Well, kids, did you catch "Cabin Fever"? (The only prescription? More Dharma cowbell!) I'm tempted, based on the last line alone, to give this episode a review akin to a 13-year old girl reviewing the latest Jonah Brothers' CD, with the caps lock on and variation text-message based superlatives liberally peppered into the recap. But as a whole, as a complete episode of television, it was far from perfect, and perhaps the greatest victim of the writer's strike that we've seen since Lost started re-airing new episodes in this generally stellar Season 4.

Everything Locke-centric? Pretty much solid gold. Everything freighter-centric? Well, a little bit of freighter goes a long way. I think we solidly learned that lesson tonight. But with a few scant hours left in the season, the show clearly tried to shoe-horn in about three episodes worth of freighter story into roughly 11 minutes. The seams showed, and thus had me itching to get back to the Island. But let's accentuate the positive, and leave the negatives for the end, shall we?

So let's go to the Island, and its version of The Three Musketeers. (Or should I call them Jacob's Trio?) Locke, Ben, and Hurley spent the majority of the episode essentially playing hot potato when it came to claiming ownership over Jacob's pet. Locke set out to finally answer the nagging questions that have haunted him since holing up at the Barracks, Hurley set out to figure out why he had previously seen the cabin, and Ben set out looking as if his puppy had just died. And as they traversed the main streets and back roads of the Island, the notion of fate kept cropping up. To quote Shakespeare, "Some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them." And all three men are trying to figure out where they fall in that configuration.

Locke may not have been borne into greatness, but he was born three months premature. And that time frame sticks out to me, because if you'll recall, that's right around the time when babies on the Island start dying. Locke's miraculous survival attracts the attention not only of the hospital staff, but a certain Mittelos Biosciences as well. Seeing the back of Richard Alpert's head made me squeal with glee, and his decades-long testing of John Locke adds huge dimensions to Locke's back story as well as the mythology of Lost as a whole.

I don't know about you, but I assumed that Mittelos Biosciences was established by Benjamin Linus or, at the very least, by the Hanso Foundation as a way to conduct discreet work out of the public eye. Looks like tonight at least rules out the former, and while the latter is still likely, we really should start looking as the Island as ultimate employer of Richard Alpert. All along we've been trying to establish the loyalties of people in terms of Team Linus/Team Hanso/Team Widmore, but perhaps we now need to add Team Jacob to the mix, with Jacob as the "true" conduit through which the Island can disseminate information.

Most interesting of all the tests was a scene that will be analyzed as much as the Blast Door Map: The Drawing of the Three, a phrase I use in direct homage to the Stephen King novel of the same name. (Lost writers are nothing if not huge King fans.) Locke successfully chooses a vial of ashen stone, a compass, and then incorrectly selects a knife. Alpert, while disappointed by Locke's failure, nevertheless continues to test Locke throughout his life, waiting for the moment at which Locke is fully ready to assume his ultimate role as Island Protector.

But why? Well, my brother astutely emailed me at episode's end and pointed out this Drawing of the Three was eerily similar to the way in which Buddhists locate the Dalai Lama by having him identify objects from his previous incarnation. The person who helps him identify? The Panchen Lama, whose reincarnation is identified by the Dalai Lama, thus forming a never-ending circle by which one ensures the continuation of the Other. One can look at Richard's testing of Locke and Ben as his way of locating the next Dalai Dharma, looking for that one person who is truly meant to protect the Island. The Purge was an unsuccessful attempt at this, and in the aftermath, Alpert realized that Ben was the wrong choice, and needed to bring John Locke to the Island.

(Apologies if I completely butchered bunches of Buddhism there, folks...please go easy on me in the comments!)

And the person who puts Locke in the proper position on the global Risk board that is Lost? Matthew Abaddon, back from obscurity, and apparently back from a walkabout, putting the nugget of information/inspiration that will eventually put Locke in a position to board Oceanic 815. This connects Alpert and Abaddon, apparently, although I will confess at this moment I can't figure out exactly how. I'd assumed Abaddon worked for Widmore, but I can't quite see why somehow working for Widmore would want to push the Island Savior into position to thwart Widmore's plans. It's a conundrum wrapped inside a riddle all wrapped up in blueprints for Jacob's cabin.

So let's talk about the cabin, shall we? Let's set aside the events inside the cabin and instead focus on its origins. What we saw tonight suggested that the cabin was constructed by the Dharma Initiative, not a leftover byproduct of Black Rock survivors. More importantly, we learned who built the cabin: Horace Goodspeed, a mathematician. Not a carpenter, mind you. A mathematician. I'm curious why a math whiz was assigned the construction of a log cabin. Seems a pretty weird thing to me, unless you assume that sometimes, a log cabin is more than a log cabin. (It's like the opposite of a bracelet that way.)

Maybe it's high time to think of it less as a log cabin and more like a psychic log station. In other words, it's in fact part of the Dharma Initiative's original plans, and maybe the high point of those plans: the construction of a place to inhabit and control the essence of the Island. The Drawing of the Three thus becomes a search for someone who can liberate "Jacob," who is either someone we know unstuck in time or an unlucky Dharma Initiative employee "volunteered" to be the vessel for the Island's consciousness. (And you thought working at The Tempest sucked.) In other words, Richard Alpert groomed Locke from Day One to assume his status as the newest version of Jacob and move the Island.

And yes, I said "move the Island," because well, that's what Locke said after walking in on the creepiest father/daughter reunion this side of Jon Voight and Angelina Jolie on the set of Tomb Raider. I guess this sets in motion the series of actions that render the Island "missing" from Widmore's vantage point in the future, renders the Oceanic 6 unable to go back, and renders my brain matter leaking out of my ears. "Move the Island"??? I'll leave it to you, dear readers, to analyze along what axes Locke intends to move the Island. Perchance the Orchid will enable such a move?

As far as Christian and Claire in the cabin...well, I'll give Lost credit. I can't believe they answered a nagging question ("Where did they go?") in the following episode. That HAS to be a record, right? Claire seems pretty darn content to be with this version of Christian, the non-blue suit-wearing version, the Jacob-translating version, the creepier than all get out version. And Aaron is "where he's supposed to be?" Oooookkkkkk. So unless Christian and Claire are illegally squatting in the cabin, we can assume Jacob wants Aaron separated from Claire. I'll try to parse the meaning of this next week in Zap2It's Guide to Lost.

I've tried to avoid the freighter material, because it was entirely mechanical, pushing the plot along with gears that creaked not unlikely those actually aboard the Kahana. Of most interest? Plan B (replete with a Dharma logo on the front!!!), which I'm gonna dub "Light 'Em Up." How metaphorical was Keamy when he stated he was off to "torch the island"? The answer may lie in that crazy contraption on Keamy's arm. Also, more time wonkiness was confirmed when we saw the doctor alive on the ship while on the Island he was deader that Lindsey Lohan's career. Why is this crazy? Well, Faraday's rocket took longer to arrive from Island perspective than freighter perspective. The doctor's dead body? Faster, from Island perspective. That means that we can't assign a singular ratio of time traveling between the Island and the real world. The barrier may merely be a function of entry angle, but could also be a fluctuating, random system or, more intriguely, as something that's constantly degrading through the tremendous entry/re-entry that's been going on in recent days on the Island.

I've only dedicated one paragraph to the freighter storyline, but it took up an extraordinary chunk of episode time. I wanted more of Locke's story, Alpert's constant testing, and more creepy Claire dialogue. Hopefully, having gotten all the major players into a position to enact the final scenes of this season, the narrative needs have been met and we can enjoy three hours of uninterrupted awesomeness to close out an overall fantastic season.

What did you make of Locke's backstory? What is Alpert's true motivation? Does Ben truly think his time on the Island is over, given what we've seen in "The Shape of Things to Come"? And how would you go about moving an entire island?

Ryan also posts every 108 minutes over at Boob Tube Dude.

Comments

For someone who obsesses over every detail you occasionally miss rather basic details. Horace said he was building the cabin as a getaway for himself and his wife. So while it is an outgrowth of the Dharma initiative there is no reason to believe that it has a nefarious purpose within the Dharma initiative. He may have chosen the location for a special reason which is why it has the special properties it has now, or perhaps it was adopted because it was there.

Also, there is nothing to definitively suggest that Abbadon and Alpert are working together. Perhaps both sides are interested in John (the reason for which is still uncertain).

Mike | May 8, 2008 10:40:37 PM | #

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Mike: "Also, there is nothing to definitively suggest that Abbadon and Alpert are working together. Perhaps both sides are interested in John (the reason for which is still uncertain)."

I would also agree with that. If John Locke does in fact, have some kind of special power to control/communicate with the Island, why wouldn't Widmore be interested in having someone like that in his pocket? It seems like Ben and Locke have a connection to the island, and if Ben is Widmore's enemy, it seems likely that Widmore would consider Locke to be a powerful weapon.

Beau | May 8, 2008 10:55:10 PM | #

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Ok granted the freighter stuff wasn't up to the usual LOST standards, but the island action more than made up for it.
I have to say the Claire/Locke/Christian scene really creeped me out, What exactly happened between last week and this one to make Claire abandon her baby, and move into that creepy cabin with her dead daddy, and to seem so comfortable about it too. Does it mean that Claire is dead?
Nearly fell off my chair, when I saw Richard Alpert in the hospital, how the hell does that man not age? and why didn't Locke recognize him on the island as the man from his childhood?
I love this show, for every question it answers it asks even more.
Can't wait to see exactly how you move an island.

Dee | May 8, 2008 11:14:19 PM | #

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Mike: I heard that explanation as well as you did; I just figure there's potentially something more to it than the cover story, as it were.

Beau: Hadn't thought of Locke as the center of a power struggle
between both sides. Not a bad theory.

Mike/Beau: I threw the word "apparently" in there as a way to allow the possibility that Alpert and Abaddon are not connected, which you both strongly feel. It would be weird, but I can't 100% rule out either possibility at this point.

Ryan | May 8, 2008 11:18:00 PM | #

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I made some few conclusions after watching the thread and reading this blog. I dont have so much back up for them but Im going with my gut feeling.

1) The time ratio that Ryan is confused about maybe the bearing in which the rocket and the doctor passed through. It is not a question of getting to the island but rather WHEN/WHAT TIME an entity gets to it. We always believed that the bearing is only to get to and from the island but we never actually thought of it with the time plot sophistication

2) Sadly, I think Claire is really dead. The way she looked at John gave it away for me. She seemed so contempt and very happy. She freaked me out the most. That scene was REALLY scary.

3)I believe Abaddon USED to work for whoever Alpert is working with. There must have been some sort of conflict between Abaddon and Alpert's people thus leading to Abaddon aligning with the opposition.

The freighter scenes werent that bad for me. The emotion and the way things are lining up are pretty amazing. EVERYONE did a great job tonight.

James | May 8, 2008 11:29:53 PM | #

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Where is everyone tonight? Did you guys not take bearing 305? You are missing out the party.

James | May 8, 2008 11:31:27 PM | #

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The king is dead. Long live the king. Ben's rule is over and so starts the age of Locke.

It would seem to me that either Will or Aaron are next in line to the throne.

Joshua | May 8, 2008 11:44:40 PM | #

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Who's Will?

James | May 8, 2008 11:47:05 PM | #

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I forgot. My theory regarding moving the island. Moving the island back in time.

Wouldn't this drive everyone NUTSSSSSS? Charlie, Boone, Ana Lucia, Eko EVERYBODY has a CHANCE to come back.

This would be like an over extended Charlie-Desmond episode in which Desmond already knows Charlie is gonna die somehow.

James | May 8, 2008 11:52:45 PM | #

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Is it just me or at one point did you guys think that as soon as Juliet stayed in front of the crowd while watching the chopper, she was gonna get shot?

I was already covering my eyes because I thought she's a goner.

James | May 8, 2008 11:58:18 PM | #

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Joshua: Aaron as the next Panchen Lama? Oooh. Not bad. Not bad at all. I'm severely annoyed I didn't think of that.

Ryan | May 9, 2008 12:08:12 AM | #

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The king is dead. Long live the king. Ben's rule is over and so starts the age of Locke.

It would seem to me that either Walt or Aaron are next in line to the throne.

Joshua | May 9, 2008 12:11:46 AM | #

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GOD I LOVE THIS SHOW!

Okay, had to get that out. Tonight's episode was all over the map, but I blame the strike for them trying to cram all these plot points in. And it was all good, so more power to them.

I'll try to make this shorter than my last draft, which I lost on accident:

- John Locke

Like Kara Thrace on BSG, Locke has a destiny. This is clear to me from how Richard has been watching him from birth, waiting for him to be ready to become the captain of the Island Secret Service. And like Kara, Locke had such a hard life because it was to prepare him for his destiny, which was going to be full of hardships.

But Locke kept denying his destiny, in one way or another. He spent his whole life avoiding it; choosing the knife, trying to be socially acceptable, becoming a 9-to-5 wage slave in a box company. In essence, the Island finally "punished" him by setting into motion the events that led to his crippling, just like it gave Ben a tumor and made Jack sick. The ironic thing is that the walkabout itself wasn't what led John to the Island, and in turn, his restoration in the eyes of the Island. It was the journey to Australia itself that was his walkabout. Once he was there, and he embraced the Island and his destiny, his legs were returned.

- Abbadon

This guy continues to confuse me. I like the theory of both Widmore and the Island knowing about John's specialness, and vying for his allegiance. The other, more interesting theory is that Abbadon is a double agent in this secret war.

Think about this; he nudges John to Australia, which seems to be a benevolent move for Team Jacob/Island, yet every other appearance he's made has been sinister and seems to be for Team Widmore.

But think about the Naomi scene; he didn't say "help Keamy in his mass murder". All he told her to do was to get the Freighter Four (who have proved increasingly more good than bad) to the Island safely and protect them. It's possible that Abbadon could be working for Widmore, but simultaneously working to undermine his plans.

- Claire, Aaron and the two notChristians

I'm not gonna lie; Claire being in the cabin creeped me the heck out. Especially when she seemed totally at ease with notChristian.

As I mentioned, the Freighter Four seem to be coming around, turning away from the Widmore plan in their own ways. Miles let Claire go, and since it seems the notChristian at the camp ended up being a mouthpiece for Jacob/Island, then Miles probably knew that she needed to go.

Now, why do these mystical, unseen forces want Claire and Aaron seperated? I assumed until tonight that it was bad for the Island, but now I have a different take. The Oceanic 6 are a part of the grand plan that, along with "moving" the Island, is going to deliver the knockout punch to Team Widmore. They are going to be sent into the real world with the notion that they will one day return; however, they probably don't even know this. Aaron and his connection to Claire is essential to getting them back, which is why Malkin said what he did and why Jack trying to raise Aaron is being no-no'd by Charlie and the other, familiar notChristian. They also have to stay alive, which is why it won't let Jack off himself.

- Ben Linus

This one's short; Ben realizes Locke is now the Island's go-to guy, and I think Ben accepts it. All he cares about now is revenge against Widmore, and while he may still be assisting in keeping the Island's safe, he's not part of the team anymore.

Well, that's enough for now. The board is open, the pieces are set, now is the time for the endgame to begin!

Other Sean | May 9, 2008 12:12:14 AM | #

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I like what you said regarding O6 sean.

Freighter Four:Island::Oceanic Six:Outside World.

When is Walt going to resurface?

James | May 9, 2008 12:17:00 AM | #

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Where the heck is Sawyer??
I need some of that bad boy!

Lisa | May 9, 2008 12:43:54 AM | #

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is it possible that Christian is also Locke's birth father?

janeplain | May 9, 2008 1:40:36 AM | #

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Didn't anyone else pick up on the fact that Locke & Ben both have mothers named EMILY? Who look very much alike... making that it's highly likely that John and Ben are brothers!! Perhaps Ben's time as chosen one on the island is up because the first born has finally returned/arrived to take his rightful place?

I too believe Claire is dead, and Aaron's rightful place is on the island, as opposed to with Sawyer.

jolis | May 9, 2008 4:58:03 AM | #

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janeplain-
Locke's dad was Anthony Cooper. He was also the man who Sawyer named himself after. You can see more here:
http://www.lostpedia.com/wiki/Cooper

I definitely assumed Abaddon was working on a different agenda after that episode. Although not team Ben or double agent. I think he is on Team Alpert. I don't think Abaddon has aged either.

I also fear Claire is dead. She has never been at ease being around Christian. Or being away from the bay-bee. Plus her smile was just plain creepy.

I'm still confused over why Lapidus would drop that sat phone. Did he really intended for them to follow the beacon? Or was it a warning to stay away?

Morgan | May 9, 2008 5:05:30 AM | #

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Jolis-
Thats a really interesting theory, however how do you explain Emily Locke being alive in Locke's later flashbacks, when she convinces him to give his father a kidney? Emily Linus definitely died long before that.

Morgan | May 9, 2008 5:09:08 AM | #

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seeing Claire look all creepy, really makes me think she died in the bazooka blast. It explains why Miles kept looking at her funny and how someone could actually survive a bazooka blast. Answer: She didn't.

The reason she seemed alive is that her spirit needed to protect the baby until it was safe from harm.

neaux | May 9, 2008 5:25:11 AM | #

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Agreed, Ryan. This ep was a lil' sloppy from a writing standpoint. (the freighter stuff being the most disjointed) Keemy just lets Saying & Desmond walk around the deck? Given Keemy's mistrust of the the Captain, Keemy's subordinate lets the Captain walk off with Sayid & Des? That with his treatment of Michael, (couldn't buy the reasoning, for keeping Michael alive once he was found out). Really? You want to keep the sabateur alive because he's the only one that can fix the boat? Really?! It seems that he's the only one who's been able to break the boat, but that's just me. Keemy deciding to slit the Doc's throat, when no one has an interest in him? Just seemed like he was trying to fulfill the plot line. Not too buttoned up.

Brian of the North | May 9, 2008 6:32:07 AM | #

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I wonder what the significance is of showing that from an early age Locke has made it clear that he is not a "man of science" (arguing with the teacher about the summer camp program at Mittelos science program).
What is the Book of Laws and What comic book did Locke pass up?

Mark | May 9, 2008 6:33:12 AM | #

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Morgan - I'm guessing that it was actually John's grandmother that we saw in those flashbacks. This is based only on appearances mind-you, so I know it proves nothing. I also think the grandmother was lying when she said she didn't know who Richard was... she seemed pretty flustered.

Another possible theory is that Ben's mom has been to the island and she can't die?

jolis | May 9, 2008 6:36:30 AM | #

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Right or wrong, here is my two cents. Claire is NOT dead. She was told in season one that SHE had to raise Aaron because she is a good person, and Aaron must be raised with that same sense of goodness. Unless the island allows the living and the dead to coexist in the same space, Claire will not be able to raise Aaron, and that will have catastrophic consequences. Claire has shown in previous episodes that she believes in the supernatural. Sitting in the same room with her deceased father may not frighten her as it would other people.

Obviously, niether Locke or anyone else has the power to physically move the island. so Locke will have to do something to create the appearence that the island has moved. Locke can send the Oceanic 6 back and tell them to tell the world that the island is a hell on Earth. This way, no one will want to go there. That could be 'the story' that Jack refered to earlier this season. The other option is for Locke to somehow manipulate that magnet that is on the island. (Just because the hatch was destroyed does not mean that the magnet had ceased to have power.) It is possible that the magnet can interfere with the navigation instruments of any ships or aircraft that comes near the island, thus sending those vessels into a different direction.

Now that the captain of the freighter is dead and Crazy Merc Dude is in charge, you know that there is going to be a war much larger than the one that tok place at the end of last season. We haven't seen Alpert or the rest of the others all season. DO NOT be surprised to see them show up and come to the aid of the Losties. Think - the enemy of my enemy is my friend, just like when the US and the Brits fought with the Soviets to defeat Hitler. Just a thought...

Pete | May 9, 2008 6:41:34 AM | #

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I've been pondering "The Drawing of the Three" when Locke was a child. He chose the knife, which he shouldn't have done -- so what was third object that he SHOULD have chosen? Any thoughts?

djc | May 9, 2008 6:42:50 AM | #

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i don't think there's any question about what happened to claire. her eerie look of deep understanding and contentment? not something you'd usually see on a girl who survived a major explosion, left her child in the woods, and took off with her ghost daddy. she is definitely dead. what does this do for desmond's flash forwards? and can she now commune with charlie?

i've long thought alpert was a physical incarnation of smokey, and last night only strengthened that. (i think the black eyeliner was a hint from the beginning.) his mission is the search for 'the one', the one who will bring balance to the force, whatever you would like to call it. ben wasn't it, and maybe locke isn't either. the newest padowan? my guess is aaron, although with only 2 seasons left, i'm not sure we have enough time for that to play out...

cheers42 | May 9, 2008 6:45:00 AM | #

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I'm betting that "cloning" is pivotal to the entire lost series.

Julie | May 9, 2008 6:49:34 AM | #

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I agree with the first poster who explained why Horace was building the cabin; it was as a retreat from the Dharma initiative, not as a part of it. If Horace built it for himself and the Mrs., does that make him Jacob? Ben said that Dharma's leaders are the ones who ordered the purge. Maybe some kind of island experiment to see if people would really die or who exactly would survive, thus being "special" to the island. Did Horace know this and that's the reason for building the cabin that would eventually house some of the strongest "souls" on the island?
Why does the island still need Michael? Keamy tried like hell to kill that man and the gun just wouldn't fire. And that stuff with Doc Ray really melted my brain, I couldn't stop thinking about it this morning. What is the timeline?
Abbadon with Locke really creeeped me out too. I also thought that he may be a double agent. He sent those four people onto the island as scientists and researchers, not as murderous mercenaries. Perhaps, as Miles said, they came for Ben, not for Widmore but, to remove him from power so Locke could take his rightful place. Maybe none of them ever anticipated a Ben Linus/John Locke alliance. Ben didn't lose his puppy, man, he lost his daughter and he fell from the island's and Jacob's grace. That's enough to mess anybody up. He's taking it well as far as the island goes, he's accepted that Locke is the new "chosen one" and is even giving him advice on how to handle it and warning him of the dangers of accepting the responsibility. Ben will still assist Locke and the island but, will wage his own personal war against Widmore, the man who (in his eyes) killed his daughter.
What I want to know is, how did Christian Shepard become the spokesman for Jacob? I wanted to finally see Jacob, himself but, hey that was pretty darn creepy with Claire being so comfortable with notChristian and being seperated from baby Aaron. If Christian and Claire are dead, this makes sense but, it they are alive then, Aaron being "where he's supposed to be" makes no sense at all to me since Charlie and the Psychic disagree that Aaron should be with Claire, not sperated from her. OMG!!! my head hurts now and I have so many thoughts going through my head that I can no longer put together a coherent sentence so, I'll stop here.

Chris | May 9, 2008 7:03:46 AM | #

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Im a little confused. Who was Locke raised by? His mother ran off and Grandmother said somthing about adoption. Was that his foser mom who he was with with the other kids?

Ray | May 9, 2008 7:09:57 AM | #

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Chris- I just wanted to clarify something. The purge was not ordered by the leaders of Dharma, but by the leaders of the hostiles (the original inhabitants of the island before Dharma). Someone else was in control of this group before Ben (Charles?)

Mike | May 9, 2008 8:19:35 AM | #

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Locke at the center of a power struggle between Widmore/Linus is a good theory. First thought that came to my mind was that Abbadon could be working for himself (like Miles tried with his extortion). Also, damned if the show isn't trying to make the freighter folk more likeable - as it stands, only Keamy and his crew come off as nutjobs, others like Lapedus and the captain are decent guys in a tough choice.

Also, chalk up a lesson learned last night: girls who get creeped out easily probably shouldn't watch LOST too late at night.

CN | May 9, 2008 8:24:15 AM | #

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I totally agree that Aaron is the Panchen Lama; I dont think it's a coincidence that both Locke and Aaron end up not being raised by thier birth mothers... the island seems to have something against mothers (they all die), so it wouldnt surprise me if their is a reason that like Locke, Aaron is not spposed to be raised by his real mother.

LOLA | May 9, 2008 8:31:52 AM | #

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Is it too early for WAAAALLLLLTTT!?

Something else has been bothering me this morning. In the time it took Hurley and Ben to share that chocolate bar, Locke found out he had to move the island. Now, if someone told me to go move a giant landmass, I might ask, oh, say, several hundred questions. At the very least I would stay for what must be a very lengthy explanation on how exactly moving an island would play out. So...

A) Does this mean that time moves differently in Jacob's cabin than it does on the rest of the island?

and

B)Could the eventual "move" of the island be how the plane in the Sunda Trench is feasible and why Jack said in court that they were found in the South Pacific?

Morgan | May 9, 2008 8:32:26 AM | #

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Hey all,

I was wondering if anyone ever questioned that Alpert may be Jacob? I know, it may seem a bit crazy.

Holly | May 9, 2008 8:41:13 AM | #

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Goodspeed. Goodwin. Coincidence?
Has ANYTHING been a coincidence in the last four seasons?

mfj | May 9, 2008 8:53:19 AM | #

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I made an observation this morning about Locke and the items...he should have picked the comic. If you see the cover it has a cloud with skyscraper floating to a new spot. It supports the end of the episode when Jacob/Christian told Locke how to save the island.

Kevin | May 9, 2008 9:04:21 AM | #

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Based on this episode, I'm guessing that either Locke or Ben is the reincarnation of Jacob.

THK | May 9, 2008 9:16:54 AM | #

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I'm not convinced Ben is giving up control of the island to Locke. When Hurley was going to go back to the beach, Ben told Locke he did a good job of letting Hurley belive it was his idea to stay with them. I'm thinking Ben is doing the same thing with Locke. Making him believe it is his choice to take over control of the island.

As far as Locke goes, his family must have been on the island before. His grandmother's reaction to Ageless Richard confirms she knows something, maybe she's an orginal Other or part of Dharma. And what's up with Locke drawing a picture of Smokey??

I think a big question is who is Horace's wife? The whole cabin thing is the scariest part of this show. But, I think we know for sure that Christian has a deeper connection to the island. Does Ben talk to Christian when he goes to the cabin? And with Christian, notChristian constantly around, does anyone think Jack might be special too. He hasn't really shown any signs of this, but with his family connection, who knows.

A-Rob | May 9, 2008 9:20:38 AM | #

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A-Rob-

knew i was forgetting something from last night. and you hit it right on: Locke's grandmother totally recognized Alpert.

mri | May 9, 2008 9:24:49 AM | #

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I agree the stuff with Claire was pretty creepy. She seems a little too at ease with Aaron being gone.

And where is the real Jacob? and why is Christian there talking for him?

jbw | May 9, 2008 9:37:38 AM | #

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Also, who before tonight would have pegged John Locke as a science geek in school?

jbw | May 9, 2008 9:38:49 AM | #

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I envision Matthew Fox awaking in his Party of Five family home stating what a strange dream he had

WHOLETRUTHY | May 9, 2008 9:40:53 AM | #

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Anyone catch the fact that the bearings used to get to the island are the same as those getting off? A bearing of 305 degrees to get to the ship would mean having to use a bearing of 125 degrees to get back to the island.

Jens | May 9, 2008 9:46:26 AM | #

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I like the idea that Locke will "move the island" in time.
Theories about Desmond? Not one of the 6, what made him go back to the island? Or does he?

Sideshow Al | May 9, 2008 9:48:58 AM | #

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Lasy night's episode made my brain and my mouth hurt. My brain from all the twists and turns th show took, and my mouth from being nearly-constantly agape at the surprises the episode threw at us.

I asked myself the same question Dee asked earlier in these comments, "Why didn't Locke recognize Richard?" But then I got to think about it, and I can only recall one scene in which Locke and Alpert are together. And that was only for a few moments. Think about all the people you meet in your life. Would you recognize someone you knew from a three minute meeting 40 years previously in your life, even if they did look like they hadn't aged a bit? About the only thing I remember about my 1st grade girlfriend was that she had red hair.

BTW, nice to see Richard again finally. I'm happy he's back.

Also, I think it's sort of implied that Abbadon and Alpert are working together towards the getting-of-Locke-to-the-Island. Nothing etched in stone or anything, but it's the feeling I get.

So, Widmore = Dharma? Is that right? Or had that already been established? I'm thinking my coffee intake is low today. Maybe I need a refill.

The thingy on Keamy's arm looks suspiciously like an explosive device to me, but I completely could be wrong on this one. Maybe one of those "if my heart stops it goes boom" things? Or worse, maybe it's one of those "if my heart stops this freighter goes boom" things.

And, oh BTW, where the hell was Jacob? He doesn't really seem the type to just pop out for beer while he lets someone else crash in his pad. And are we sure Christian (notChristian) is really conveying the true word of Jacob? Maybe nC has Jacob tied up in the closet or something. If that's the case, nC must be one powerful jedi ghost, because Jacob's got the knack of knocking stuff about like Darth vader in TESB.

I got kind of the wonky feeling like all was not kosher in Jacob's Romantic Island Kingdom last night. Like maybe old nC was not quite feeding Locke all the info, or that perhaps a separate, more sinister message was being conveyed. Although, moving the Island does seem a "Jacob" thing to do.

If you have a problem, yo! Jacob will solve it. Check out the Island while Locke revolves it.

Guerilla war-fare, baby!
Guerilla war-fare, baby!

Oh yeah... I need more coffee. My brain has gone way out into left field, and may be approaching the warning track.

See you all soon.

AdSlinger | May 9, 2008 9:54:56 AM | #

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1) What Malkin said to Claire is something like THE KID SHOULD NOT BE RAISED BY AN OTHER. She didnt explicitly say CLAIRE SHOULD BE the ONLY one to raise the baby. The word OTHER is vague.

2) Part of me thinks there is no Jacob but rather a piece of Ben and Locke's minds... reminiscent of what Charlie told Hurley at Santa Rosa. I am not here, I'm only a figment of your mind.

3) That device attached to Keamy is definitely related to his heart beat. His plot is very much like in the movie SAW III. If Keamy's heart stops beating, something will explode. I think it is the island that will explode.

SPOILERISH
4) The writers have said that after seeing the season finale, viewers would go WHAT THE HECK ARE THEY GOING TO DO NOW.

I just remembered this and I further stand behind my theory that Locke will move the island back in time. Move it as far back as the civilization that made the Giant Foot at the end of Season Two. They have to come back to it at some point and going back in time is a GREAT story to tell.

James | May 9, 2008 10:14:22 AM | #

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Adslinger, you bring up something important. Last night, Locke walked into the cabin and nearly immediately saw and talked to Christian. Why was it so easy for him to talk to him this time? Last season, when Ben took Locke to the cabin, there was no casual father daughter get together. Locke heard a voice (not Christian's) asking for help and Ben was completely surprised. Maybe Christian has done something to Jacob and is just telling Locke anything. I still don't think Ben wants Locke communicating with the real Jacob. And did you notice that with Locke going into the cabin by himself, there were no lights flashing, chairs rocking, voices mumbling....

But then again, this is probably completely wrong. Oh well.

A-Rob | May 9, 2008 10:15:33 AM | #

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There are no flashing lights and other Jacob-ish things this time because Locke is now more commune with the island. He has now accepted his fate.

James | May 9, 2008 10:23:33 AM | #

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Is Matthew Abaddon actually Walt?

Joshua | May 9, 2008 10:27:42 AM | #

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I skipped reading some of the comments so I could get my ideas out before they leave my mind (so other people might have already mentioned these - sorry if they have!).. but I was just thinking about two things:

Items:
Could the items Locke chooses basically describe him in his future? I see the sand as a representation of the island, the compass as a representation of him finding himself/his way, and then the knife as a representation of him being (to some extent) a killer. Also, he doesn't choose the book of laws because throughout his life as we know it, he doesn't like to follow the laws; he prefers his own path.

"Move the island"
Could it be that the file says that Ben is going to the Orchid, because Widmore knows that Ben might try to change the past? I'm thinking that maybe, by going to the Orchid, Ben and Locke would be trying to travel to the past / affect the island's chain of events in regards to the freighters/etc... I think back to the 3rd season finale when Locke threw the knife into Naomi's back and when Ben said that they are all going to die if they answer the phone. Perhaps they are both acting not only because of their beliefs, but because of their knowledge of future events? i.e. they are the two that travel back to "fix" things?

I could be completely off base .. but at least it was fun to think about and try to piece together :)

Niko | May 9, 2008 10:46:01 AM | #

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oh, and the "knowledge of future events" refers to the fact that the island does / would in fact get "torched" in the current future...

Niko | May 9, 2008 10:49:04 AM | #

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What is the importance between Geronimo Jackson and Locke?

We have now seen it two times:
1) That episode where we see Locke's son (the great Justin Chatwin) wearing a light blue shirt with GJ logo.

2) The poster on Locke's locker room.

James | May 9, 2008 11:06:55 AM | #

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I think the "plan B" file refers to Ben going to the cabin. Widmore knows exactly where Ben would go if the island were under attack......we know where he went too.....to get advice from Jacob. That begs the question; does Widmore know about Jacob and how to find the cabin? If so, how?

Chris | May 9, 2008 11:10:18 AM | #

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What I learned:

Claire is dead.
Michael cant die...yet.
Richard wont age.
The timeline is confusing.
Jacob was out drinking and left Christian to cover for him.

Seriously, I read that the uncovering of Jacob wont be unitl the last season. Someone had posted something about Walt, and I wonder, How will he fit in all this? He is also a kid with special powers, the Others wanted and took, and told Locke what to do. Overall good ep!

Cotti | May 9, 2008 11:31:29 AM | #

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I haven't seen this addressed anywhere . . . Are we sure that Locke (as a child) was wrong to pick the knife? My first instinct was that he did pick what he should have -- it was Richard Alpert who had it wrong. Based on Locke's later actions, the selection seemed apt. Also, the earlier choice of Ben byt Alpert seems to have gone sideways. We might need to assume there's a margin for error in finding in Alpert's choices.

Tempest | May 9, 2008 11:34:11 AM | #

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"Lost" adds hours
ABC extends final two seasons
By James Hibberd, Hollywood Reporter
05/09/2008 - ABC has found more hours for the final two seasons of "Lost." The 2009 and 2010 editions of the hit drama will be 17 hours each -- not 16 as previously planned.

ABC has added two hours to the show's production plan because the WGA strike knocked three hours out of the current season. To partly compensate, the network recently added an additional hour to Part 2 of the season finale that airs May 29. All told, the changes will wrap up the show with the same number of episodes that producers and ABC negotiated last year.

William Robinson | May 9, 2008 11:39:54 AM | #

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>>What is the importance between Geronimo Jackson and Locke?

We have now seen it two times:
1) That episode where we see Locke's son (the great Justin Chatwin) wearing a light blue shirt with GJ logo.

2) The poster on Locke's locker room.<<

Chatwin played Locke's fake nephew (but was really an undercover cop).

Lots of GJ info at

http://lostpedia.com/wiki/Geronimo_Jackson

and

http://lostpedia.com/wiki/Geronimo_Jackson/Theories

The Looking Glass's musical security code was programed by a member of the band. And Horace Goodspeed was a member of the same band!

William Robinson | May 9, 2008 11:51:13 AM | #

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Re: Keamy's underarm device = an Apple iPod (Clever product placement! Let's work on that syrup Losties!) that plays a mix of Backstreet Boyz and NKOTB, guaranteed to keep Smokey away.

Brian of the North | May 9, 2008 12:08:46 PM | #

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I love the idea of Albert being the smoke monster when he saw the picture of the monster in Johns house he was stunned. Also if the SmokeM protects the Island. Jacob is the God of the Island and Locke is the saviour of the Island. Kind of like the Christian Trinity. It all makes sense to me Im guessing. Ben was the only temporary protector. The Dharma was dystrying the Island as is Widmore and thats why they all had to die.

Tyson | May 9, 2008 12:48:29 PM | #

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I do not buy this whole "moving the island" plot line. I thought the entire significance of the island - the source of its power, etc. - was its location on top of this big electo-magnetic field/abheration. If the island is moved, the location of the electromagnetic center is still there. What gives?

Lance | May 9, 2008 12:54:13 PM | #

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I decided long ago not to try any longer to figure out the Lost mysteries, but just to enjoy the story as it unfolds.

So, it just thrills me no end to see each week that loyal viewers who know much more about Lost mythology than I ever did are just as confused as I am about the greater meaning. Lost can be enjoyed on many levels.

Donny | May 9, 2008 12:58:39 PM | #

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Could it be that Richard Alpert is Lock's dad????
I think so.

jaye | May 9, 2008 12:58:48 PM | #

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I also think Claire died last week when the house caved in on her.

jaye | May 9, 2008 12:59:46 PM | #

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I for one am not ready to believe that Ben is not in complete control of this situation. It is my humble opinion that Christian being in the cabin is somehow part of Ben's master plan. I have no idea how, but Jacob's "Help Me" from last year tells me that what is going on is a mirage by Ben and somehow Jacob is being held hostage and needs Locke's help. The moving of the island idea is Ben's and Ben's alone. They have not built up his character this much only to take it all down with one episode.

The remark he made to Locke about getting Hurley to think it was his idea to stay is the critical clue.

As always, I could be wrong.

Mike in RI | May 9, 2008 1:08:49 PM | #

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Mike in RI

That's what I was saying.....where is Jacob? Why is Christian suddenly Jacob's spokesman? When Ben brought Locke to the cabin the first time, Ben knew exactly where the cabin was and talked to Jacob as if he were a child. Unless that was all an act too

Chris | May 9, 2008 1:23:49 PM | #

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I always knew Christian is "jacob". It was Christian's face that we saw when Hurley entered the cabin.

James | May 9, 2008 2:03:47 PM | #

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Regarding Locke: If Locke was adopted, then it might have been his adopted father that received his kidney, and his adopted mother who convinced him to donate it. Locke and Ben could indeed be brothers (or half-brothers).

Regarding Richard: If he, as the "Panchen Lama", was trying to find the new Dalai when he visited Locke as a child, then Aaron couldn't also be the Panchen if Richard is still alive, right?

Why doesn't Richard age? Some theories:

1. He's immortal or very long-lived
2. He's not a real human, but manifests himself as human when convenient
3. He is human and can travel through time
4. The Richard of the present is not the same Richard from the 1950s.

Any other possibilities?

PS3936 | May 9, 2008 2:13:05 PM | #

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This is my first year watching LOST and I'm trying to catch up with lots of things.

So I didn't even KNOW who the guy was in the cabin with Claire and *I* was creeped out! Ugh.

Jan | May 9, 2008 2:47:49 PM | #

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Yes, Other Sean, I agree. They're separating Claire and Aaron because I suspect that bond is going to be the only way the O6 can get back. I don't think Claire is dead... Merely "enlightened".... Or drugged! :)

Super Mario | May 9, 2008 3:31:35 PM | #

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One thing that I don't think has been touched upon:
Last we saw Widmore, he told Ben that Ben took the island from him (or something to that effect). From what ben said this week about him simply following orders to kill the workers, is this a possibility: Widmore worked together with Ben/Richard to kill the workers and reclaim the island (either instructed by Jacob or not) and then some sort of falling out happened between Ben and Widmore and this power struggle began. Ben somehow shut him out and Widmore has been trying to find the island ever since?
I know there are some holes there but does it make any sense in trying to connect Widmore's comments and Ben's comment this week?

Tonester | May 9, 2008 3:43:34 PM | #

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Has anyone around here played any of the Half-Life series of video games?

Richard Alpert reminds me of G-Man (and looks just like him too), some mysterious man of unknown origins, bent on changing the future to his liking.

Paul Hayes | May 9, 2008 3:53:50 PM | #

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I believe Christian is just the physical appearance of Jacob simply because Christian's body was on the Island without a soul and Jacob's soul somehow took it over. Either that or Christian (who I've speculated may have worked for Widmore/Hanso or Paik) may be trying to take over control from Jacob.

What if the device that Keamy is wearing is something he can use to control Smokey? Since he was hired by Widmore, and Widmore perhaps knows the secret of Smokey, Widmore passed that info on to Keamy.

Abaddon may be connected to Widmore, but he is probably more affiliated with Hanso (whom we know Widmore has worked with). However, Abaddon and the fantastic 4 are working on their own agenda seperate from Widmore. So now instead of 2 groups at odds, we now potentially have 3 groups working against each other on the Island.

Shaggysteve | May 9, 2008 4:00:37 PM | #

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Could it be that Alpert made the school up as an excuse to test John and see if he actually was the chosen one. And his freaking out and running out the door was an indication that John actually DID choose correctly? Therefore, he had known all along about John's ultimate fate.

Also, I agree that Ben is probably in control of the whole cabin incident. First he convinces John that he is no the one in control. Then he plants the idea in his mind that he has to "move the island." Maybe Ben knows that John has the ability to "move the island" and Ben doesn't. Therefore, manipulating John into hiding the island from Widmore.

I can't quite process Claire being dead. At least dying in the explosion. She was hanging with Sawyer, sweating, feeding her baby, etc. Things that a ghost wouldn't be able to do. And everyone saw her. I think she might be in a trance or some sort of mind control to get her away from Aaron for the sake of separation. Maybe she snaps out of it and dies in the process of trying to re-claim Aaron? Anywho, she is definitely in some creepy place at the moment.

Ryan | May 9, 2008 4:01:08 PM | #

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by "move the island" could he simply mean move what makes the island special? as in, ben and the oceanic 6? i.e. not the physical island but the island's essence?

lila | May 9, 2008 4:08:05 PM | #

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"The Looking Glass's musical security code was programed by a member of the band. And Horace Goodspeed was a member of the same band!"

yeah, and (i think) the song was GOOD Vibrations!

DL | May 9, 2008 4:33:29 PM | #

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* DARLTON INTERVIEW *

It seems like the MINDS OF LOST are going non-stop when it comes to interviews. As usual, they are rather vague with details, but address some of the questions we all have been asking on here today.

http://www.eonline.com/gossip/kristin/detail/index.jsp?uuid=30ea40d8-c950-4ae6-af8e-3c7cd60d6384

Shaggysteve | May 9, 2008 4:33:55 PM | #

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if a fake version of Walk can appear to Locke and Shannon while the real Walt exists off island, whats to say the Claire in the cabin isn't a fake version, with the real Claire existing elsewhere?

yanksrule | May 9, 2008 4:34:08 PM | #

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but the question remains "what happened to Claire?" ... since this version of Claire as you call her, seem to be very comfortable there with notChristian ...

Erwin | May 9, 2008 5:16:20 PM | #

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wow, what an episode. this whole season has been grade A-1. enjoyed your review Ryan and all the posters' comments here, as usual.

best line: Ben's muttering, Fate is a FICKLE BITCH. Ryan, i was half-expecting to see that as your review's title this week.

the scene in Jacob's cabin was oh so creepy and OMG so good! Ryan loved your Jolie/Voight reference for the creepy reunion.

as has been already noted, i also had the feeling that maybe in fact Locke didn't pick the wrong item (the knife).

Ryan, about Alpert's testing of Locke, i also was reminded of the way buddhists choose the Dalai Lama. which is just in keeping with the general buddhist themes running all thru this show. did you know that 108 IS A SACRED NUMBER in buddhism?

Locke, Walt, now Aaron...all being raised NOT by their mothers. anyone else think Locke's mother in this epi had some resemblance to Claire?

i continue to get the feeling that Locke is still somehow being manipulated by Ben. hence, Jacob's "help me" to Locke. and i feel sure that if they were trying to locate the cabin again tomorrow, it wouldn't be there (in the same place). i think it comes and goes (in place and time?). here one minute, gone the next, and thus in this way Jacob's cabin and the island can "move"....

finally, Lapidus like "lapidary" which is someone/or associated with having the precision to cut gemstones. that drop from his copter required plenty of precision indeed, as does the precision to land on that island just right or close enough anyway, in time and place.

DL | May 9, 2008 5:22:25 PM | #

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I think when Abaddon asked Hurley "are they still alive?", he was specifically referring to Locke and Ben. Hurley was probably the last one to see them and knows what went down with Jacobs cabin.
Also, why does everyone assume the psychic was telling the truth? Maybe Christian got to him and that's where he got the money for the ticket.

Things I really liked:
Hurley sharing his candy bar with Ben.
More proof Michael can't be killed and the realization that Locke probably can't be either.
Jacks continued ability to totally misread the situation - "they want us to follow them".
Recurrence of backgammon and "don't tell me what I can't do" in Lockes flashback.
My upteenth "holy s--t" moment of the season when Richard was looking at baby Locke.

Shari | May 9, 2008 6:05:21 PM | #

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Thanks, Shari, for pointing out the backgammon. is it only because it was so obvious that nobody bothered to point out the parallels between Locke and Walt as boys, down to the prophetic comic books in each one's presence?

goph | May 9, 2008 8:04:40 PM | #

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Locke is older than Ben right.

So i guess

Locke
Ben
Walt
Aaron?

James | May 9, 2008 9:46:08 PM | #

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Have any of you fellow fans seen the videos from "The Lost Experience"? A doctor Thomas Mittelwerk (http://djdan.am/video/mittelwerk/joop.mov)
worked for the Hanso Foundation and specialized in biosciences. Could Mittlelos mean MITTEL's work (werk) on LOSt? I find the coincidence to be a little too much to ignore.

Randseed | May 9, 2008 11:16:51 PM | #

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I'm surprised some of the comments insinuated that Claire might actually be alive. I pretty much assumed right off that she was dead based on her being in the cabin. After all, Kate ends up raising Aaron so she must die sometime. Plus she had the same glass eyed freaky look of all the other "dead" characters.

jack | May 10, 2008 2:17:49 PM | #

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Has anyone entertained the idea that perhaps "The Island" is actually a ship? A foliage-coverd ship from outer-space? Inhabited by beings from whose ship it was/is? Go down the correct hatch and push the correct buttons and it flies, floats or moves back and forth in time?

RadicalRik | May 10, 2008 2:26:06 PM | #

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Another thought: I think they're all dead as Hurley told Jack. Their bodies are inhabited by the "Island/Ship" crew-members.

One more thought: if the island is moved in 'time' as opposed to 'location' then many characters can re-constitute because the island moves back to before they were dead...?

The island movinng in 'time' would be a reason why Jack, Kate & Aaron, Hurley, and Sayid cannot get back to it...

The Island is (in the future when the O-6 are off it and back to civilization) not somewhere else, but some-when else...

RadicalRik | May 10, 2008 2:35:28 PM | #

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One last thought for this week: Perhaps, it's all tied to the Black Rock ship...

That the Black Rock was carrying something very powerful and significant as cargo obtained from wherever it sailed from and then was lost in a 'storm' that was caused by whatever the object or artifacts the ship was carrying and ended up on the island. The originals are Black Rock's crew (or ghosts of the crew) and the power of the island is whatever was on the Black Rock, now taken up residence the island? Perhaps something taken from a pyramid or tomb of a South Pacific jungle or something... Sort of Indiana Jones-ish and the Black Smokey god...or "John Locke and the Black Rock Zodiac-Skull"
What? It could happen...! Remember those strange symbols on the blast door.

RadicalRik | May 10, 2008 3:52:45 PM | #

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Two points:
1. the comic book set in front of young Locke was Mystery -something and it had a caption about "Mysteries of a hidden land"

2. Abbadon (as an orderly) told Locke (as a cripple)that when he chose to go on his walk-about that then "you'll owe me one"

RadicalRik | May 10, 2008 5:12:47 PM | #

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Something just came to mind and I HOPE RYAN ANSWERS ME BACK.

We all know that the Doctor died earlier on the island than the ship. BUT

Did Keamy kill the doctor just because he knew he need to kill the doctor? (Lapidus or somebody told him that a doctor has been washed ashore)? If so, then the future has been altered

James | May 10, 2008 10:23:47 PM | #

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I've been thinking about this, and my theory is that the Island is situated in a place of flux: a space-time continuum. Having the correct coordinated will get you there and back from The Real World. But if the Island is moved to somewhere else along this space-time continuum, then those coordinates will no longer work. I think the Island was moved after the Purge, which was why Widmore/Dharma couldn't find it anymore. That's why there is only and Oceanic 6. Sayid is going to get the first group off the Island, but then Locke moves the Island, and they cannot find it anymore. That's why Jack flies around, desperately hoping he'll crash and find it again.

Lisa S. | May 11, 2008 10:17:33 AM | #

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Lisa S.-

I believe it is somewhere along those lines. I don't think Jack, Sayid, Kate, Hurley, Sun or Aaron would purposely leave everyone else there. They left, then the Island moved, making it impossible to retrieve everyone else.

James-

From what I saw Keamy didn't even know the doctor was dead on the Island, Omar did. I believe Keamy was making a point to Lapidus that he needs follow orders and take them back to the Island. Back on the Island the Doc, due to not floating to the Island on the right coordinates, washes up a day or 2 before he dies on the freighter. Or so it seems, as Island time seems to flow differently from the outside world. I'm anxious to see when Sayid shows up.

Where is everyone else? There is a lot to talk about. 'Cabin Fever' gave us more questions to ponder. I liked how we used this as a forum (actually over at the LOST BLOG) after the episode. We were able to work out what we all observed from the episode. Though it may not be fair to those on the West Coast, I think we should do it again following the next episode. Then following the finale we'll need therapy sessions to get through our LOST withdrawl for 8 months.

Shaggysteve | May 11, 2008 3:19:35 PM | #

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A decent episode in a pretty poor season. What's driving me crazy right now is the verbal tic in the writing: Everytime the characters talk to each other, they say the person's name ("Come here, John." "You can go alone, John." "You're special, John." etc.) And they do this with every character in every scene. Do they think we can't tell who's talking to whom?!

Brandon | May 11, 2008 6:01:52 PM | #

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Lisa S, that's what I have been thinking too ... it seemed more plausible in "moving the island" this way ...

Erwin | May 11, 2008 7:26:01 PM | #

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It's possible that Walt=Abbadon=Jacob.

I originally thought that Smokey was some sort of agent of moral cleansing, but, if so, why would it kill drug lord-turned priest, Mr. Eko (Echo) who was building a church at the beach during season2?

bettingyes | May 11, 2008 7:26:54 PM | #

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I think this episode was not as good as everyone thought it was. The Island bits bored me (except for the end) and the freighter plot was where the action was. I hope Ryan didn't blow that off, because it set up what is to come for the impending showdown. I am not a fan of John Locke as I have time and time again have stated, but his backstory was really interesting. I kinda sympathized with him and I stretch kinda. I still think he blindly doesn't pay attention and does things on impulse which could get people in trouble.

What I am worried about is that while LOST is great this season, it is not what it was first season. In that I mean as I look here at all the posts every week since I been on the board, it is amazing to see how many people have forgotten simple things that don't mesh with the current state of things on the show. Some cases in point are all the signs of the Hatch to not be opened in season one, Walt's vision telling Shannon to not push the button, Claire being told to not let her child be raised by another, the whole Walt is special thing, etc. etc. I have a very bad feeling (even though the show is brilliant and somewhat original) that when you se the show in full, like watching from Season One to Season Six, that people will become aware of the spotchy storytelling that is happening now. And on a last note, the episode was a good one because it built on character (Locke), plot (the frieghter/Island), and overall arc (all three combined). If you don't have one of those then you don't have a good story if you get what I am saying...

Mark O. Estes | May 11, 2008 11:36:08 PM | #

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Is it a coincidence that "Mittelos" can be unscrambled to "Lost Time".

I wonder.

Richard | May 12, 2008 4:39:13 AM | #

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I'm somewhat undecided on whether Claire is dead though I like neaux's theory that she died in the bazooka blast (though it has some problems, too). The expression on her face in the cabin, though--talk about the cat who ate the canary. Or the Lostaway who now knows a big piece of the puzzle. Or maybe it's just the mom who's found out that her kid really is a special as she thinks he is.

Thinking/hoping Locke is getting back on track, though suspicions that Ben is manipulating him are well founded. Boy, Ben sounded bitter this ep, and I think that was real. Almost (almost) felt sorry for him.

Abaddon and Alpert showing up in Locke's past. Way cool.

I thought the idea of the island sitting at a space-time nexus had been brought up before. Therefore,,, moving it should be possible

meggins | May 12, 2008 5:29:53 PM | #

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