TV Fan

The Ice Dungeon.

"Well, Jacob, I hope you're happy," grumbled a frosty Benjamin Linus, as he looked toward the heavens. He had just descended from a tunnel deep down into the heart of The Island. It would be here, that he would twist the giant lever that would change his life. After all, he had just said that he who moves the Island does not come back. This was right before he bequeathed his leadership of The Others to John Locke.

Pretty powerful stuff. The type of heavy-duty game-changing that will be an iconic moment in Lost history. There is no going back from here. Not for the characters, or even the show itself. (Probably a reason why some people couldn't quite swallow the Jack/appendix fiasco- we're sort of past all those small-time problems at this point.) The Island Teleport was the second climax of what was essentially a 4-peak evening.

The first was The Fate of the Freighter. Desmond, Michael, and Jin all got to really shine here, as the Des did some educating about the wiring of the C4. Michael came up with the (really quite brilliant) idea of freezing the explosive to keep it from responding to the remote detonation signal. (This works in real life, by the way.) Unfortunately, they didn't have enough liquid nitrogen. And the helicopter didn't have enough fuel. Lapidus needed to land right on that hot potato- what timing! These scenes provided excellent suspence, even when we know the outcome. Sort of. I did not expect Michael and Jin's doom to play out so damn well. "You may go now." BOOOOMMMM!!!!    

My heart broke for Sun as she wailed for her husband through the inferno. Back at The Orchid, it was Ben who was responsible, as he finally avenged his daughter's murder by killing Keamy, and setting off his timer. I think I might miss that bastard- he really helped everyone step up their game, including Sayid, who got the best fight of his life!

And now, a special note to James Ford:

           Dear Sawyer,

                        It was a crime that there was no Sawyer-centric episode this season, but you made up for it in spades! You were home free. The look on Hurley's face when Frank said the chopper was about 200 pounds too heavy spoke volumes. I know you knew that. You also saw the look on Kate's face. I now know you love her more than Jack does. I apologize for thinking he and Kate make the better couple. It should be you two. Your jumping out of the helicopter into the ocean to save the others was the noblest thing I may have ever seen in my life.

            Your newest fan,

                        The Grizz

Jack's lack of a reaction to this heroic gesture seemed terribly ungrateful, and made him look like a real deuschebag. So did his unyielding "leader" conversation with John back at the Orchid. And a lot of other stuff he's been doing lately. What's up with my hero? Dr. Shephard is in serious need of some redeeming.  Hopefully he will.

The Reunion

The 3^rd Climax was a feel good moment that was definitely needed. With Lost's body count rivaling that of a Rambo movie, things only seemed to be getting grimmer and grimmer. But then we met some old familiar faces. Remember those German? Russian? Eskimo dudes from the end of season 2? They found our castaways and Penny was with them! Happy day! She couldn't believe her eyes as Desmond rushed into her arms. That embrace was a long time coming (3 years in the making). That explains why he wasn't one of the O6, but does this mean his story is over? Is his thread finished? No more time-traveling mice? (though time-traveling bunnies may be even better anyway.) He's supposed to be Faraday's Constant so maybe Daniel will muck up his happy home in Season 5.

Speaking of Faraday, I liked his insight on what "forever" could really mean. But Charlotte wouldn't go with him. She and Miles may have made the right choice because with a missing island and an incinerated freighter, it looks like he and a handful of others just floating around in the middle of nowhere. Did he make it back?

Juliet staying put was weird too, because I would think she'd be pulling Kate's hair to get on that chopper. 3 years! I think she realizes she's a bone-head now, because she turned to a bottle of rum to drown her sorrows. No boat. No friends. No Others. No nothin. I'm reminded of Jack Sparrow, marooned. (I don't get to use that word enough, marooned.)

Meanwhile, back in the future (that's never not fun to say), Sun visited Whidmore, Sayid visited Hurley, and Claire visited Kate (in a dream, but we all know dreams are more than just dreams on this show). Looks like more pieces are being set in place, this time for next season. Most importantly, Ben visited Jack, with prospects of a return to the island. This can only be done if everyone's involved, everyone including The Man in the Box. The final climax answered a question raised almost 365 days ago: Who is in the coffin?

John Locke, that's who. Ha! I knew he'd get himself killed, I knew it! So much for fate! What a punk! ...sorry...I mean, I was genuinely shocked, and truth be told, kinda saddened by this. I loved to hate him. A shame. The show tried to fool us with all that "Jeremy Something-or-other business, but really that was all just to keep the reveal a surprise.  Now they have to come up with a reason for why John had his name changed. An unecessary concern when there are bigger writing issues at hand- and other questions *four-toe statue* that still need answering with such short time left.

A final note about the "man in the box." This is a term generally referring to a "double" in a magic act. He's the guy who hides offstage before and after the trick has been performed. Sometimes it is the magician himself who has to remain hidden while his counterpart takes the applause. Or boos. (Check out The Prestige) I wouldn't be surprised if it was some sort of creepy Locke doppelganger laying in that casket- due to the help of Richard's secrets and an endless-bag-o-tricks Island that seems to like him a whole lot.

What a doozie! Well, I guess this is it. It's been a blast and I'll miss you all! How did everyone do on their predictions? I'm 2/12 I think. Still kinda shell shocked right now so it's hard to collect my thoughts. Did moving the Island live up to your expectations? (I was expecting it to actually drive away or something, I dunno) Wasn't it nice of them to mention Mr. Eko one last time? Will Walt learn about his dad? How great was it that Ben didn't care about the people on the boat- "So?"

What are you most looking forward to next season?

            -More Ben vs Whidmore cat and mouse action

            -How Locke runs The Others camp

            -The results of the "Island-Hop"

            -Jack and Co. quest to return

            -How Locke dies