This was an interesting episode of Lost. On the one hand, it featured a surprising death, the return of a significant character, the reunion of some central characters that have been kept apart for quite some time, and a fun little answer or two (the whispers! Confirmation!) Yet, at the same time, it seemed to lack of enormity and epic feel of some of the episodes that we’ve seen in recent weeks.
By no means is that a criticism of this episode. It furthered our understanding of the sideways world, and it was a legitimate joy seeing a confident, but still vulnerable Hurley take the leadership role. And his scene with Jack in the jungle, where Hurley confessed that he lied about Jacob commanding them to see Locke, only for Jack to admit that he was fully aware of that, was one of my favorite all season.
In fact, I think it’s a scene that even Jack-haters would appreciate. One of the major criticisms of his character is his arrogant attitude and bossy nature. He put all of that aside here when he came clean about some of the mistakes he’s made and that he recognizes that he’s perhaps supposed to sit back and let somebody else take the lead. I thought that both characters came across as very likable and real. I appreciated that Jack didn’t call him out in front of everybody, and liked that both were willing to face the consequences of their decision.
Speaking of people facing consequences….wow, how about Ilana? That was….shocking, actually. And trust me I’m pissed about this, but I literally turned away from the television for a split second and suddenly I hear a massive explosion. I turn to the television to see the resulting blaze and I thought to myself, “Did that just happen?” It was very unexpected and I have to admit, a little disheartening. Ben’s poignant observation said it best, though: Jacob handpicked her to do a job, and moments after fulfilling that task, she’s blown up. As Ben said, the island was done with her.
But nonetheless, the various factions have been reshuffled somewhat. We have Richard, Ben, and Miles trying to blow up the plane. We have Hurley, Jack, Frank, Sun, Sawyer, Kate, Claire, Sayid, and the Locke Ness Monster wanting to get off the island for various reasons. Then we have Widmore, Jin, and a well-bound Desmond simply trying to stop the Smoke Monster. I’m guessing the three groups will come together on Hydra Island. And wouldn’t that be weird? If the epic battle – the ultimate climax – didn’t actually take place on THE island.
But I must say, it was rather surreal seeing Jack and Locke come face to face again.
Following this episode, can I ask if anybody still honestly believes that the Smoke Monster can possibly be the good guy? I mean, whenever this guy is threatened by somebody, he tries to kill them. And he usually does so with an incredibly menacing look on his face. I mean, just rewatch that scene with Desmond. He was downright chilling – making vague threats before tossing him down a well. C’mon, he’s a dick!
I think it’s also important to keep in mind who the characters are siding themselves with, as well as their motivations for doing so. Perhaps the purest character of them all, Hurley, is Jacob’s biggest follower. And like him or not, but Jack is the series’ “hero” if there ever was one, and he’s chosen Jacob as well. And while Ben has been historically villainous, this season has thus far been about his redemption. And who has he sided with? That’s right: Jacob.
And who has sided with the Smoke Monster? Well, there’s Sayid and Claire, who are absolutely off their rockers. And then there’s Sawyer, Kate, and Jin – all of whom are not with Smokey because they believe in what he’s preaching. Instead, they’re with him because of outside factors.
Basically, those following Jacob are doing so because of their faith in him. Smokey’s followers are there due to circumstance. That’s a very important difference.
Now, in my Revisited column, I discussed how characters that are dead in the island universe seem to have a certain awareness in the sideways world. This trend continued this week, as sideways Libby suddenly recalled her island life with Hurley after seeing him on television. And it was her intervention – and a little nudge from Desmond – that eventually triggered Hurley’s memories. It was actually very reminiscent of the whole Desmond/Charlie ordeal. Methinks this could play a significant role should we see Juliet pop up in the sideways universe.
Anyway, while I was never hugely invested in the Hurley/Libby relationship, it was nice to see Hurley finally get his beach picnic date.
And just a few random questions to ponder: Will we ever find out why island Libby was in the mental institution? Is there any further story behind Libby’s husband and how she gave Desmond the use of her boat? And in the sideways world, did Hurley use “The Numbers” to win the lottery?
Matt Basilo has been writing for Inside Pulse since April 2005, providing his insight into popular television shows such as Lost, 24, Heroes, and Smallville. Be sure to visit his blog at [a case of the blog] and follow him on Twitter.
