'Lost': He had it coming

May 02, 09:36 PM

Hey, people who make Lost: I'm sure you've heard this before, and I've alluded to it here in the past too, but it bears saying again -- keep those unconventional flachbacks coming, wontcha?

Wednesday's episode diverged from the usual formula to offer up a look at just what the heck Locke has been up to in the past eight days, since Ben showed Locke that the magic metaphorical box contained our ex-paraplegic's father. Combined with more relevant information from Naomi, the Woman Who Fell to Earth, a fabulously salty Sawyer and some highly perplexing Kate-Jack interaction (because, hey, it's Lost and we expect to be perplexed, right?), "The Brig" brought the good stuff right throughout.

The byplay between Locke and Sawyer (our Sawyer, not Locke's dad) was among the better two-man shows we've seen this season, and some of the others have also involved Terry O'Quinn. He is perhaps the best pure actor in the ensemble, and his castmates seem to raise their games when they get extensive time with him.

Of course, O'Quinn and Josh Holloway also had some pretty strong material to work with, each exploring the outer reaches of their characters' morality. Locke probably already knew, in some part of him, that he's not capable of killing his father, while for all of Sawyer's talk about the murder he committed in Sydney being a mistake, he didn't flinch at the moment he'd been awaiting most of his life.

Because, yeah, Locke's dad (well done, Kevin Tighe) is the Real Sawyer (so Pops said, anyway), a theory that's been out there in Lost fandom for some time now. And after Locke shut James in a room with him and James discovered who the man in front of him was, he pulled out the letter he'd written to the man who wrecked his life, then throttled him after the older man scoffed at his vengeful streak.

And now, it seems, both men got what they wanted, though Locke seems to have the better end of things, getting to continue his quest for answers about the island and himself. Sawyer got his revenge, but centuries of storytelling tradition tells us that's not going to make him feel much better. Although exposing Juliet's continuing connection to Ben, courtesy of the tape recorder Locke swiped, just might.

I also liked what the episode revealed about Ben and the Others, who I'm convinced now more than ever are part of a cult. All Ben's talk about Locke not being free until he lets go of his old life -- violently, in this case -- smacks of brainwash talk, as does his humiliation of Locke when he couldn't go through with killing his dad.

I'm inclined to believe Richard on that last part; I can't really say why, except that in the little bit we've seen of him, he doesn't seem like a guy you'd want to take lightly. I wonder, though, if the next three weeks will get us any closer to understanding what Richard's agenda is.

Other points of interest from "The Brig":

Naomi tells Hurley, Sayid et al. that the wreckage of Flight 815 (or "Flight 815") was found in a miles-deep trench off the coast of Bali (Real Sawyer says more or less the same thing to Sawyer). That does not jibe at all with what we know about the flight's path, which was originally Sydney to Los Angeles but diverted several hours in to make its way to Fiji for an emergency landing. Fiji is thousands of miles east of Bali.
Nice interaction between Sayid and Naomi. Game recognize game, even on a deserted island.
Kate's decision to tell Jack about Naomi, the satellite phone and the fact no one trusts him anymore: Maddening or crafty? I'm in the former camp; God forbid that woman ever consider a consequence before doing something. That scene, with Jack and Juliet taunting Kate (and us) with the idea that they have a secret, was the only really grating note in the episode for me. It seemed like it was there solely to set up events for next week, and since Sawyer has Juliet on tape giving information to Ben, what's the point?
What's Rousseau gonna do with all that dynamite?
Wherever the Others were camping, there appeared to be some large and old-looking structures around. Maybe the altar-like structure Real Sawyer was tied to has something to do with the giant four-toed statue?

Your turn: How did this episode of Lost stack up for you?

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Comments (46)

Comments

At least Locke's flashback from "Further Instructions" resonated back tonight. He refused to be a "Farmer", insisting he was a "Hunter", but he couldn't kill. He's finally fully accepted that while he's not a "Hunter", he's not a "Farmer" either, and yet he's both of those things. In a place of simply good and evil, white and black, he continues to find a third option.

Frank Rook | May 2, 2007 9:58:08 PM | #

I liked this episode. Seeing as you can't believe anything this show says, the whole, "everyone's dead" theory is gone. But it is interesting seeing Sawyer both realizing he finally killed the man who ruined his life and left to wonder if all the "survivors" really are dead. Also, don't forget Mikhail took Naomi's phone for a little while. He may not have it now, but he definately did something with it. By the way, has anyone thought if Ben really is Alex's father. Sure, the other's are totally into the stealing kids thing, but anything's possible on the island.

Arob | May 2, 2007 10:14:09 PM | #

Rick, you can't say "Game recognize game" unless you're black. But seriously, what the hell is wrong with Kate? She's been acting weird for quite a while, and looking pretty isn't enough to compensate for her retarded devotion to Jack.

| May 2, 2007 10:38:42 PM | #

Best episode in awhile.

I think Naomi is not telling the whole truth, I don't trust her. I know she has a 'twist' revelation coming. No one and nothing is ever what it seems on the island. I'm still waiting on the dog's flashback episode.

And yes, Kate is retarded. Someone should hit her in the face with a shovel. Blabbermouth! I'm also tired of Jack's fixation on the ever-so-smug Juliet. I'm sure Juliet will find some way to mess up Naomi's plan to contact the ship, assuming that there is a ship and that Naomi actually plans to contact it.

Sayid seriously needs to chill. He's never going to get any action on Temptation Island if he keeps mistrusting every woman that falls out of the sky. Don't look a gift helicopter in the mouth, dude. Like Hurley, Charlie or Desmond are going to be "hittin' that" as Ana Lucia would say? Dude, opportunity is knockin' and her name is Naomi. Shannon who?

Locke seems to have resolved his Daddy Issues. I guess he can't be in the club anymore. Bye Kevin Tighe! Where's Randolph Mantooth when you need him?

Siansonea | May 2, 2007 11:13:47 PM | #

I think Jack is aware of Ben and Juliet's plan, and she's working as a triple agent.

Anson | May 3, 2007 2:50:26 AM | #

Hey cool it the sexists remarks and calling people retards. Retard is not a nice word.

wingleech | May 3, 2007 3:20:05 AM | #

Pretty good, not great episode. In spite of the flashbacks to the island, I still felt like this episode did not do as much with the mythology of the show. This was episode about Locke's cowardice-Sawyer's revenge. I feel like this has been set up for a while. No suprise that the tape recorder will "Expose" Juliet. Also good to see the brewing dissension in Other's other than Juliet.

Derek | May 3, 2007 4:52:54 AM | #

Last night's episode was one of the best episodes yet this season. I am glad Sawyer and Locke got to resolve their dady issues and it only took one man to do it. I knew there was a connection between those two and Real Sawyer but never imagined it will come to this. I am really confused about what Naomi said. How could the plane be found and everybody was dead?? I am really confused but I guess is just a lie as usual. I just know these last episodes will rock. Kate bothered me when she told Jack knowing right now he is rooting for Juliet but I think after all she just wants out fo the island and will do anything. Let's see what happens on the next episode.

Mariela | May 3, 2007 5:16:59 AM | #

all i have to say is if sayid doesn't trust naomi, then i do not trust naomi!!!!!! as for the jack and juliet secret - who's playing who?....i think jack thinks he and juliet are playing ben, but really ben is playing jack with juliet who really is playing ben - got it???

Simon | May 3, 2007 5:22:15 AM | #

I don't trust Naomi either. Sayid's question "Did you see the helicopter?" and then her way of silencing him just made me think that my conclusion from last week that she was a plant from the Others is correct. I think she is a mole and is infiltrating the camp.

As to Jack and Juliet--I love it!!!!! They are playing everyone and sorry guys--but I do love the duplicity that seems to be going on here between the two of them. I still think JUliet is a most fascinating character and love the interplay between her and Jack and the other characters at the camp. Great drama!!!!! Riveting.

Geoffrey | May 3, 2007 6:00:00 AM | #

Nitpicking: Locke was a paraplegic, not a quadriplegic.

andy | May 3, 2007 6:37:35 AM | #

If they are all already dead, how is it possible for Sawyer to kill Locke's father?

SEC | May 3, 2007 7:02:51 AM | #

Terry O'Quinn is a great actor - but his character of Locke is one of the worst on television. He is evil in ways that can't be explained, his character is self-absorbed, and its a character I care nothing about. I think the writers have made him into the prize idiot of the show. And, if in the end, this show is all about him being some kind of "Christ"-risen or healer, then its a total loss and shame! What he made Sawyer do to his dad, was just awful and made me hate Locke more so than ever, than it did Sawyer (the beach hottie - not crazy daddy).

Jason | May 3, 2007 7:06:05 AM | #

I thought the scene with Jack and Juliet was one of the best of the night. Jack has had something up his sleeve since the night he saw the red sox video. I agree with the poster who called Juliet a triple agent. I said the same thing last night.

Zeek | May 3, 2007 7:42:35 AM | #

Who's dead? Who's not dead? (undead?) Who is or was Sawyer? Smokey? The polar bear? (Smokey the Bear?!) Who knows?

What's so great about Lost, IMO, is that there's always questions - sometimes big questions - after every episode. All those philosophers (Locke, Hume (i.e. Desmond). Rousseau (a woman!? Poor old Jean-Jacques! What must he think?).

Here you go - maybe Walt is autistic and the whole thing's just a dream/fantasy/ product of his overactive imagination! St. Elsewhere? Maybe St. Somewhere Else.

Lost is easily the most *intelligent* shopw on network TV - long may it run!

PGB | May 3, 2007 7:50:10 AM | #

Oops - typo -- shopw = show. (fat finger syndrome)

PGB | May 3, 2007 7:52:22 AM | #

Cahoots! My bro insisted that the JJs were working some angle together (most likely to get their own butts off the island) and it's starting to look like he was right. I still believe that Juliet is on Team Juliet and would frak over the lot of 'em if it meant her own freedom. We shall see... also, Smokey is totally gonna smush James Ford any day now.

Kaycee | May 3, 2007 8:10:01 AM | #

Paraplegic/quadriplegic error fixed. My bad, Andy.

Rick | May 3, 2007 8:32:05 AM | #

Please no more Locke episodes - this is his 7th (three this season!?!), he's really not that interesting... so tired of him.

Matty | May 3, 2007 9:20:21 AM | #

I thought it was a great episode, I liked how the whole episode took place on the island... I dont mind the flashbacks, but a break was a bit nice.
I think that they did a fine job of setting up the rest of the season, and to me, for once, it was a satisfying episode that didnt leave me frustrated with tons of new questions without answering, resolving some issues.
I think that they are making a smart move by keeping Jack on the back burner for a bit, it seems everybody got a bit sick of him in the begining of the season.

WHERE IS BERNARD AND ROSE!?!

RJ | May 3, 2007 9:28:27 AM | #

Early in this episode I asked my husband, "Do you think this island might be purgatory? That would be really lame, but would be the only way to explain everything." People can make things come out of the "magic box" so they can deal with them and settle some sort of score in their lives before moving on to wherever. And might explain the good/bad people lists the Others had - and then there's my theory that the Others are angel-type beings, with Ben as a satan-figure to either help or hinder them on their paths. It's not a perfect theory, but it's better than "all someone's dream/hallucination" kind of thing.

This will really irritate me. Especially if Jack emerges as the christ-figure. I swear I'll throw up if that happens.

Duh | May 3, 2007 9:32:21 AM | #

Please forgive my ignorance; I know very little about avionics. How does one parachute out of helicopter? You obviously cannot eject as you would from a fighter jet; the blades would kill you. Helicopters usually fly low, so how can one even have time to deploy the parachute. Naomi did not say if anyone else was with her on the helicopter, so I also wonder how she could have jumped out while the chopper was flying itself. Does anyone have any info to explain any of this? I, sincerely, would love to know how any of this is possible.

Pete | May 3, 2007 9:39:47 AM | #

A few quick points:
1) It's not purgatory; the creator's of the show have been saying this for years and have made a promise to the audience that everyone is alive. I tend to believe them. Plus the season 2 finale kind of confirmed it.
2) Jack is not selfish, he is the leader. Anything he does it is for the best interest of everyone, even if it might not seem that way. Plus it's more compelling when he's secretive like this.
3) Naomi actually did have someone with her, that is what she told Mikhail in Portuguese last week. And I don't believe she's a mole with Ben, they've played that card already, the show is trying to go in a different direction.
Enjoy the ride.

Dean | May 3, 2007 10:06:46 AM | #

Was I the only one that noticed all the quick hidden subliminal messages in the previews for next week?

steve | May 3, 2007 10:08:17 AM | #

I think Ben wanted Locke to have the tape recorder - he knew Locke was watching him when he put it in the drawer.

Red | May 3, 2007 10:30:10 AM | #