Of all the things I write each week about Lost, this Popwatch item is the one I dread the most. Don’t get me wrong: I love talking about Lost, and I love engaging with you guys about the show. I just hate having to make a snap judgment about an episode without having time to properly digest it. So unfair! Lost has always defied quick and easy processing, but this season has been especially challenging. The parallel world story lines make Lost feel like two different shows sandwiched together. And each episode is so dense with explicit and subtle callbacks to previous episodes. Yeah, yeah, I know: the producers have told us not to sweat decoding all of them, that the stories can be appreciated without knowing the historical minutia of the show. But as I’m sure Professor Benjamin Linus would argue, knowing all that history makes for a richer, more meaningful experience. And I’m all about the richer and the more meaningful. (SPOILERS BELOW. DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED TONIGHT’S EPISODE.)
So I’m not going to give you snap judgment. Not this week, and maybe never again. You’ll always get something from me right after the episode airs—but not a critique or a grade or a Yayyy! or a Nayyy! But I’ll tell you what I find myself thinking about as I buckle in for a long night of thinking and writing ahead. I’m thinking about suicidal Richard Alpert and the implications of Jacob’s touch. I’m thinking about how exactly Jacob could have really been a father to Ilana. I’m thinking about Jack’s dynamite stick and how our heroic man of science/man of faith has really developed a taste for the dramatic flourish. I’m thinking about Charles Widmore’s return the the Island. I’m thinking about how Ben’s poignant and comic Sideways story can be seen as a pretty complete Theory Of (Almost) Everything For Lost. And I’m thinking about Ben’s dramatic choices to close both his Sideways and Island arcs. Last week, we were led to believe that no matter the world, Sayid’s stories would end bleakly, with murder. This week, we got the opposite: we saw that at least in two possible worlds, Benjamin Linus is capable of making redemptive choices—and even telling the truth. The episode was a little bit Election (as in, the Reese Witherspoon high school flick about upwardly mobile Tracy Flick), a little bit The Hurt Locker (as in, that movie that just won the Oscar), and a little bit It’s The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown! Your soundtrack song: Coldplay’s “Vida La Vida.” (I used to rule the world…) I’ll explain all my crazy thoughts tomorrow morning in the recap. Until then, the message board is yours.
More Lost:
Lost recap: Lessons Learned
Doc Jensen: Island of Lost Souls
Michael Emerson continues to astound with his amazing performance as Ben. He makes Ben the most compelling and interesting character on the show, and I’m so glad he got a moment to shine in this final season. I was in tears as he explained his side of the story to Illana, and my heart ached as he stood behind the group at the reunion, doomed to forever be the misfit and the lone wolf, no matter how hard he tries.
It’s a tribute to Michael Emerson’s skill that I wanted to hug poor Ben Linus as he stood there apart from the reuniting Losties. I was certain that he would force the principal out, then explain his letter to Yale as the revenge of an ousted principal. Truthfully, I think that Ben could have successfully taken the job and given Alex the recommendation, but this time he chose her over himself.
Seriously I was like can someone please go shake his hand or something?
Agreed! I would even take a step further to say Ben Linus is one of the best developed, written and acted characters on tv.
He looked like a little child who feels like nobody likes them. He looked defeated with his shoulders down. I just LOVE Ben Linus. I thought Michael Emerson deserved the Emmy before but tonight’s episode and specifically that one scene with Ilana was further proof he deserves more accolades.
I disagree. If he repeated the choice thinking he could possibly do both, it would have ended disastrously again.
I think he could have accomplished it, but it wouldn’t be without consequences; it might have been temporary, but Alex would have been hurt by a smear campaign. The “old Ben” would have played both ends against the middle, but Sideways Ben put Alex firmly in first place.
Alex needed a recommendation from a Yale grad, thus, the principle. That’s why it was so important for Ben to throw in his cards.
I thought that she had asked Ben to write a recommendation for her. Was she just telling him that she’d asked the principal? Then if that’s true, I can see how the principal was holding the high card.
Agree with Becca. This was Michael Emerson’s Emmy moment for the year.
Any of you saying he could have done both, is missing the entire point of the man that he is in the sideways world. Less accomplished in the sense of a “profession”, Sideways BL is a much more accomplished person in his relationships, and overall, as a human being.
For most of the episode, I felt myself resenting this new, confused, useless Ben and almost hoping his sideways self would grab the power. (I’m a little frustrated that the characters this season seem to be so different from what we’ve come to know). But by the very end, I was so glad he didn’t. Way more compelling. I love the Locke stories, but I agree that Ben is the most intriguing and complicated. Fantastic episode.
How was Alexandra Rousseau off the island? She was born there? Im confused!
Reply To Sarah – Since the island was destroyed in 1977 in the alternate timeline, Danielle Rousseau would never have gone to the island and Alex was thus born off the island. (Remember, Danielle was pregnant before she reached the island)
just yesterday i was rewatching season two and hating the manipulative, evil Ben. then tonight my heart also ached for ben.
this was in reply to andy g.
Thought it could never happen, but I actually shed a tear for him-he touched me that much.
I’m not sure that anything on Lost has touched me more than Ben Linus choosing good over evil and following Ilana back to the beach.
I agree, Brenda. I got very teary at that moment. Last week, I so wanted Sayid to be redeemed, and it did not happen. He chose to reject it. Benjamin Linus, on the other hand, chose to embrace redemption. It was one of the best moments on the show.
I was impressed that she would offer to take him. I wonder if she was trying to keep Locke’s army from growing by one, or if such forgiveness is really part of being a follower of Jacob.
and he followed her so quickly – it was the most touching part of the episode. well along with finding out sideways ben didnt blackmail the principal so alex could be ok
I agree with you too, pop. I haven’t been this touched by Lost in a while.
Totally agree, Brenda. I was actually crying for Ben Linus in the scene with Ilana, and felt so sorry for him during the Lostie reunion. And I was overjoyed that Sideways Ben chose Alex over power and personal gain. Good grief, I’ve gone from hating Ben, to loving to hate Ben, to loving Ben! Truly, he is one of the best characters ever on TV.
Agree. I instantly forgave Ben for all the dirty deeds he had done over the last 4 seasons. When Ilana says “I’ll have you” a my heart sunk, but part of me still wants Ben to one last snakey deed.
My instant reaction to this was to put both of my hands on my heart to keep it from exploding out of my chest. I felt so much torment for Ben last night that I, like others have also stated, just wanted to hug him. He is finally on the road to redemption.
Yep! ‘Dr. Linus’ very much made up for what the writers did to Sayid last week. I was feeling so bleak after that but this double redemption of Ben was just plain awesome. I’m tearing up again just reading the comments!
Wow, I must have a heart of stone, because I wasn’t moved. Too little, too late IMO, and I was a bit annoyed that he’s focused on his role in Alex’s death and kind of forgets the long long list of other heinous stuff he’s done. I guess it’s a testament to Michael Epperson that so many want to give Ben a hug, but I found this episode to be really annoying. Sayid tried so hard over and over to be a good man and gets sucked into bad situations over and over, while Ben was a selfish SOB his whole life and gets a chance at redemption? Boooo!
tha last time a character embraced redemption like that was Charlie, he accepted his fate and hopefully because of that in the sideways world things will work out for him
It also touched me that Ilana chose compassion for Ben over revenge. I’m starting to like Ilana.
Remember when Michael couldn’t die? Must have been touched by Jacob-as-Christian at some point. He could only die when he was redeemed himself/was released.
@harley — isn’t that how Christianity works?
@Harley….then you miss the very essence of grace and redemption in the Christian context. The idea is that Jesus died to redeem mankind and that even unto the moment of death – think about the two criminals crucified on either side of him – one can choose to seek forgiveness. Plain and simple, that’s what Ben did.
To be fair, Ben only asked for forgiveness for killing Jacob and expressed remorse for the part he played in Alex’s death. As Harley pointed out, he didn’t mention a word about being sorry/remorseful/seeking forgiveness for all the other deplorable things he’s done. The man showed amazing progress, but that doesn’t change what he did. I like how significantly Jacob’s last thoughts impacted him, and hope that it inspires him to continue in this new direction.
The line that “he’s the only one who’ll have me” was so well acted, I wanted to reach out and hug Ben. Micheal was fantastic in this episode!
One question though, is the Sideways Ben the same young Ben shot by Sayid before the island was blown up? If yes, does this mean he would not remember his island roots and was changed forever (as Richard Alpert claimed) after he was presumably resurrected by the temple pool?
@Anony, Harley: “he didn’t mention a word about being sorry/remorseful/seeking forgiveness for all the other deplorable things he’s done”
If Ben was ordered, or felt compelled, to commit these “deplorable” acts by the power he serves, is he a bad man? Does he require forgiveness? What if they were truly necessary to prevent some terrible catastrophe? Was Abraham a bad man for being fully prepared to slay Isaac?
We still don’t know the story behind, for example, the mass murder of the Dharmas. A terrible act, to be sure. What if Jacob commanded it? What if it was the only way to prevent the Dharmas from destroying time and space through their experiments?
I’m not saying that Ben hasn’t appalled me at times. His going after Penny always seemed particularly reprehensible. But I’m prepared to accept that, within the fishbowl that is Lost, there might have been compelling reasons for some of these bad acts.
I contrast him with Eko. Eko saved his brother, yes, but he also committed many acts of violence purely for his own gain. Ben’s motives were always more complex.
PS – what does it mean that the smoke monster was unwilling to recruit Eko, but was apparently happy to have Sayid? Does Smokey see an important moral distinction between the two, or did he just conclude that he could use Sayid but could not use Eko?
never liked him = meetpetlovers
My God, I’m with you! I’ll go so far as to say that I didn’t just shed a tear…I actually indulged in a few gut-wrenching (and cathartic) sobs—which truly amazed me. I also now adore BL, though must say I’ve sort of liked him in the past…also have to say that there’s a little voice in me saying that…all may not be as it seems. It’s difficult to swallow that BL has undergone a complete and utter transformation…and given the shocky surprises we’ve been treated to in the past, absolutely nothing would surprise me as the series draws to a close. In the meantime, though – my God. What an episode. And what an actor.
Yes, many of the LOST characters go through serious changes throughout the seasons, and it’s fascinating to see Micheal Emerson go through all these stages, sometimes in the same episode. Outstanding skills.
Another Emmy for this Epi.
Also, Unimaginable that Ben was originally meant to be featured in only a few episodes of Season 2.
I’m SO with you, JD. The show would not have been the same without the complex character Ben has turned out to be.
I hear you JD. Could you EVER possibly imagine this show without Emerson? From the moment he did his chilling “Got any milk?” monologue in season 2 I’ve had a total hetero-man-crush on him.
Apparently the character of “Ben” was always meant to exist, he just wasn’t originally intended to come out of Henry Gale. The producers were so impressed by Michael Emerson’s performance that they turned him into that character. And rightfully so! Seriously, he’s the best actor on television right now. So incredibly compelling.
I wanted to cry when he said that Locke was the only one who would have him. I felt so bad. I love Michael Emerson!! I want to join Dr. Linus’ history club!
I was also moved by Ilana; there was so much happening inside of her during that scene. The actress played it very well, I thought.
While I admit that Michael Emerson is a great actor, this was not one of his best episodes and this was my least favorite of this new season. Nothing interesting happened, I was bored with it but I still can’t wait for next week and the rest of the season.
You’re crazy. I loved Ben’s episode more than Locke’s installment this season, and that’s saying something, because I love Locke-centric episodes above most others. His redemptive quest was beyond touching on both the present and the flash-sideways. An “A” all the way for me.
I disagree. I liked this episode more than any other this season. I think it had the best sideways story, explained Jacob’s touch, and ended with an great cliffhanger. Ben is one of the best characters on the show, now how soon until Desmond comes back?
I also loved the exchange between Hurley and Richard… Are you a cyborg? Vampire? Good overall drama and enough comedy mixed in. This episode moved the story forward instead of being stuck at the temple or statue.
to Anthony, I couldn’t disagree more. I started hating this episode thinking they were throwing away 5 seasons of Ben’s development, but was happily proven wrong. We did learn more about Richard and I was cheering for Jack as he figured out more about his role on the island. Major development in my humble opinion.
Are you nuts??? Nothing happened???
Ben joined a side, Widmore coming to the island, Jacob’s touch explained, Finding out that Jack isn’t allowed to die…
I’d say a lot happened.
I see where Anthony is coming from, because at times it did feel as if nothing much was happening, but it was a kind of insidious movement of plot forward, and the rapid fire, running through the jungle away from Smokey type of action of the previous episode.
*not the rapid fire…
I couldn’t enjoy the sideways story line because I work in a school, and NOTHING rang true about that school: not the relationships between teacher and principal, not the relationship between Ben and Alex, not the drama around the letter to Yale or “The AP test is on Friday. I was counting on some tutoring.” Right. And she’s Yale-bound. Uh-huh. It just rang so false I couldn’t suspend my disbelief. Liked the island stuff a lot, though, and especially Ben’s climactic scene with Ilana.
It was one of my least favorite episodes, but mostly because it made me angry. Of all the main characters left, Ben is the least deserving of redemption and absolution. Arrrg!
I so disagree with you Anthony. This was one of my favorite episode’s of the year. Just give Emerson the Emmy now. Lost has always been about the characters and Ben knocked it out of the park last night.
For those that say Ben is not deserving of redemption, remember that he was forever changed after being dunked in the pool after he had been shot. Jacob manipulated him and made him believe everything he does he does for the island.
Yeah I’m with ya. Not the best ep, not much happened but i enjoyed the acting. I think I need to process it more.
seriously! Give him the Emmy right now. He is such an amazing actor. My heart was aching for him as he was talking to Ilana.
Let me join in on the Emerson love. I knew the entire episode, that that final scene was coming. And when it happened I still cried. Even though this episode wasn’t long on answers (we did get a few, but with only ten episodes left, they’ve gotta start pouring in), It may be my favorite this year. Emerson’s acting was brilliant as well as Ms. Z. Robinson across from him in the final scene. And credit the writers with perfect execution, reminiscent of the best of season one. Always putting character first, and balancing mythology and exposition in the flow of the story.
All that yackati-yak just to say, Lost Rocks!!!
It’s a tribute to Emerson’s skill that while I never honestly thought for a moment that Ben was going to die, I was 100% convinced that Ben thought he was a goner.
I agree 100%. Go Ben GO!
He was amazing. I watched his facial expressions so closely to see if there was a glimmer of the Ben we have grown to know and no… just a man trying to feel comfrotable in his own skin.
My question though… how was Alex Rousseau off the island if she was born there?
Rousseau was pregnant with Alex when her boat landed. If Rousseau never went to the island, she still would have had Alex.
She was born their in the original timeline in the late 80′s which would have taken place over 10 years after the Jughead explosion, so I would imagine that Rousseau never came to the island and gave birth to her
Actually in the view from the sub, I saw Richard outside the group on the left, and Ben outside the group on the right with the castaways all shaking hands/hugging in the middle. They were both the on the outs the original people that lived on the beach, and I think both Richard and Ben are still in play during the “recruiting” that is going on.
Interesting… so in theory they could be setting up Ben as the new Jacob and Richard as the new MIB.
Totally in tears when Ben did the right thing, found redemption and grace – although I think what really brought on the tears was Ilana saying “I’ll take you.” Such a ray of sunshine after last week with Sayid’s descent.
I agree, he is one incredible actor. I loved last night. I so loved when Rousseau told him that she wanted him. Unbelievable. Z Robinson has some acting chops of her own. I love this show. Also, how great was the time in the ship with Richard, Hurly and Jack.
Ilana’s reply to Ben “I’ll take you” was an awesome moment, played perfectly by both actors.
“He makes Ben the most compelling and interesting character on the show”
On the show? Try on TV! I can’t think of another performance in any medium where every word of every line feels so perfectly delivered.
It’s very true… Michael Emerson is by far one of the best actors on this show. From the very first moments when Ben Linus appeared on the show I was unable to hate him! In fact Michael Emerson succeeded to make Ben Linus one of the most hated characters on the show and then won the hearts of the audience with intense emotions. It wasn’t the first time that he got me in tears! He’s such a really good actor, I was scared they would have him killed at this episode!
This episode was very enlightening, very touching, and very well written. It was jam-packed with goodness. There is so much one can point out and comment on.
I agree. So far, it was the best episode for the entire season. I loved how Ben wanted to belong and returned with Illana, making the more difficult choice. And I loved how Jack, realized (again) that there’s a reason why he’s on the island.
I loved that Ben made the more difficult choice in both story lines. As did Jack before. Jack also embraced his new mantle as “man of faith”. I am begining to think that if you make the hard/right choice in sideways land, you end up on the side of Jacob on the island, and if you make the easy/wrong choice, you go to the MIB. Lock chose not to have faith in sideways land and is now smokey. Jack chose to open up to his son and is becoming the man of faith. That being said, can’t wait for Sawyers sideways story. Still think he is pulling the “long con”.
I kind of agree with you no one, but I would reverse them. I would say more taht if you make the choice to go with Jacob, life turns out ok in sideways land, whereas if you choose to join with MIB, your life turns out not so good in sideways land.
I also hope for the long con. Sawyer is extremely smart, and I don’t think he can be easily manipulated by MIB.
David, it makes a lot of sense. I am glad this episode finally answered which one of the two is good.
ctually, no one, while Locke is still a paraplegic in Sideways Land, I think he’s much better off — he has a woman who oves him unconditionally, a seemingly healthy relationship with his father, and a pretty good job as a substitute. No axes to grind, nothing left to prove — no reason to say “don’t tell me what I can’t do!” And, the truth is, Locke himself *never chose* the MIB – the MIB took him over without his permission.
Agreed. But I will point out one thing that seems pretty clear to me now: Sideways World is all about Reincarnation. The Losties in the Sideways world are the reincarnated versions of their island selves, given another chance at redemption and making the *right* choices this time around (like how Ben chose Alex this time, instead of last time when he chose power over her).
Not sure if it’s reincarnation or simply the fact that Ben was never taken to the temple and “saved”. I think the sideways Ben is the Ben that he would have been if he hadn’t been claimed. Also thought it was ironic that he gassed his Dad to kill him but in this episode he changed the Oxygen gas to keep him going.
North TexPaul: Actually, Ben would still have been taken to the Temple in side-ways land, assuming that only events *after* the bomb going off in 1977 where changed.
It’s not reincarnation, it’s just another reality. One that would have happened if Jack/Daniel’s plan had worked.
Chibi – actually, child Ben would never have been shot since 815 never crashed and Sayid never ended up on the island – wrap your head around that
@Chibi Mitz It’s worth remembering that, because the losties never crashed on the island in the sideways timeline, Sayid never shot ben and thus Ben never needed to be taken to the Temple. Barring any sort of “course correction” that we don’t know about, of course.
But, the only way 815 doesn’t crash is through the actions of the 815ers in 1977. I say everything we saw up to last season’s finale still happened in sideways world. It’s very confusing though. They could pretty much do whatever they wanted and say it makes sense because of the time travelling.
There is kind of a predestination paradox going on in terms of if they did or didn’t really go back in time there
Maybe their sideways lives are what they get to have if the island’s hold on them is released, perhaps by their own actions on the island. They were all their worst selves and they were all having relatively miserable lives during the period when they were being drawn the island. Juliette’s message to Sawyer, “It worked,” must have meant something. Maybe they’ll be able to set themselves free to have the lives they were meant to have.
I loved this episode. I felt from the very beginning it was an episode for the Lost faithful. I especially loved the Nikki/Paulo references (that the Lost writers could willingly poke fun at themselves), and, of course, who doesn’t love the “coming home/reunion” scenes of Lost old. This was a great episode, and a much needed one on the heels of last week’s excellent, though bleak and violent effort.
Ditto. LOVED LOVED LOVED this ep, perhaps even more than ‘The Substitute.” Ben’s arc was incredibly poignant, but how awesome was Jack. I love seeing him imbued with purpose! I agree that the best eps reference our shared history with these characters, like the Nikki and Paolo shout-out; the shows are also most enjoyable when the gang’s together. I also can’t get enough of Lapidus’s sarcasm!
Loved the episode. But I have to disagree about Jack. As much as I love him and I have always given him the benefit of the doubt I am a bit disappointed with his handling of Hurley and of the situation in the Black Rock. Yes, he has purpose. But his melodramatics really were oft putting to me. I can’t put my finger on it other than to say that the way he has interacted with Hurley and then Richard just irks me.
I am not disappointed in Jack, but more surprised. I did not imagine he would come this far as to becoming the Island’s “man of faith”, and I think the dramatic antics were essential for Jack to understand that about himself (you saw his moment of doubt when he closed his eyes). If he had blown up then he was in the same boat as Richard anyways, so I think it was a way to prove to himself that this is what he believes now.
What I liked about Jack in that scene is that he basically used science to test his faith. He had a hypothesis that formed after he saw the Lighthouse mirror, and he tested that hypothesis with the dynamite. But the hypothesis was based on faith. So he’s not a man of science or a man of faith, he’s now both.
The Nikke/Paolo shout-out was interesting. Miles had obviously communicated with them when everyone was at the graves and he actually revealed that they had been buried alive with diamonds, but no one else knew they had been buried alive and no one seemed to react to this reveal.
With the music playing slowly, our heroes emerge from the woods onto the beach – it was so cool, such a call-back to the old days!
Great episode! I love the Ben-centric episodes.
I really wish they wouldn’t show the cast in the beginning of each episode. It ruined what would otherwise be a big surprise.
I agree! I already knew who was in the submarine as soon as I saw it, having seen Alan Dale’s name in the credits.
I’ve made it a habit to close my eyes as soon as I see Evangeline Lilly’s name in the credits. She’s one of the last cast members in the credits. I listen but don’t watch until I’m sure the guest stars’ names have appeared. That keeps the suspense up for me. It was a mild surprise to see Widmore because of this, but last week with Keamy was a huge shock because I avoided looking at that part of the opening credits.
Interesting. I never notice. I just watch the show itself – I seriously don’t even notice the credits. [Helps that they're light.] This is coming one of the few (sometimes the only one) that stays for credits at the movie theatre.
Sometimes, having a bad memory is a bonus.
I saw Alan Dale’s name, but had forgotten it by the end. However, I did guess that it was Widmore–and if Widmore is the person that Jacob wants on the island, then does that mean that Jacob is a bad guy, or Widmore is actually a good guy? Or are they both somewhere in the middle?
I do something similar to Hmmm — I hold up my hand or the remote to block the bottom of my screen so I won’t be spoiled by the guest stars. So glad I did so tonight!
lucky for me i’m still oblivious to most of the actors names- except the “core” group
I guess I will have to employ a similar tactic from now on because seeing his name at the start ruined the end for me. Now I’m bitter instead of being excited about an otherwise fantastic ep.
I’m able to avoid looking at the credits, but the darn info on my cable (not sure if it’s Comcast or ABC I should be yelling at) had “Charles Widmore: Alan Dale” sitting right there below the episode info. Wow, that could have been a pretty cool reveal otherwise.
You guys do all realize that I’m going to catch myself looking at the credits next week thanks to you guys. I’ve never even payed attention before, but now my eyes are going to accidentally stray. lol
Don’t be bitter, Pete. It was still a cool episode.
I hold my finger over the bottom of the screen after I see the “Created by” credit with JJ, Damon and the other guy’s name. That’s when they start the guest stars. The moment I see “Music by” peek up over my finger, I know it’s safe. It really helps, especially this season.
Thanks, Eggplant Girl. I’m going to try that next week. I saw his name, too, and while I didn’t think of him throughout the episode, as soon as I saw the sub, I knew – and I loved it
It took a whole 5 seconds from when the showed the sub to when they showed Widmore, you weren’t that spoiled.
But Henry Ian Cusick’s name was also listed in the beginning credits and he did not appear in this episode.
Except that some people are billed even if they don’t appear in that particular episode (i.e. Henry Ian Cusack – Desmond was in the credits).
Cusack’s name has been in every episode this season, if I’m not mistaken. And he’s shown up in… what? One of them??
Think maybe DesPen are on that sub?
Yep…my money is on Desmond being on that sub. We just haven’t seen him yet. Don’t think he would let Penny come along…she would need to stay back with little Charlie.
HIC is on the credits cause he’s a cast member for the season. people were spoiled by alan dales name because he was a guest star for this episode.
I just look past the names on the screen, which is easy to do because they’re not in large text and are in white. I’ve been watching Lost since the beginning and have never watched the names on the screen!
Not really. Henry Ian Cusick’s name was listed and he wasn’t in the episode.
Maybe he was…and you haven’t seen him yet!
The worst offender for me was Season 4. Not only did they announce early on that Harold Perrineau would be returning that season, but his name was always in the opening credits. Did a fantastic job of ruining any suspense over the “who’s the mystery man on the freighter?” storyline.
SPOILER ALERT
BEST SHOW OF THE SEASON!
LOST is back!!
cheese curls! hilarious! reminded me of the cowardly lion laying in the field of poppies. Ben’s sideways world paralled his island world exactly only this time he put someone else over himself. reunion brought tears to my eyes.
Finally, Widmore is back. Loved it.
Oh my! You totally read my mind about the cowardly lion waking up in a field of poppies a la The Wizard Oz. Hurley looked adorable.
OOps-of Oz!
Hurley so reminded me of the Cowardly Lion in the field of poppies as well! Too funny!
Me too! For once I “got” something everyone else also got – I usually miss those kinds of things.
And if we remember the first Ben-centric episode was called “The Man Behind the Curtain” in which they referenced the Wizard of Oz. Could Hurley laying in that field be a callback to that idea of Oz?
The only comment I have is that he did live on the island to serve Jacob and did everything he asked no matter the personal sacrifice. So, his loyalty to Alex was not the fist time he was sacrificing for what he thought was the greater good.
While he did everything to serve Jacob, I think he did it more for power than the greater good.
I’ve been saying forever that Ben has never acted evil or out of evil. Everything he has done (aside from that small thing
of killing Jacob which was his moment of weakness) has been for the protection of the island.
How about the “baby elephant walk”-like music when Hurley was with Jack?
I didn’t care for that music, I thought it was offensive to our big guy.
Great fraggin episode. Itss nice to see that Jack is realizing his sense of purpose playing Russian Roulette with the dynamite. Seeing Richard he’s realizing whats going on.. Jack is my favorite character by far…
Jack was AWESOME tonight. I am still on a high from watching this ep, unlike last week’s, which I did not enjoy. Whenever Sawyer’s not around, Team Smokey doesn’t interest me much.
His scene with Richard in the Black Rock was really good.
Decent episode, the side-flashes continue to be forgettable and disappointing.
Are you kidding? Kate’s flash was dull, yes, but I almost cried when student Alex came to Ben’s house. And, as a bonus, Arzt finally got some screen love. I’d missed him!
i dont know. the flash sideways were kinda boring. But after watching the episode again and kinda digesting it a little bit, it was really kinda amazing how the sideways world mirrored the decisions and actions ben made on the island.
Alas, they ARE important.
I just don’t get how people think the Sideways stories are boring. These are the final archs of 6 years worth of character development!
i agree crispy. i don’t understand how people are saying they are either bored or don’t care. these tie things together and i think will eventually tie the two worlds together
Amen to that, crispy.
Crispy is right. People bored with the sideways world are not watching closely enough.
Crispy is a great name! HAHAHA
I couldn’t disagree more. I think the complaint of the sideways world being dull is getting old. People say they don’t care about these “new characters,” but they’re not new, they just have different life experiences. I think it’s fascinating to see how these people would have turned out if not for the island. But to each his own I guess.
Last night was especially fascinating b/c of the father/son dynamic between Ben and Roger. You have to wonder when they left the island to have made that much of an impact on Roger and their relationship. At first I thought the Alex thing was a little cheesy, but it worked out well because it made Ben’s redemption between the island story line and the sideways story line feel very, very complete and satisfying. Unlike every other time we’ve seen Ben choose the “right” thing, there wasn’t really a feeling of “what’s his angle?”
Yes, but it’s kind of like wanking isn’t it? It’s a bit of self-indulgence from the writers, rather than anything really fun.
Really? This was the best “flash-sideways” yet. I feel a Richard-centric episode coming. I hope his “sideways” is just as interesting.
I think his episode will be on March 23rd, if all the rumors are true.
If he has a sideways flash its going to be in the past…like 100 + years in the past…
I’m pretty sure that Richard came to the island on the Black Rock!
This ep in particular really mirrored the theme of the night in regards to Ben’s choice to finally do the right thing, although it would have been easier not to. Last week, as well, with Sayid’s choices. The flashbacks tended to do the same thing in earlier seasons.
I’ve seen quite a few state that the flash-forwards are the future for our lost crew… if so, I’ll be so disappointed. There has been so much time spent building relationships, it would suck if they don’t remember their time on the island! AND, I want to see some of them continue life on the island? Anyone else feel the same?
When Ben entered the principal’s office at the end of the episode, my first thought was that he sacrificed Alex again, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that he instead made a sacrifice FOR her, arguably what he should have done the first time around.
They did that on both arcs! In the sideways world they have him enter the office, and I’m like NOOO!!!! And on the island, after Ben spills his heart out, Ilana picks up her gun and sorta pauses as it’s pointing at him and I’m like NOOO!!!! Hahahaha Oh Lost, always tugging at my heartstrings.
Best episode this season! My favorite part was when Ilana said she would have Ben, versus him going to Locke simply because Locke asked.
I wonder if Jack and others touched by Jacob truly cannot die, or if they simply cannot die until their time. Michael may or may not have been touched by Jacob, but he couldn’t die until it was time.
All Richard said was that he couldn’t kill himself…. Tom did tell Mike that he couldn’t die until the island was through with him. Not sure it’s the same…
I was thinking about that… Wasn’t it Christian who “dismissed” Mike from service just before the ship exploded? And aren’t we fairly certain that ghost Christian is Smoky in disguise? Still trying to figure out the exact ramifications of that one…
Christian dismissed Michael from service, not Miles.
Clearly those touched by Jacob can die, as John Locke did so. However, we’ve seen at least three failed suicide attempts: Jack on the bridge interrupted by a car crash, John before Ben killed him, and Jack/Richard with the dynamite… seems suicide is not an option for the Jacob-touched…
I agree, I think they can not kill themselves but are able to die if someone else kills them.
Plus Michael tried to kill himself a couple of times off island.
They can’t die if someone tries to kill them either. They can only die if the island is done with them.
It seems to me that they can’t kill themselves, but can be killed by someone else – which is why Richard needed Jack to light the fuse, Smokey needed Ben to wield the knife, I’m sure the island wasn’t done with either Locke or Jacob, but they were both murdered
that’s right. Locke was about to kill himself when Ben showed up and stopped him. Ben had no problem killing Locke, however.
So does this explain the significance of Jacob wearing gloves when he visited her in the hospital (when she’s recovering from burns) and he asks her to do a “favor for him”? He’s wearing black gloves at that time, and never actually touches her.
To clarify: when Jacob visited Illana in the hospital.
Also, I seem to remember that Elosie shot the time-traveling Daniel because he was waving a gun at Richard. She probably knew Richard could be killed.
Overall, an alright episode – it was completely carried by Emerson. Plodded along too much in the middle and felt like letdown after last week’s epic ending. Anyone else feel the same?
I agree. While not an epic fail, it failed to be epic. I just don’t find Ben’s redemption (or Jack’s new faith) that compelling.
Different strokes — I was bored last week until the final minutes and moved to tears or laughter all throughout tonight’s ep.
Last week was epic to me. Ben’s sideways reality to me was epic. And I was incredibly touched by the scene with him and Ilana and with his reunion with Alex. I also found it touching hearing just how hard Rousseau worked for Alex. A mother’s love. But I just couldn’t get behind Jack’s attitude in this episode. Jack reminds me very much of doubting Thomas from the bible. I hope I come around to him again soon.
Funny since Doubting Thomas is the disciple I most connect with. I find his faith the strongest due to the fact his *has* doubts. He’s questioning and pondering and trying to pull together information. Because of that, his faith is his, not someone else’s poured into his body.
Except doubting Thomas doubts what he himself can see. So, in a sense he doubts himself. Not only must he see the wounds but he must touch. I’m not sure if I would categorize that as a faith that is his but one that he forces to be proved to him beyond a reasonable doubt.
It’s funny how we look at the episodes differently. I wasn’t thrilled with last week’s episode but really liked tonight’s.
Yeah, I fully expected to come on here and see tons of complaints. This was the first one so far I didn’t really like. It seemed like nothing happened until the last 30 seconds. Not that I mind, you have to move the plot along.
I totally agree. I like the emotionally rich episodes rather than the action-packed ones. And I’m so glad to be rid of the Temple with its oompa-loompa costumes.
For me, last weeks episode was clearly the best of the season. Episodes that lean to Ben, Locke, Sayid or Sawyer are hands down the most compelling.
This show needs a spin-off.
Agree Ryan. It was clearly better. We DID finally get some answers. I’ve only read page 1 of the comments but no one has talked about the 6 candidates reveal by Iliana . I just think that none of this was really surprising. I knew sideways Ben would opt to have the principal help Alex, I knew that island Ben wouldn’t die (partly cuz Emerson was on Kimmel saying he was still alive w/4 eps. to go). And we all knew Widmore would return — I just wonder if Aaron is with him! But yeah — post-temple Lost is clearly better — so far.
“Only six left”…
I’m calling it…Kate 51 is gonna be the new Jacob in the end. She’ll finally stop running.
I could see Ben and Widmore sitting on the beach at the end as the new Jacob and MIB….
I think it’s going to be Jack and Locke.
I don’t think Kate is a candidate any longer… I think the only six candidates are the ones who correspond with numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, & 42… that only makes sense…
I am so happy tonight! I’ve been pulling and rooting for Ben; I just knew he still had good in him and never lost faith that he could turn his life around. BRILLIANT show; Michael deserves an EMMY!
It’s funny that we do end up rooting for Ben. I was talking to my friend shortly after and I mentioned that I was a bit teary at the end and he responded by saying “you always had a thing for alienated, depressed, mass murderers”. It took me aback a bit to remember this about Ben, but I think the fact that the writing paired with Emmerson’s brilliant acting can make you feel that way towards this man is an achievement in itself.
I was very surprised that Ben didn’t sacrifice Alex a second time. Overall I felt very sad for him (unbelievable acting job!), but we’ve seen him lie and deceive and manipulate for so long that I don’t trust yet that the “new” Ben is at all genuine. I hope he does turn out to be.
Looking at the senario, Island Ben would have been able to get the job and the letter, no sweat… Heck, I could have done it and I’m no where near as manipulative.
People keep forgetting his explanation. Everything he did, he did for Jacob and protecting the island. Nothing was selfish, except maybe his feelings for Juliet. But come on, he’s human.
I was dreading the episode after action packed Sundown. I was expecting a screech-to-a-halt type episode like “What Kate Does.” While Dr. Linus was defiantly less action packed than last weeks episode, it did not disappoint. Ben’s redemption in both worlds was so satisfying to watch. And finally team Jacob is assembled.
I think that Kate will join the team eventually, and I just KNOW that Sawyer will pull his biggest con job of all time and double-cross Smokey!
OMG. Sawyer’s Longest Con. I like it. And Kate will probably swap sides a few times before settling down with team Jacob. hehehe
This is the best suggestions/theory. It makes so much sense, I hope long-con will happen
Lets not forget that the title of the Sawyer-centric epi is “Recon”, which has the word “con” in it!
yeah it was really cool to see them all reunite at the end of the episode. reminded me a lot of the 1st and 2nd seasons. However i was really hoping jack would walk up to ben and shake his hand as he stood alone in the back, but, oh well. Also what the hell is goin on with widamore? where did he come from? does he have a double in the sideways reality? Did he come from the sideways reality even though the island is underwater? Is there anybody else with him in the sub? My guess is that sawyer or desmond are on the sub. im thinking sawyer cuz we havent seen his flash sideways yet but he’s still alive so i doubt that But maybe sawyer works for him or something, I guess we’ll see next week which hopefully should be a sawyer ep. but who knows, could be jin/sun could we havnt seen them either. There is also a good case for Desmond cuz Im assuming we will get a flash sideways of him in the near future too and the writers usually seem to set up centric episodes in the one or two episodes preceeding it, kinda like what they did with richard tonight.
I heard we get a Richard Alpert episode soon. Is it next week? Based on the preview of the next episode, my guess is it’s a Sawyer episode.
Thought I saw somewhere that the Richard episode is on 3/23
Desmond you could argue for – I’m doubting it though, but Sawyer? Why in Jacob’s name would Sawyer be on the sub?
Oh and no, it’s not from the sideways world.
Sub is from “island” time not the sideways world. Widmore has always been trying to find a way back to the island.
Can someone please remind me…how long had it been since Sun had seen Hurley and Jack (on the Ajira flight)?
yeah. They had disappeared to 1977 in the flash before Ajira crashed leaving poor sun all alone.
it’s been since the ajira flight… they jack/sawyer/kate immediately flashed to 1977 while sun stayed in 2004 with ben and lapidus. i’m not sure how many days it’s been though.
I think it was 2007 when Sun, Ben and Frank landed on the air strip, not 2004, wasn’t it?
Yes, it was 2007. So you *could* say that they’d been apart for 30 years. LOL Really, though, the number of days isn’t terribly relevant in regards to Sun’s running to hug them; part of Sun’s gladness was the fact that they were back in the present, I’m sure.
Yep, as soon as they crashed they didn’t see each other.
i think its only been like two or three days. day one sawyer said: first day here flaming bus shows up, second day is when jack set off the bomb (they came too when it was dark) and day three(?) and since the beginning of season 3 this ep had the first new evening? i don’t know. i’m kinda talking out of my butt
one thing i love when it happens are the returns to the beach. when jin and sun were reunited, when jack came back with juliet and now this time. they always film them beautifully.
Not that long, maybe a week or two?
i think it has to be january 2008. those who didn’t time travel (sun, lapidus, illana) have probably expereinced five or six days since the crash of aljira. those who did time travel may have experienced more time, it may seem like weeks to jack and hurley. sun and jin have been apart for three years.
short answer: 3 years
wrong!
Actually I believe 3 years is the right answer. That is what little pop-up said during the previous episode. Also, the losties left the Island in 2004 and came back 3 years later in 2007 (their time).
yeah but the question was how long has it been since sun has seen jack and hurley. not how long its been since they got off the island.
Of course, what’s to stop sideways Ben from blackmailing the principal AFTER Alex has been accepted to Yale? OK, I get it, he did the right thing this time and won’t undo it.
I thought of that as well, but the principal could still mess with Alex even after she was admitted to Yale. The only solution was a detente between the principal and Ben — one where at least Ben gets off detention duty, and maybe even Arzt got his new equipment.
That’s what I’m left wondering. Would have been the ultimate Ben con but for the good side. “Sure Principal Skinner,you win. Just write that recommendation. You you did? Great. Oh, FYI, those emails are on the superintendant’s desk.” Or even wait until the following year.
I wonder why the mentioned Yale considering that Mr. Carlton Cuse is a Harvard man. ehh, no biggie i suppose
They mention Yale because people who go to Yale are called “Eli’s” and an anagram of “Eli’s” is “lies” which is what Ben has done so well in the past. We shall see if he’s reformed for the future.