font-style: italic;">his</span> own.<br /><br />Back on the mainland Ben kills Locke and boards him - in a metal crate - onto Ajira 316 which crash lands onto the Island. Once a dead version of Locke arrives back on the Island, the Man in Black can take his form and parlay his "Other Leader" role to convince Richard to lead him to Jacob. Even though Richard seems apprehensive of the "new" Locke ("Something seems .... different" he says of Locke upon his return), he does what his leader says. Then, in the final act of manipulation, the Man in Black/Ghost Locke leverages Ben's feelings of isolation and jealousy for being "ignored" by Jacob to his advantage and has him commit the murder that he so desperately wants. Ben strikes down Jacob with his own hands and the Man in Black's extravagant plan has come to fruition. He found the loophole, utilized man's free will to kill his own maker, and won the battle of Good vs. Evil.<br /><br />Or did he?<br /><br /><br />We'll get back to that. First, let's visit what Jacob's been up to between weaving tapestries and cooking McFilets on the beach. We learn in the various flashbacks that he visits a number of our Losties at crucial moments in their lives. And in all of those flashbacks, one common theme prevails: he physically touches them all. He taps Kate on the nose, hands little Sawyer a pen, pats Sayid on the shoulder, seemingly shakes Locke back to life, passes an Apollo bar to Jack, embraces Jin and Sun after their wedding, and takes hold of Hurley's arm in the cab outside the jail. Additionally, the timing of his visits corresponds with major life events: Kate's initial forays into crime, Sawyer's growing feelings of hate, Locke's ultimate betrayal, Jack's moment of weakness, Jin and Sun's confirmed love, and Hurley's realization that he's anything <span style="font-style: italic;">but</span> crazy.<br /><br />So what is the significance of all of this? Clearly, Jacob is "bringing" them to the Island just as he brought the Black Rock to the Island way back in the day. These are the characters he has chosen to play out the loop that he and the Man in Black watch over time and time again. It explains why these characters, once on the Island, cannot be victims of the Man in Black/Smokie. It would be against the rules. These characters are Jacob's pawns in this version of the never ending game. These are the characters that Jacob will use to prove the Man in Black wrong.<br /><br />But in a turn of events that we are all familiar with, the O6 leave the Island and upon their return on 316 land in 1977 as opposed to 2007. I have some far fetched theories as to why this happened, but for now, I think it's better to keep them at bay to spare your sanity. What is important is that they are seemingly out of the picture. And without his players, the Man in Black deems Jacob as vulnerable to defeat. He implements his plan and has Ben kill Jacob, but in his final words Jacob issues his own checkmate, "They're coming." Who, you might ask? None other than Jack, Kate, Sayid, Hurley, Jin, and Sayid. They represent the metaphorical Black Rock on the Island's shores. The loop has come full circle and the Man in Black is back to square one. With a knowing look of disgust, Ghost Locke kicks Jacob into the fire, and understands that he's been out maneuvered. It's far from over, instead the war has just begun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/b/be/5x16_Dummykick.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 395px; height: 214px;" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/b/be/5x16_Dummykick.png" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm not going to go into the details surrounding "The Incident" because, quite frankly, I don't think they matter. For what it's worth, I think the Incident happened the way it always did; the pocket was breached <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> the bomb went off. The energy generated from both events somewhat cancelled each other out, but caused enough damage to kill a bunch of folks and...oh, I don't know, blow 90% of a huge statue away, leaving just the four toed foot. Dharma then poured layers of concrete within the Swan to try and suppress the radiation the blast caused and kept a core crew underground, going outside only when necessary in hazmat suits - again to protect themselves against radiation (everyone remembers that the inside of the Hatch door read "Quarantine" right?) Nothing changed...everything happened the way it was supposed to happen...except for the disappearance of our Losties. Because after all, the fade to white wasn't a just clever TV gimmick, it was the final time flash sending Jacob's players back to 2007 to finish the game. (Sorry Juliet...but I think your dead.) So, in my opinion, all the questions we may have had about Dharma and the past are irrelevant. What's done is done. All that matters is what will happen next. (Lost writers: 1, head scratching viewers: 0)<br /><br />And that brings us to what will be the end game for this series. As the writers have said all along, Lost is a show about redemption. Our characters will have the chance to show that humans can rise above deception, jealousy, violence, and hate. Instead they have the opportunity to express truth (Hurley), love (Jack/Kate; Jin/Sun), selflessness (Sayid), and loyalty (Sawyer). Jacob was correct in stating that "there is only one end," and it is the ending that we will see nearly a year from now when this fucking awesome series comes to a close.<br /><br />Tidbits:<br /><br />A few things that didn't fit above but are worth noting:<br /><br />-Q: "What Lies in the Shadow of the Statue?" A: "He who will save us all."<br /><br />-According to <a href="http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Jacob%27s_tapestry">Lostpedia</a>, "the tapestry depicts a pair of wings outstretched from an encircled <a href="http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/Eye_of_Horus" title="Eye of Horus" class="mw-redirect">Eye of Horus</a>, and what appear to be seventeen long arms emanating like rays out from the eye. The hands at the ends of the arms grope for human figures who appear to be at the mercy of the hands, while on either side a king sits in a throne and observes." Across the top of the tapestry, a quote from Homer's "Odyssey" reads "may the gods grant thee all that thy heart desires."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/9/9c/5x16_Jacob%27s_tapestry_other_views.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 415px; height: 375px;" src="http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/9/9c/5x16_Jacob%27s_tapestry_other_views.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-Jacob, to Jin and Sun at their wedding: "your love is special, cherish the time you have together and never let it go."<br /><br />-Did anyone else notice that Bernard's invitation for tea to Juliet seemed to hold some serious gravity? Bernard seemed to know what was in store for her. His eyes seemed to plead with her to stay. Again, more proof that Bernard and Rose are somehow above all of the shenanigans going down on the Island, and are the "model" of what love should be. Seems more and more likely that they will turn out to be the Adam and Eve skeletons in the cave.<br /><br />-So really, what is in the Hurley's guitar case? Was it just a prop used by Jacob to give Hurley the final push to return to the Island? Or, does its contents hold the key to Jacob's resurrection?<br /><br /><br /><br />That's all I got for this year, folks. And I'm more than willing to admit that the interpretation above is filled with its fair share of holes so let me know what you think in the comments below. Lord knows we will have more than enough time to debate, seeing that Season 6 doesn't start until early 2010! Thanks for all the thoughts and well wishes throughout the season...it's been a lot of fun trying to figure this shit out with you week to week. Have a great summer, and see you in 8 months...<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-21292966891950042362009-05-06T20:52:00.011-04:002009-05-12T10:12:11.838-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 5, Episode 15: "Follow the Leader"</span><br /><br />Well, here we are on the verge of the Season 5 finale and I have absolutely no idea what's going to happen...which is awesome. Will Jack succeed in blowing up Jughead and change the past forever? Or will Locke succeed in his death march mission to the one and only Jacob? Is Ben playing Locke (again), or is Richard playing them both? Will Sawyer really just take off and make millions on the '78 Cowboys or come back to help his friends? And for the love of God, WHERE THE HELL ARE BERNARD AND ROSE!?!?! I certainly won't answer any of these questions, but let's at least figure out what we're dealing with moving towards what should be a great finale this week.<br /><br />First off, the season of role reversals continues in "Follow the Leader." First we saw Jack and Sawyer flip flop in terms of Lostie power in Dharmaville, then we saw much of the same with Locke turning into Mr. Know It All and leaving Ben in the dark. The final reversal we're left with is with our two oldest polar opposite characters: Jack and Locke; Man of Science versus Man of Faith. But this time it's Jack that is taking a Leap of Faith, and Locke is the one following the "rules."<br /><br />As we know, Jack has been looking for a purpose ever since he returned to the Island. And after a while mopping hallways and cleaning toilets he came across Faraday and realized why he came back: to prevent all of this from ever happening. He explains to Kate that "this is their chance to change it all" and that blowing Jughead is "their destiny." Strong words for a man that never believed in such things, even when a certain "crazy" bald man would preach fate and destiny on a daily basis. But this time Jack sees that his only way out of this mess is to take a leap of faith by detonating the bomb, which will hopefully erase this entire period from his and the other Lostie's lives, and land Oceanic 815 safely in LA. But there is no way to know how that will really happen when that bomb blows, and what Jack seems to forget is that if he's wrong, everyone could die. And isn't that exactly what Richard Alpert claims to have seen?<br /><br />And what about Locke? The man that exclusively acted on what he "was destined to do" is now acting in an entirely different manner. He is approaching the world empirically, doing things that have a direct effect on what is to come next. For example, his first "chore" is to have Richard visit a past version of himself, to tell him to round up the O6 and bring them back to the Island (and don't forget to die in the process!). Locke is closing a time loop in a very "whatever happened, happened" kind of way. He clearly seems to <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span> what to do next, which is very different from his past self, who simply assumed what to do next based on a gut feeling (which - more often than not - was wrong. See: Hatch digging, button pushing, father trusting, etc, etc). The next errand will be to round all of the Hostiles up and take them to Jacob because he wants to "see" this person that is supposedly ordering them all around and ask him direct questions as to what his motives are. It no longer is enough to follow in blind faith as the old Locke would have....it is instead time for answers. Whether Locke intends to physically kill Jacob or just kill the "idea" of Jacob remains to be seen, but it's clear that he is not putting up with his mythical shit any longer. Sounds very Jack-ish to me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x15/leader-642.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 416px; height: 230px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x15/leader-642.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />That being said, we are reaching an end to the season and the idea of "whatever happened, happened" and "you can change the past" are coming to a direct head. If Jack is successful in changing the past, we could see a cliffhanger ending where the Losties land successfully LA without incident. And while that might be just fine for Jack, some other folks may have an objection to such a chain of events...specifically Kate and Sawyer. Kate, if you remember, was a handcuffed fugitive being transported back to the US to stand trial for murdering her (step?) father. Furthermore, if she never gets to the Island, she never ends up having her motherhood experience with Aaron, which is something that was very important to her. Along the same lines Sawyer can't be too psyched about erasing the past either, seeing that he would then never fall in love with Juliet (not to mention that he didn't have too many positive things happening on the mainland himself). The prevailing theory then is that on the sub Kate will tell Sawyer and Juliet what Jack is intending to do, which will cause them to turn that rig right around and head back to the Island to save their friends (and themselves).<br /><br />The examples above also lead me to believe that the "whatever happened, happened" theory has to be the winner in the end. Because if you look at the underlying themes of this show you'll see that it's ultimately about our characters finding out who they really are, and righting the wrongs that they caused for themselves and others. For many, this has already happened or is well on its way of happening. So why waste 5 seasons of redemption just to erase it all in one moment? Where's the happy ending in that? But then again, some huge "wrongs" would be avoided if the Island wreck never happened; most obviously the deaths of Boone, Shannon, Claire, Mr. Eko, Charlie, Michael, Goodwin, Anna Lucia, Libby, Alex, Karl, Rousseau, Dr. Aartz, Frogurt....I think you get the point. So who wins out in the end? Will the past be erased or will the time loop be held intact as it has happened time and time again? (See, I told you I had no answers).<br /><br />Tidbits:<br /><br />-So do you guys remember when Walt showed up soaking wet talking gibberish to Shannon in Season 1? Well not sure if this really makes sense, but after seeing the Hostiles' secret underground tunnels (accessed by diving through a pond) I'm guessing that the tunnels were the way that the Others got around the Island so quickly when they were spying on the Losties in past seasons. It doesn't necessarily explain the whispers, but it does explain why Walt was wet during that encounter and also why Harper showed up out of nowhere to tell Juliet to stop Daniel and Charlotte from getting to the Flame in Season 4 (she was dripping wet too, but to her credit, it was pouring rain).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/b/bb/2X01_WaltJungle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 310px;" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/b/bb/2X01_WaltJungle.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of the Tunnels, if the Hostiles didn't swim the bomb down through the pond like Jack asked, then how exactly did they get Jughead down there? The only way would be through a larger entrance to the ancient cavern...could that larger entrance be what's in the shadow of the statue? Or did Smokey take it down?<br /><br />-When Widmore and Eloise were quietly discussing how to handle the Jack/Kate situation, Widmore placed his hand over Eloise's stomach and mumbled something about "her condition" - most likely trying to dissuade her from helping Jack. I think it's safe to assume that he was referring to her being pregnant with Daniel, which means that Daniel was around 30 years old at the time of his death. It also means that she technically killed her son before he was born. Trippy. (Of course, we know that will not cause a paradox because Daniel's "present" was killed, not a past version of himself. Right? Let's just move on.)<br /><br />-In the beginning of the episode, Richard was shown building a ship in a bottle. This has led many to deduce that he is in some way tied to the Black Rock - either by being a crew member on board or a transported slave. I'm not sure I agree...I see him as being even older than that. But time will tell, I suppose.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x15/leader-026.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 218px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x15/leader-026.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-Phil is going to die, and he's going to die hard. So far I think the best "kill" in this show was when Sayid impaled one of his tranquilizer assassins onto an open dishwasher bin filled with sharp knives (seriously, that took some quick thinking)...but I think Phil might have an even better death ahead of him. No one slaps Sawyer's special lady friend and lives. No one. Hope you enjoyed your time on the show, Phil, cause you are done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x15/leader-233.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 209px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x15/leader-233.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Big Finale Questions:<br /><br />-We still know very little about Bram and Ilana. Are they Widmore agents? Are they working for Ben? Descendants of the ancient Egyptians? What is in that case? I think a good chunk of the finale will be dedicated to this new group and hopefully we will understand what their motives are moving into Season 6.<br /><br />-Is Jacob real, or is he just a faceless god created to instill fear in those who follow him? We know that Ben has probably never seen him, but Locke HAS (as have we), so there must be something real about him. Personally, I'm sticking to an old theory that was posed shortly after we saw him beckoning for help in the cabin a couple seasons ago: Jacob is Locke, and he's stuck in a never ending time loop. And now the "new" Locke is hear to kill that version of himself, and free himself to lead beyond the borders of that cabin.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/9/97/3x20_Jacob_portrait.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 391px; height: 480px;" src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/lostpedia/images/9/97/3x20_Jacob_portrait.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />-And seriously, where are Bernard and Rose? Richard mentioned that there was another group of people at the Temple...could they be with them? There is another long standing theory that the "Adam and Eve" skeletons found in the caves back in Season 1 will end up being Bernard and Rose. I like that idea, seeing that they were the first couple on the show to represent a true love, and were never going to leave the Island after it saved Rose's life. Maybe they flashed back to the past and just stayed there? Who knows, but there is no way we are done with them.<br /><br /><br />Add your burning questions below and we'll see if we get any answers this week. It's been a long ride but I can't wait to see how they leave us hanging...it's going to be tough, but hopefully we'll have plenty to discuss in the months following the finale. Enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-55391830977946201182009-04-29T20:55:00.008-04:002009-05-05T10:46:25.507-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 5, Episode 14: "The Variable"</span><br /><br />Great episode! I think this was the perfect set up for the last three episodes of the season (one this week, then a two hour finale), as Daniel comes back to essentially pose the O6'ers with a decision that could ultimately change their lives...without further ado, let's get to it.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I'm from the future."</span><br /><br />Our boy Daniel is back and he's got a new plan. No longer is he lecturing on about the foolishness of trying to change the past...instead he's back to do exactly that. And his plan is an aggressive one: he first warns Dr. Chang of a "catastrophic accident" that will occur at the Swan Hatch (likely the "Incident"), then convinces Jack and Kate to escort him to the Hostiles camp. But before he can make the trek to see Richard and the Others he delivers his "old scary man" speech to little Charlotte at the ever-present swing set before getting into an all out gun fight with the increasingly agitated Radzinsky and crew in Dharmaville. Finally, just before entering the Hostiles camp, he lets Kate and Jack in on his secret plan: he wants to use Jughead to bomb the Island and prevent all the terrible things that have happened on it and to its inhabitants in the future. It's quite an agenda to take care of in 6 hours. And even though he won't be able to see out the plan himself, I think he's done enough to get the ball rolling.<br /><br />So lets analyze one each of the above events one at a time to understand the motives behind Daniel's actions. First of all, it's important to note that he's not out to necessarily change <span style="font-style: italic;">everything</span>. For example, his conversation with Chang is more of a formality than anything. After dropping the bombshell that the Swan will burst and that he is from the future, you see that Chang hesitates a bit before shrugging him off. What we should take from this is that Chang knows enough about the properties of the Island that he realizes that what Dan is saying <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> happen. There is enough energy below the Island that it could certainly cause some damage. Similarly, he knows that Dan <span style="font-style: italic;">could</span> be from the future, since Chang is pretty familiar with the Orchid's theoretical time travel capabilities (not to mention that the argument that Miles was his son was pretty damn convincing - I mean, how many Asians do you know named Miles?). So when Chang finally does storm off, Dan lets him go knowing that he's said enough to make sure that he will do "what he's supposed to do" - which is to order the evacuation of at least the women and children off the Island, including Chang's wife, baby Miles, and Charlotte (which is why he covered his bases with baby Charlotte, telling her to do whatever Dr. Chang said and to leave the Island). These events actually did happened in the past, and Dan is simply making sure that they happen again. Not everyone will be spared from the Incident (or bomb explosion), but as you'll see later, getting these specific people off the Island will be extremely important as time moves on.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x14/variable108.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 402px; height: 223px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x14/variable108.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now, while he takes some steps to ensure that some events happened as they always have, his foray into the Hostile's camp is to specifically change a sequence of events that were set into motion once the Incident took place. If you remember, he explains to Kate and Jack that after the Incident Dharma instituted the button to suppress the energy below the Swan hatch to prevent any future accidents. Desmond became the pusher of that button until one day he missed the deadline, causing Oceanic 815 to crash onto the Island. And because of that, the Freighter eventually brings Daniel, Miles, Charlotte, and the rest of them to the Island, which eventually kills Charlotte and so on and so forth. Daniel explains that because he and the O6 are "variables" in the overall equation (after all, they "are not supposed to be there"), they should be able to put a stop to that chain of events at this very moment by blowing up the Island before the Incident occurs. In order to do this, he needs to ask the Hostiles where they put "Jughead," the hydrogen bomb that he told them to bury in 1952. Once he has this information, he will be able to access the bomb and blow it before the Incident occurs.<br /><br />Unfortunately Daniel's plan also included entering the Hostiles camp solo with a loaded gun and we all know how that ended. Not sure if he really thought that part through. But the big takeaway here is that Eloise of course unknowingly shot her son in 1977, but at the same time <span style="font-style: italic;">still</span> encouraged him to go back to the Island in 2004 knowing that he would eventually be killed (by her, no less). So the question is - why? If we assume that Hawking sent him back so that she could personally end his mission to blow the Island and change the past, why send him back at all? Destiny or no destiny, if you didn't want Daniel to blow up the Island, why not just keep him on the piano bench at home? The dude was pretty much toast anyway, right?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x14/variable357.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 226px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x14/variable357.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />My only thought is that Eloise sent him back because she realized that the past <span style="font-style: italic;">did</span> in fact need to be changed. She finally figured out that all of the shit that the Others and Widmore had been feeding her was bullshit and that maybe the world would be a better place if the Island didn't exist at all. I mean, look at how she originally defined the word "destiny." She explained to little Daniel that destiny meant that if someone has a special gift that it has to be nurtured. But that's not what destiny means at all! Destiny is the idea that the world runs on a predetermined, inevitable course of events. And if that were the case, she didn't need to push Daniel to use his talents, because he would have eventually done so anyways. Similarly, she wouldn't have had to push Desmond to travel to the Island and push the button (as she did in "Flashes Before your Eyes") because he would have been "destined" to do so. All of these Other/time coach people continually talk about "course correction" and "destiny" but then can't just sit back and let those events inevitably run their course. Instead, they shape them.<br /><br />So I think that at some point after Daniel fries his brain, Eloise realizes that all her talk is BS and that the past needs to be changed. And while I'm sure she would have liked to avoid it, she still needed to send Daniel back there because otherwise no one else would have been able to tell Jack - our once fearless leader - the master plan. This could also explain why Eloise sends Jack and company back on Ajira 316. She needed to be sure that before Daniel was shot he passed the necessary information to Jack - the one person who has yet to find his "purpose" upon his return to the Island. Well Jack, meet your reason for returning...it's to carry out Daniel's plan and blow up the Island. (Quick note - next week's episode is called "Follow the Leader" - yet another reference to Jack and his new found purpose).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x14/variable503.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 235px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x14/variable503.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You may be asking, "what the hell will happen to everyone in the future if the Island is blasted in 1977?" And that's a good question....hell, even Eloise doesn't know ("for the first time in a long time, I don't know what's going to happen next.") Of course she doesn't, because she helped Daniel change the past...for better or worse. One theory is that if we assume that the O6 get back to the present time before any bombs go off, they live in some sort of a alternative ("separate") reality on the remains of the now mostly decimated Island in 2007. You see, they didn't necessarily change <span style="font-style: italic;">their</span> future, they only changed the future for those that were truly living in time of 1977. Remember, the O6, Juliet, Miles, and Daniel were in their own present, meaning they had lived their lives in full up to that point (and did not revert to who they were in 1977 upon the flash). But if you look at it from the 1977 perspective, baby Miles was hopefully evacuated on that sub and grew up to a totally new future, a future that did not include a trip back to the Island years later. It's for this reason that it was so important to convince Chang to evacuate some of the Dharma folks, because if baby Miles perishes on the Island, well, then so does adult Miles. (The same works for Charlotte - if she is evacuated her life is essentially saved because her trip back to the Island on the Frieghter will never happened. It can be argued that this is the underlying reason for Daniel's plan.) Similarly, if the chain of events that started with the Incident never happens, then the Losties never crash on Oceanic 815. They simply get on the flight in Australia and land in LA. They never meet, and they never get Lost. Unless of course, I've got it all wrong, and destiny WAS right and the inevitable happens. The plane crashes after all, but this time without an magnetic pulse to draw it to the Island it crashes sinks to the Ocean floor...killing everyone. I know that Widmore claims that he placed the wreckage there...but he's been known to lie before, right? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x14/variable195.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 223px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x14/variable195.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />To be sure, there are a lot of holes in the above theory. But what Season 5 comes down to is whether or not Jack and company decide to change the past or not. We've been told all season "whatever happened, happened," but it's clear now that our Losties hold the keys to making that change if they choose to do so. It's free will versus destiny, and the season's conclusion will ride on that decision. To be honest, I really don't know what's going to happen and I couldn't be happier to that fact. What I think we can expect is a hell of a season finale, but at the same time a huge cliffhanger that will be causing us to pull our hair out for 7 months before the final season begins.<br /><br /><br />Tid bits:<br /><br />-Many folks noticed the issue of "Wired" on Daniel's couch when Widmore went to visit him. Indeed, the cover had some very relevant headlines scattered across it ("The Impossible Gets Real!", "The Super Power Issue", "Time Travel!"), but I think the real reason it was included was to subconsciously plug this month's issue of Wired (May), which is guest edited by the show's own JJ Abrams. Pretty smooth, if you ask me....and I recommend you pick it up - it is dubbed the "Mystery Issue" and has some pretty cool articles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/5x14_wired.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 415px; height: 233px;" src="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/5x14_wired.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-When Daniel visits Charlotte at the swing set she is eating a chocolate bar and says, "mommy says no chocolate before dinner" (or something like that). This is the same thing she says before dying in Daniel's arms years later. Obviously her consciousness was skipping, but it's interesting to note that in both "times" the last face she saw was Daniel's.<br /><br /><br />Alright, I think I thoroughly confused myself through this post so I'll turn it over to you guys to tell me where I went wrong. I think (hope) that some of these questions will be answered in this week's show and then I look forward to a great 2 hour finale next week! Till then!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-78703065962974173252009-04-21T20:07:00.009-04:002009-04-22T09:42:42.501-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 5, Episode 13: "Some Like it Hoth"</span><br /><br /><br />"Well......here we go."<br /><br />If I could sum this episode up in one line, it would be this statement that Juliet made to Kate after Ben was discovered missing in the infirmary by Roger Linus. In a sense, I believe that this episode is the beginning of not only the end of Season 5, but the beginning of the end game of the whole series in general. Our time in Dharmaville is limited, and shit is about to go down...but more on that later.<br /><br />Up first, more daddy issues! We are all familiar with the parental conflicts that run rampant in this show: Jack's got his issues with Christian, Sawyer's parents were murdered, Sun's Dad doesn't respect her, Roger takes joy in degrading boy Ben whenever he has the chance (well, before he was shot at least)....and the list goes on. And now the newest patient with daddy issues is our friend Miles. It is finally revealed that Dr. Pierre Chang is in fact Miles' father, and while that detail was anticipated, there was some other info in this episode that answered some nagging questions that we've had all season. Most importantly, we see Dr. Chang (somewhat lovingly) read a story to baby Miles....<span style="font-style: italic;">right in front</span> of grown up Miles. This confirms that two versions of one entity can exist in the same time (in Lost anyway). While that fact is confirmed, the question of what happens when those two entities collide is an entirely different story.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x13/5x14-hoth-400.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 223px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x13/5x14-hoth-400.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />If you recall, I while back I posted an Orientation video for the Orchid which showed Dr. Chang discussing the properties that the station held. As you can see from the video below, in his arms he had a cute little bunny with the number "15" stenciled on its side. About half way through the video, something unexpected occurs. The cute little bunny - number "15" - suddenly shows up in the background, seemingly out of nowhere, while the same bunny number "15" still resides in Dr. Chang's arms. Obviously some sort of time jump happened involving the rabbit and now two versions of the same entity exist in the same time. But the important thing to note is that Dr. Chang immediately yells out, "don't let them near each other!" and protectively cradles his version of the bunny from the other before the video cuts out. So the question remains: what happens if they touch?<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_gERdALb5vQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_gERdALb5vQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Grown up Miles and baby Miles are physically able to exist in the same time, but if mustachioed Miles takes Hurley's advice and tries to "hold the baby you," some crazy shit could go down. Could it be crazy enough to cause an "incident," the same incident that Dr. Chang refers to in the Swan Orientation video (which is assumed to be the same incident that cost him his arm)? I'm not sure about that, but it's something to keep in mind. The more likely scenario is that Dr. Chang soon figures out that "Circle of Trust" Miles is the same Miles that poops with his pants on and leads him to send his wife and child off the Island - specifically to avoid any interaction between the two. Meaning, that Chang was really protecting his wife and child versus abandoning them. Furthermore, Miles' appearance in 1977 is likely related to the "credible source" that he notes in the below video proving that time travel is indeed possible. I posted this one earlier this year (it is from ComicCon 2008), and if you recall, a familiar voice sounds off towards the end. (Even if you've seen it before, it's worth watching again as it fits nicely in the time line of the story at this point in the show).<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AdWLYVRiin8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AdWLYVRiin8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Anyways, all of that aside, Miles never quite resolved his issues with his father, and we know that left him feeling empty. (The line towards the end when Miles hurriedly walks from his father's window as Chang leaves the house is classic. Chang sees him and calls out, "Miles, I need you." And with a sniffle, Miles turns back and beams, "you <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span>?" only to learn that Chang needed a ride to the dock. BURN!) And while Miles does a decent job covering up that hole, he can't hide it from the weirdos in the kidnapper's van that abduct him in one of the flashbacks. Many folks didn't seem to realize this, but the dude sitting shotgun and lecturing Miles about filling that void in his soul was Bram, an accomplice of Ilana who is currently on the Island in 2007 time. Bram also asks Miles the code/riddle "What lies in the shadow of the statue," which obviously is the same question Ilana asks Lapidus before knocking him out cold.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/5x13_bram.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 404px; height: 223px;" src="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/5x13_bram.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Now, last week I posed (as have others) that this "new" group was either working for Widmore, or was a new version of Dharma. Based on what we learned this episode, I'm thinking that neither suggestions are correct. The Widmore option clearly seems out of the picture, since we know that Miles was soon to be on Widmore's freighter, a decision that Bram was trying to talk Miles out of ("your playing for the wrong team.") And while the "new Dharma" theory is technically alive, another hypothesis that I've heard is even more intriguing: which is that Ilana, Bram and company are descendants of the ancient culture that once lived on the Island. You know, the same ones that built the statue of Anubis, carved hieroglyphics in the wall, and bowed down to god Smokey. It's certainly plausible, and would tie in to the (yet unexplained) Egyptian mythology that has been a part of the show ever since Season 1. And as vlogger <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvYRCB0957M&feature=channel_page">Carmel</a> puts it, this would truly be a case of the "Empire Strikes Back" - as inferred from this week's Star Wars themed title, "Some Like it Hoth." The Egyptians are back, and they're pissed. Brendon Fraser - consider yourself on duty.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.stanford.edu/group/ccr/blog/mummy_returns.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 401px; height: 591px;" src="http://www.stanford.edu/group/ccr/blog/mummy_returns.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Regardless, a war is coming, which brings me back to Juliet's "here we go" mantra that started the post. Simply put, their life in Dharmaville is starting to fall apart. Ben has been shot and kidnapped, Roger is suspicious of Kate, Sawyer's been made by Jimmy from Mad Men, Miles is getting chummy with his Dad, and Faraday just returned from a three year stint at Dharma headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan - this time looking especially bad-ass and confident in his newly issued BLACK Dharma jumpsuit (ahem...Return of the Jedi anyone? ). And let's not forget that dudes are getting fillings sucked out through their brains out at the Swan construction site (which is more likely the location of the upcoming "incident" that I mentioned above...don't forget that the Swan sits on a huge amount of electromagnetic energy, which is likely compounded by the chance that the "Jughead" bomb also resides there). <br /><br />My guess is that over the final episodes of Season 5, we will see the unraveling of the Lostie's world in 1977 and that Faraday/Luke Skywalker will somehow lead our characters to the Orchid and get them back to 2007, where they belong. What remains to be seen is if they change (or have already changed) something in the past. Maybe Ilana's group only exists because of something that they did in1977? Regardless, once returned, the task at hand will be to fight the inevitable war that looms...but the question that remains is, who's side will they be on? (Hopefully not the Ewoks).<br /><br /><br />Tidbits:<br /><br />So I know I didn't mention Naomi's welcome return in this recap, but that scene with Miles and the dead guy all but confirms that Widmore staged the Oceanic 815 flight wreckage after all. Also, we can pretty much assume that the dead guy ("Felix") was intercepted and killed by Tom Friendly since he was the one that showed Michael those sensitive documents in "Meet Kevin Johnson."<br /><br />But the most important tidbit in this scene revolved around what Naomi said to Miles. She mentions that she is "leading an expedition to an Island to find a man that will be very difficult to find." When pressed as to why Miles is needed on the trip, Naomi responds, "this Island has a number of deceased individuals...<span style="font-style: italic;">residing</span> on it, and as this man is responsible for them being deceased, we feel that they can supply invaluable information as to his whereabouts."<br /><br />Now at first glance, you'd think that she is referring to all of the people that are dead and buried on the Island because of Ben's doing....and there are plenty...but most obviously the Purge victims come to mind first. But she specifically says that there are a number of deceased individuals "residing" on the Island. Do you think it's possible that she's referring to the "ghosts" that live on the Island - like Christian? And if these "residents" are dead because of Ben...is it sensible for us to deduce that Ben killed Christian?<br /><br /><br />I'll let you chew on that for a bit, cause instead of getting excited for a new Lost tonight, we are being treated with a repeat/clip show, and then coming back new next week for the final few episodes of Season 5. But let me know what you think below, and I'll see you next week!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-88316489820784175652009-04-13T20:36:00.010-04:002009-04-14T10:18:26.905-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 5, Episode 12: "Dead is Dead"</span><br /><br />Well then, after a few too many episodes in 70's era Dharmaville, we finally got back to what's going down in good ole 2007, and the action was far from disappointing. OK, so the Smokey Slide Show may have been a little cheesy, but the other 56 minutes were the tops. And since there was plenty to keep track of this week, let's get right to it.<br /><br />Seeing that the bulk of the episode centered around the adventures of zombie Locke and banged up Ben, their story is as good a place to start as any. Keeping with a major theme of this season, it becomes apparent very early in the episode that the relationship between these to foes (friends? leaders? chosen ones?) has taken a complete 180. Ben is no longer calling the shots. Hell, Ben doesn't even know what the shots are. Locke is so completely in control of his surroundings that it visibly frazzles Ben. Remember, while Locke seemed to be gaining confidence on the Island pre-donkey wheel turn (to gather the O6), he found out soon enough that Ben was still a step ahead of him, as he'd always been. He trailed John's every move, killed Abaddon, and then manipulated "critical information" out of John before murdering him in cold blood. It was the final "failure" of Locke's doomed life...a failure that Ben once again orchestrated from the start. But this time it's different. Ben broke the rules. He's back where he is not supposed to be and Locke is exactly where he should be. When Ben wakes up in that infirmary bed he is truly shocked to see John alive and well before him. He simply doesn't know what to make of it, but he knows one thing: it's f-ing crazy. As he told Sun later in the episode, Ben had "seen the Island do miraculous things, but never this. Dead is dead."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead018.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 394px; height: 218px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead018.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Which brings up a good point. Is Locke alive or is he something....else? Is it presumptuous of us to assume that he just resurrected out of nothing and is now alive and well? I know it was Easter week and all, but let's look at this rationally for a second (well "rationally" in Lost terms). First off, Christian is another dude who came to the Island in a coffin and ended up "alive," but we've never really believed that he is actually alive, right? No...Christian has been referred to as a ghost - or even a guide - that the Island uses to get people on the right track. He's told Jack numerous times that he's "got more work to do" and walked Locke through the whole process of moving the Island to go back and retrieve the O6 ("I said for YOU to move the Island, John, not him"). There are examples of other ghosts helping our characters out as well: Mr. Eko got Yemi, Hurley got Dave, and Kate...well, Kate got a horse (remember that?). In all of these cases the beneficiaries of these visits were given a path to follow, and a push in the right direction. Now, back in 2007 on an Island that may not want him back, Ben is in need of directions...and Locke - whatever he might be - is there to provide them. John is the new zombie Christian.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead027.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 407px; height: 225px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead027.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Some of John's lines and actions illustrate his new role as Island Sherpa. From the get go, in Ben's office, John takes control of the situation. He plops right down into Ben's old desk chair, and demands an explanation for his own death. He gets Ben to actually tell the truth for once, a feat the old John could never seem to master. Next Ben tells him that he must "be judged" by the Island and after a moment of thought John decides that he will help him on his "journey." Along the way he gently reminds Ben of what he is really being judged for: "You're lying...you're not coming back here to be judged for 'breaking the rules,' you're coming back to be judged for killing your daughter." And at that moment, Ben realizes the simple truth in those words, and begins to come to the realization that he must be responsible for his actions in order to be forgiven. Next John stalls on a promise to Sun regarding finding Jin to remind Ben that he's got a monster to summon; "better get to it then," he urges with a knowing smile. And as the show progresses, I think Ben starts to understand what's going on. When he comments to John, "you don't have the first idea of what this Island wants", he sees the crazy look in his eye when John responds, "are you <span style="font-style: italic;">sure</span> about that?" Furthermore, it's no mistake that John is the one to come walking out of the woods after Ben mutters the line, "whatever is about to come out of that jungle, I can't control." Sure he was referring to Smokey, but let's not miss the bigger picture here...John is one with the Island, and Ben knows that he has lost his ability to dictate his actions.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead178.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 227px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead178.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />It's probably for this reason that he was going to try and kill him yet again as Alex/Smokey prophesied in the Temple. But that won't happen now. Because of John's helping hand, Ben was led to the Temple, accepted responsibility for the death of his daughter, and was in turn spared by the Island. His punishment however may be as bad as death; he is stripped of all his power and ordered follow the commands of the man that he once owned so completely. But there can be no argument, because as Richard once said in reference to Ben, "the Island chooses who the Island chooses." But this time, it is Ben who is on the outside looking in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead323.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 417px; height: 231px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead323.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />One more note regarding the Island's decision to let Ben live. Sure, he needed to repent and all that stuff (don't forget that Mr. Eko - while "born again" in his faith - never repented for the life he once lived as a thief and a killer...even as Ghost Yemi urged him to do so, he never accepted the responsibility for his past actions...and it could be for this reason that the Island killed him), his salvation could have been helped by the fact that Alex was never supposed to live her life to begin with. In other words, Widmore was right: the Island wanted nothing to do with Alex or Rousseau. Ben's decision to save her got them about an extra 15 years or so, but in the end course correction took over and their lives were eventually taken. "You cannot fight the inevitable," snears Widmore. Ironically, that is all Ben did when in power of the Others. In addition to letting Alex and her mother live, he moved his people to the Dharma camp when they probably should have stayed in the jungle (where they have now presumably ended up again). In addition, he tried to fix the fertility problem which remained un-fixable. In a sense, everything he did on the Island was to fight the ever loosening grip that he had over it until eventually, it pushed him aside to welcome a new leader in Locke. Widmore was right indeed...Ben couldn't fight the inevitable and eventually he ended up just like his enemy, banished from his perch as leader of the Island.<br /><br /><br />Moving on to other matters, what the hell was in that crate that evil Ilana and crew are toting? They seem to be awfully careful with it, seeing that in the time it took for Locke and Ben to travel to the main Island AND for Lapidus to travel back to Othertraz the crate moved like two feet. And gotta love that code phrase: "what lies in the shadow of the statue?" Ummm...is it Bernard and Rose? Faraday maybe? Cause seriously, where the hell are those clowns? No, but clearly Ilana is the sneaky one with an agenda - and likely an employee of Widmore. My guess is that this crew will be the beginnings of the new "bad guys" for Season 6 when everyone is presumably back to the present. Furthermore, I'm thinking that inside the crate lies an extremely delicate communication device that will allow Widmore to find his way back to the Island.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead254.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 414px; height: 229px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead254.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The only fault with this is as many have pointed out, if Widmore knew that the plane was going to lead Ilana and the O6 back to the Island, why didn't he just buy a ticket and climb aboard? I mean, the dude probably has the miles for a ticket to Guam, right? Widmore mentions to Ben that he's been trying to find the Island for "20 years." Really? It took Ben three! Who knows, maybe if he had boarded the flight the "circumstances" of the original 815 flight would have been altered too much for it to return, but overall I'm just think Widmore isn't trying hard enough.<br /><br />Another theory is that Ilana is part of a new Dharma crew that has come to take back the Island. One of the ideas supporting this is that her secret handshake question Ilana asked is reminiscent of Desmond's famous riddle, "what did one snowman say to the other snowman?*" which was a code leftover from Dharma times. Not sure if I'm on board with that, but it's intriguing. Regardless, Widmore spoke of a "war" coming, and this new group just might represent the beginnings of the Season 6 war that is no doubt on its way.<br /><br /><br />Speaking of statues, I'm sure all of you noticed the ancient drawing of our four toed pal Anubis and Smokey on the Temple wall above Smokey's wack-a-mole bed, right? Good. As a reminder, Anubis is the Egyptian god associated with death, mummification, and the afterlife. How appropriate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead281.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 417px; height: 231px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead281.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And finally, we were all debating here at work why Ben tells Sun to tell Desmond that he was sorry. Seeing that he was unsuccessful in his attempted murder of Penny, what was the point of an apology? I mean, Ben has tried to kill Locke like 25 times and can still barely utter an apology to him (actually, instead of saying the words "I'm sorry" to John this week, Ben shows his remorse by KILLING ANOTHER PERSON in shooting Caesar..."consider that your apology," he says.) All I'm saying is that Ben is not one to be the bigger man. Boss Man Richard W has rightly pointed out that Ben could simply be apologizing for shooting Desmond, which certainly could be the case, but something else seems to be going on. Maybe Ben had someone finish the job? Or maybe he really is turning over a new leaf and is subscribing to the Island's 12 step program to save his soul?<br /><br />Tidbits:<br /><br />I don't necessarily have a theory here, but I thought it was important to note that when Ben and Locke took the boat from Othertraz to the Island, Locke was deliberately shown taking off his shoes on the beach for the ride, and then shown putting them back on upon arrival to the dock. Again, this may be nothing, but the writers made a point to show us both mundane tasks. Could this be another shout out to Locke's connection to Christian - a gentle reminder that John may not be as alive as we think he is? Remember, those shoes were put on Locke by Jack at the funeral home and once belonged to Christian...and Lost has a history with the significance of shoes. (I just read that line and realized how ridiculous it sounds - "significance of shoes?" - man I'm in too deep. But as ridiculous as it sounds, I think it's something to keep in mind.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead105.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 427px; height: 236px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead105.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />(Another thought, if Christian and Locke are Island ghosts, could Richard be one as well? I mean, that would explain the ageless thing, right?)<br /><br /><br />Finally, I've theorized on this blog that the 2007 that Ben, Sun, and others inhabit might be an alternate version of the present based on a change that occurred in the past. This thought is based on how Dharmaville is all beaten up and doesn't look like it was ever lived in by the Others at all. Well, if you notice in this episode a game of Risk that Sawyer and Hurley were playing in 2004 was still set up in Ben's house when Ben and Locke returned. This seems to booster the theory that the past has remained unchanged and that we should still subscribe to the rule that "whatever happened, happened."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead133.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 223px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x12/deadisdead133.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Alright, I didn't even cover everything (how/why did the Hostiles recruit Ethan? Did Ben ever go back to Dharma after his healing?), but this is long and I have to get going. For all of you Star Wars fans out there, next week's episode is titled "Some Like it Hoth." Can't wait to see what that's all about. Enjoy it because we are getting a recap show next week (4/22), before returning back live the following week for the finale arc. Till then!<br /><br /><br />*Smells like carrots.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-39499269126180670772009-04-01T20:50:00.009-04:002009-04-08T09:41:22.056-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 5, Episode, 11: "Whatever Happened, Happened"</span><br /><br />So the debate continues...can you change the past or is what happened, happened? I know I must sound like a broken record by this point, but unfortunately this week's episode didn't give us much in the way of a concrete answer to the question that will likely plague us until the end of Season 5 (or beyond). But we did learn a bunch of stuff, and were treated to some quality Kate scenes...something I never thought I'd say again. So without further ado, let's get to it.<br /><br />First off, we have to discuss a hot topic of debate that came out of this week's show: Little Ben's bullet wound. You'll notice from the pictures below that Sayid's shot hit Ben closer to the middle of his body (aka Heart) in "He's Our You," but in the beginning minutes of "Whatever Happened, Happened" Ben's wound clearly resides on the right side of his chest.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxZxHqEOyiyIjmmMVNPSpNtJOGX0aKixnOJNTVdstQ9VF3FHko_Lc3xwoBCsdwql73Zh1WD7GQy5KWFS5fsEiBszqyadxwkHOX8u7KCe5KuUKCJwwq2nfJxFuAVHBMLh6YQlM/s1600/youngbenshot.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 408px; height: 324px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxZxHqEOyiyIjmmMVNPSpNtJOGX0aKixnOJNTVdstQ9VF3FHko_Lc3xwoBCsdwql73Zh1WD7GQy5KWFS5fsEiBszqyadxwkHOX8u7KCe5KuUKCJwwq2nfJxFuAVHBMLh6YQlM/s1600/youngbenshot.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfCNY3Ok-x3mJdAb_ljOe5aBpWU6m8oEVy448iCC9n7A8DyIv_anmG_32EFd1sa1hgZ7o0TB0LXJAAZhjuccpcJMrWfGLsW5tcNIVbJy-79p2b_pX2CI2BYAENC_jxh0zG3nT/s1600/bensbulletotherside.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 409px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrfCNY3Ok-x3mJdAb_ljOe5aBpWU6m8oEVy448iCC9n7A8DyIv_anmG_32EFd1sa1hgZ7o0TB0LXJAAZhjuccpcJMrWfGLsW5tcNIVbJy-79p2b_pX2CI2BYAENC_jxh0zG3nT/s1600/bensbulletotherside.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The top pic is right after he was shot, and the hole is on the left side of his chest, and the lower pic it's clearly on the right side (I'm using his left and right not yours)</span></span> </div><br />There are a couple possible reasons for this: 1) it's yet another continuity error (it's been all but confirmed that the woman behind Sun in that creepy Christian scene two weeks ago was a crew member...come on Lost, get with the program!); 2) the Island moved the wound shortly after the shot to try and save Ben, or 3) the wound is in two different spots due to a matter of perception. Meaning that Sayid, filled with anger and rage for his nemesis, saw the bullet strike through Ben's heart...a certain kill shot. It's what he wanted to see, and therefore the Island let him perceive it to be so. However, when Jin turns Ben over, he sees it differently...the injury is in a relatively safer place (for a shot to the chest, that is), which leads him to believe that he has a chance to save his life. Jin quickly transports him back to the infirmary, and eventually Ben gets shuttled to the Others and is presumably saved.<br /><br />There is much more written on the matter of perception in Lost, but all in all I think the point to take home is that the Island shows certain people certain things for a specific purpose. And while all the characters are seemingly going through the same series of events together, they could be perceiving them in a slightly different way so that their reactions create specific results that are in line with the will of the Island. Sayid sees his shot strike Ben through the heart, which makes him run off into the jungle instead of finishing him off with a head shot...in Locke's initial visit to the Cabin he sees a long haired Jacob beckoning for help, but Ben seemingly sees or hears nothing...Desmond sees flashes of the future while no one else can. All of these events (and more) create outcomes that are essential to the development of the Island - Ben lives, Locke becomes the "chosen one," and Desmond is able to find Penny (and these are just a few examples). I'm not sure if this theory is fully fleshed out, but I think it will be interesting to keep in mind as the show progresses.<br /><br />Let's move on to Kate, Aaron, and Sawyer's abandoned lady friend, Cassidy. For those of you that need a reminder, Cassidy and Sawyer met up a couple of seasons ago when Sawyer tried to con her, but the ever perceptive Cassidy saw through his ruse and asked him to teach her his devious ways. They conned together for a bit, until Sawyer split upon hearing about her pregnancy (or something like that). Sawyer never quite got past the fact that he abandoned his daughter, and whispered into Kate's ear on the chopper last season to check on his Clementine. Kate also crossed paths with Cassidy in her past, as the two of them helped each other out for a brief period (Kate helped her con, and Cassidy helped Kate evade the feds). Upon their renewed friendship in post-Island days, Cassidy sees through Kate’s BS just as she did with Sawyer, and lets her know that she is just using Aaron as a placeholder for her lost love for Sawyer. This realization leads Kate to come to her senses and give Aaron to his rightful blood relative, Grandma Claire, and return to the Island with a clear purpose: to find the lost Claire. I was glad to see that her reason was that and NOT to go back and get all lovey dovey with Sawyer. Kate climbed up a couple of pegs for me in this episode...but I guess that's not too tough when you're already at the bottom (oh snap!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x11b/5x11-690.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 437px; height: 242px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x11b/5x11-690.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So now we know the purpose of three of our five returning Losties. Sayid was meant to shoot Ben, Sun was meant to find Jin (I think), and Kate is bent on reuniting Claire with her son. But Jack....well, Jack's still waiting for the light bulb to go off. I've really enjoyed watching his transition from Mr. Fix It to "whatever man...I'll let the Island do its thang." He let go of the reigns and is along for the ride until destiny calls out for him. How Locke-ish of him. My guess is that the reason for his return is to have a final showdown with Christian, and resolve those Daddy issues that essentially got him into this mess to begin with. Only time will tell, but I'm liking the new Jack.<br /><br />(Oh, and I guess we don’t know Hurley’s purpose yet either...but at this point I’m going with comic relief…more on that later).<br /><br />And now for the meat of the episode...the showdown between Richard Alpert, Kate, Sawyer, and the hanging by a thread Ben (seriously...did everyone not realize that the kid got shot in the chest and was rapidly losing blood? There was a fair amount of dilly dallying going on in these scenes). Richard meets Kate and crew halfway in Hostile territory, as if he knew they were going to arrive, and makes his point clear: I can save the boy, but if I do, he's not going to remember a thing and he will be altered for life. This, in essence, is the creation of Ben as we know him. The trip to the Temple will change him...it will "take his innocence" and turn him into a conduit for the Island, much in the same way the trip down the Temple tunnel did for Rousseau's crew. They were <span style="font-style: italic;">different</span> afterwards...so different that Rousseau had to take matter in her own hands and kill them. Is it Smokey that changes people? Maybe. Or is it Richard himself? In all honesty, I thought the final scene (where Richard paused with Ben in his arms at the Temple door), was going to end with Richard shape shifting into the Smoke Monster and taking Ben down into the tunnel with him (music swells, cut to black: L O S T ...tell me that wouldn't have been awesome).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x11b/5x11-753.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 227px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x11b/5x11-753.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />While that wasn't in the cards (yet), we have to think that Richard is different from the other Hostiles. He may not be "in charge" (seeing that we learn that the assumed leaders "Ellie and Charles" - Eloise Hawking and Charles Widmore - may not agree with his decision to save Ben), but he clearly isn’t afraid of defying orders. In his own words, he "doesn't answer to them" and saves him Ben anyways. Richard has a sense of how things are going to turn out and he concludes that a living Ben Linus is essential the future of the Island. Is it because he knows that the next gen leader - John Locke - must conquer Ben to truly save the Island years later? Ben will have done his dirty work: eliminated Dharma via the Purge, gotten rid of Charles Widmore (and maybe Ellie too), dealt with the Freighter folks, moved the Island, etc. Once his jobs are done, it's Locke's turn to take the Island to the Golden Age. Right? Remember, Locke has already visited Richard in the 50's...so to Richard Locke is the end all be all...the first supernatural "god" type of vision he encountered. So he knows that if Ben dies, Locke never makes it to the Island, and all is truly Lost.<br /><br />My only problem with the Richard scenes was the "he (Ben) won't remember anything" line. Really? Well, this line would conveniently explain why Ben doesn't recognize the Losties 30 years later; why he claims to have been born on the Island even though we know he wasn't; and even why he told Jack that his mother taught him to read when clearly that's not possible since his mother died in childbirth. What it doesn't explain is why he would retain such hatred to his Father if he doesn't remember how mistreated he was and other little tidbits like his childhood crush on Annie. I don't know...I'm hoping that the writers tie this one up but I'm thinking they instead tried to use the "remember" line as a plot hole filler to make moving forward simpler than it would have been otherwise. I kind of liked the idea that Ben DID know who the Losties were 30 years later, and used that knowledge to his advantage. Let’s hope that we are just reading too much into Richard’s line for the time being.<br /><br />Regardless, tonight's episode will see the judgement of our frenemy Ben. And I for one, am looking forward to the verdict.<br /><br />Tidbits:<br /><br />-Don't think I wasn't going to end this without mentioning the Hurley/Miles debate: classic. Hurley has always been the voice of the fans and Miles joined in on the fun this time. This dialogue was clearly meant to reflect the millions of conversations that we all have Thursday mornings following a new Lost...they even referenced Back to the Future! One important takeaway though: while the debate was mostly unresolved, Miles made it very clear that the time traveling Losties are in <span style="font-style: italic;">their present</span> and that they CAN in fact die. I think that little seed was planted on purpose...and that we may lose a one or two time travelers before this season is over.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x11/5x11-326.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 442px; height: 245px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x11/5x11-326.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-Getting back to the Charles/Ellie comment; it’s now clear that both Eloise Hawking and Charles are still on the Island in 1977, which lends some credence to the story Widmore told Locke in “The Life and Death of Jeremy Benthem” (that he was a leader on the Island for close to three decades). Furthermore, it insinuates some kind of relationship between Ellie and Charles, furthering the theory that Faraday is their child, which would also make him Penny’s sister. Others have posed that instead Ellie and Charles are siblings…so there is that to think about as well.<br /><br /><br />Ok, well I think that’s it for this week. Tonight’s episode truly looks like a winner so get ready for some reckoning type shit to go down! Till next time….<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35616056.post-28373500920891248422009-03-30T17:28:00.008-04:002009-03-31T09:54:06.755-04:00<span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:130%;" >Season 5, Episode 10: "He's Our You"</span><br /><br />OK, so I've watched this one a couple times (editor's note: watching Lost at 1:30am drunk is not recommended if you want to understand what's happening) and still am not sure what to think. On one hand, we were treated to one of the most jaw dropping endings of the season, but on the other hand I feel like maybe we were all being played a bit. I mean, how can little Harry Potter/Ben Linus be dead at the ripe old age of 10? Did the writers just throw us a cheap thrill knowing full well that next week we'll find out that Ben lives and the bullet magically missed every major organ in his body? Or is there something more here? I'd like to think there is, because at this point the time travel paradoxical chicken or the egg stuff is about to make my head explode. But as always, let's see what sense we can make of what went down in "He's Our You."<br /><br />Clearly this week's Sayid/Ben-centric love/hate-fest episode focused on a couple major themes, each tied to each other philosophically. One theme is the old nature/nurture argument...are people born with intrinsic traits or are they learned by those who raise them? Is Sayid truly a born killer? Well, he definitely doesn't seem to have a problem with snapping that chicken's neck as a boy, but at the same time he does so to seemingly gain approval from his leering father. As his life moves on, he never fails to exhibit his innate cold blooded behaviors when necessary - but only does so when prodded on by an authority figure. Example one: his corrupt Iraqi commander/friend who convinces him to become the de-facto torturer of the group; and two, Ben's ability to turn Sayid's murderous behavior on and off like a light switch. Both scenarios involve a combination of innate traits mixed with outside influences, which correlates nicely with the broadly accepted argument that both nature and nurture contribute to the make up of one's overall sense of self.<br /><br />Keeping that in mind, the other main theme that was revisited this week was the question of whether you can change the past to alter the future. Up to this point in the show, we've been told that you can NOT change the past and that the universe will correct itself to always get back on the path on which it resides. But recently we've seen examples of the contrary; last week we saw Sun, Ben, and Lapidus in a Dharma camp that looked eerily untouched for thirty years, looking as if the Others never took it over to begin with; and then this past week we see the biggest game changer of all: a 10 year old Ben supposedly shot dead in 1977. Deep down, it becomes a debate of free will...if we can't control our own destiny can we control our decisions or are they being made for us? As in the nature/nurture example above, can it be a mix of both?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x10/our-you489.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 425px; height: 235px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x10/our-you489.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Consider this: Ben has lived through the current version of his life (the one we've seen throughout the show) and unfortunately things have not gone to plan. He has failed in protecting the Island and his people, lost his daughter, been exiled, and is generally hated by all. So upon his exile, he turned his sights on finding out how to change the past and focused on Sayid, his easiest target (well, besides Locke I guess - but Sayid has a knack for killing). After arranging for Nadia's death (not a fact but very likely), he takes advantage of Sayid's fragile state and creates some bogus list of people that were involved in her murder for him to kill. Once he's got him as trained as a Faraday maze rat, Ben cuts him loose, specifically to piss the shit out of Sayid. Upon the break, Ben utters, "You're free" which is rather humorous because Sayid is anything but at this point. Sure, he may think that he's trading in a life of evil to go and build houses for the ironically named charity "Build Your World" but we all know that Sayid's world resides in the palm of Ben's hand. At the appropriate time, Ben chooses to pay that control off with a threat to Hurley's security when he casually mentions the fact that a man (again, likely hired by Ben), is standing watch outside of Hurley's mental hospital. You know the rest, Sayid comes back to "save" Hurley, then gets conned by Ilana (also probably hired by Ben) and ends up on flight 316. Which brings us to the final pay-off in 1977; Ben did all that shit to Sayid for one reason and one reason only: to ensure that he would shoot him as a child. Ben is actively trying to change the future by changing his own past, and by getting shot, maybe things turn out entirely different. Maybe the hostiles find him in the jungle and take him as one of their own earlier than planned. Or maybe he lives but the act "outs" Sayid, Sawyer, and others, bringing them to justice. Or maybe he does die - the ultimate act of sacrifice that inevitably saves the Island from the Purge, something he deemed as wrong in hindsight. Whatever the result, the shooting changed SOMETHING to set the future on an alternate course, and Ben used the knowledge of one reality (his immediate past) to create an alternate reality in the future (the one in which he is shot). And to that point, can anyone remember the book that Ben gives to Sayid in jail? That's right, <span style="font-style: italic;">A Separate Reality</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/5x10_a_separate_reality.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 428px; height: 240px;" src="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/5x10_a_separate_reality.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But of course, that is not the only theory out there explaining the traumatic events of this week's episode. My bearded friend Robert posed that a shot and killed Ben will be found in the jungle by the Hostiles, be brought back to their camp (maybe the Temple?) only to resurrect, proving to Richard and Hostiles that he is their true leader. Definitely a little out there (and Jesus-y), but it's not like we haven't seen this before: Locke has just recently sprung back to life from the depths of a coffin and a similar argument can be made for Christian. Another common thread between Ben and Locke's (possible) resurrection is that both were murdered...which helps explain why Ben murdered Locke instead of letting him commit suicide. He knew from history that murder was the only way to test whether or not one was worthy of Island leadership.<br /><br />In one last theory, let's not forget about Ben's enemies and their motives. Widmore could have hired Ilana to get Sayid on that plane, hoping that he would kill a young Ben in 1977, which would effectively eliminate the source of Widmore's life long troubles. Ben is the sole reason that Charles is not still leading on the Island, so if he ceased to exist, Widmore would presumably still be there calling the shots. But where these types of arguments hit a wall is the fact that <span style="font-style: italic;">we've already seen the events of a world where Ben exists</span>, meaning that he can't possibly be dead. That is why I fear that we are being played and that Ben will simply recover from a gunshot wound in next week's episode - but also why I believe that the first theory hold the most water seeing that it allows for an alternate future based on the occurence of a major past event (meaning that Ben can still live but the event itself can change the future). That being said, next week's episode is cryptically titled "Whatever Happened, Happened," so hopefully we'll have some sort of answer on the subject that makes more sense than this post. ;)<br /><br />Per usual, a couple of quickies:<br /><br /><br />-Hurley as the chef: awesome. For those that didn't see it, check out is Dharma Chef badge, it's by far the best Dharma logo we've seen.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/5x10_chef_dharma_logo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 412px; height: 231px;" src="http://lost.cubit.net/images/index/investigations/5x10_chef_dharma_logo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />-Oldham (the creepy drug dude who lives in the woods): I don't have much to say other than I was impressed by this guy's performance. Also though, there is an alternate tie to the book I mentioned above that can be linked to Oldham. While <span style="font-style: italic;">A Separate Reality</span> can be interpreted as a literal reference to an alternate future, it can also be referring to Oldham and his wacky drugs. The book, written by Carlos Castaneda, claims to be a non-fiction account of Castaneda's journey to become a veritable enlightened being, marked by supreme self-awareness and capable of perceiving ''non-ordinary reality.'' To accomplish this journey, Castaneda does two things; 1) becomes an apprentice to Yaqui shaman Don Juan Matus, and 2) eats a ton of peyote. In light of this info, both Oldham and his spiked sugar cube can be seen in a new light. Is he a reference to the Shaman? Is Ben his apprentice? Is there going to be an episode where everyone takes a day off to shroom in the jungle? Cause that would be awesome.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x10/our-you262.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 410px; height: 227px;" src="http://gallery.lost-media.com/albums/ep-caps/season5/5x10/our-you262.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > "You used exactly the right amount....hahahHAAHAHAHAHAH"</span><br /><br /><br />I think that's all I got for this week. I suppose I could talk about the inevitable "love rhombus" showdown (thanks Sam) that we'll no doubt see go down between Jack, Kate, Juliet, and Sawyer but I don't care much about its significance. Instead, I'm eager to see how this episode is resolved, because at the moment I'm pretty damn confused. Chime in below to clear my head! Till next time....<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon32x32.png" alt="" style="border:0"/></a><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/LostNotes" title="Subscribe to my feed" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe in a reader</a></div>Rutherfordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10671119877698247487noreply@blogger.com5