Episode 10: “The Package”

Introduction

One blip excluding, this season’s pattern has been one fast-paced, revealing episode followed by a slower-paced, less revealing episode. This week continued the precedent. Although the installment was enjoyable, not an incredible amount happened – and not many of the larger questions of the Island were tackled. It wasn’t the slowest, though.

2004 Flashsideways

Sun and Jin and not married, but have become involved. In fact, their “involvement” is the reason they’re sent to LA, for Sun’s father has planned their deaths – or at least Jin’s. So how did Jin, the son of a fisherman and later a hotel greeter, get a job with Sun’s father in this world? We don’t get an answer to that, and we probably never will. What we do know is that Sayid takes care of Jin’s hitmen, Jin shoots and kills one of them, Sun is hit by someone’s stray bullet, and she informs Jin she is pregnant.

Importance of Sun and Jin

Two of the warring parties seem preoccupied by Jin. Widmore wants Jin because he worked for the Dharma Initiative, and can read their maps; apparently, Widmore’s group is interested in the pockets of electromagnetism. Meanwhile, Un-Locke spends time trying to convince Sun to go back with him to his group and Jin. He almost convinces her.

Un-Locke’s Plan

Of course we don’t know much, but it seems that Un-Locke is trying to get off the Island. He also mentions that he needs all of the candidates to be able to do that. Why is this? Is this so that none of them can take Jacob’s spot as protector of the Island? This seems a reasonable answer.

Widmore?

On the one hand, Widmore came across in this episode as part of Team-Jacob. He seems preoccupied with keeping Un-Locke on the Island, which is exactly what Jacob and his followers want. Of course, is it as simple as that? Widmore is back on Jacob’s side? I’m not sure. Widmore’s smile, his team’s desire to find the pockets of electromagnetism, and his capture of Desmond all point to a more complex answer.

The Final Showdown? Hydra Island?

It feels like the final showdown is going to happen on Hydra Island. The plane and sub, the two physical vehicles of rescue, are there, and everyone is drawn to them. Richard seems convinced now that they should go there, because Un-Locke will be there. If this is true, then all three groups – Team-Jacob, Team-Un-Locke, and Team-Widmore – will be there soon.