We have been told by the powers that be that this season has been split into 3 Story Arcs. 6 hours in the adventures at Temple Land was arc 1. It looks like now we have returned to the beach setting. It actually seems like we're getting a nice tour of the Island for our final season. A little Beach, a little caves, a little Dharmaville, a little Hydra coming up, some Black Rock, some Swan Hatch. The show is definitely coming full circle and we need to be reminded of our past settings to close the loop! This story focused around the redemption of one misunderstood individual, Benjamin Linus. He has been caught in a big lie yet again, and this time it seems his luck is going to run out. In sideways land, we learn some very interesting points about how Ben's life differs, who is still in his life and even a status on the Island! And of course, Jack and Hurley are wandering aimlessly through the jungle but that story gets interesting really quickly. Naturally, I won't be tackling the stories in that order, but I'm sure I won't lose you guys. Let's dive in to the fun!
Flash Sideways - Ben Linus
As we learned in Locke's sideways story in "The Substitute" we see learned that Ben was a European History teacher at a high school in Los Angeles. Naturally, this made perfect sense for one of the people he would be working with at the school but we'll get there. Ben is ultimately provided with an opportunity to advance his career but at the cost of someone else's future. Let's watch it develop and see who we meet along the way!
Dr. Linus
- Ben is teaching his class about Elba, an Island off the coast of Italy where Napoleon was exiled for 300 days. Obviously, ties can be drawn to OUR Island but I will leave that to the master over at Entertainment Weekly, Mr. Doc Jensen. Instead, I will provide you with a Wiki-link about Elba for your reading enjoyment!
- Principal Reynolds looks to be one annoying "D-word that Sideways Hurley likes to use and it's not Dude." That dude has been in a lot of other shows, but most notably I recall him being the D-word in Ghostbusters that was going to shut them down! Good ol' William Atherton! Anyway, he is talking to Ben about budget cuts and how he needs Ben to run detention for him. Unfortunately detention interferes with the History Club that Ben is the moderator for. Reynolds talks down to Ben saying that he keeps that club running for his own personal benefit. To make himself feel needed. So, Ben takes over detention.
- We find out that Ben has a doctorate in History hence the title of the episode. But he looks to be living a pretty miserable existence.
- Guess who else teaches at the high school besides substitute Locke? You guessed it, crazy Science Guy Dr. Arzt! (ironically in the same episode we revisit the Black Rock!) Arzt is staining his shirts and being as geekily amusing as ever. And he is complaining about not having enough money. Arzt is also fed up with Principal Reynolds and the administration for not providing him with the new science lab equipment he needs. Ben goes into his speech about how the kids are suffering and the administration isn't focusing on that.
- John Locke chimes in and tells Ben that he should be the principal. He can tell Ben cares about the place and he does his best Frasier Crane with his "I'm listening" speech.
Sideways Ben's Home Life
- Next we see Ben at home with his father Roger Linus who is still alive and well. At this point in Island time, Roger would have been killed by his son during the purge of the Dharma Initiative.
- We should note that every episode this season in Sideways Land has had some kind of Mirror Moment or Reflection: Jack looks in Mirror in LA X and Lighthouse and notices something off. Kate looks in Mirror and decides to go back to help Claire. Locke is in bathroom, reflection in mirror and calls Jack Shephard's office. Sayid looks in reflection of Nadia's front door (the notes from the script according to Jorge Garcia's podcast Geronimo Jack's Beard suggests that something is "OFF" with the reflection). And now Benjamen Linus sees his reflection in the microwave right before his father starts talking about the Island. COINCIDENCE!?!?!?!? At this point we can say absolutely not! But what is it all about?
- Ben is taking care of his father who seems to have deteriorating health and is in need of oxygen support.
- Ben complains about his job and that he feels like a loser. Roger, tells Ben that this isn't the life that he wanted for him.
- Let's pause: Remember that in season 3's "The Man Behind the Curtain" we found out that Ben had a pretty rough upbringing with his drunk father. His dad could never get over Ben's mother dying giving birth to him. And Roger held it against Ben every day of his life, especially on his birthdays. This Roger seems to be very different with his son and it seems to have affected Ben's actions as well. Here's a big question that we probably will never find out, did Ben's mother still die during childbirth? (and yes, we must note that the mother was played in season 3 by Carrie Preston who is on True Blood and is also Michael Emerson's wife. ewww Oedipus!)
- Here is the kicker though folks, Roger and Ben still lived on the Island and in the DHARMA Initiative! That's right my friends, Roger took his son there to give him a chance at being something special. And Roger regrets ever leaving the Island. Naturally, we get some humor in Roger suggesting that their lives would have been better and who knows what Ben would have become. Well, he got the nickname Captain Bunny Killer for starters!
- So, we already knew that the Island was submerged after DHARMA had established their life on the Island. What we don't know is what made them leave. It doesn't sound like the place was submerged when they left though. Because they still think they could have gone back. The fact that they still went to the Island makes me think that Ben's mother still died during childbirth but that Roger reacted to it a little differently. Is this because Jacob wasn't involved in his life? (was Jacob ever involved? We do know that a Linus was on that wheel or wall and crossed off)
- There was some commentary this week about the sinking of the Island and possibly that it had to do with some kind of Volcanic eruption on the island. I am kind of digging this theory right now because they so clearly mentioned the volcano existing on the Island in that very same season 3 Ben-centric episode. We will see soon enough I think!
- Oh right so the doorbell rings and guess who is there? Alex Rousseau! I wonder if this is the episode that they were trying to get the actress that plays Danielle for. She could not commit. Before we get into why Alex is there, let's discuss something for the complainers. Surely, people are going to complain about the improbability of FRENCH BORN Alex Rousseau living in Los Angeles and speaking perfect English. I guess a big question would be if Rousseau's crew ever still made it to the Island in this version of history. And why on earth would they be living in Los Angeles of all places? Why does Rose live in Los Angeles? Is it for convenience? Or is it once again to show that these lives are intertwined no matter the involvement of the Island? Ben was meant to be in Alex's life. Maybe they won't explain why all of these people are residing in one place. But let's just go with the flow people. Let's see where this is going before we start throwing our hate.
- Anyway, so Alex was one of the 5 students in Ben's History Club and was really counting on the help from Dr. Linus because she has an AP Test coming up. (That is Advanced Placement for anyone who doesn't know. Unfortunately, I do and have nightmares just thinking about getting ready for those tests years ago!)
- Ben agrees to meet with Alex before school at 7am. "You're the best Dr. Linus" awwwww
The Plot Thickens
- Ben is tutoring Alex on the East India Trading Company. There is a ship in the picture that looks very similar to the Black Rock. We learned about Lord Cornwalis and the Charter act of 1813. I'm sure it's all tied together somehow. Yes both were British run operations, both are in the 1800's so it's all related. But again I'm just gonna throw some links your way so you can investigate at your leisure. I think we will be getting more information very soon on the show anyway, so I'm going to hold off! Lostpedia: Black Rock Wikipedia: East India Trading Company
(Speaking of which, is anyone excited that an official LOST Encyclopedia is being released on 8/24 the same date as the DVD/Blu-ray? There is still hope to get more answers for the little things we will still be wondering about! Sign me up!)
- Long story short, Alex ends up leaking some vital information to Ben about overhearing/seeing Principal Reynolds getting it on with the Nurse in the "Hearing Test" room. Alex "Gross right?" Ben "Totally gross" Classic! Ben promises not to rat out the Principal and use Alex's name.
- Later we see Ben come to Dr. Arzt with a proposition. Arzt is naturally grading everyone's papers or tests with F's. Love it! Come on who doesn't know their Genus and Species facts?!
- Ben knows that Arzt is a computer wiz and enlists his help to check out the Nurse's emails to prove the affair between her and Reynolds. Arzt knows Ben's angle is to become Principal and wants new Lab equipment and a Maple Leaf Parking Spot out of the deal. Ben agrees to the Deal. Arzt senses that there is quite a maniacal brain at work behind Ben's sweater vest. Well his exact words are "You're a real killer!" Another Island Ben pun!
- I forgot to note that it sounds like Mom and Daughter aren't doing well financially and that Alex needs to pretty much ace this AP test and get all the help she can get to get into Yale, her dream.
The Confrontation
- In the end, Ben goes to Reynolds with a very solid plan. He has 30 emails worth of information that suggest the existence of the affair and that acts have taken place on school property. He wants Reynolds to resign and recommend Ben for the position to which he would get no question based on Reynold's reputation.
- Ahhh, but Reynolds had a card in his back pocket. Alex requested a letter of recommendation from Principal Reynolds and he can decide whether or not to advance or destroy her future. OUCH! The choice is Ben's, he can advance his career or do the right thing for Alex's career.
- Naturally, in mirroring Ben's choices ON the Island that led to Alex getting shot by Keamy, we find out that he took the high road in Sideways land leading to Alex getting a very strong recommendation to Yale. And it left Ben with a very satisfied smile on his face. Maybe his life isn't so worthless after all. He just made someone else's dreams that much closer to coming true. He totally didn't destroy Alex's life like he did on the Island. But still, even on the Island he actually SAVED Alex and Rousseau's life by his actions. This episode is all about finding the redeeming qualities in the life of Benjamin Linus, and by the end of it you can't help but really feel for the guy. And that is huge mad total props to Mr. Michael Emerson. Just hand the guy another Emmy!
For anyone keeping track in Sideways Land so far:
Ben - Happier
Alex - Happier
Locke - Happier,
Jack - Happier,
Kate - On the Run but made a friend and is helping people,
Claire - Scared but Happy and going to raise her baby Aaron
Jin - Captured by Keamy (for the money found at airport? the watch?) Where is Sun?
Sayid - Still in love with Nadia but is not with her. Refuses to accept that he could deserve someone like her. Oh yeah, and he still can kill people in defense of the people he loves. Question still exists if Shannon is the one he truly loves that "died in his arms." I still lean towards no, but there is a chance he can run into her in sideways land.
The 3 Theories of Sideways Land:
- The Epilogue Theory - Everything we are seeing is how our Island Losties end up after the season 1-6 Island timeline reaches its conclusion. Right now, things are strongly leaning that way.
- Parallel Timelines with some possibility of Intersection - Somehow the minds of each LOSTIE is tied to each other across these timelines. At some point there will be some kind of intersection where these timelines merge. What that means, how it would go down? I have no idea. But what is up with all of the mirror/reflection things?
- The Prologue Theory - The events that are happening in sideways land happened BEFORE the events on the Island. In other words, actions in the sideways universe will cause future events to happen. This sounded like a fun idea at first, but I think I am unsubscribing to it. Where would Jacob come from if he's not around in this timeline (yes we don't know for sure that he's not around)? And would they really go from a world where Alex lives to a cruel world where Alex gets shot in the head? Ouch.
Jack Continues to Regain his Mojo
The last we saw of Jack and Hurley, they were guided away from the Temple to avoid a run-in with Smokey. Hurley was advised by Jacob that someone was coming to the Island and he needed their help to help them guide the way. When arriving at the Lighthouse, Jack discovered that all of them had been under surveillance for pretty much their entire lives. Jack didn't take too well to this upon realization and went for 7 years of bad luck by smashing the mirrors (4 mirrors so really 28 years of bad luck!). Ghost Jacob was pleased with what he saw as Jack just stared out into the ocean pondering what it all meant. We rejoin our heroes as Hugo takes a little jungle nap!
To the Temple, Dude No!
- Pretty much any words that come out of Hurley's mouth these days is hysterical, but I never saw the words uttered from a dream while waking up to be "Cheese Carrots". What does that even mean!? I am fine with it forever remaining a mystery! (Note: Most people are content accepting that "Cheese Curds" is actually what Hurley said. But I forever will wonder about the magic of Cheese Carrots!)
(Before anyone suggests it, no that is not the Smoke Monster, it's just their campsite fire!)
- Jack wakes Hurley up and is anxious to get back to the Temple. Considering how Jack flipped out the last time, Hurley is not about to tell Jack that he's been in communications with the dead guy any further. He goes the Hungry Route, the Taking Time route and Jack isn't understanding why they wouldn't return to the Temple. Jack, in his take charge ways, tells Hurley he his leaving. Hurley has no choice but to follow. No fear, someone will soon stop them!
- Hurley tried to mis-direct Jack saying that there was a shortcut back tot he Temple. Jack is convinced the way to go. And then poof, out of nowhere, it's Richard Alpert!
"You're both wrong. Temple is THAT way dudes!"
Richard leads the way
- So Richard is very determined that Jack and Hurley should follow him to the "temple". Jack is wondering where Richard came from. Richard says that "You wouldn't believe me if I told you". Now I'm convinced we are getting some more Richard information in the near future, so I am hoping vague comments like this make sense afterwards! But here's what we do know, Richard has been on the Island a very long time and he hasn't aged. Sawyer wanted to see Richard when he had injured Ben with him in 1977 and he similarly appeared out of nowhere. I believe Sawyer even said "Where did you come from?" Richard's answer was something like "my people told me you wanted to see me. Here I am." So, is there something to make of Richard's sudden appearances? OR, is the fact that Jack saw Richard in 1977 and now he sees him in 2007 looking exactly the same the reason he's asking the question?
- It's a good thing we have Hurley around to ask these questions for us. Although, I don't know when anyone ever would have explained to Hurley that Richard has been on the Island for years and hasn't aged. As my memory serves me, Hugo never met Richard. He came close in the season 4 finale, but he hung out at the Orchid while Ben was orchestrating his rescue from Keamy. And he certainly didn't meet him in 1977 while he was cooking and writing Star Wars scripts! But, for the sake of the story, we will have to accept that somewhere off camera the mystery of the ageless Jacob was explained to Hurley.
- Hurley doesn't seem to trust Richard but Jack is cool with following him because "at least he's not stalling". Ouch Hurley!
- So Hurley gets to the important questions. He asks Richard if he's time traveling. Quite simply stated, "No." Good, some had been pondering that maybe that is why Richard seems to be ageless. Hurley moves on to telling Richard that he looks the same as he did 30 years ago, and asks how that is possible. (again, we have to have faith that Hurley was informed somehow about Richard!) Loved him also asking if he's a Cyborg from Terminator or a vampire!
- Richard eventually gets frustrated and tells Hugo that Jacob gave him a gift. We will touch on this more later. We have to pause to take in the site of something that we have waited years for and might soon be getting information on.
Black Rock
Richard did not guide them to the Temple, he took them to the Black Rock!
Richard did not guide them to the Temple, he took them to the Black Rock!
- Richard lied about taking them to the Temple because everyone there is dead. He just had come from there. Jack begins to look concerned for Sayid and Kate (poor Miles!). Richard said everyone was dead but that Sayid and Kate were not there suggesting that maybe they got out. I am not going to get into the fact that Jack thinks Kate was going after Claire and not going to the Temple. But whatever! Maybe he knows Kate too well and just assumed she'd go there for more information as many readers assumed last week after I went on a rant about it!
- Jack then asks if Hurley knew about this. Hurley then reveals that Jacob hinted at it. Richard is shocked that Hurley has spoken to Jacob. And then he tells Hurley not to believe anything Jacob said. Clearly, Richard is very shaken by Jacob's death. And of course, we are starting to wonder if we should be supporting Team Smokey. Richard then proceeds into the Black Rock telling Jack and Hurley that he needs to die.
- Richard looks around the inside of the Black Rock, specifically at some chains that held the slaves in. (Refer back to LA X when Flocke told Richard "Good to see you out of those chains!" As we first suspected, it's looking like it was not a metaphor, but maybe it had some duel meanings) Richard explains to Jack that in all of the years that he has been on the Island, this is the first time he has been back to this place. ANSWER ALERT!! We have wondered if Richard was a member of the Black Rock, this seems to be a ringing endorsement! Now I really can't wait for his centric episode!
(It's pretty dark, but those chains are there!)
- Richard looks for the dynamite and starts going through it like there is no fear of what it will do to him. We get some great lines from Hurley about cleaning up Arzt off of his shirt 2 days later. Love it! No one can deny that the scene of Arzt blowing up in the season 1 finale was an awesomely funny moment of the show! "Dude, you have some 'Arnst' on you!"
- Richard is very convinced that he is not going to die because he has been touched by Jacob. (ANSWER ALERT, but hold that thought!) He goes on and on about how he was told he was special and how Jacob had really big plans for him, how everything happened for a reason and when the time was right Jacob would share it with him. But now Jacob is dead. Richard has determined that his life is meaningless and he wants to die. But he can't kill himself, he needs to be killed by someone else and wants Jack and Hurley to do it for him.
- WOW, right? So, let's take a trip down memory lane and I know I have done this recently on the blog but it definitely has been one of the big questions! 815 crashes, people survive the crash with barely a scratch on them. Locke falls out a building and Jacob touches him. The man doesn't die (or is seemingly brought back) but is paralyzed and healed on the Island. Jack tries to jump off a bridge and is stopped by a car accident. Michael tries to kill himself but can't (but when he does die Christian Shephard, of all people, appears to him and tells him he can die now). Sawyer gets shot at in 1974, he looks down and no bullets hit him. Granted, he did get shot at the end of season 1 and was very close to dying if Jack didn't save him.
- Well, it's not a perfect answer, but it looks like getting touched by Jacob has protected these "candidates" from dying. But I guess they can still be killed based on what Richard is saying. We were told before that if the Island isn't finished with you, you can't die. And now this looks tied to Jacob's touch. Why is Jacob's touch so magical? I have no idea. And I wonder if when your name gets crossed off if that "lifts" the protection or something like that. So then not only does he have a magic touch but a magic pen!? Would Charlie's death be considered a murder or a sacrifice for the benefit of his friends? His name was on the wall and crossed off. There definitely is some speculating that has to be done here and that is why we have comments.
- But, another big question that we all probably have now: Are all of the people "touched by Jacob" also ageless like Richard? We really wouldn't know since it's only really been 3 years. Obviously, Walt has aged but I don't recall seeing him on the wheel or wall even though he has these crazy powers! Yikes, so many questions after getting an answer folks. Us LOSTIES can never be satisfied! But, let's see if we get more information in the Richard-centric episode. I'm not going to tell you guys when it is to avoid minorly spoiling!
- So here we are. Hurley refuses to be a part of Richard's death. Jack, on the other hand, seems very sure of himself and is okay lighting the fuse to kill Richard. Loved Hurley's refusal to leave and then decides to leave "When you change your mind I'll be like a mile away!"
- But then Jack just sits down and says "Let's Talk!" Jack totally is getting that Man of Faith vibe going on! He pieces it all together. He was touched by Jacob, he's on that Lighthouse wheel. Jacob wanted him to see that he has been watched and is to serve some purpose on the Island. Richard can't die, so maybe Jack can't either. If Jack sits right next to Richard then the dynamite should not go off. He doesn't think either one of them will die. He explains all of this to Richard and is willing to be if Jacob went to all of this trouble to get Jack to the Island that he brought him here for a reason (woaaaa John Locke). Jack doesn't think his reason for being here is to blow up sitting with Richard. Richard asks what if Jack is wrong? Jack definitely has some confidence in his answer: "I'm not".
- Jack closes his eyes and the fuse just dies.
(Wanna Try another Stick? ZING! Good times!)
- Jack took a giant leap of faith and now seems to be back on the righteous path. Is following Team Jacob the right team to follow? For now, it would seem that way. I made a suggestion in last week's blog comments that maybe neither Jacob nor Smokey are who Jack and crew need to follow. Maybe, in the end, they will become aware of this crazy game Jacob and MIB have been playing and their goal will be to put and end to it all. But, I'm sticking with Team Jack because even as unconventional as LOST is, Jack has always been the hero of the show (even though he went through his roughest patch from the end of season 3 through the beginning of season 6). We have watched Jack face his demons and his faith throughout the show, and now he seems to be ready to take on his final mission. Many people think this show will end with the LOSTIES all against each other. And, I had one big argument against that point and I will share it with you again. The mantra that has guided Jack and his crew through the entire show: Live Together, Die Alone!
- Richard has decided that Jack is the man with the answers and asks what is next. Jack, ironically like Sawyer last season, decides to go back where they started. Yep! The beach! Woo hoo, reunion time! (but we'll get there in a bit)
Ilana Squad
At the end of last week's episode "Sundown" we see Ilana, Miles, Sun and Frank escape through the secret passage. We see Ben run away from crazy Sayid but don't see where he goes. We begin with him running away from the Temple but it is not long before he runs into the 4-some.
Temple Exit
- Frank pulled a gun on Ben out of surprise but lowers it. But Ilana is more concerned about where Sayid is.
- Ben said that Sayid killed Dogen and Lennon and that he doesn't think he will be joining them. Ilana asks if he's sure to which Ben responds "He was standing over their dead bodies holding a bloody dagger, so yeah I'm pretty sure." (keep that line in mind a few bullets down)
- Ilana was "TOLD" that they would be safe at the Temple. Who told her? Probably Jacob. We need her back story!
- Ben suggests they go back to the beach where they buried Locke. They'll have the water at their backs and it's familiar territory. Hmm, again, why didn't Sawyer suggest it that way in season 5 when Juliet, Miles and crew thought it was a bad idea? Ilana agrees that they should go to the beach.
- On their way Miles begins to ask Ben what the Smoke Monster was (this was the first time he saw it). Ben said that is what killed Ilana's friends back at the statue. Ilana overhears and wants to confirm with Ben that he meant her friends AND Jacob, right? Ben hesitates and then tries to continue to cover up his lie.
- Ilana then turns to Miles and knows who he is (how does she KNOW all of this stuff?). She knows that he "communicates" with the dead. Miles explains again that he can tell how someone died, pick up their last thoughts before they "check out." Ilana then hands him the bag of Jacob's ashes and asks him to tell her how Jacob died.
- Miles takes it and does his thing. He then said "Linus Killed him." Ben denies it and Ilana asks Ben if he's sure. Miles says "He was standing over Jacob's dead body holding a bloody dagger, so yeah I'm pretty sure!" LOL!! That is the epitome of GOOD TIMES right there folks!
- Ilana then tells Ben that Jacob was the closest thing she ever had to a father. Hmmmm very interesting. What is her deal?! Yep, all we can do is keep asking until we learn more about her. For now, all we know is she has a lot of information from Jacob.
Beach Arrival
- So every time we return to the beach, I keep wondering when that season 5 time traveling scenario will play out. The one boat chasing the boat with Sawyer, Locke, Juliet, Charlotte, Daniel and Miles on it. I thought this might be the episode it would happen, but it looks like we will just have to keep waiting. Of course, of all the people on the beach by the end of the episode, only Miles would be the one to know who those people in the boat were that they were shooting at. So, maybe Miles won't be there? Oh well, right now we just have to keep hoping that the writers didn't forget to come back to this one!
- Anyway, we're back to the beach! Yay! Ilana said that she is going to look for tools and to get a shelter going, she advised the rest to look for food and firewood. Miles makes sarcastic comments about starting the fire. Ben asks what he can do, and Ilana ignores him. Love Frank's comment to Ben "You make friends easy don't you?" That man needs his own show!
- Sun gets her couple lines of an episode in whining about Jin again. She asks Ilana how long they're staying there because she needs to find him. Ilana wants to find him too. Just when we think we are about to find out that Jin is the candidate, Ilana goes and tells her that she doesn't know which one of the Kwons (or possibly both) need protecting. We get information on Jacob's side of the story for the candidates. Ilana says that she could be a candidate to replace Jacob. Sun asks to do what? Ilana responds with "if you're the one selected, you'll find out". Interesting. Who selects the candidate?
- Anyway, Ilana says there are only 6 remaining candidates. But I guess she is referring to both Sun and Jin as possibilities because Locke is most certainly dead. (take note that after she makes this comment the next thing we see is Hurley lying in the grass. Coincidence? Probably, but maybe one day when we watch the show back that will be an ironic twist if Hurley is the "selected one".)
- Ben seems to be going through Sawyer's old stash. He finds the "gentlemen's magazines" and a couple books. To keep this blog G-rated I'll only show the picture of one of the books. The book we see with the "Booty Babes Magazine" is a book about Benjamin Disraeli called Justice and Truth in Action. I can't find any information on the book, but there is a quote by this former British Prime Minister that is "Sir I say that justice is truth in action!" This man also just happened to be Prime Minister in the 1800's which is similar to the whole timeframe of the East India Trading Company information we see in Ben's Flash Sideways. And of course, the Black Rock stuff. So every storyline briefly touches on that time period on one way or another. He also was a Prime Minister of Jewish Heritage which ties it to the next book that I actually read!
- Chaim Potok's The Chosen. Naturally, you would think I would have a whole bunch of insight on this book since I read it. Come on, I read it Sophomore Year of High School. You think I remember much? I do remember it was about 2 friends who were in 2 different groupings of Jewish folk in New York. The Hasidic Jews and the Orthodox Jews. They were friends even though they were brought up to be enemies. One wants to become a Rabbi, the other is CHOSEN to take over as tzaddick, which actually means "JUSTICE or RIGHTEOUSNESS" (ties in nicely with the other book). There are Father/Son issues in the book and all of that fun stuff. The Wiki entry listed above is a good read. Actually, I remember the book being a good read too, so read it!
- But you have to love Ben referring to the Magazine and saying "the things people will bring on a trip"
- Ben looks at the Oceanic bottled water and recalls the Oceanic Plane breaking in half like it was yesterday. Frank brings up that he was actually supposed to be flying the plane. But "ANSWER ALERT!" he overslept!!! NICE
- Ben was shocked to hear that Frank was supposed to fly it. Frank wonders how different his life would have been. Ben asks how different it would have been, he still ended up on the Island. Actually Ben said "The Island still got you in the end." Frank and Ben have a smiling moment right before Ilana puts a gun to Ben's neck.
Dig Ben Dig
- Ilana walks him over to Boone Hill, ties him up with some crazy contraption bracing him from running away. She then tells him to start digging his grave.
- Yikes, how is he going to get out of this one? Well, Miles stops by a little later and sees Ben taking his time with the hole. "I'm not really in a rush." Miles offers him food. "I'm not really hungry!" Ahh good times.
- But my favorite part of this whole encounter is when Ben offers Miles the $3.2 Million again. He says he can get off of the Island, he has many resources that can get him the money. I have to quote Miles verbatim here because it was hysterical.
"Why would I need your money when there are a couple of jabronies down there named Nikki and Paulo who got buried alive with $8 million in diamonds on top of them?"
Love it! I also like this because I think there were people that speculated that Nikki and Paulo weren't actually dead and were going to crawl out of the dirt. Not sure WHY people would think that, but this certified them as DEAD and GONE! And it also set one one disturbing scene at the end of the episode. - Ben can't believe Miles is just planning to stand by and watch Ilana kill him for killing a man who didn't care about being killed. Miles corrects Ben. We find out that Jacob DID care about dying and he really had hoped that he was wrong about Ben. Interesting. So maybe Jacob DID cross Linus off because he didn't seem fit to be a candidate. Jacob also told Ben to remember he had a choice. But then why did Jacob say "What about you?" when Ben asked "What about me?" This seemed to be what spawned Ben to stabbing him. It seemed Richard was hoping for the same thing. He wanted to know what his purpose was too. Oh well, I guess we find out Jacob was prepared to die but he was hoping he didn't have to?
- Miles leaves and Ilana shoots Ben to urge him to keep digging.
Smokey Visit
- So while Ilana is out of view, we hear the sounds of the familiar Smoke Monster. Flocke is there! Love when Ben asks him what he's doing here and he says "VISITING, what are you doing?" Ben tells him he's digging his own grave thanks to his convincing to kill Jacob. Ben says that Flocke gets what he wanted. He's going to die.
- Flocke says he didn't want Ben to die. And that he needs him. He said he is assembling a crew to leave the Island for good and that someone is going to need to stay on the Island when he leaves. (WHY???) He thinks Ben is perfect for the job. Is he planning to anoint Ben as the next Smokey? Can he even do that? Anyway Ben says that he can't go anywhere because he's tied up.
- Flock points down and Ben is free. Woa...did Flocke use the force and get him loose or did it just not stick? Ilana made sure that thing was pretty tight!
- Flocke says that he is taking everyone to the Hydra Island and for Ben to meet him there. He tells Ben where a rifle is and for Ben to run and to not hesitate to shoot because Ilana won't. Then he leaves.
- Hmmm, is Hydra Island important in leaving the Island? Is Flocke's goal really to leave the Island? Consider me intrigued!
Run Ben Run
- Next thing we see is Ben bolting into the jungle. Ilana goes after him. Ben gets to the gun and points it at Ilana. She drops hers.
- We get a very emotional scene that follows with Ben pouring his heart out to Ilana. All Ben wants to do is explain himself to Ilana and tell her how he knows what she is feeling. After all Ben was a father to Alex and he watched Keamy kill her in the name of Jacob. It was his fault. He chose the Island over her. He sacrificed everything for Jacob and he didn't care. He told her that he was scared, angry and confused when he killed Jacob. He was afraid of losing his power but the thing that really mattered was already gone (Alex). He apologizes and doesn't expect forgiveness, he can never forgive himself. But he wants to be able to leave and join with Locke. Because he's the only one that will have him.
- Ilana tells Ben that she'll have him. awwwwwwww Ben made a friend! Sorta. In all seriousness, this was a big big episode for Benjamin Linus. We wondered if, in the end, Ben could be redeemed for everything he's done. This was his big repenting scene. Some people may argue that it was re-hashing stuff he has already said or that we saw in Dead is Dead and The Incident. But I thought it was important to see Ben "officially" join the good guys. Or what we think is the good guys for now!
Reunion
Ben rejoins the crew on the beach and goes up to Sun offering his help with a shelter. This is followed by another musical montage!
- We hear the now Oscar Winning Michael Giacchino's score playing Ben's theme in a more positive tone than usual.
- Then it turns more into the theme from season 2's Collision, the last time we had a big reunion moment like this.
- Ilana is crying over Jacob's ashes.
- Miles is looking at some diamonds he pulled from Nikki and Paulo's grave! EWWWWWWW! But at the same time. NIIIIIICE!
- And instead of Sun running into Jin's arms like in Collision at the climatic moment of the music, it is the return of Jack and Hurley (and Richard) to the beach! And yes we are all wondering how they got to the beach from the Black Rock so quickly. But don't worry about it folks, just enjoy the music and get all choked up!
Down Periscope
Ahh yes, all is happy but then the camera moves out into the water, and a periscope pops up out of the water!
Ahh yes, all is happy but then the camera moves out into the water, and a periscope pops up out of the water!
We head into the submarine and there is a man saying "Sir, there are people on the beach. Should we stop?" And then Charles Widmore comes into focus. "No, Proceed as planned." woa.......
BOOM LOST!!!!
Alright, who had their money on Charles Widmore as the one coming to the Island? I know a few of us suggested it at one point or another. The question is, is he alone (well, besides periscope boy)? Or is Eloise, Desmond, Penny with him? Is he coming because of Jacob? Do we link the 2 scenes together? Where is he proceeding to? How did he get to the Island? It took him forever to find it the last time. Now he just found it again 3 years later? Or did he have the help from the Lamp Post? Jacob did say that the person would "find another way to get there". Very interesting stuff folks! A couple seasons ago, Alan Dale was contracted for season 5 to be a recurring cast member and signed with an option to become a regular cast member in the final season. I wonder if he'll be on the Island for the rest of the series? And we all must wonder what his role is!
But I have rambled on for far too long on this post, so I'm going to hand it over to the smarter folks out there to start commenting. There will be haters, but this is definitely my favorite episode of the season thus far. And I can't wait for another one next week. Hope you enjoyed my ramblings as always and I'll see you then. NAMASTE!
Ending Credits
LOST Merchandise/Contests:
- Check out Cafe Press's vast collection of LOST Merchandise - There are clothes and other exciting things. Some designed by fans, and some can even be designed by you if you want. Check out the site and stay tuned because we may have some exciting free give away contests. Make sure you follow me on Twitter too because I may run the contests from there.
Twitter:
- Follow me for updates and other LOST related stuff here! @LOSTAddictsBlog
Please Click to Support:
- I took a night job to pay some extra bills writing forhttp://www.gather.com/. If you could, please click to view this LOST Recap on Gather to register me a page view. It will go towards a very small financial contribution for my efforts. Also, feel free to check out my other articles on the site.
And of course Check out my other Blogs!
- FlashForward (returning in March):http://www.flashforwardaddicts.com/
- American Idol (could be my last season recapping):http://www.aiaddicts208.blogspot.com/
Special Thanks to Dark UFO for the excellent Screen Captures! And also thanks to my iMac as I was able to create many myself. So by default, thanks to ABC too for allowing me to post pictures on the blog!
