316
I know this is seemingly redundant in saying (because I keep saying the same thing each week, as of late) but last night’s episode of Lost was amazing. I can’t imagine my recreational/leisure life in the absence of a show of such symbolic importance. It’s the logical path for myself being such a, admittedly devout, Trekkie © and fan of Twin Peaks – because ultimately the hardcore fans, mostly, stem from these fanbases or fans of certain literary works (the list is endless, really). I know I just dispensed a 'lil bit 'o sasafacts alluding to my geekdom but that’s alright – I can’t change the things I embrace. Nor would I ever want to. To quote Dr Dre. “Fuck ya’ll. All a ya’ll. Ya’ll don’t like me you can bloooooooooow me!”
The highlights of last night’s episode of Lost had to have been; The fact that the episode was completely Linear as opposed to it being constantly non-linear with flash-forwards and fashbacks and everything else that typically goes on including the kitchen sink. I’m starting to appreciate Jack’s character more and more in this season because the writers were wanting him to develop from the non-traditional downtrodden hero to one that learns and makes gains throughout his role on the show. This episode, entitled “316” (which refers to the flight number ) was also a [unofficial] continuation of a previous episode called “Man of Science / Man of Faith” which explored Jack’s reluctance to accept faith w/o scientific proof and John’s continued exploration of the same subject. In “316” it becomes clear that based on Jack’s actions – putting the shoes on John’s feet / his commitment to returning to the island [defying logic] – he is slowly becoming or arriving at the same point John was, shortly after his introduction to the island. Which is to say that Jack is becoming a man of faith & Jack is becoming John, posthumous.
The religious symbolism was, again, clearly evident in this episode. My single most favourite scene was the church sequence that had Ben praying (most likely because of what he was about to do after he left the church) moments before Jack enters to talk with him. Ben then gets up and lights candles in front of a painting that was a biblical portrayal of Thomas The Apostle (clearly finger-fucking Jesus’ stab wounds). Benjamin then says “Thomas the Apostle. When Jesus wanted to return to Judiah, knowing that he would probably be murdered there… Thomas said to the others ‘Let us also go that we might die with him’ But Thomas was not remembered for this bravery. His claim to fame came later. When he refused to acknowledge the resurrection. He just couldn’t wrap his mind around it. The story goes, that he needed to touch Jesus’ wounds to be convinced.” Jack then asks “So was he?”. Ben says “of course he was. We’re all convinced sooner or later, Jack.” This is all secretly conveying to Jack that either A. Christian Sheppard, although dead, has been resurrected. B. That in bringing back John Locke’s body to the island, he too shall be resurrected and replace or become Jacob. C. All of the above. Ben then leaves and Jack asks him where he’s going only to be told by Ben “Oh. I made a promise to an old friend of mine. Just a loose end that needs tying up.” Which, sadly and most likely, is Benjamin fulfilling his promise to Charles Widmore in killing Penny *epic sad face*. This would make the most sense since Desmond showed up to the church as the same time everyone else did AND Ben needed to know where Penny was in order to kill her. So, in a future episode, Desmond will clearly stop at nothing in order to return to the island to kill Ben – thus returning everyone to the island as dictated by Miss Hawking.
I got semi-teary-eyed when Jack read John’s suicide note. It read “I wished you believed in me”. How monumentally fucking sad was that? Yet another reference to Man of Science / Man of Faith, which sees Jack evolving into a man of faith. In the opening shot of Jack holding the remains of John’s letter I swore the first episode of the entire show had Jack holding the very same piece of the letter. I was wrong because I just reviewed the first sequence of the show and he was not holding the letter. Thank god, cos that woulda really fucked me up some.
“316” then ends with Jin wearing a Dharma
* BRAINGASM *