Living in New England means you're subject to some crazy weather changes, not unlike those on the Lost island. There are, of course, subtle differences. On the Island, it can go from "sunny" to "monsoon" in the blink of an eye, whereas here in the greater Boston area, it can go from "frickin' freezing, Mr. Bigglesworth" to "dear God, my sweat is sweating" in the matter of a day. Pretty impressive. Thanks, Al Gore. Thanks a lot.

Luckily, there are very few instances in which life here mirrors that on the Island, and for that, I'm eternally grateful. Because while it was far from a picnic before Benjamin Linus moved the Island, it looks to have turned into something far worse after that event. We gleaned as much from Jack's discussion with Ben over the corpse of John Locke at the end of Season 4. But what, in fact, transpired between the time that the Island moved and John Locke started going around as "Jeremy Bentham?"

That, of course, is a question that cannot be adequately answered today, and will more than likely take up a bulk of Season 5. In fact, if I had to hazard a guess as to the shape of Season 5, I'd propose that we'll see two parallel sets of action: "How does Jack get everyone together to go back to the Island?" and "How did John Locke end up off the Island and subsequently murdered?" I'll look at the first question later in the week, but let's look at the latter one briefly today.

The events of Season 4 owe a lot to a critical scene in Season 3, during which Jacob asked for John Locke's help. Remember: Ben could not hear that plea, and with John's subsequent survival of a bullet wound from the gun of Ben, Mr. Linus assumed his time on the Island was over.  The cabin's appearance to Hurley only confirmed his suspicion that he had fallen out of favor in Jacob's view. But Jacob didn't exactly pay a social call to Hurley: if anything, it was another S.O.S. While Christian Shephard looked quite comfortable, rocking away in Jacob's chair, Jacob's eye bespoke nothing if not terror.

Jacob's "Help me!" to John, coupled with his pleading look to Hurley, suggest a person under attack, a figure in duress, an entity unable to get out of the situation he's in. By the time John reaches the cabin (thanks to a vision), Jacob's nowhere to be found, instead replaced by the figures of Christian and Claire, both claiming to speak on Jacob's behalf. John, not knowing the identity of Christian, does not question the message imparted to him. Ben, hearing the message later, thinks nothing of the message, having heard it before.

But had Ben gone INSIDE the cabin at the moment? Well, we'd have a completely different show, methinks.

In other words, someone or something engineered a series of events which culminated in the John/Christian/Claire seen from "Cabin Fever." We've long assumed a single "Wizard of Oz" on the Island, to borrow from the show's iconography. But what if there's always been another figure, on the periphery, waiting to take over the Wizard's throne? And what if it's THAT figure that orders John to move the Island? That figure would do so in order to remove its two biggest threats: Ben and Aaron. (I'll look at Aaron's role in this when looking at the other major storyline of Season 5 later in the week.)

Removing Ben from the equation was vital because even an enemy powerful enough to subdue Jacob knows he's Ben Freakin' Linus and could muck everything up if left on the Island. So, by displacing Ben, it could go about reclaiming the Island while continually duping John, the newest Island Representative, into performing actions that would in fact ensure that those on the island would suffer more and more until finally subsumed under the weight of the new Island regime.

How this all plays out is really anyone's guess, so I highly recommend you hazard your own below. But I can't help but think about this particular bit of dialogue from "Cabin Fever" as pointing the way towards a possibly figurehead for the actions that will send John Locke off the Island he loves so dearly.

ABADDON: You know what you need, Mr. Locke? You need to go on a walkabout.

LOCKE: Wha--what's a walkabout?

ABADDON: It's a journey of self-discovery. You go out into the Australian Outback with nothing more than a knife and your wits.

LOCKE: I can't "walkabout" anything. In case you haven't noticed, I'm a cripple.

ABADDON: Is that what you are, Mr. Locke? I went on my walkabout convinced I was one thing, but I came back another. I found out what I was made of, who I was.

LOCKE: And here you are, an orderly.

ABADDON: Oh, I'm a lot more than just an orderly, John. When you're ready, Mr. Locke...you'll listen to what I'm saying. And then when you and me run into each other again...you'll owe me one.

We haven't seen said reunion yet. But somehow, I think we will before Season 5 ends. And something tells me that you don't want to owe Abaddon anything.

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

Comments

This is where I turn into a negative Nelly. Not b/c I don't agree with you about a possible reunion b/w Abaddon and Locke, but b/c Lance Reddick has a permanent role on Fringe - and unless things go very wrong, that show is the show that FOX is pushing to be their big Fall show. Therefore, forgetting about scheduling conflicts for the moment, he may be contractually unable to continue as Abaddon in the future. Yes, the part can/could get recast, but Lost has appeared to be reluctant to do that and appear to prefer to either go long stretches without a character (Walt, Penny) when the actor is unavailable or (in Walt's case) grows 500 feet or just kill them off (Echo).

I hope that Reddick was able to work something out in his contract that would allow him to continue his role when needed and that FOX is flexible in allowing him to work for another network. Let's also hope that their isn't too much conflict in the shooting schedules should said problems be resolved.

Rishi | Jun 8, 2008 4:36:01 PM | #

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Abaddon (actor) may be on another show next season, but Alpert (actor) was on Cane this season, and he still managed to pop up every now and then. But then again, Cain was cancelled before he came back to Lost... oh well. But also, Julie Bowen was a regular on Boston Legal when she was Jack's wife.

As far as Locke leaving the island, I want to know how soon after the O6 leave, Locke leaves also. He had to be in the real world long enough for an obituary w/ description to be in the paper. Also, if he was just on a trip like Mr. Friendly, wouldn't someone still on the island make sure nobody found him?

Thinking about it, I'm getting more sure that notChistian is not really talking for Jacob. Is it a coincidence that the C4 explodes and he tells Michael he can go, as soon as the O6 (and Aaron) are safely on the helicopter?

A-Rob | Jun 8, 2008 6:11:03 PM | #

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i think there's significance to what Christian is wearing as to whether he's a white hat or a dark hat (to use a bad western movie analogy). and now i can't for the life of me remember what Christian was wearing when he told Michael he could go...

and for the record, i think that suited up Christian (or BarneyChristian for all of those who watch How I Met Your Mother) = white hat, and casualChristian = black hat.

mri | Jun 8, 2008 6:29:41 PM | #

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meant to follow that with a big ol' DUH-HUH. we've all talked about that before. what i was trying to get at before i was interrupted, was that IF casualChristian's goal was to remove Ben and Aaron from the Island, what "good" (since we're assuming cC is "bad") was Ben doing exactly? he hasn't exactly created a Sandals resort on the Island and most people there are jonesing to leave, so what's the "good" work he was doing there? he's kept Widmore away, but is Jacob happy enough with Ben as the lesser of the evils?

mri | Jun 8, 2008 7:20:02 PM | #

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As far as Lance Reddick. 'Fringe' is another JJ Abrams show, so that will not be an issue. Also, 'Fringe' is a Fall show, while LOST is a spring show. Either way, there shouldn't be a conflict.

I would almost venture to guess that Abaddon may be the next Island leader after Locke. It would seem Abaddon had been there before, and (like many others) wishes to return. Also, we know he has ties to Widmore, but may not be working for him. Either he has his own agenda, or works with another group as well.

Since 'Cabin Fever' I have thought notChristian is NOT speaking on Jacob's behalf. For whom he works for, is still a big mystery. I would guess one of the other groups in play (Hanso/Widmore/Paik/Mittelos).

Shaggysteve | Jun 8, 2008 8:23:12 PM | #

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Shaggy, I had forgotten about the JJ connection; however, Fringe is debuting in the Fall but it is scheduled to be on in the Winter also -> fall after House, winter after American Idol.

That being said, I do hope that he is able to work it out so that he can do both shows. I don't want Fringe to fail so that he can continue on Lost, I'd like to see both succeed and Lance be on both as much as is feasible.

Rishi | Jun 8, 2008 9:48:19 PM | #

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I read an interview on ign.com with I think JJ that said they would be able to work out any scheduling to loan Reddick to Lost next season.

Pat | Jun 8, 2008 11:08:04 PM | #

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I think the Abbadon story might just very well tie in to Charlotte and the original Island civilization. Perhaps what we're seeing is the development of an overaching new storyline, a sweeping new facet to the Lost mythology. In Season 1, it was the Survivors and the Others. In Season 2, the Dharma Initiative was introduced. In Season 3, it showcased more about the Others, but introduced the Freighties and Charles Widmore, the full effects of which weren't seen until Season 4.

So what I think we're going to see in Season 5 is a new faction, a group of people or singular individuals who existed on the Island long ago, who may have built the ruins and creatures like Smokey, but somehow ended up in the "real world." Through careful planning or twists of fate, they've been trying for a long time to get back.

And the key to their struggle, the heart of the conflict is going to be Jacob and whatever entity notChristian speaks for. The players in this ancient game, people like Richard Alpert and Matthew Abbadon, sought out people like Locke and Ben because they were the ones who needed to be influenced, monitored, controlled.

I find it fascinating, all the talk we've had on this blog about how the scope of Lost keeps getting bigger and bigger every season. The perspective has gone from simply a beach to locations deep in the jungle to facilities just off-shore to the entire globe. So, the scope of Season 5 may very well be time itself; the story of the past, the actions of the present, and the plans for the future.

And getting back to Ben, I think whatever happens during the time between the Island moving in 2005 and Jack trying to make amends in 2008, Benjamin is going to finally see the truth. Locke probably will too, but only after it's too late, and it's going to literally destroy his faith and sense of self. Because of this, he's going to dump all of his guilt and all of the blame onto Jack.

Other Sean | Jun 9, 2008 12:39:33 AM | #

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Also, lemme say this about Abbadon; whoever or whatever he works for, it's clear that people being alive on the Island is devastating to their plans. Widmore doesn't want people alive on "his" Island, because they might bring the outside world to it. And the anti-Jacob doesn't want people like Sawyer and Claire there, because it would give his enemies - Jack, Aaron, Ben etc. - a reason to return and risk helping/freeing Jacob, destroying their evil plans.

Other Sean | Jun 9, 2008 12:49:06 AM | #

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Ah yes, but what are those evil plans?

I still believe the Others truly are the descendents of the Island's original inhabitants. Either that, or they're the descendents of the people who attempted to colonize the Island. I think this all ties into the Black Rock crash. Something tells me we'll be learning a lot of the ancient history of the Island when we're finally introduced to the Temple.

Jeff | Jun 9, 2008 6:17:00 AM | #

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Other Sean: I like "history" as a theme for Season 5 as well, as parties both on and off the island learn not only why the island is so special, but the history of the struggle surrounding it. This could lead to further explanations of Hanso/Dharma off the island, and Others/Dharma/Smokey/Temple on the island.

Which leaves Season 6, naturally, to be the RIVERDANCE season.

Ryan | Jun 9, 2008 8:13:03 AM | #

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From the prior re-cap where Ryan said "My first suggestion---a series of interpretive dances inspired by The Freighter Four---"....

And now he's talking about Riverdance. (...oh, sorry. I lost my train of thought as my mind was picturing Sayid, Sawyer and Desmond in a sweaty, shirtless dance competition.)

Anyway, I think Ryan has a secret desire to write the recaps for one of the dozen dancing shows out there (or perhaps, be a contestant...?).

Does the Man Cave also have a dance floor? A btrwrth shaped disco ball? Do you have a white suit ala John Travolta?

Maybe the Man Cave needs to be re-christened the Btrwrth Club.

djc | Jun 9, 2008 8:29:47 AM | #

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If we are continually scaling to a more and more meta scale, could it be that the story will eventually scale back to reveal not just the Island but the conflict surrounding as being truly ancient and we're just witnessing the latest (and maybe final) players?

Maybe the 815 survivors are the catalyst for the Island's endgame. I could potentially see the Island being destroyed by the end of season 6, breaking apart and disintegrating in a giant volcanic explosion, thus ending the conflict forever, restoring balance to the universe, yadda yadda yadda...

Jeff | Jun 9, 2008 8:32:17 AM | #

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(btw, just teasin' Ryan. ;) No offense taken, I hope.)

I wonder if Abaddon is an "ageless one" like Richard Alpert? I love the thought of digging into Island history, the Black Rock, etc.

djc | Jun 9, 2008 8:38:38 AM | #

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djc: None taken. My wife will attest that I have skillz in the dancing arena. OK, maybe not.

As far as Abaddon being the equivalent to Richard: I dig that.

Jeff: The volcano as a final act is intriguing, especially since there's very much a "Matrix" vibe to these two sides at the moment. (If you've seen the whole trilogy, you'll know what I mean.)

Ryan | Jun 9, 2008 9:30:58 AM | #

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I most definitely do know what you mean :)

Which ties beautifully into the whole fate vs. free will theme.

Jeff | Jun 9, 2008 9:55:13 AM | #

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A volcano would be awesome. At the very end, for a final scene they could show Benjamin Freakin Linus and Charles Widmore holding onto pieces of the island while floating in the ocean like Sawyer and Michael when the raft blew up.

Chris | Jun 9, 2008 10:00:13 AM | #

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Subsumed? I see someone has been reading ahead in their Learn-a-New-Word-a-Day calendar! ;) Being a word afficionado myself, I couldn't resist!

Barb | Jun 9, 2008 10:01:43 AM | #

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LOL, I don't know why Chris, but the imagery of Ben and Charles floating floating on charred chunks of Island makes me think of the ending some Gilbert and Sullivan comedy, complete with twirly mustaches and top hats!

Jeff | Jun 9, 2008 10:07:04 AM | #

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Me like words. Words good.

Bluenoser | Jun 9, 2008 10:08:49 AM | #

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Whereas I get a Frodo/Gollum vibe from that image.

"We wannntssss the Island, precious!"

Ryan | Jun 9, 2008 10:21:22 AM | #

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Jeff, you're dating yourself lol.
I was actually thinking something comical too along the lines of either Fred and Barney or Ralph and Ed going at it in the water while trying to stay afloat on their little pieces of their precious island after they were fool enough to destroy it.

Chris | Jun 9, 2008 10:23:21 AM | #

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Jeff, you're dating yourself lol.

I was actually thinking something comical like Fred and Barney or Ralph and Ed fighting it out in the water while trying to stay afloat on their little pices of their precious island that was just destroyed because of their scheming.

Chris | Jun 9, 2008 10:25:11 AM | #

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Damn!!! Double posting and not even the same wording.

Chris | Jun 9, 2008 10:25:42 AM | #

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You get the idea.

Chris | Jun 9, 2008 10:26:01 AM | #

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Hehe, yeah, you're right Chris, that's more along the lines of what I meant.

Some Odd Couple-esque one-liners and zingers as the camera pulls away and fades to black.

Jeff | Jun 9, 2008 11:14:14 AM | #

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Hard to ever top the "Hurley and Ben share an Apollo Bar" scene in terms of odd couple pairing, no?

That might have been a Top 10 All Time Lost Scene.

(Ooooh, I sense an entry coming.)

Ryan | Jun 9, 2008 12:04:49 PM | #

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Heck, you could even do categories of Top 10 scenes:

- Drama
- Comedy
- Action
- Mystery
- Btrwrthings
- etc...

Jeff | Jun 9, 2008 12:24:48 PM | #

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The Keamy/Sayid fight is clearly the #1 action scene.

Coming in at #453 is "Jack flying a kite in Malaysia".

Ryan | Jun 9, 2008 12:30:49 PM | #

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A close second would be the Jin/Mikhail fight. I jumped outta my chair for that one.

Jeff | Jun 9, 2008 12:32:07 PM | #

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Do I sense a Lost awards show brewing to compete against the Amy Awards over at the TV Gal blog????

A-Rob | Jun 9, 2008 12:45:08 PM | #

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Yeah, I guess the difference is I'd actually read this one :)

Jeff | Jun 9, 2008 1:12:50 PM | #

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well, we all know how the awards would be announced:

"And the Btrwrthy for 'Spookiest Appearence by a Possible Dead Person' goes to....Claire for her appearance in the cabin."

awards would be bottles of btrwrth painted gold of course.

mri | Jun 9, 2008 1:31:32 PM | #

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I feel so left out of the btrwrth loop. Here in Canada, at least from what I've seen, we don't have Mrs. Butterworth's. Closest thing here is Aunt Jemima.

Jeff | Jun 9, 2008 1:37:37 PM | #

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How sad. Mrs. Butterworth is an icon.

Barb | Jun 9, 2008 3:39:25 PM | #

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Yeah, but I'll bet Aunt Jemima could kick some major ass, too. Maybe she and Mrs. Butterworth can form a tag-team, and BTRWRTH/A-JEM folks.

As for #1 BTRWRTH scene, I nominate Rose bitch-slapping Jack for no particular reason...oh, wait, that only happened in my head. Shucks...

Dark Disciple | Jun 9, 2008 7:03:54 PM | #

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Real quick. WHY blaame Al gore? he's trying to stop global warming. Blame Bush and the mental giants that voted for him. .... Twice.

Jason S. | Jun 10, 2008 4:53:19 AM | #

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The problem with the volcano scenario...it may be much more than that. Think incineration of the entire earth...the entire solar system...why else was the man on the comic book so terrified?

Xiaoding | Jun 10, 2008 6:28:28 AM | #

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As a consolation to Jeff, perhaps we can switch from Butterworth to Log Cabin, since the events on the island seem to be stemming from the cabin. Everyone is going to be Lob Cabined. LOL

BTW, I'm extremely anxious to learn about the history of the Black Rock crash, and how it ended up in the middle of the island. Maybe someone moved the island years ago, and it "popped up" in the path of the Black Rock stranding it inland.

Ryan | Jun 10, 2008 10:06:39 AM | #

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Well, I'd go along with the Log Cabin-ing, but it "wood" lend itself to too many sawmill-type puns, and our heads would all explode, "Scanners"-style. Yew know it's true, and I know I'm being a son-of-a-birch about it, but too many puns make me sycamore (okay, that one was a stretch...).

I like the idea of The Island appearing from beneath The Black Rock and stranding it inland. Makes more sense than some monster tidal wave kicking the ship out of the ocean that way. I said in another part of this site about how I worry about The Island appearing in downtown Sydney, or perhaps teetering on top of the Opera House, like something out of a Bugs Bunny cartoon. Love to see Widmore or Ben Linus try to cover that puppy up...

Dark Disciple | Jun 10, 2008 11:59:38 AM | #

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I just keep going back to the simplest explanation about a dead Locke. The island was done with him, so he could die.

Now, this being Lost, simple is very relative. I think Season 5 will deal with the history (Black Rock and 4-toed statue), and maybe somehow Locke messed with the history since he knows all about the time travel aspect now. That would make the island very upset I would think.

rockstarmom | Jun 10, 2008 5:06:56 PM | #

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BarneyChristian. *chortle* mri, you made my day, but then djc and Dark Disciple made it even better with their "syrupy" entries. (A Mrs. Butterworth/Aunt Jemima teamup. Could the world survive?)

Speaking of the world surviving, I'll settle for just the Island blowing up, thank you very much. That would be quite traumatic/climatic enough.

Ryan, dig the theory on the Island popping up under the Black Rock. I really do hope we find out about the BR and the 3-toed statue in this coming season.

meggins | Jun 11, 2008 8:14:02 AM | #

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