The application of Karma was a fairly interesting device in Ji Yeon, particularly in the scenes between Jin and Bernard and the later ‘forgiveness’ scene between Sun and Jin fairly poignant.

Which means that good things don’t always happen to good people huh Bernie?

I also found it interesting that he referenced Locke and Jack in his thinking:

“..(regarding going with Jack) Because it was the right thing to do. Locke, uh… He’s a murderer. See, it’s all about karma, Jin. Do you know karma? You make bad choices, bad things happen to you. But you make good choices, and then good–Hey! Hey, hey, hey! You got one! Yeah. Here, pull it in. (Jin pulls the fish in) Wow, look at that! You see? Now, that’s karma. We must be the good guys, huh?”

Interesting to note that he believes siding with Jack was a ‘good choice’ on the basis of Locke being a “murderer”, yet he was present when Jack tried to execute Locke just a  few episodes ago!? Does the fact that the gun wasn’t loaded (unbeknown to Jack) render him free from the ‘intent’ to murder one of his fellows? Surely that was a ‘bad choice’ by Jack? Surely Rose (of all people having shared the island healing experience with Locke) would understand the need to protect the island?

If Karma does have anything to do with the show then it’s a murky business because there’s not ‘good or bad’, simply shades of gray. But the use of Karma is another way for the writers to tug once more at the ‘freewill vs fate’ rope. If Karma is all about choices (freewill) what does that say about fate’s role in the show?

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The delicious Yunjin Kim, who plays Sun Kwon, recently appeared on the Late Show- it’s a nice interview with Yunjin who comes across very refreshing. She doesn’t talk that much about Lost but it’s still worth a watch. Check out the video here.

Thanks to Rowdy Yatesfor the headsup!

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Confirmed Dead- I thought this was a very good, evenly paced episode. It had a touch of the ’supernatural’ to it, which I appreciated that as it indicates the compass bearing for the remaining seasons, as well as helping to explain some of the series underlying mythos.

So we have 4 new characters - all “Freighties”. I’ll list them in order of my favourites a:
t the time of viewing this episode.
Miles. I think he is the most interesting - he could be the very clue we have been waiting for in regards to the nature of the islands dead, the whispers and the manifestations. For years I have speculated that the dead are very much ‘living’ on the other-side..and now it seems we have some hard evidence to support that notion. This is indeed the direction that the show is heading towards, it seems.

Miles appears to be a ‘medium’..he has clairvoyance abilities and is able to communicate with dead people. Interestingly his communication with the murdered grandson seems to suggest that the manner in which a person dies affects the way they can communicate with the living and vice versa. I think that this could well give us an indication about the nature of the islands manifestations whispers and visitations..

Daniel Faraday. He’s also extremely interesting. When I saw him crying as the news reported the ‘discover’ of 815, I immediately thought that he was some sort of ‘empath‘. As the episode unravelled I didn’t pick-up on any definite clue, although he does seem to be some-kind of “genius”. He made a few extremely interesting comments and observations (e.g. the way the light scatters on the island) which have sparked my intrigue.

It was great seeing the back-story padding to his immediate arrival on the island - one of the many reasons why I love Lost. They give us this guy through the eyes of Jack and Kate, and he seems so self-assured, confident and knowing..yet an episode later we see the same moments through his eyes, and we see just how clumsy, unsure and insecure he is in that moment and generally.

Frank. Did this guy remind anyone else of John Locke? It’s not just his voice, but I think he also kinda looks like him (a hairy version) as well. Obviously this is intentional.

I think he too is extremely interesting. The fact that he was supposed to be the person piloting the plane is a master-stroke of a device from the creators - immediately it takes us back to the coincidence/fate aspect of the show and throws us a great big boulder to digest. So, who or what prevented Frank from flying 815 on that fateful day..who or what coerced Seth Norris to be the pilot on September 22 2004? ..was it fate..or coincidence?

What makes this question even more amazing is the fact that 3 months later, Frank still ends up on the island. One wonders whether fate had this in store for him all along, or whether human involvement and manipulation is just too random for fate’s tapestry to mould and dictate..

Charlotte. I place her last, but she’s still an interesting character. An archaeologist, it would seem - a person who relishes discovery, no wonder she was so thrilled to end up on the island.

It would appear that all of these people where recruited for a very specific reason - much like the Losties were (perhaps) recruited by the island, and the Others (see Juliet) were recruited by ‘Mittlelos’) and punks like Roger were recruited by Dharma. All 4 members of this team..this agency, were sent to the island for a ‘reason’. Amazingly, we discover just what that reason is in this very episode! Benjamin Linus - I’ll come to my sweet soon.

I love how there is so much more overlapping intrigue to this though - the fact that Naomi was the leader of these ‘ground troops’ - it was her mission to get them in..and here’s the interesting part..to get them ‘out’ alive and well. This would further highlight the idea that Abbadon’s people have very specific objectives in mind. it’s not only the idea that the want Benjamin, but that getting him is perhaps their sole objective. Does this rule out plundering the island’s special properties? If so I stand corrected, but I do not mind, because at the same time it would suggest that if - as Bonnie implied - Ben was to fall..this whole thing would collapse..Jacob..the island..everything is pointing towards the idea that Ben is not only telling the truth, but that he is vital to the survival of the world as we know it. However, in saying that, I would still think that the Freighties (and I’m not necessarily talking about the 4 we’ve seen..I’m referring to Abbadon and the powers that advise him) do have wider goals..goals which I would assume haven’t been divulged to Miles, Charlotte, Frank or Jeremy. After all, there 4 people have been told what they need to know.but what are the ‘wider’ implications of their objectives..surely there must be some?

As for who Abbadon is working for..well, this gets confusing. Last week I began to shy away from my initial idea that the people coming to the island where some-kind of neo-Dharma alliance..and towards the idea of a new, rival faction. After watching Confirmed Dead, I am once again of the idea that it could well be remnants of Dharma - after all, their immediate goal seems to be very specific and VERY personal- Ben Linus. This suggests that Ben has a history with this people..and who else does he have more history with than Dharma..

So there we have the Freighties..a group recruited and dispatched within 3 months (perhaps less) of 815 landing on the island (we have Frank’s back story to corroborate the time-frame). Yet they, or rather, Miles, seems so invested (see angry) in the cause..in finding Ben. Why is this..what is their motivation - not the people they work for, but them? After all, one would assume that 3 months ago they didn’t even know who Ben Linus was..yet Miles is seemingly so driven to get hold of him.

Of course, one of the biggest revelations from this episode was that Ben has a “man on their boat”. This is stunning news - I always believe Ben to be 2-steps ahead of everyone else, but this took even me by surprise! Any guessing that man is Minkowski? He was suspiciously ‘busy’ when Miles tried to contact him. But that leads me to wonder how Ben is getting his inside information from this person (be they Minkowski or whoever) - Is Ben a telepath? Does he have flashes? ..or was communication done prior to getting captured via walkie-talkie?

An alternative would be Michael - was he holding ‘Minker’s’ hostage, was that why he couldn’t come to the phone right now? Who knows.

All of which begs the question - why isn’t this man on the boat doing his best to sabotage the Freighties discovery of the island? Or perhaps we’ve been given enough answers for this week?

Just a quick point - if Ben does indeed have an inside man, then I wonder whether this group has or had an inside man planted within Ben’s group? Alpert, perhaps? Although that would makes things very complicated..

That aside wasn’t it a jaw-dropping moment when “2-steps Ben” put 2 bullets into Charlotte! The gun was literally smoking..but for me it was the precursor to this moment which made it so stunning. Seeing Ben eyeing up the gun (unless he was checking out Karl’s bum) hours earlier made me anticipate the moment..a moment which still shocked me due to the skillful distraction of the story, as well as some nifty camera work. I am glad (for now) that Charlotte isn’t dead, as I don’t want execution to be on Ben’s hands..although one has to consider that for Ben to attempt to kill someone, it must be for a very good reason indeed.

Not like Sawyer, who went all ‘Par Avion Locke’on us by not only questioning why they were keeping a human being alive (something Locke took no end of abuse for last term), but actually attempting to execute him in front of his daughter. This takes us beyond Par Avion Lockeand into the depths of soulless man..a barren soul only tempered by the fact that he sought Hugo’s approval before taking final action. I thought that was a nice touch - indicative of the friendship that these two now appear to have. Still, Sawyer again relished the prospect of murdering Ben scenes later.

I should also mention the discovery of 815 - I thought it was good and bad. For me it seemed far to ARGish - I’m willing to bet that the opening scene was the final scene from the Find 815 alternate reality game which I believe finished last week? I fell off that game as it didn’t grab me like an actual episode does. Still, I can overlook the corney “OMG, it’s Oceanic 815!”because it was still a landmark moment - one which, like last weeks Charlie visitation, altered the landscape and perspective of the show.

As I’ve said before..the compass is well and truly set.

You only have to look at the snippet we saw from Miles’ back-story, where he appeared to ‘channel’ a member of the deceased. THIS is what LOST has been building up to for 3 years, this is the kind of realm that we seem to be heading towards, and whilst it cannot be proven by conventional science, as TPTB promised us, it’s the type of TV that is right up my street!

Just like last weeks 4.01, this one truly comes to life after you’ve watched it a 2nd time. Whilst it’s not quite as great as the premiere, it was still a mighty fine installment in my book.

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This is a simple theory concerning the identity of the person in the coffin - who’s funeral Jack attended in his “Through The Looking Glass” flash forward.

This theory hinges on the possibility that the creators have already thrown us a fishbiscuit (i.e. clue) as to ‘coffin mans’ identity in the premiere episode of Season 4, “The Beginning of the End” and the Season 3 finale.

The possible downfall in this theory is the fact that the man inside the coffin received no fanfare and little turnout for his funeral - in the S4 premiere we saw that the Oceanic 6, of which Hurley was a member, were depicted as “celebrities”. Jack even revealed that he has to sign autographs, and we saw the adulation he received from the man inside the pharmacy in “TTLG”. Which would suggest that the man inside the coffin was not a member of the Oceanic Six, and therefore is not Hurley.

However, there could be ways around this - perhaps it’s related to the “upgrade” that Mathew Abbadon spoke of - perhaps his agency, whoever that may be, helped him to ‘fake’ his own death?

Eitherway, I think that Hugo is a possibility - especially upon noticing the “Damn it” reference which Jack makes in “TTLG” and “TBoTE”.

I should state that my logic suggests that the “O6″ are Kate, Jack, Hurley, Locke, Claire (and Aaron),  Sun OR Jin.

I will try to build on this theory over the course of time - if you’d like to help me do that please visit Lost Community Forums, where I will be posting it. You will also find other theories, such as my alternative ‘man inside the coffin’ theory -”Double Amputee” , as well as spoiler-free fan discussion.

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It’s been a depressing start to 2008 for TV, but LOST has just given me reason to start watching that tellybox again.

As episodes go, this was brilliant. Immediately, I was struck by the change in visuals - they seem to be using a different camera filter this year? The show seems to look more vibrant, radiant even..as if it’s been off on holiday in Hawaii for the past 9 months.. Like a long lost relative my eyes warmed to the sight of new Lost content..yes, even Jack - although that was not to last long.

Which brings me to my first point - I was fully expecting a ’suprise’ beginning, in-keeping with the previous two seasons, however S4 begins with Jack..no twist..no surprise - the vodka bottle gave him away. Same with Hurley..the car made it obvious that it was him. But they clearly weren’t going for the surprise factor just yet - and why force it anyway? 
One of the most striking aspects for me is the changein Hurley - both on the island, and off the island - Charlie’s death obviously hit him hard. His Oceanic 6 reveal is a major seed. I assume we’re talking about himself, Jack, Kate..that leaves 3 more. From the island story I would deduce that Sawyer is also a possibility..as for the other 2, well I would guess Locke  although Claire (and Aaron) could also complete the 6 (would Aaron count as an Oceanic passenger?)

But this ‘Oceanic 6′ thing is even more of a puzzle when the current island story is considered - Hurley (along with many others) sided with Locke..Off-island Hurley then tells Jack that he made a mistake in doing that..yet both Hurley andJack made it back. This indicates that somewhere along the line, the two groups get thrown back together - although Hurley indicates that the damage has already been done. Unless he’s talking about a separate ’siding with Locke’ incident.

What I especially look forward to seeing is how Jack goes from being pleased to have left the island (in this flash forward) and not wanting to go back..to the bearded Jack we saw at the end of  “Through The Looking Glass”. My hat goes off to TPTB, as they have created yet another layer and yet more stepping-stones to a mystery many thought would be striking. The beginning of the end?…more like the end of the beginning..

But the mastery of this episode does not end there..we have officially ended another dimension of LOST - Hurley’s visit from Charlie is, I believe, a major signpost as to the nature of the visions and manifestations. From their interactions it could be argued that TPTB are suggesting there is a base to support the claims of those who see dead people/visions etc..those who are deemed mentally unwell, for instance, are perhaps able to see beyond the curtain. The island is a place where sightings and visitations of people past is normal..the island seems to heighten the senses making it possible to see through to the otherside - however Hurley was able to interact with Charlie in the outside world..and it wasn’t only him, his friend also saw him, which suggests that Charlie (and NOT Smokey) did actually visit Hurley. Only thing is, Hugo saw Charlie before he was resubmitted to Santa Rosa..which may simply suggest that Hurley is special. Ben saw his dead mother on the island..his mom died off the island..Hurley is experiencing a verysimilar thing, only the other way around. This is extremely interesting..

As is the fact that Hurley saw Jacob. This is earth shattering for me, as I was under the impression that only those who are ‘connected’ can see or communicate with Jacob - Ben, Locke for example.. does this catapult Hurley up into their level of specialness? Perhaps the numbers were not Hurley’s curse, but his gift..I am now considering the possibility that Hugo subconsciously willed himself to win the lottery - if he has the gift, then this is surely possible?

The two new characters appear very interesting indeed - ‘Mathew Abbadon’ could well be an Oceanic seemingly that he works for other powers - Widmore or some other agency, perhaps. And who was he referring to when he asked Hurley if they were still alive - Losties left behind on the island, I assume? If six made it (”Oceanic Six), then what fate has befallen the rest of them? Were they made to stay, and under what circumstances? Why would Jack make any deal to only bring back 5 of his people? All very juicy.

As for George Minkowski..was that him who landed on the island at the end? I don’t know what it is about his voice, but it sends me chills up my spine than any Jacob “Help me”.

The Naomi plot device was good and bad for me, it required a massive leap of blind trust. How could see survive the knife in the back? OK, “wounds are different on this island”,yes thank you Mikhail (who, incidentally I thought Hurley would see floating in the water during his cannon ball!), but isn’t it a bit convenient that she managed to climb a tree (a treefor goodness sakes!) where Kate just happened to stop under..only to die moments later. I take it the island healed her sufficiently enough to allow her to set up a decoy blood-trail, climb a tree, attack Kate and speak to Minkowski..why then, did the healing stop? Did the island suddenly reject her? As I said, leap of faith required. I’ll let the creators off for that one, just don’t do it again, this isn’t “Heroes“.

Also coincidental was everyone just happening to meet up at the same location within minutes of one another - are they jerking my chain or is this a subtle nod to there being more to coincidence and fate than we realise? As if a beginning of an end wasn’t enough of a paradox.

Still, the Jack/Locke stand-off was immense..this was what I had waited 3 seasons to see..this time Locke didn’t skulk off into the jungle and allow Jack to take the glory, no, he stood his ground and gave people are fair choice. Hugo’s speech was immense and the whole scene was fantastically done. Sawyer choosing to “survive” was interesting - could it be him afterall who is in that coffin? I doubt it, but it made me reconsider for a second, as Kate would have reason to hate him for choosing Locke over her and Jack.

I intentionally haven’t mentioned Ben yet..but may I say he was sublime. He had me in stitches with his sarcastic comments and observations. Although I am slightly confused - is he using gamesmanship, or is everyone really going to die..afterall he asked Rousseau to get Alex away from “here” -which I took to mean the radio tower area..now that they’re at the wreckage (on-route to barracks), are they still under as great a threat? Afterall their was no sweeping bombing campaign or anything like that - perhaps the island will do something in an attempt to ‘cleans’ itself..maybe Ben is referring to what the island will do and less to what the Freighties will immediately do..that, or the 2004 Tsunami..it’s due afterall.

I loved Ben’s “With your permission Jack, I’d like to go with John Locke”.  (although Ben did look a tad surprised that Jack actually let him go..which is interesting)

As for Jack attempting to murder Locke, well, this is deep..I had a feeling he’d pull the trigger (thought the gun would jam or something), but he has now lost the plot - he couldn’t kill Tom so he wanted someone to pay. I found Locke’s “you’re not going to kill me Jack, no more than I was going to..(kill you)”. Which perhaps tells us Locke’s plea at the end of 3.22 wasn’t as last ditch and desperate as it appeared.

..And just WHAT was he up to in Jacob’s cabin..getting ‘further instructions’, perhaps. As for the cabin following Hurley around, I’ve got a theory on that and will probably post it up later.

I should perhaps end on the Christian/Jacob thing - I did notice the white shoes - well, they appeared to be white to me, so I immediately thought ‘Christian!’. However, I do not believe that Jacob is Christian..rather than Jacob can and has previously taken the form of the islands dead..in one of my theories I suggested that Jacob (or the island) can inhabit people who have died, or who’s bodies are on the island..that he needs souls to ‘exist’ - almost like a body-hopper.

A truly great episode..it’s so good to be LOST all over again.

For more discussion and views on this episode, head over to Lost Community Forums.

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The wait is finally over for UK LOST fans, after the premiere of Season 4: “The Beginning of the End” on Sky One!

Expect a full episode review as well as observations and theories throughout the week, in the meantime head on over to Lost Community Forums for all the latest fan reaction!

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Sky customers with a HD (high definition) or recent Sky+ box will be able to watch Season 4 of LOST a whole 24 hours before its Sky One broadcast (Sunday 3rd Feb 2008).The first two episodes of season four will be downloaded to Sky Anytime on TV-enabled boxes on Saturday, February 2 and Saturday, February 9.Full episodes will also be made available on Sky Anytime on PC and catch-up clips will be added to Sky Mobile TV.

Here’s what else Sky have to say on the matter:

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Yeah, so I’ve kinda fallen off the Find 815 bandwagon of late, which means that I haven’t been able to deliver any updates. Which is a shame because I was kind of enjoying following Sam’s pursuit for his beloved Sonya. Anyway, this brings me to the point of this posts, basically I’m looking for someone who has been following the find 815 from start to, well finish, to contribute on the site. I’ll need them to post up some updates, findings or reviews - anything which gives a good update of events since Chapter - which is were I left off.

If you’re interested and want to have a contributing role on the site, then drop me a note explaining why you want the role and why you think you’d be good, by using this form.

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Oceanic are even using TV advertising now!

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I liked this episode, it was funny but I also felt for Jin as we all have days like that. Well, maybe not quite like that, but you know, Jin has a […] Continue Reading…

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