Episode 9: “Ab Aeterno”

Introduction

What an episode! I know I’ve said great things about a few of the latest episodes, but this may be my favorite. Not only was the acting great and the story extremely compelling – but on top of all of that, we get real, tangible answers to major questions. Of course, not everything is as clear as the waters of Lake George; but do we really want it to be? Come on now, we do have a bunch of episodes left.

Jacob’s Purpose

This episode said explicitly some important things the season had been implying. First of all, Jacob is a defender of the Island, and his main job is to keep The Nemesis there. If his job fails, the evil in The Nemesis will spread to the entire world. I liked the wine bottle analogy. And how about The Nemesis breaking the bottle at the end. Foreshadowing?

Man’s Inherent Goodness/Badness & Freewill

What separates Jacob and the Nemesis ideologically is their opinions on man’s inherent goodness or badness. The Nemesis thinks man is more bad than good, and always will corrupt and destroy. Jacob disagrees, and this is why he brings people to the Island: to demonstrate that people can and will choose to be good. However, he does not want to interfere in human affairs, thinking it will affect people’s freewill. Although this is an incorrect view of freewill, I guess Jacob’s point is that he wants people to arrive at what the moral choice is by their own natural abilities, and to choose to do it. But Ricardo makes the point that the Nemesis is at work corrupting the people Jacob brings to the Island, so Jacob needs to counter; without giving up his belief that he doesn’t want to affect people’s freewill, Jacob compromises, and allows Ricardo to be his figure and representative on the Island (like the Pope?).

Jacob is like God, but not exactly…

Although there have been persistent theories that project Jacob as not good (thanks, Mom), I think this episode really separates the two sides. Jacob believes in freewill and man’s inherent goodness, while the Nemesis does not. I don’t know how they could spin Jacob into being bad now – at least, I don’t think they could do it well, without there being a lot of dumb holes. I’ve spoken in the past about Jacob’s “God-like” quality. I remain steadfast in this belief. However, it must be understood that there are distinct differences between his “God-ness” and our Christian ideas. I don’t think Jacob is all-powerful or all-knowing; and although I think he’s “good,” I don’t think he’s all-good in the way we talk about God being all-good.

Are They All Dead?

The writers of the show already spoke out against the idea that everyone on board the plane is dead, and they’re in hell or purgatory. They said this a year or so ago. So when it comes up in this episode, I think we’re supposed to recognize it as being false.

Two Different Approaches to the Major Questions

In getting at the heart of the major questions of the show, I see the writers of the show as going in two directions. Let me make my point by asking an important question: Why did the plane crash? Why are they on the Island? On the one hand, we can go in the direction this episode presented, and say that they are just another in a long list of people Jacob has brought to the Island to show that man is inherently good and can make good moral choices. On the other hand, we have this idea of candidacy; in this vein, our answer would be that Jacob has summoned the group to the Island to have someone take his place. I’m not saying that the two contradict each other; I’m simply saying that they take us to different conclusions if we focus on one and not the other.

The Rules?

Let me end by simply saying a word or two about the “rules” this Island seems to be bound to. We know some of the rules already, like Un-Locke couldn’t kill Jacob himself – and he can’t kill certain people on the Island now, like Sawyer. But there also seems to be other rules that both Jacob and the Nemesis are bound to: like the only the way to kill one of them is with a specific knife, and only before the victim speaks. Once he speaks, the power seems gone. It does make me wonder how Ben killed Jacob.

Episode 8: “Recon”

Introduction

This will be a short post, not only because it was a less engaging and thought-provoking episode, but because I feel the need to get to the latest episode. All in all, this episode was on the weaker side, especially since it is surrounded by incredible episodes. There was less of a compelling story, and a real lack of answering any of the major Lost questions. I guess next week’s episode makes up for it.

2004 Flashsideways

Although this begins with a bang – Sawyer not being a conman, but a cop – it fizzled. I thought perhaps Sawyer’s parents would still be alive, but this isn’t the case. I do like how Miles is his assistant, and how he runs down Kate.

Un-Locke’s Group

The Island has become more and more polarized, with Un-Locke recruiting and the rest of the “Jacob group” gathering on the Beach. For now, Jin has joined Un-Locke. Claire’s attempt to murder Kate, Sayid’s dispassionate observance of this, and Claire’s later admittance of guilt all lead us to see the evil effects of Un-Locke. We really don’t learn much more than this, other than the minor, but interesting, tidbit that Un-Locke had a crazy mother.

Sawyer’s Individuality

Sawyer seems to be working for Un-Locke. But he confesses to Kate that he is working for neither Un-Locke nor Widmore. He tells both sides partial truths, so they believe he is on their side. But Sawyer’s real hope is to have the two sides fight, and in the confusion to get away in the sub. Classic Sawyer.

3 Groups?

The only question I leave us with is this: How does Widmore fit into all of this? Widmore was once part of the Others, which is a Jacob-based group. But he was kicked out, and seems to be working completely on his own. This sets up what seems to be a triple battle: Un-Locke vs. the Jacob-group, and Un-Locke vs. Widmore. Anyone with other thoughts?

Episode 7: "Dr. Linus"

Introduction

I really, really liked this episode. I was expecting a rather weak episode, considering the pattern so far has been a fast, good episode followed by slower, weaker one; but this broke the cycle. It didn’t have the quick action of last week’s, but it was exciting nonetheless. I think it may have been the best so far. It reinforces my rather strong belief that Ben is the best actor of the show.

The episode, like last week’s, also reinforces some of the potential answers the show has been presenting so far this season. In fact, it said concretely what had been only implied up to this point. I like concreteness. With these last two episodes, I’m happy about where the season is going.

Ben’s Redemption

The show has decided to completely redeem the character of Ben Linus. He is initially presented as a conniving, treacherous character, cold-blooded and willing to do anything to get his way. There was no way anyone could trust him. However, if there was any doubt concerning Ben’s seeming goodness in the 2007 reality, the flashsideways put it to rest. His empathetic, selfless decision to give up his potential principal position (not to mention his blackmailing) for the sake of Alex’s shot at Yale University was tremendous – I think the tight narrative and Ben’s acting made it superb.

I wonder why they decided to redeem Ben. Was it because he had fan appeal, and redeeming him was the best way to keep him involved? Or are the writers planning something bigger? Is Ben’s goodness somehow integral to the entire show’s conclusion? Either works for me.

Flashsideways: 2004

As mentioned, I thought this was the strongest flashsideways. It was by far the finest character study so far. (Sayid’s was probably second best.) I liked the inclusion of Alex as Ben’s student. One quick question: When the bomb blew up and reality was split, was that after Sayid shot Ben? I’m not sure this is important; I’m just interested.

Richard Alpert

We finally learn some tangible specifics about Richard. Some of it had been implied - some not. It seems that he came to the island in the Black Rock – more specifically, as a slave. (So he came in the 1500’s, I guess. Or am I getting the date wrong?) We also learn he was “touched” by Jacob: that is the reason he never ages; it is also why he can’t kill himself. With Jacob’s death, Richard thinks his whole life and Jacob’s plan was meaningless. I really like how Jack stood by his belief that there is meaning to Jacob’s plan and all of the actions so far concerning the Island. Perhaps the entire purpose of having Jack go to the lighthouse was to have him discover the meaning in his life and Jacob’s plan. Although he doesn’t like that Jacob “meddled” with his life, he does recognize meaning in it now.

Ben and Ilana

I found it interesting that Ilana decides to let Ben rejoin them. At first, I thought she was able to sympathize or empathize with him; and this still may be the case. But perhaps she just doesn’t want him to go to Un-Locke…

Jacob as a Christ/God Figure

It was interesting to note that, as Miles tells us, Jacob was hoping Ben did not kill him. That could lead one to think that Jacob’s death wasn’t part of his plan – but I disagree. I keep drawing parallels to God. I’m sure Jesus didn’t want Judas to betray him. On the one hand, he knew he would; but on the other hand, there was still the free choice of Judas. Therefore, although Judas sinned, and God never desires anyone to sin, it was still part of the plan of salvation. I think the parallel to Jacob is eerily clear. Perhaps the only difference is our idea of God being outside of time. Therefore, he knew what was going to happen – and not because it was fated, but simply because all is present to him. Jacob, on the other hand, doesn’t seem outside of time. But he does seem God-like in the sense that he uses people’s free choices, for it’s important they’re free, to further his plan. Remember, Miles only said that he didn’t want to die. Well, Jesus didn't want to die either (see the Garden of Gethsemane). He did want to gain out salvation, and was willing to do whatever it took.

The Solidification of the Dichotomy

With Jack, Hurley, and Richard’s return to the beach, the opposing teams are pretty solidified. Almost everyone is either at the beach or with Un-Locke. Jin is still off in the woods, nursing a hurt leg. Also, although Kate is with Un-Locke, I’m not sure she intends to stay. Something interesting to note: The characters with Locke are the ones who did “bad” things in their past: Kate’s murder and con jobs, Sawyer’s murder and con jobs, and Sayid’s torturing. Jack, Hurley, and Sun don’t have these pasts – but they’re at the beach. And Jin, who could be arguably in either category, is in the woods, between them both. Coincidence?

Misc.

We hear from one of Jacob’s group, Ilana, that the most of the main characters are “candidates” to take over his job. Although we heard this before, it had only been from the lying mouth of Un-Locke. I like this confirmation – a lot.

If you haven’t noticed the parallels between the two alternate worlds in the other episodes, you may have here; it was strong and engaging. In both worlds, Ben is faced with a decision, and in both he makes the right one: to stay with Ilana at the beach (we assume this is the right choice) and to give up being principal for the sake of Alex. They did a similar decision-parallel with Sayid; but Sayid didn’t do as well as Ben…

Conclusion

How about Widmore at the end? Is he on Jacob’s side, Un-Locke’s, or neither? I’m assuming Jacob’s, since I’m assuming he was the person Jacob wanted to make sure got to the island, from “The Lighthouse" episode.

With two strong, consistent episodes, I’m digging the season and the way they’re closing the show. Come on next Tuesday!

Polls

Well, 50% of us thought Sayid would remain evil, and 50% thought he would be redeemed. Vote on this week’s poll!

Episode 6: "Sundown"

Introduction

What an episode! I thought it was the best so far. It had cool action scenes; crazy stuff happened, but the majority made sense; it continued to drill in some of the same ideas this season has been progressing, without dropping them to the side, or contradicting them.

2004 Flashsideways

This was definitely the most action-packed flashsideways. Sayid is still a torturer, but it is his brother and not he who marries the Nadia. He is trying to “be a good person,” and so doesn’t want to commit adultery or murder – although he is “forced” to do the latter. We get our classic “coincidental run-ins” with other Lost characters, like Jack in the hospital and Jin in the freezer.

Last thing about this alternate world: Are they going to try and connect everyone’s stories in this alternate world together? And then are they going to connect that to our original time-line? I don’t know how possible all this is... But I guess they need to; a lot of this season would be pointless without it all connecting.

Sayid and His “Evilness”

I guess Sayid is turning evil. It’s hard to say if this is the case because he is “infected” or simply because he’s begun to “serve” Un-Locke. Either way, he seems to be on the wrong side of the line right now. Will he come back to the “good” side? I can see it playing out either way.

Dogen

I wasn’t a huge fan of Dogen, so I can’t say I’m very upset he’s gone; but he did have some cool moves. If we take his word, he truly seems to be on Jacob’s side; so I guess they cleared that up. What was his exact purpose on the Island? That we don’t know.

Further Clarification of the Overall Picture

I think they confirmed a lot of things they’ve been alluding to throughout this season: a) Un-Locke/Nemesis had been trapped on the Island; b) Jacob was key to keeping Un-Locke trapped; c) Un-Locke has more freedom now – more now that Dogan is dead (So was Dogen a candidate-type person? Was he a Jacob replacement, for the short time?); c) the Temple-People were on Jacob’s side; d) Un-Locke is recruiting.

Un-Locke as Satan

Un-Locke more and more comes across as a blatant Satan-character. This episode, he played the Tempter with Sayid. And when the smoke monster flew above Kate, there looked to be, and sounded to be, demons in the smoke. That final scene with Un-Locke amidst his carnage only reinforces his blatant evilness. People follow and believe him, for he is the father of lies.

Differences between Un-Locke and Jacob

Last week, I pointed out the difference in Jacob’s and Un-Locke’s demeanors: Jacob’s confidence and Un-Locke’s anger. In this episode, they both make similar promises to people; but I see a distinct and important difference. Jacob promised to heal Dogen’s boy, which implies the boy was still alive. Therefore, Jacob is presented as a “healer” character. On the other hand, Un-Locke has basically promised to bring Nadia back to life, presenting himself more as an “occult-like” character. If you think about it, Un-Locke has been connected to “bringing people back to life” throughout the show, but not in any sort of “resurrection” way. He takes over dead people’s bodies. If I were Sayid, I wouldn’t be so sure of the Nadia that may return… This all makes sense if Un-Locke, in the Greek mythology sort of way, is god of the dead.

(I think that Jacob will return, but in the resurrection sort of way.)

Un-Locke’s Goal?

So what is Un-Locke’s goal? Why is he gathering a tribe? As a few people have said in the show, he desires the death of every living thing on the island. If this is true – and I’m inclined to believe it – then he must need a group of people to “do something for him.”

Misc.

Anyone else miss the constant presence of Ben? I’m nearly positive he will be the focus of the next episode, by the way.

Although only two of us voted (and no one commented!), I will reveal the winners of last week’s polls: 100% of us believed that both Jacob and the Nemesis “summoned” the crew to the island; and 50% thought Sayid was going to turn evil (good going, Clare!) and 50% thought there “was a different answer."

Vote on this week's poll!