Good episode, though I didn't like it as much as last week's Eko episode (probably because he's my new favorite character). Jack's character, while central to everything, is growing to be amongst my least favorite. I like Jack backstories, and trying to figure out why he is so stubborn and bossy. And I LOVE the suspense/scary type of episodes like this one was. Stuff that deals with the island's mysteries and "the Others". It took a while to develop, but it was worth it.
Random thoughts from tonight's episode:
Jack's dad being one-upped by Jack when foreigners Gabriel and her dad tells them they didn't come all this way for him (Jack's dad), but for Jack. No doubt this fed Jack's ego and thinking he can do anything.
The date on the foreign guy's XRays: November 16, 2005, just a few months ago. That punches a big hole in the timeline many try to keep (as in Jack still has to get divorced, rat out his dad, go to Australia, spend 50 days on the island, etc). Is that a case of people like us overanalyzing a simple oversight on the producers' part, or does it mean the island portion of the show is actually is taking place in the future, not present day like most assume?
Michael going crazy, knocking out Locke and forcing Jack into the gun closet. How's this for wild:
Jack: You gonna shoot me?
Mike: No, but I'll shoot the computer!
Pretty wild considering Michael was using the computer to "talk" to "Walt".
Say hello again to "the numbers". Locke set the combo on the gun closet to include 25, 29, 40.
Jack and his wife Sarah obviously not having a great relationship. Jack working all the time. Sarah telling him she was late, but the test showed negative. Jack wanting to talk about it, her not.
So the south end of the island is where the main camp is, North is a new area of the island, and East is where the tailees were.
Sawyer nickname of the week: Mr. Clean, in reference to Locke. "All you need is an earring and a mop". Also referred to Jack as "Daniel Boone" while he was obsessedly pressing on through the jungle.
Locke asking Sawyer why he "chose" that name (Sawyer). He goes on to confront him about the flight manifest and how it had him listed as JAMES FORD. Interesting that he chose NOW to confront him, seeing how he's obviously known that info for a long time.
Seven shots fired, but only 3 of Michael's shells found? Jack running wildly TOWARD the shots. For such an analytical guy, he sure has a death wish.
Interesting that Jack's dad (Christian) told him to be careful, obviously in reference to Gabriel temptation. Then Jack basically saying he's one to talk and then Christian replying that "it's okay for some people, but not for you".
Jack failing to save the foreign guy. Really beats himself up over it.
Gabriel and Jack kissing. Saw that coming. Actually, I thought they'd have a full-out affair (actually, maybe they did, we don't know for sure). Jack telling Sarah that Gabriel kissed him, and then trying to smooth over the relationship, promising a new start, working less, etc. Sarah then announcing she's leaving him, that her mom had come over to help her pack. Then the bombshell that she'd been having an affair. Wonder if we ever see WHO that is, and if there's an island connection?
The "Bearded Man". Same guy from the finale last season that took Walt. Wow, he creeps me out. Looks like a bad Burt Reynolds to me. Anyhow, he knows way too much, starting with everyone's names. That Walt is ok, "He's a veeerrry special boy." That Michael won't find us. Talks about people going through doors they shouldn't, etc. “This is Our island your only here because we’ve allowed you to live here." Jack calls a bluff on him, talking about the spy Ethan. Then we see Bearded man get tough and tons of torches light up all around them (I count at least 14). There's lots of "them". Sawyer getting shot. Again.
Funny Hurley/Charlie dialogue about women while looking through albums (we see "Geronimo Jackson"?) in the hatch. We confirm that Hurley does in fact have the hots for Libby. I still find that amusing/intriguing since he was in a mental institution and she is a clinical psychologist. Charlie wondering if Claire misses him yet ("dude, it's been like one day"). Sayid coming in and talking about the music being depressing. Wonder if he's going in the jungle after everyone, too?
We know at least one of the Other's names... Alex. The Bearded Man said "Bring her here, Alex" when telling them to bring out Kate. Could this be Danielle's (French woman) child Alex? That's a WW2-era looking pistol the Bearded Man holds to Kate's head, too.
Speaking of Kate, nice tension between her and Jack. Jack bossing her around telling her not to follow. Kate disobeying and then getting caught and jeopardizing everyone. Jack throwing the zinger at Sawyer about "I know, you love her". Kate running to Sawyer, not Jack. Jack giving her the cold shoulder, her being upset by it.
The Others just gained a nice little arsenal for their collection.
Why did Sawyer call the "bearded man" leader of the Others "Zeke"? As in "You and me, we're not through, Zeke". Was it yet another Sawyer nickname (perhaps for a hillbilly type of name?), or did he actually know him?
Sun telling Jin not to go after Michael, and Jin obeyed. Nice conversation between them later, too, on not liking being told what to do. Sun saying she's done felt that way the past four years. Plug that into the timeline.
Charlie again showing jealousy over Locke's friendship with Claire.
Interesting to see Vincent (dog) with Ana-Lucia. Talk about irony, since she killed Shannon.
Jack has a ton of pent up aggression.... asking Ana-Lucia how long it will take to train an army? Planning on taking on the Others, I take it?
-----
Synopsis of the preview for next week (episode 2x12: Fire + Water):
-Hurley asking Libby if he's knows her from somewhere. (did she work at the institution Hurley was in?)
-Charlie busting open a statue and putting a finger in the heroin
-Locke asking Charlie if he's using again.
-Charlie standing on the beach with Aaron in his arms, Hurley asking him why, Charlie doesn't know, Claire slaps Charlie.
-We see somebody lift Aaron out of the basket.
-Aaron in the basket is floating away in the ocean, Charlie disrobes and jumps in to get him
TVGuide.com summary:
Locke suspects that Charlie's back on drugs when Charlie's surreal dreams lead him to believe Claire's baby, Aaron, is in danger. Meanwhile, Hurley's attracted to Libby, and Sawyer encourages him to act on it.
