This episode centered on Ben Linus both on the island and in the flash sideways. There were plenty of parallels between both storylines. We also learned a little bit more about Richard Alpert as well as the potential candidates.
The parallels in this episode were quite apparent; the most interesting one was when Ben was thinking about blowing the whistle on Principal Reynolds’ inappropriate behavior. Dr Arzt said, “You’re making a play. You’re going for the big job.” At one in the episode, Smoke Monster John enticed Ben by suggesting that once he left the island, he’d like to leave Ben behind as its protector (the big job). This next one is not really a parallel, but quite interesting to see. Ben was shown caring for his aging father – which we wouldn’t expect since we saw him kill his father on the island. Ben’s father talked a little bit about the Dharma Island they were on. “Who knows what you would have become” if they had stayed on the island. We know – a power hungry killer! Seeing Ben in this scene was a stark contrast to what we’re used to seeing from him. I must say, it was refreshing to see how Ben handled the situation with Alex Rousseau. It was very uncharacteristic of him to put others ahead of himself. Instead of taking the principle job, he opted to give Alex the future she sees for herself.
Richard made an appearance and shed some light on his past as well as gave a few more clues about Jacob. According to Richard, Jacob had given him a gift – obviously agelessness. Jacob had touched him as he had touched others on the island. After all that has happened, he’s starting to see that as a curse and wants to die. Jack was able to convince him to stay alive. Jack believes that Jacob has more planned for himself than to be blown up by dynamite. I think Jack is starting to get it. He’s turning into a believer. It’s almost like Jack is recruiting similar to what Smoke Monster John is doing. The reunion back at the beach camp was almost like last week’s final scene, wasn’t it? This week, Jack took a long look at Ben just as Smoke Monster John took a long look at Kate.
Toward the end of the episode Ben chose to stay with Ilana and the others on the beach. We’ll se how that turns out – I’m sure he has something up his sleeve.
Oh yeah – CHARLES WIDMORE IS BACK? What a shocker! He was one of the ones that I had originally thought could be coming back to the island, but dismissed that as a possibility because he had already been banished. He’s been trying to get back to the island for a long time; I wonder what he’s up to? Why didn’t he stop when he found out there were people on the beach? Is it possible that he’s looking for Smoke Monster John? Now that the sub has arrived, Smoke Monster John may have a way off the island – I hope he doesn’t succeed in leaving, he’s too evil. Once again we’re left wondering what will happen next. I’m on the edge of my seat! I’m really going to miss this show when it’s gone. :-(
A few quick thoughts:
– Wasn’t it interesting to think about when Ben told Lapidus that the island got him in the end anyway? He was supposed to be piloting Flight 815.
-I thought it was funny that Ben referred to living on the Dharma Island as “happily ever after”. Episode 11 of this season is titled Happily Ever After – I wonder if it’s foreshadowing?
I’m just finding the show TOO confusing and involved lately, especially as they bring in more new characters – it’s hard enough to keep all the regulars straight! I guess if a person watches the episodes more than once, they become clearer, but for those of us with a limited amount of time, it can get frustrating! Plus I’m still trying to figure out this “sideways” thing since not everything can be connected to life on the island. I too will hate it when the show ends, although maybe once I understanding the ending, everything else will be clearer. I give you credit for keeping up with so many shows – don’t you have a day job? :)