Lost – Redemption

We’re skipping spring and going straight into summer. Not exactly, but we’ve been flirting with 80° days this week, though the evenings are cool.

I’m getting back into my exercise regimen after two months off. Hit the elliptical today to do my standard 400 calorie / 3 mile workout. Before I took a break it used to take me 32 minutes to hit those marks. Today it took 35 minutes. Guess it’ll take a while to break these old legs back in again.

If last night’s episode of Lost was a Dark Tower novel, it would have the subtitle “Redemption.”

In my opinion, Michael Emerson deserves an Emmy nomination for his performance last night. We’ve often speculated that Ben might redeem himself at some point, turn it around and become one of the good guys. Though there are enough episodes left for me not to leap to that conclusion about how things will turn out, at least for now he’s on the good side.  He finally collapses under the enormity of his mistakes, is forgiven, and makes the right choice. Rather than follow someone who promises him more empty power, he joins a group where he becomes just one of the minions. “Can I help?” he asks Sun.  He’s been metaphorically digging his grave for a long time, and now that he has actually done it, he’s a changed man.

Off the island, Dr. Linus redeems himself, too. He still covets power, but he wants to use it for the benefit of others. He has a simple, unassuming life, but he lovingly cares for his father and he is altruistic about his students.  Is it possible that the sideways-flashes represent what happens to the characters if they accept what the island offers them — to have their wishes fulfilled. Perhaps the high concept wishes (e.g., Hurley: I don’t want to be cursed any more) translates into mundane, normal outcomes (e.g., Hurley: I’m the luckiest guy alive). Something to consider.

We now know or feel more confident about some earlier assumptions. Richard probably was on the Black Rock, though whether as a slave or a slaver remains to be seen. The candidates are candidates to replace Jacob (Hurley gets my vote, though the show will probably pick Jack). Having the Nikki/Paolo subplot thread into play again was marvelous–especially the parting shot of Miles fondling a diamond. One other terrific piece of mirrored elements was Hurley recalling the scene where he got some Arzt on his shirt (didn’t come out for days) and then having Arzt bitching about getting formaldehyde (i.e. embalming fluid) on his shirt (you know when that stuff comes out? never!)

Jack makes a joke: “Wanna try another stick,” he says to Alpert with a grin after the fuse burns out. He’s now fully a Man of Faith, isn’t he? A true believer.

And what did Hurley say when he woke up? Cheese carrots? Cheese curds?

The episode was so good I think I might watch it again tonight.