Take lots of Ben and Locke, the welcome return of Richard, the ever-awesome Christian, spooky Claire, the reappearance of Jacob’s cabin, and then pepper it with threats, beatings, shootings, throat-slitting, and the best candy-bar eating scene in all of television history. Now jam it all into one episode. This is what the writer’s strike did to us, and we should be thankful for it. Things I Noticed:
Vozzek’s Favorite Quotes of the Week
John Burger… “The Island does not move--land masses just don’t float around and even for scifi--that would be just stupid”. (Two weeks ago, comments section)
bongzilla… “I'm with John Burger. Vozzek, you're out of your mind on some of those wilder theories, such as the island moving and the body/mind time travel difference. Just looney stuff there with no substantiation except a goofball theory”. (Two weeks ago, comments section)
Locke, to Ben & Hurley… “We're supposed to move the island.” (Last night)
Sibling Rivalry and lots of Rain
This far into the show, similarities and parallels between characters don’t much surprise us anymore. Names, places, and even the general look of so many characters are recycled over and over again. And so here we have John Locke; born prematurely, born in the pouring rain, born to a woman named Emily who frantically names him while crying and screaming. We’ve seen this show already, and we know that it ends with a bitter, motherless existence and a sprinkling of patricide. Ben and Locke are brothers, if not fraternally (and I’m not convinced that they aren’t) at least metaphorically, as they both walk the same paths through a very tough life.
During childhood, the similarities continue. Both Locke and Ben would be recruited by Richard Alpert when they were young, and then put off as ‘not yet ready’. Later on in life Locke and Ben would meet and compete for the illustrious title of the island’s chosen protector. They both vie for mom’s affections, with the role of their mother now being played by the island itself. In Cain and Able fashion, one even kills the other, or at least tries to, until mom intervenes.
I couldn’t help but think how Locke’s life would’ve gone if his mother had been allowed to hold him during those first moments. Such a connection might’ve been impossible to sever, which is why Emily chose not to hold him at all before giving him up to a life of foster parents. In this respect, Locke is in much the same situation as future Aaron, and even Walt – being raised by another. Perhaps these characters are special because of this type of upbringing.
Vehicular Manslaughter – Fast becoming a LOST Tradition!
Pedestrians have it pretty hard in LOST. We watched Juliet’s ex-husband eat a bus, and then Hurley rolls right over Pryce. This episode it’s Emily who chews on a fender. And although she doesn’t die, it leaves us wondering who they mystery driver is. Is it Cooper? Is this Richard’s second road kill? Have the writers been playing a lot of GTA4? Doesn’t really matter. What matters is that fate, or the island’s will acting as a executor of fate, bends the path of these people’s lives in the direction it needs them to go.
Horace is one Thorough Dude
Full-blown log cabin blueprints? Even for a mathematician that was kinda stretching it. But Horace’s appearance this episode was extremely telling in the grand scheme of how the island works. Locke’s island-induced vision, which once again happens while he’s unconscious, differs historically from most of LOST’s visions in that he sees someone he’s never met. Hurley seeing Dave, Eko seeing Yemi… these are images that could’ve been taken from their own consciousness. But with the appearance of Horace, now we’re seeing the island’s consciousness. What we’re seeing is a small loop of past time – an event that actually happened. Horace felled that tree a dozen or more years ago, and the island was there to see it. Therefore the island can replay that scene for Locke, over and over again, by memory. It uses Horace as a vehicle to speak to Locke, the way it used Yemi to speak to Eko, and it chose Horace because the blueprints were in his pocket.
Incidentally, this isn’t exactly the first time we’ve been given this revelation. Hurley had no way of knowing what Christian Shephard looked like, but he still saw him in the cabin a few episodes back. I guess the writers are probably just ready to reveal more at this point. Still, I think the island’s ability to conjure up visions is limited to that which it, or its inhabitants, has experienced. Which may be why so many names, numbers, places, people, and things are constantly recycled.
One Time, at Science Camp…
Richard showing up at Locke’s foster parent’s home was an amazing scene, and Nestor Carbonell did an incredible job of creeping us right the hell out. It’s raining again, and Locke is playing backgammon when he arrives, only this time with red and white pieces – no black. He’s drawn pictures of the smoke monster on the wall, indicating exactly what Richard is hoping: that young John Locke is an incarnation (reincarnation?) of a future leader of the island. As such, Locke will inherently know the right decisions to make, the artifacts he’s entitled to, and ultimately will lead them down the correct paths when someday he arrives on the island.
Understand here that Richard Alpert’s group of Others have always been the purists: it’s likely they follow the strict codes found in the book of laws which probably comprise ‘the rules’. His group snarls derisively at any deviation in the island’s plan; this was best evidenced by Richard’s past bitterness over Ben’s fertility program when he approached Locke privately on that hilltop. Alpert’s purists were similarly angered when Ben’s leadership degenerated into ‘wasted time’, and reliance on the everyday Dharma conveniences they enjoyed at the barracks. Such deviation from the purity of the island was one of the reasons Dharma was ultimately purged, and Ben is quick to point out this episode that those events were not ‘his idea’.
Alpert’s test goes all wrong when Locke chooses the knife. By doing so, Locke was affectively altering the path of his destiny – splitting from Alpert’s pre-determined loop and going off in his own different direction. This is precisely akin to the things Ben does later on: championing his fertility program and taking Alex as his daughter were both for his own benefit and not in the pure interests of the island. This pisses Richard off to no end, which is why he angrily bolts from Locke’s house. He’s frustrated because he must accommodate the island’s chosen leaders (Ben, Locke) yet seems unable to guide them in what he believes to be the correct direction. Locke and Ben are alike here once again, in that they both walk their own path. It’s also important to note that Locke did not choose the book of laws, meaning that perhaps he’s not bound to the same rules that Ben, Alpert, and Widmore seem to be.
“Don’t tell me what I can’t do!” is the very reason why John Locke is special. Not choosing the knife was Locke’s way of not accepting who he really is, just as he vehemently refuses science camp (and with cheerleaders laughing at you, who wouldn’t!) Ultimately, I believe he can (and will) alter the pre-determined destiny of the island’s end scenario. Jacob knows this even if Alpert can’t recognize it, which is why he seeks and employs people who are ‘special’. Walt was special, but in Ben’s words was ‘more than they bargained for’ (translation: Walt was TOO powerful). Ben was special too, but at this point the island recognizes Locke as its best bet to accomplish what it needs to do. At least for now, because after Alex’s death Ben’s faith is in serious question.
Michael just can’t Never see Fadage
Turns out here that Mr. Friendly was correct – the world has plans for Michael and it’s not going to let a little bullet come between his skull and the grand scheme of things. Mike is on the receiving end of some more suffering this episode, as the writers continue their attempts to humanize the man who cold-bloodedly shot two women dead. They’re doing a good job too, because despite everything I’m feeling pretty sorry for Mike lately.
Turns out the Captain doesn’t Know Jack Squat
Weeks went by, and one by one the mysterious freighter crew revealed themselves to be relatively harmless. The fantastic four, the doc, even the gruff-looking captain - the real threat all boiled down to a cold-blooded mercenary secretly embedded in the mission with ulterior motives, as always, on the very brink of sanity. Although this cliché is a little tiresome these days (The Abyss, AvP, etc…), Keamy is absolutely frightening. His voice, his mannerisms, the facial expressions – it’s just awesome to watch.
The cover of the secondary protocol destroys any last speculation and conclusively ties Widmore with Dharma. It seems that Widmore knew in advance he would be changing the rules, and has a nice little plan B ready to be enacted. In total, there seem to be four sets of orders on The Kahana: Captain Gault’s unknowingly bogus “rescue” mission, Naomi’s team sent by Abaddon, Keamy’s freighter jocks acting on Widmore’s orders, and finally Michael’s one-man saboteur crew, led by Benjamin Linus. In effect the freighter itself becomes its own little 4-sided power struggle, a game within a game.
Doc Ray STILL Needs a new Plastic Surgeon
Confirmation came this week that Doc Ray is physically indeed in two places at once, and that island time appears to be ahead of freighter time. The executed doctor being shoved overboard without stitches jives with the idea that his body, floating through the time storm, has reverted back to a previous physical state (at a time when he had those stitches). And if you’re still confused at this point, go back and read my thoughts on this from two reviews ago, lest people accuse me of repeating myself in an attempt to jam theories down their throats.
Sayid’s Gonna Save the Island with a 4-man Rubber Dingy
I’m not sure how many trips he plans on making, but at this point maybe Desmond could mention something about owning a boat? Desmond provided some very compelling reasons for not wanting to return to LOST island, and I don’t think anyone could blame him. Unfortunately it looks like he gets to stay behind with Michael (who’s only possible redemption involves self-sacrifice) and a giant suitcase of explosives. Not the best place to be during an upcoming season finale, but then again Desmond rocked his way through the Swan hatch implosion so maybe he’ll be okay. I hope.
I TOTALLY Thought Locke was going Down that Staircase…
It seems that people have a way of showing up in John Locke’s life when he needs the most encouragement. This time it’s Abaddon who takes watch, coaching Locke back from the brink of self-pity and inspiring him to seek out his infamous walkabout. Abaddon’s actions are all about restoring Locke’s faith, getting him ‘back in the game’ as the poster behind them reads. Abaddon eerily assures Locke they will meet again later on, and when they do he will owe him one.
Many people theorize that Abaddon is a future version of Walt. I couldn’t see this theory at first, but after this episode it makes a little more sense. Abaddon refers to John as “Mr. Locke” in hauntingly the same way that Walt always did. He picks Locke up off the floor of despair and gives him guidance, just as Walt did when Locke was left for dead in the body pit. Also, after last night, Abaddon seems a lot less team Widmore and a lot more on his own agenda. We saw him responsible for Naomi’s team, but doesn’t seem associated at all with Keamy’s crew. Perhaps he sent the freighter-4 to the island for non-ominous or even helpful reasons. His visit to the mental hospital seemed more to jog Hurley’s brain than to seek actual answers. I’m now thinking the underlying purpose there was to let Hurley know he wasn’t crazy – to get him to believe in his visions, to spread that believe to Jack, who would spread it to Kate, and ultimately to get the O6 back to the island.
How Come Hurley can see the Cabin?
I’m really not sure on this one, but it seems important that he can. Maybe because he’s the wild card – Hurley is the one person who can’t be manipulated or killed off by the island because he was never supposed to be there. He simply views the island for what it is, which could be why he plainly sees the cabin. But hey, I’m just guessing here.
The Ranch Dressing Comment was a little bit Uncalled for…
Suddenly, it looks a lot like Ben has lost his faith. Still grieving Alex, he looks forlorn and lost. He seems almost sorry for the purge, but refuses to accept responsibility himself. Shrugging, he follows Locke and Hurley through the jungle with no real purpose, no plan, no underlying secret plan, and little care about what happens next. “I used to have dreams”, he tells Locke, as if knowing his days of receiving instruction from the island are over.
Watch Ben’s face as Locke finds the blueprints. He bitterly seems to accept this as a sign that Locke is now the favored one. Later he challenges Locke: “Are you sure John? I was told a lot of things. Then I ended up with a tumor on my spine and my daughter’s blood on my hand”. Sardonically, Ben is now doubting everything the island has ever guided him to do. Where once he thought he had some semblance of control over events, now he realizes he was simply a pawn himself and not the king he thought he was. “These things HAD to happen to me. They were my destiny, and destiny John, is a fickle bitch”. Cool line. He almost had me convinced.
Yup… once again I think Ben is shitting us. At least partially. Ben needs Locke to believe in what he’s doing – without faith nothing works - which is why he’s taken this subdued role. Don’t forget: we already know that future Ben has once again taken up the reins. He’s jumping into the desert, kicking ass, and guiding Sayid on assassination missions. These are not exactly the actions of someone who couldn’t give a crap. So either Ben gets his groove back, or he’s never really lost it. I even think there was a clever clue to this - the scene where he accuses Locke of snowing Hurley: “He actually thinks staying was his idea”… just as Ben’s allowing Locke to believe he’s in charge right now. Locke tells Ben “I’m not you”, and Ben responds smugly with “You’re certainly not”. In short, I still think Ben’s running the show. He’s just taken a back seat, and he’s telling Locke where to make the turns.
Welcome to the World of the Clueless Candy-Eaters
Hurley passing Ben half of his Apollo bar severed the last ‘Other’ thread between Ben and the 815’ers. It was Hugo’s way of saying “Hey, you’re one of us now”. It also marked Ben’s apparent demotion from evil island warlord to just another one of the cool kids. The lack of dialogue made the scene.
Christian and Claire officially begin the LOST Zombie Army
Finally back at the cabin, it seems that Jacob has chosen the form of Christian Shephard. This time Christian is dressed differently, and with no white tennis shoes. This time, he actually looks like a corpse. His face is sunken, his color pallid, he looks embalmed. His hair looks as if it’s been neatly trimmed, then tussled around as if his body had cart-wheeled through the jungle during a plane crash.
This isn’t Jack Shephard’s vision of his father, as he saw him on the beach so many episodes ago. Nor is it Locke’s vision of a man he’s never seen before. This is the island’s vision. And thinking along those lines, the only vision the island would have of Christian Shephard would be of his coffin-flung corpse. A lot of LOST’s imagery is perception-based. Had Jack entered the cabin I think his father would’ve looked differently, tainted by his own real-life memories of him.
Jacob speaks through Christian, and the first thing he does is test Locke. In order to be useful Locke must fully believe. Whether or not Locke believes he is the chosen one, he gives Jacob the right answer. If you watch his expression it’s almost like Locke is resignedly telling him what he wants to hear. Seeing that, I think Locke’s a lot smarter than Jacob (or Ben) give him credit for. At this point Jacob gives Locke the instructions he’s been working so hard to get (and the instructions Ben’s been waiting for so long).
As for Claire, her creepy smirk seemed almost as if she were possessed. Unless there are two entities, perhaps the island spoke through both of them. I love the theories I saw last week that pointed to Claire being already dead – killed by the rocket attack – and Jacob coming (as Christian) to claim her. It would make sense that Aaron would be left behind because the island must know rescue is coming. We’ve always known that Aaron was important, so maybe the island separated him from his mother for this reason. But the fact that Claire ‘needs’ to raise him signifies, to me at least, that Claire will ultimately end up alive, well, and mothering her child. Along those lines, maybe Claire still is alive and Jacob brought her to the cabin to protect her.
There’s too much to speculate here, and not enough information to go on. But I will say that the island moving and the sky turning purple again will probably go hand in hand. And that Keamy will meet some kind of really horrible end
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104 Comments:
Ben captured the Elizabeth at the beginning of Season Three, so Desmond no longer owns it.
In Season Two, Locke saw Yemi in a dream even though he never met him.
"Not choosing the knife"
you need to edit this
Great recap as always! I enjoy theam as much as the show.
Vozzek is hand's down the best recapper.
Good post.
It's nice to be right, huh? :)
Damon and Carlton practically flat-out told us the island moves in a podcast a long while back. So for anyone to have argued with you on that possibility is silly.
I agree with most of your thoughts...
But not on Christian being Jacob. Last we heard from Jacob, he was asking for help. I have to assume that help was never given and he is in danger or trapped still. This would lead me to believe that Christian (or the entity disguised as Christian) has an agenda that does not jive with what Jacob would want done. I think Locke is following the wrong leader here.
great food for thoughts as always!
i don't think Ben is bluffing, he is broken, surprised by Alex's death... and just like something shifts in jack, making him want to jump off that bridge, something will kick off in Ben to become Ben James Bond in the future...
i wonder if at some point, Richard will visit Aaron with the same test and what will the kid pick? more and more i think the Answer to the whole thing is Aaron.... and Locke
To proponents of the Abbadon=Walt Theory:
Abbadon recruits Naomi to the island, and then Taller Ghost Walt orders Locke to kill Naomi. Seems pretty pointless.
For the most part, this was like reading my own thoughts. An experience almost as eerie as the episode itself.
Great recap, except Abaddon can't be future Walt in a flashback.
Great recap, except Abaddon can't be future Walt in a flashback.
Great Recap
I dont think that Abaddon is future Walt. My theory is that Widmore was at one point the leader of the island then chose to exploit it by setting up the Dharma crew.
During that time he had a falling out with the island and a new leader was chosen (possibly Ben) to kill them and move the island.
That is why Widmore was looking for it instead of already knowing where it was. Locke will soon move it, thats why both Ben and Widmore will be looking for it.
I dont know.. maybe im over thinking this
Okay! Found it! This is from the Q & A part of the Lost Podcast on November 6, 2006:
Carlton Cuse: I would like to know, Damon. And this is called "Moving" from "Marvelo18": "I was thinking… does the island move? How does Eko's short range plane…" (well, it says "plans", I assume he means "plane")… "go from somewhere near Africa to somewhere near Australia? Maybe the island is forever moving. Just a thought."
Damon Lindelof: I think that's a fascinating thought. And I couldn't possibly answer that question, 'cause if we were to reveal something so ginormous as if the island were moving us…
Carlton Cuse: In a podcast. They would fire us.
Damon Lindelof: They would fire us instantly. And also, it would be much cooler if they would reveal something like that on the show.
Carlton Cuse: Exactly.
Damon Lindelof: But how does an island move?
Carlton Cuse: Well, if you see them all put on helmets and goggles, you'll know that the island is moving.
Damon Lindelof: I will say this. If the island were on the back of a giant turtle, it might move.
Carlton Cuse: That's true.
7ate9 GREAT find..
island moving is plausible i guess, but without a whole lot of spiritual mambo-jumbo
i dont see the writers explaining this scientifically.
One question:
Is Richard Alpert Locke's father? The nurse asked this question to mama Locke when Richard stood there watching baby Locke. Mama Locke said no but she looked at Richard like she knew him..................
Answer anyone?????
Great recap, and John Burger and bongzilla just got pwnd!
"Still grieving Alex, he looks forlorn and lost. He seems almost sorry for the purge, but refuses to accept responsibility himself."
Ben explains he wasn't responsible for the purge. The native's leaders made that decision and then Ben says he wasn't always the leader. Which makes me ask who was the leader? Anyhow he can't accept responsibility for something he didn't do.
I eagerly anticipate your insights all day long...My Friday just isn't complete (and can't re-watch the show) until I've read your article!!!
LOVE IT!!!
When Locke mentions the need to "move the island", I believe he is referring to moving it time, or the temporal dimension rather than be moved physically or geographically
Really intersting recap. Even my hubby was reading over my shoulder:)
nice quotes at the beginning Vozzek :)
why cant' Abbadon be Walt of the future??? IT'S FREAKING LOST!!! anything can happen!!!
you give my favorite recaps :)
Agreed with Ryan here. I don't think the island will change it's physical location, however the 325 bearing will no longer be correct. The path to the island will change but not where the island is.
Which makes me ask who was the leader?
At this point, Richard Alpert looks most likely. There was a subservient air about Ben in relation to Richard during the scene featuring the aftermath of the purge. If I remember correctly, he awaited Alpert's cue to remove his gas mask.
Of course I would never doubt the writer's capacity to suddenly inject another character into that particular story as the Native's leader and use flashbacks and the like to achieve a near seamless integration.
Vozzek, you put so much thought into your "Things I Noticed" recaps. Another great one.
I especially like this one:
"And that Keamy will meet some kind of really horrible end"
Let's hope it's really horrible.
Vozzek, you put so much thought into your "Things I Noticed" recaps. Another great one.
I especially like this one:
"And that Keamy will meet some kind of really horrible end"
Let's hope it's really horrible.
Hey Vozz!
Another awesome recap. You never disappoint me.
About your theory that Aaron was left behind "because the island must know rescue is coming." Im not 100% sure that Aaron was ever supposed to actually leave. I think he was supposed to stay with Sawyer.
Christian said that Aaron was where he was supposed to be and since Sawyer had him, thats what he meant. This also is in line with what Hurley told FF Jack. That he wasn't supposed to raise Aaron. Remember way back in S1, Sawyer's voice was the only thing that could calm Aaron when he was crying. Now we know why.
Regarding moving the island: does anyone remember the vile vortices theory on lostpedia?
"Not choosing the knife" - you need to edit this.
Oops, I goofed. I meant 'choosing the knife', obviously.
This would lead me to believe that Christian (or the entity disguised as Christian) has an agenda that does not jive with what Jacob would want done. I think Locke is following the wrong leader here.
This is an interesting idea and I like it a lot. The cabin definitely had a different feel to it than it did previously. Also, the more I see of Abaddon, the more I think there are three sides to the war rather than two.
i don't think Ben is bluffing, he is broken, surprised by Alex's death... and just like something shifts in jack, making him want to jump off that bridge, something will kick off in Ben to become Ben James Bond in the future...
Very possible. I guess I'm just overly suspicious of Ben and can't take any of his actions at face value.
To proponents of the Abbadon=Walt Theory:
Abbadon recruits Naomi to the island, and then Taller Ghost Walt orders Locke to kill Naomi. Seems pretty pointless.
True enough. Unless Abaddon only used Naomi as a vehicle to get Daniel/Charlotte/Miles to the island, and then wanted all ties to the freighter severed (i.e. the satellite phone).
Ben explains he wasn't responsible for the purge. The native's leaders made that decision and then Ben says he wasn't always the leader. Which makes me ask who was the leader? Anyhow he can't accept responsibility for something he didn't do.
For some reason I always thought Ben was responsible for turning off the sonic fence for Alpert's crew, thus initiating the purge. I may be wrong. In any event, he knew what was going down and how it was going down, even donning his own gas mask. Knowing about such a slaughter makes him guilty of it in my book.
When Locke mentions the need to "move the island", I believe he is referring to moving it time, or the temporal dimension rather than be moved physically or geographically
I respectfully disagree, and here's why: The black rock. The beechcraft. The three toed statue. The polar bears. These things didn't come to the island, I think the island came to them. Also, I think Ben wearing a parka two episodes ago... maybe when the island moves, presumably in the season finale, it reappears somewhere very cold?
Agreed with Ryan here. I don't think the island will change it's physical location, however the 325 bearing will no longer be correct.
Remember that the bearing was 325 at the end of season two, and now it's 305. The island is moving, turning, or slipping through time (and yes, space too).
Aaron was ever supposed to actually leave. I think he was supposed to stay with Sawyer.
Christian said that Aaron was where he was supposed to be and since Sawyer had him, thats what he meant. This also is in line with what Hurley told FF Jack. That he wasn't supposed to raise Aaron. Remember way back in S1, Sawyer's voice was the only thing that could calm Aaron when he was crying. Now we know why.
That's a pretty rocking theory. It might give a lot of insight as to Aaron's final fate, should Sawyer ever leave the island.
Oh snap! Vozzek got me good.
If you buy DocJensen's latest column, maybe the show was giving a shoutout to you, Vozzek69.
We still have no real clue as to what Locke meant by "we have to move the island." There's now some evidence that you may be on to something. There's also the chance that it's still a goofball theory.
Best comment in the latest essay: " I'm not really sure on this one."
Meaning, I guess, you're positive on all the rest. Go man go.
I love your recaps, dude!!
I agree that Ben is "one of the kids" or however you said it. Cool. I thought Claire was totally creepy!!! And I also hope Keamy bites it and I hope Michael is the one to do it!
lol - my condolences bongzilla - ouch!
A few comments regarding your arrogant replies to bongzilla and John Burger.
1. They were both right in criticizing you. Your theory was not that the island would be moved at some point during the show, but that it was already moving. You offered the Freighter's course as 'evidence' in support of this theory, which turned out to be false. At the time you wrote it, the theory was unsubstantiated by the show.
2. The 'mobile island' concept IS STUPID, even though the writers of Lost have been dumb enough to include it into the story. Land masses do not float around, and it's still stupid even for scifi. The show took a giant leap and probably lost the faith of many dedicated viewers in the process.
Too bad vozzek's reviews can't get certain posters to take a giant leap and stop being dedicated visitors to fan sites.
Writers of Lost stupid? What's up with that? And something tells me this is no ordinary land mass. In sci-fi, pretty much anything goes as long as it's told well.
Maybe I don't always agree, but it's fun to read other people's thoughts on the show.
too much here for quotations so I'm just going to lump all my thots together this time....
- could John's drawings of Smokey indicate the John is actually the re-incarnation of the Island in his own person? Doubtful, but a thot.
- Is Richard Alpert's group a similar group of dead zombies, or, current descendants of the 4-toed island civilization? This has probably been covered but I've never have read any really good speculation on it.
- Sayid in his dingy: a humorous visual pic of his utter inability to help in any realistic way. I think we'll see him being rescued for the second time when Capt. Desmond picks him up with his new boat, the freigter. Along with the other O6 gang. Why? Because Locke and company have moved the island and it strands Sayid out at sea. Either this, or Sayid actually does get ahead of the Keamy gang and warns the survivors.
- could Abaddon be the Island's "Smokey-version" in off-island life?
- This may be my only legit thot this episode: That the Apollo Candy bar is a clue to the fact the now Ben will share his Apollo-like power with Locke in this candy allusion. Just as Hurley shares his Apollo bar with Ben, so Ben shares the Island secrets with John. Expect to see “team John/Ben” working closely now for the island (at least at first for the Island’s interest) and then maybe later, for some other interest.
- Last thot... WHY is team Keamy still alive and breathing?! They just had had the snot beaten out of them just as EKO had! Unless we are given to understand that EKO will appear alive again at some time, why is it this gang of merchanary thugs are still alive? Are we seeing re-manifestations of them? Untouched past/present/future portals of their selves? I'm totally LOST on this !
BENS
I always enjoy your posts and I agreed (to my friends not in a post) with your one two weeks ago about the island moving. I shouted "I knew it" when Locke said we have to move the island. I too look forward to your recaps every Friday!!
Great recap Voz.
I'd just like to add that I'm having a hard time seeing Abbadon as future Walt.
I'm LOVING cabin Claire.
I still find the Island moving thing hard to buy because it sounds so cheezy.
And I'm skeptical of Ben too. He's SO sneaky. Whether or not he's getting instuctions from the Big Man, the wheels in his noggin are always turning and he doesn't go down without a fight.
I don't think the "vial of sand" is actually a vial of sand. It is too coarse. It may be ground up bones!?
"Names, places, and even the general look of so many characters are recycled over and over again. And so here we have John Locke; born prematurely, born in the pouring rain, born to a woman named Emily who frantically names him while crying and screaming."
Ben wasn't born in the pouring rain. Aaron wasn't, Ji Yeon wasn't. I can't think of any character who was born in the pouring rain.
I really love your recaps, even when I don't agree with everything. Thanks for making my LOST experience that much better...
I don't buy the Abaddon = Walt theory due to the Naomi angle. I think it's funny and rather fascinating that anytime we see a black person on the show, everyone is quick to assume they are Walt/Michael or some derivative thereof...
Vozz, great stuff as always.
My simple and far-fetched theory is that Jack is dead. Now hear me out.
If Claire died, the island is keeping her alive in one way or another because she has unfinished business (Aaron?). We've seen this idea repeated, that people can't die because of the needs of the island (Michael seemingly invincible, Eko's work being fulfilled).
Based on that, maybe Jack died in S1e01. TPTB have always said that one of the most important pieces to this show was in this episode. My guess is Jack died. But couldn't stay dead. Immediately he became the 815ers much-needed leader.
Of course even more of a need was Ben's, for a spinal surgeon, who happened to fall from the sky. The island gets people sick and heals them, Ben via Jack, Jack via Juliet, Rose/Locke via _____?
So maybe Jack is dead. Com'n, his tattoo does say, "he walks amongst us, but he is not one of us." Yea, because he's not alive!
Has anyone noticed if Miles has acted weird around him at any point, knowing he can better communicate with the dead?
Don't brush off my theory right away because with Lost, who knows what can happen!
sorry, one more thing: Locke did try to shoot Jack square in the forehead, but the gun had no bullets left. Or misfired. Sorta like Michael being shot AT, but unsuccessfully being killed off the island. Dead or not, Jack has very important business that's not yet finished.
I haven't heard anyone mention this yet, but Locke and Ben's mothers have the same name. Is it possible that they are the same Emily's and that they are brothers!?
This is your best recap. No offense, but most are superficial observations then giant leaps to absurd assumptions.
This time, I really liked the analysis and detail. Everything was pretty sound.
Only - Christian said he's not Jacob. I think it's reasonable to assume that Jacob's cabin is a meeting place for Island ghosts - Christian, Claire, Horace, etc. Christian was just like "Hey, Jacob's out, but he wanted me to relay this message to you."
You know the school of thought that someone you know/love will guide you to the afterlife? Same thing with Christian and Claire.
"sorry, one more thing: Locke did try to shoot Jack square in the forehead, but the gun had no bullets left. Or misfired."
Actually that was Jack trying to shoot Locke before they split into 2 groups. This was shortly after Locke knifed Naomi, but couldn't/wouldn't kill Jack when holding the gun on him.
I haven't read thru everyone's comments...but just figured out 1 little teeny thing. The school that teenager Locke was told about was called "Mittelos", which is an anagram for "Lost Time." Thought that was neato. :) Time is everything on this island...remember that the Dr. floated up dead way before it actually happened, and the fact that Richard could go back and see baby Locke, and that Ben could hop into the future to help plot his revenge for Alex. Moving the island would suggest an ability to manipulate a way to hide the island again. I think Ben is a "good" guy that has had to do horrible things to protect the power of that island from falling into the wrong hands.
I am in the camp that hopes Keamy does not die. I hate him, of course, but the he provides the one thing that could have made LOST even better: a bad guy. And I don't mean a morally ambiguous, manipulative bad guy like Ben/Widmore. Keamy is the physically dominating, Alex-slaying psychopath who is out-and-out evil. He is a symbol for what the Losties, the Others, and The Island must rally to fight.
He's a great device and really adds a sinister, "I will torch you all without a thought" aspect to the show. Like Han opening the door in Bespin and seeing Vader. That kind of "oh sh**" moment whenever Keamy is on screen. He's exactly what the smoke monster used to be: bloodthirsty, deadly, and indiscriminate.
From the Old School Perspective...
This is a beautiful peice of precis with no extra avoirdupois!
Sawyer raising Aaron seems more and more logic to me. Especially the great notice that Aaron's quiet when he hears Sawyers voice.
Remember the Jate-flashback and Kate told Jack that she "must do something" for Sawyer? Maybe Sawyer just told her how to raise Aaron until he makes it back to main land.
Who is this jealous, bitter little walkabout git? Stop whinging.
Nice one Vozzek, I've been reading your recaps for the last few seasons now, love it. I don't mind your theories at all, even if some of them turn out to be off the mark, that's part of the fun.
Thanks for the effort after each episode, I'm sure there are many of us who look forward to reading your recaps each week!
What about when the island showed Locke the Beechcraft? That was the island memory speaking to John in a dream, and probably the first instance of it.
Did anyone also notice how Widmore called Ben 'boy' last week as if he was talking to a crew member. I don't know but i think Old Charles was the black rocks captain, it was just the way he was talking seemed old English to me.......
they are going to move the island through time, the island will stay in the same place but it will be in a different parallel time dimension in space, here come the 4 toed ancestors!!!!! eeeeeeek!!
John Burger… “The Island does not move--land masses just don’t float around and even for scifi--that would be just stupid”. (Two weeks ago, comments section)
bongzilla… “I'm with John Burger. Vozzek, you're out of your mind on some of those wilder theories, such as the island moving and the body/mind time travel difference. Just looney stuff there with no substantiation except a goofball theory”. (Two weeks ago, comments section)
Locke, to Ben & Hurley… “We're supposed to move the island.” (Last night)
Hah! Thanks for the backup, Vozzek! Hopefully, some of the naysayers will go back and re-read my theory.
Great recap as usual! What's going to happen to all those bearings that Frank the chopper pilot and everyone going back and forth in those boats are going to do once the island is 'moved?' Nobody is going to be able to find the island anymore!
Maybe that's why the Captain gave a different heading to Sayid?
I LOVED this review, Vozzek! You so deserve your moment of triumph for that moving the Island theory, well done!
As for Locke choosing the knife, I have a somewhat different interpretation. I believe that Richard and his people need a "good" leader, one that will not use the Island's powers for bad (maybe past Richard has already experienced Ben's leadership?), and Locke was looking promising - choosing the sand (faith), the compass (guidance)... but then, after much deliberation, he chooses the knife, meaning that there is just a little bit of impurity in him. It doesn't necessarily mean he will be a bad leader, but it's a risk Richard isn't willing to take, instead he hopes that he will improve in the future (or maybe the request for Locke to go to science camp was another test, to see if Locke was still a Man of Faith). That's just my interpretation anyway. :)
I agree with you, I'm feeling annoyingly sorry for Michael! I have a feeling he'll die by the end of this season and it seems such a shame, what with all the trouble they went through reintroducing him, and him having comparatively very little screen time.
And what is UP with Claire?! In a way I love this storyline, it's the first time since s1 viewers have actually been intrigued about her character, but ach, I hope she's not dead! I like to believe your theory that Christian+Island are keeping her safe. Maybe though, the Island is working against whatever/whomever Richard Malkin was speaking for, maybe you are right and the special ones are only the ones who have been Raised by Another, and so Malkin knew Claire must raise Aaron herself to Aaron DIDN'T end up leading the Others, but the Island has other plans, and effectively separates Aaron and Claire, even allows Kate to leave the Island with the baby.
I think I enjoy reading your recaps and theories just as much as watching that weeks episode of LOST. Great Job as always I can't wait until next week.
One thing I didn't understand about the whole Sayid thing - They mentioned the freighter being 80 nautical miles off the coast? How the frik is Sayid taking that tiny little boat all that way and back again?
I think the Walt/Abaddon thing has some grounds.
This is not simply a "he is a black guy and therefore must be walt" connection.
It's the dialogue between Abaddon and Locke that gives many clues.
You can look into things too much with LOST, and this is no exception, but isn't that half of the fun?
Okay, here we go.
The "Mr. Locke" thing has already been mentioned, but does make sense. Could be a coincidence, but Walt would very often refer to John as "Mr. Locke"
Walt and John have discussed miracles in the past (well, future in this case). I am not sure of this, but I seem to remember "do you believe in miracles?" being directly quoted from Locke in a season 1 episode, and is said by Abaddon in the scene.
"You should. I had one happen to me" is also very similar to what Locke said. Perhaps Walt's miracle was the island.
Now, Abaddon's walkabout is not necessarily Australia as he mentioned.
He says he went on his walkabout convinced he was one thing (just a kid?) and came back another (walt with powers) "I found out what I was made of, who I was".
"When you are ready John, you will listen to what I'm saying" "And then, when we run into each other again"
This implies that they will run into each other BECAUSE John goes on the walkabout, which is why Locke and Walt meet.
The greater Walkabout the one that will change Locke in the way that it changed Abaddon/Walt is the island.
If the whole adult walt, in the past, makes very little sense (as do a lot of things on this show). With all the time travel storylines and ideas floating around Abaddon says it himself.
"anything can happen".
The Walt/Abbadon 'Mr. Locke' connection is meaningless, people. Abbadon also spoke to Hurley as 'Mr. Reyes,' which Walt never did. It's a baseless theory, and one that reveals more about the people who believe it than about the show itself.
"Who is this jealous, bitter little walkabout git? Stop whinging."
Jon, I think that comment is pretty uncalled-for. If you don't understand my comment and have a question about why I wrote either of those two points, then feel free to ask it.
Great job Sam, for finding all those clues. Nevertheless, one thing is not considered in your theory. Why «Walt Abbadon» would say to Naomi «there were no survivors of oceanic 815» if he's been part of the survivors himself??
has it been mentioned that horace from locke's vision is the same horace who drove and helped roger after ben's mom died giving birth? the same horace who had a hand in getting ben to the island by telling roger about darma and was waiting for them the day arrived on the island?
I agree. No theory is without it's flaws, and I don't expect that one to be true.
I don't know if Abaddon truly believed there were no survivors when he said that to Naomi. I can't explain why, but people have different motives and use lies to manipulate people on and around the island. I realize how much that sounds like a bit of a coverall get out clause, and it is really.
There's a whole host of reasons why the Abaddon/Walt theory doesn't make sense. I'm not in any way saying it's infallible. We don't know that Walt explicitly asked Locke to kill Naomi, but it had to be something to do with the freighter folk being bad people, this doesn't make sense. Perhaps it was something to do with ensuring events in time wouldn't change, sending naomi there because retrospectively from the future, he knew she would have to die on the island, but it all gets very complicated down the old "time travel" line with constants and course correcting and such so I will leave that there.
I just think that some of the dialogue was too significant for it to be a coincidence.
Sorry, the above was in reply to CanaDharma
Sam... WOW. Bro, nice job on that analysis! The miracle thing, the striking similarities in past Walt/Locke dialogue... WOW. I love it!
Great job Sam, for finding all those clues. Nevertheless, one thing is not considered in your theory. Why «Walt Abbadon» would say to Naomi «there were no survivors of oceanic 815» if he's been part of the survivors himself??
Ben tells people what they need to hear in order to make them do what he wants. Why couldn't Abaddon do the same? 99% of the freighter crew was clueless as to what they were doing and where they were really going anyway.
Thanks Vozzek :)
and
Thanks for the recaps too.
Did anyone notice the Geronimo Jackson poster in Locke's locker? The cop Eddie was wearing a Geronimo Jackson shirt when Locke picked him up. I'm surprised my eye caught that and I remembered it.
I like being mentioned !!
But I think you gonna regret trying to make us look like fools. After all, if we posted everything you said that was bunk we would be here all day :)
The problem is your taking Locke, saying we have to move the Island, like a puppy would. If you thought about the show a bit more you would see they were showing us all along that the Island was a bigger version of Jacobs cabin
Now, we know Jacobs cabin doesnt really move--you just think it moves. There would be no map if it really moved.
I dont think you would find anyone who didnt think the Island appears to move to the outside world. Just the fact that there is a time difference would prove that its spacetime coordinates would be different depending on which bearing you searched.
So sorry dude, they are not going to actually move the Island as you suspect. Islands dont move if you want to keep your audience. They are probably going to some station to change its spacetime coordinates. But rest assured--nothing will actually move unless you consider every continent in the future as "moved" if in our future.
anyway..I kid you... but do expect a retraction of my good name when I am proved right :)
Vozzek,
I hadn't considered the idea of the island "moving" to collect items or people it desires. Your notion sparks some other thoughts as well. I suppose I believe the writer's end game will center around the island's / Jacob's desire to free itself / himself from the bonds of exploitation.
I also am starting to think of Jacob as similar to the Dalai Lama or Bhudda. I believe Richard Alpert was looking at Locke as the latest physical incarnation of "Jacob". Like Neo in the Matrix, Jacob is the "one". Alpert's visit to Locke's childhood residence was, in my opinion, checking to see if Locke was indeed Jacob. When Locke fails the test, he then searches out and finds Ben - this secondary search is a supposition which relies on the timelines of others - with Ben being 5 years younger than Locke.
Some other thoughts about Locke and Ben and the reference to Jacob and Esau floating out there in cyberspace. Was Ben erroneously given Locke's birthright as head of the island? Maybe the island is trying to rectify this now?
Vozzek, I have also seen Polynesian mythology with prominent featuring of islands constructed of black rock. I also think the underground city, or temple areas we'll discover later will be from a polynesian culture. Any thoughts on how this might shape the plot?
I also think the writer's will come back to the science vs. faith and fate vs. free will debates which have roiled quietly the past few seasons, always there but never prominent. I think the following:
> Science will be the language of the gods and both science and faith will be seen to be inextricably linked. One can't survive without the other.
> Like the cyclical nature of the Dalai Lama, this island struggle has taken place many times before - but free will caused something to go akimbo this time. Perhaps the island has become hostage to selfish power mongering by Ben or Widmore.
> Why can't Abbadon be an agent of Jacob - trying to help Locke "walk the path" and get to the island?
He seems to be trying to influence events to their current condition.
> As for the notion of redemption, it seems like the island rewards altruistic behavior? When ones acts selfishly, they get punished. Hence Ben got sick because he acted against the wishes of the island - perhaps in trying to protect his ill-gotten leadership of the island from Locke? Also, as Sawyer protects others from harm (thus exposing himself to danger), he begins to grow as a person and experience a better existence.
Anyways - sorry for the rambling and random thoughts. Finally, I really enjoy your posts and recaps, much of what Lost has become is due to the stewardship and enthusiasm of fans like you, Vozzek.
Vozzek
You are wonderful and I definitely enjoy your recaps as much as I enjoy the show. You perceptions are always interesting and often things that I myself had not noticed (It's on at 10:00 p.m on the west coast and I am often fighting the urge to sleep while watching it). Thank you and keep up the good work.
I wonder if that is why there are only 6 survivors then - because sayid goes to rescue in that teeny float boat, gets the first round of people, and the island "moves" while they sail away at the 305 bearing... they can't go back at that point because the island is no longer accessible!
I'm giving you five stars for your opening: Vozzek's Favorite Quotes. I haven't laughed that hard in a while. Thank you for taking the time to post your theories. Next to LOST it is a highlight during my week.
Don’t forget: we already know that future Ben has once again taken up the reins. He’s jumping into the desert, kicking ass, and guiding Sayid on assassination missions. These are not exactly the actions of someone who couldn’t give a crap. So either Ben gets his groove back, or he’s never really lost it.
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I think Alex's death really hurt Ben. It was sort of the final straw.
I think he had known for a while especially when he shot John as he said "I should have realized it'd be pointless".
Its in Ben's nature to be, well, Ben. But I think after what happened with Alex he's sort of just chilling for a while and letting Locke be the chosen one.
Hell, I think the only reason he's sticking around is because he probably thinks that either Locke will fail or that he'll need help.
He's just cool taking a back seat and chilling for a while. It's exhausting being a leader.
Here was the original context, by the way. Judge for yourself whether it sounds reasonable:
"Since the ship is anchored, we can assume the island must be moving, and I'm betting that Desmond tore it loose when he turned the failsafe key. I also think this is what Daniel alluded to with the deck of cards and his ominous comment that it was 'getting worse'. Maybe his ability to jump his consciousness through time and see things are they were (the cards for example) is degrading due to the island's movement. And with the island now slipping through both time and space it's no wonder Widmore's had a hard time finding it."
The quote is inaccurate, by the way.
LOCKE: He wants us to move the island.
The Ben we see in Tunisia and beyond has a new motivation: revenge. He's still the same old master manipulator stroke (evil?) genius, but his attentions have shifted or at the very least, split.
In 'Cabin Fever', he is every bit the downtrodden grieving father. Heck, Hugo even splits with a lump of sugar in hope of cheering him up. But the Ben we see in the future is arguably more hellbent on destroying Charles Widmore's interests than he ever was on maintaining the island's status quo.
"Since the ship is anchored, we can assume the island must be moving, and I'm betting that Desmond tore it loose when he turned the failsafe key. I also think this is what Daniel alluded to with the deck of cards and his ominous comment that it was 'getting worse'. Maybe his ability to jump his consciousness through time and see things are they were (the cards for example) is degrading due to the island's movement. And with the island now slipping through both time and space it's no wonder Widmore's had a hard time finding it."
The quote is inaccurate, by the way.
LOCKE: He wants us to move the island.
Vozzek's gotcha moment exposed. Like John Burger said above, we could have our way with all the inaccurate things Vozzek has theorized (instead of merely "noticing") or endorsed.
Yet his cadre of fans will continue to love his stuff, and jolly good for them.
Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
Locke, Ben and Walt were all raised by others. Maybe just maybe building on the idea of Aaron also being tested, they key is for him not to be raised by another so protecting Claire is of utmost importance even if it means Kate gets a foster mom stint.
Vozzek,
Brilliant as ever. Here's some things I noticed.....and I'm not you, Vozzek.
(Vozzek in my head)----"You're certainly not."
I think Alpert is actually helping John (and inclusively helping the island)the entire time. In order for John to get to the island and become what he is to become, he must first be "mentally tough" enough to achieve his greatness or, in other words, the "Dont tell me what I can't do!" attitude. What better way to accomplish this than coming to him at 5 years old, telling him he might be "special"(something his supposed birth mother also told him in season 2, not to mention saying he was immaculately conceived), giving him a test he cannot possibly understand, then getting angry and abruptly leaving. Seems he was planting a seed to giant tree of life there. Perhaps it did not matter what item John chose. Richard told him what he needed to hear. That he was there because he thought John was special, but he was wrong. He was not The One. (Neo and the Oracle, anyone?)
Some quickies:
I like the parallel of Ben opening the gates for The Purge and his daughter opening the gates for The Purge 2- Electric Boogaloo.
The scene that takes place outside the cabin when Ben and Hurley decide to stay outside...there was a figurative and literal torch passed. Just perfect.
If Alpert is there to guide John. It is interesting to note(in conjunction with your Ben/Locke theories) that both Richard and Horace Goodspeed were directly involved in getting both Locke and Ben to the island and also helped them discover their leadership roles.
Also, I love the 3 sided war theory the most. Tie that to the Black Rock decendant theory. What if Whidmore was The Captain and Abaddon was one of the slaves? This would be motive for Abaddon to be both working for Whidmore and against him at the same time.
Abaddon is to Whidmore as Future Sayid is to Future Ben??? I just crapped myself.
Now that I read what you noticed...I can go ahead and rewatch the episode. Thats a huge compliment from a huge Vozzek fan. You are a giant tool that I use to make the experience of Lost better. So, thank you for being a giant tool.
After reading all the text and the comments I don't believe we are going to see the physical move of the island. It has to be sth deeper than this.
Thanks for all the insight Vozzek; all of us have had theories that are right or wrong, no need to quarrel about them.
Locke did have dreams that came from the island before: when he had those drugs and it showed him where the plane and hatch were.
One other thing. Everybody forgets that Desmond saw Claire and Aaron getting on a helicopter (the reason Charlie sacrificed himself). I really hope the story goes that way to maintain consistency with Des's foresight. My question is, how do they become separated after that?
Since DC said that we should be asking where Claire is? instead of if she is dead or alive? Then I would like to suggest then maybe she is at the temple (with the other other's) or the orchid station and what we see of her in Jacob's cabin is the same thing that was going one earlier in the season when Jacket meet Dr. Harper Stanhope in the jungle.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Desmond foresee in his flashes that Claire and Aaron would be leaving the Island in a helicopter? Which led to Charlie's sacrifice? In which case it is not very likely that she is dead...but what would make her leave the baby in the bushes?
*Why doesn't John remember meeting Richard as a child when he LOOKS EXACTLY THE SAME and EVEN TOLD HIM HIS NAME? I mean, I guess someone might forget, but the meeting was so weird that I have a grad time believing Locke would forget this. They made a point of stating that it happened when he was 5, though, and I think I've heard somewhere that from around 4 or 5, we can remember most of the important things that happen to us. You'd think he'd at least remember the voice, or that something would have rung a bell during the numerous times they've met since then...
*Did anyone else notice the time changes again? When the chopper first landed with the first wounded guy, it was night. The next time we're out on deck, the crew is STILL unloading wounded commando-guys, and it's firmly daytime. How could that be, with such limited room on the chopper? Did they fly back for the other guy, or was he on the helicopter all night, bleeding to death, and nobody saw fit to put him on a stretcher until the next afternoon?
*While all these days passed, did Michael ever actually fix the engines? And how/why would he have destroyed them in such a way that they would be fixable anyway - or was that just a lie the Cap. told and Keamy just never noticed?
a few more thoughts:
*as someone else pointed out, Abbadon called Hurley "Mr. Reyes". The whole "mister" thing is just a sign of formality as opposed to familiarity - for whatever reason (including perhaps that he is Walt) Abbadon wants to make it seem as if he doesn't know the O6 personally, when really he does. I don't think Walt is Abbadon, though.
*I disagree, Vozz, with your statement that Christian would not pretend to be the messenger when in fact he was the chief. We saw Ben do the exact same thing, pretending to be Henry Gale, then pretending to be some anonymous Other, when he was in fact the Head Honcho all along. This, to me, is the biggest hint that Christian is representing the forces Jacob needed help from, and is lying through his teeth (plus the fact that his clothes have changed).
last thing:
*Desmond's vision CANNOT COME TRUE, people. It can't and was never going to. Why? Because Desmond said he SAW Claire and Aaron getting onto a helicopter. How is he going to see that now that he's decided to stay on the boat - and now that we know Claire is in the middle of the jungle, and Aaron is with Sawyer, headed toward the beach? If even 2 of the people involved were together in the same place, I'd think it could happen. But as it stands, Claire will have to haul ass back to the beach in time to catch up with the O6 as they all get rescued BY THE HELICOPTER THAT'S CARRYING KEAMY. Keamy will have to die (and who here's gonna do it, except maybe Sawyer), and then they all fly off- except there's one problem. DESMOND DIDN'T SEE ANY OF IT - he's on the boat. As we saw in Season 3, he personally observes each of his flashes with his own eyes (lightning, Naomi in tree, Penny calling his name, Charlie drowning) because he's there to witness them. How is he going to do that on the boat, with the zodiac raft gone, unless the chopper somehow carries, Frank, Jack, Claire, Aaron, Kate, Hugo, Sun, and Sayid (can you say too many people?) back to the freighter, at which point Claire and Aaron for some reason REBOARD the chopper and take off somehwere together - which we know doesn't happen.
autumnatic said... *Why doesn't John remember meeting Richard as a child when he LOOKS EXACTLY THE SAME and EVEN TOLD HIM HIS NAME?
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It's been almost 30 years... like you'd remember?!
Keep bringing the goods. Your reviews are always interesting no matter if I agree with bits or pieces or not.
Thanks for making the "Lost" experience more fulfilling with your subjective hypothesizing of the whole trip. It's been fun and really dark. Those two things make for great entertainment.
Cheers until next week
thought: locke never met horace... but ben sure did. and ben was awake (and seemed to know that locke was dreaming) when locke woke up from meeting horace. any chance ben knew what he was dreaming about and, likely, was the one who put it in locke's head in the first place? i think ben still has control of this island, and of locke, and for an as yet undisclosed reason can't/won't/doesn't want to take certain steps himself, and so he's setting up locke to do it for him.
Great post as always. A few general questions:
1. Does anyone doubt that Damon Lindelof was stuffed in a locker in high school and that an otherwise impeccable episode of a prominent network television show is an improper forum to exorcise adolescent pseudo-traumas that aren't particularly interesting to begin with?
2. Does anyone doubt that Richard Alpert is a pimp of epic proportions?
3. Does anyone doubt that the final shot of the entire series will be Jack waking up in the jungle as he did in Se01Ep01?
4. Does anyone doubt that Keamy and his ominously bizarre teeth are going down in undignified fashion?
My sci-fi mind has always pictured the island as not actually "on earth" per se, but within a small dimension just off of earth (or near earth, or within earth). Almost like a pocket universe. I think it's tethered to the earth via a traversalbe wormhole -- one that can be realigned, adjusted, moved.
So, in your head, picture an island surrounded by water in a globe. Attached to the globe (or bubble, even) is a flexible tube. That tube is connected to the Earth, it's opening available to anyone or thing that stumbles on it.
To me, this is a bit representative of an umbilical cord, the island attached to "mother" Earth, there to be protected and cared for as it grows into -- something else.
There are lots of references to fertility issues, and mothers and babies. Why not a larger, more metaphorical version?
@ Marcus
Nice catch on Ben's mom and John's mom both being Emily. Something seems quite plausible about them being half-brothers but for that to be true there would need to be an explanation for John's mom being alive in S1 E19 (maybe she was a con-woman in cahoots with Cooper or so on). I'm surprised no one's debating this.
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As for the island moving. Again, I'm surprised I haven't seen anyone bring up the mirror-moon theory. Again, this theory seems quite plausible but there would have to be an explanation for John being able to move the island at will rather than it being on a set orbit.
Thanks Vozz. You always make me think harder on what I've seen. Question, If both of these are true: Widmore doesn't know where the island is & Widmore is tied to Dharma, who is dropping the Dharma food?
Just a followup to Tom T's umbilicle cord theory
It doesnt really require that. Its actually very simple
If I am stand wandering in front of you--but my SPEED(Time) is a hundred times faster than yours--you will never see me. If I was little bit slower you may be able to catch a small flash of me but it would be so short you would miss it if you blinked.
To me, you would appear to be not moving--I wouldnt even be able to see you breathe--you would just be frozen because of how much slower you were than me
Now, someone might object--well, speedy John moves but Islands dont. But I'd say they do in time. Just look at earth from above and you'll see its all moving. Its not only rotating but its moving around the sun too.
First lets remember there are 2 islands there--so the idea that this one Island has a motorboat engine attached is laughable. Its this whole section of water that is involved.
In relation to whats outside this area --the island cant be located because its not in the same spacetime. You would not see it from space or with your eyes unless you were in its area(time). The freighter has a working bearing to the Island --305. Im guessing moving it would be changing the configuration of the time distortions--so 305 gets you nowhere near the island
BTW..Desmonds escape travels in Elizebeth showed that the space around the Island is warped by the distortions---so a general direction to the Island is of no help--because a straight line doesnt exist.
If this is all so(it might be off)Please note that when they do this there will probably be all sorts of things that are stuck in the void arriving on the Island--like the food drops and any ships journeying to the Island
Thats right..the food drops were dropped long ago. Thats why there is no plane. I would bet the Black Rock entered in 1850 or so and arrived on the Island in like 1920 or something. The void puts into question every assumed arrival time we thought we knew(I have this theory on the Fuselage.com a long time ago)
The theory also states that Alpert is not ageless. He is the age he looks. He just appears to be ageless because we have seen him in so many time periods. Look up my name at Fuselage if your interested in reading it(they are dated form last season and the beginning of this season)
love the recap! i pretty much always agree.
here are some other things to think about:
the islands subconscious has possibly been with locke before. this is evident in season 1 with seeing yemi's plane in the jungle before it was spotted, then finding the hatch. also, knowing about theresa before boone told him. then seeing boone again in season 3 when he puts the goo on his head and sees the airport scene of the work he has to do.
on another note, this episode goes back to the man of science vs. man of faith. it seems everyone wants locke to be a man of science (in this episode - his teacher telling him he needs to be in a lab with beakers, the same with richard telling him to go to milletos science camp). of course locke pulls the don't tell me what i can't do! card. he wants to believe in fate and destiny. this is why it was so important for abaddon to restore his faith...then later the island restoring it even more when he could walk again after the crash
I would like to point out that Claire can't die until Desmond's vision is fulfilled
Thats right..the food drops were dropped long ago. Thats why there is no plane.
I'm with you here. I always thought the plane drops were manifestations of the island 'remembering' the past, just as Kate's horse was created from her own memories. Your own theory makes sense too, in a kind of time-doorway type way that's once again reminiscent of the original 'Land of the Lost'.
I would like to point out that Claire can't die until Desmond's vision is fulfilled
I somewhat disagree with this. Desmond also saw Charlie get shot in the throat, but that never came to pass. And yes, I understand Desmond changed that possible future outcome through his own actions, but it's STILL an example of something Desmond 'saw' that didn't come to fruition. So even though Charlie sacrificed himself *hoping* it would lead to Claire getting on a helicopter, it doesn't mean she's 100% guaranteed to. Perhaps something Desmond does (or doesn't do), like choosing to stay on the freighter in lieu of helping his friends leave the island, throws a hiccup in that possible future outcome. OR... maybe Desmond's looking ahead to the end of S6 when Claire really does get rescued by chopper.
Mr. Vozz - over the last few days I've read all your LOST blogs, and I'm very impressed. I really hope that someone, when the series is complete, will write a book summing up each scene, i.e. when you watch this scene, here is what you need to be aware of in the BIG picture. Get that copyright ready!
ANYWAY - the last time the island was "moved" it had been "located" off the coast of Africa, where it could pick up slave ships and small drug-running airplanes. After Ben took control from Dharma (I'm guessing a little bit after Yemi's plane crashed), the island was moved to its present "location". Physically moved or dimensionally moved??...well that's what all these great theories are about! Perhaps it was even because Yemi's plane crashed that The Others realized Dharma had finally gone too far and had opened the Island up to unannounced visitors (the event mentioned in the Orientation video?), so they took the extreme step of gassing them all to shut Dharma down, and move away again.
Hey! So why haven't the NUMBERS been popping up lately? I'm waiting.
jimbo--like that theory! or elaboration...
I had posted over on e's comment board that perhaps the sons of 2 Emily's is part of a prophesy of the ancient civilization that may or may not be on the island (temple, glyphs, statue, etc). Ben could be a false messiah, and finally the true savior of the island--Locke--has come to save it.
He’s just taken a back seat, and he’s telling Locke where to make the turns.
I disagree with this. I think Ben needs Locke because the island/Jacob is currently only communicating with him. So he's quietly following him...learning. Until he makes his moves. But he needs the info only Locke can provide.
First, Vozzek: Another enjoyable post--you gave me much more to think about than I gleaned from just watching the show.
Second, my dad and I were just chewing the fat about the show the other day, and he said something very interesting. Now, let me preface this by saying that I have not combed all of the posts and comments to see if someone already submitted this as a theory, and so please don't bring the hammer down on me if I am repeating something...but what if the way in which Christian (Jacob?) wants John to move the island has to do with the magnets that the hatch imploded over? Before anyone pulls out their "jump to conclusions mat" remember that this is Lost we are talking about, and you can't make assumptions one way or the other. I just wanted to throw that out there for consideration. I wish I could take credit for it, but my dad came up with it. Then another person I was talking to said it could explain why Widmore can't find the island. If the island has been moved before in the same manner, and he wasn't the one to move it, well that would explain how he lost the knowlegde of its location (if he ever had it, which I rather believe he once did). So, I know I am opening myself up to all kinds of scrutiny here by posting this comment, and I just ask that you go easy on me.
Growing up I always heard people say that in polite company you should avoid talking about religion and politics (because everyone believes they are right). To that I am beginning to think we should add Lost. Reading some of the comments and responses here, it is evident that everyone feels really passionately about the show and their own theories, and that is great (I am one of them), but we need to maintain respect for each other and keep in mind that this should be fun, and that as silly as it may sound to some, all of us who are fans of the show feel as though our lives have been just a little bit enriched by it. We get to escape into an amazing story for one hour once a week! Just have fun with it.