Lost 4Episode 401The Beginning of the End“The beginning of the end”…. It really does feel like it, doesn’t it? We all know that this show is beginning to wind up its storylines, and it’s kinda sad in a way.
But enough of that, we should all be happy because
Lost is back! Monday nights will never be the same again!
When I first saw Jackass in the opening moments of the episode, I literally groaned out loud. The thought that we were going to be subjected to another Jackass-centric episode was just agonizing. Luckily, it bypassed the alcohol drinking, beard-growing Jackass and focused on Hurley.
Wow. Hurley. Who’d have thought!!! For the first time since Lost started, we have an opening episode that is not Jackass-centric!! I think that it’s really interesting that Hurley was the one chosen to break this norm. Should we have been paying more attention to Hurley??
I mean, Hurley is one of the most lovable and most likable characters on this show but initially he
was just one of the lesser important key characters. However, over the past 3 seasons, his role on the island has grown. And so has his character. In my article “
Season 3 wrap up” I stated that Hurley was one of the characters I thought had the best character development. Hurley’s come to the fore as someone who could potentially be a key character in this whole mystery.
Anyway, Hurley’s flash-forward reveals that he is one of the Oceanic 6. In other words, he (along with Jackass, Kate and 3 others) has left the island. But Hurley is wracked with guilt, going so far as to willingly let himself be re-institutionalized.
And this is where Charlie enters the picture. Charlie appears to Hurley and informs him that “they need him”. I have no doubt that Charlie is dead; believe me, there wouldn’t be anybody happier than me if it is eventually revealed that Charlie is somehow alive… but I believe that he is dead. And I also think that the Charlie that Hurley sees is a figment of his imagination.
Its survivor’s guilt, I’d say… plus something else that I am not able to, or not willing to put a name to right now. In my opinion, Hurley knows that they need to go back but is too afraid to do so. But... if Charlie is a figment of Hurley’s imagination, how is it that the other patient sees him as well??
Also interesting to note is that Jackass pays Hurley a visit in the hospital. This is obviously before Jackass flash-forward from last season. So … I’d like to know what happens to Jackass to make him change his mind about going back to the island.
Back on the island, things are moving along nicely. Desmond returns to the beach with the news of Charlie’s death and warning. They set off to warn the others. Along the way, Hurley is quiet and heartbroken and Sawyer tries to comfort him. That was so sweet. As hard as Sawyer tries to pretend that he doesn’t care about anyone but himself, his tough exterior is being slowly chipped away… he really cares, or at least, he cares about Hurley anyway. I wonder how long this phase of his will last though. I doubt it won’t be too soon before he’s back to his old ways.
Hurley gets lost while following the group and finds himself in front of Jacob’s cottage, where he actually sees Jacob rocking away in his chair before being terrified by an eye peering out at him. (I think it was Locke)
Interesting!!!!!! Hurley sees Jacob as well. If the Others can be believed, not everyone can see Jacob, but Hurley can! Interesting. Anyway, Locke joins the trek into the jungle where they eventually come across the Losties. Hurley tearfully informs Claire of Charlie’s death.
That, for me, was one of the saddest parts of the episode. I sobbed and sobbed. Claire looks like she simply cannot believe it. I feel really, really heart sore for Hurley. Charlie’s death makes it the second person who has died (on the island) that Hurley had a strong bond with.
Before long however, the groups gets splintered into two for the first time. Hurley, Claire, Benry, Danielle, Alex, Carl and…. Sawyer team up with Locke, while the rest stay with Jackass and wait to be rescued.
Okay, now the key points from the island goings-on are:
• Hurley’s belief that going with Locke is to ensure that Charlie has not died in vain. In one way, I’m really pleased that Hurley has stopped following Jackass blindly, but one has to wonder how objective his decision is (considering the fact that he is quite emotional at this point in time). I wasn’t surprised that Claire went with Locke as well. Hurley’s reasoning re Charlie won her over.
Sawyer electing to join them is not unexpected. It’s very Sawyer-like. I’m not sure how to explain this, but I think it’s a wise move for him to be away from Kate for a while. Sawyer needs to follow his own path, but being in love with Kate hinders him. Ok, I guess my Kate-hate has not lessened any.
• The splintering of the group is also a really important occurrence. For the first time since they crashed on the island, some of the Losties have elected to follow someone other than Jackass. Jackass’s motives may have been questioned last season, but the Losties still looked to him as their leader.
• Hurley seeing Jacob. I think it’s important. Not sure how yet, but it’s important!!!
• Jackass “shooting” Locke. Wow. Very surprising. Jackass didn’t know that Locke’s gun was not loaded. He was really prepared to kill Locke. The rift between these two just gets larger and larger all the time.
What we have learnt this episode• Hurley is one of the Oceanic six (along with Jackass and Kate).
• Something happens to Jackass once they’ve left the island to make him believe that he needs to go back.
• Naomi ensures that her team finds the island
• Naomi’s people land on the island.
New Questions*Is Charlie really dead? I’m just throwing this one in because I think it’s valid. Like I have said, I believe he is; but this is still something I think is going to be brought up time and time again
*Who is the person who goes to see Hurley in the mental hospital? And who is the “They” that he is referring to? Is he an Other? Is he part of Naomi’s company??
* Who are Naomi and her people. Who do they work for? What do they want with the Island?
Our long wait is over!!! Has it been worth the wait though? Well, I think it has been. We’ve had nothing jaw-dropping in this episode, but it was a sad, interesting and well paced episode. Personally, I can’t wait for the next episode. If this season turns out to be anywhere as good as Season 3, I’ll be a happy fan.
Trivia (courtesy of tv.com)• During the scene where Hurley is talking with Matthew Abbadon (the guy who visits him in the hospital) a drawing of an island, shark and boat can be seen behind them. These are all staples of the show.
• In Hurley's vision in the interrogation room, Charlie has the words "They Need You" written on his hand.
• The Camaro Hurley was driving in his flash forward was the same Camaro he had worked on previously with his absentee father.
Interesting Screen Captures
Sawyer getting ready for the trip into the jungle
Sawyer joining the Locke Club
Rescue!!!
Rescuer??