tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post878973157818608521..comments2024-03-19T05:50:19.572-04:00Comments on What's Alan Watching?: Lost, "Dr. Linus": Follow another leaderAlan Sepinwallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03388147774725646742noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-80895568177159985762010-03-17T13:35:56.330-04:002010-03-17T13:35:56.330-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.sqhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14293620668702943928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-78665949327026921862010-03-12T19:44:16.043-05:002010-03-12T19:44:16.043-05:00Hey Alan.. I was watching Dr Linus when I had a vi...Hey Alan.. I was watching Dr Linus when I had a vision: how about BEN AT STERLING COOPER?? Wouldn't it be gorgeous? He has a perfect 60s look, while the mix between his educated manners and his totally creepy glimpse makes him perfect for SC! How about a scene between Benry and Bert Cooper, discussing about japanese tapestry and postmodern painters meanwhile thinking how to kill someone off the agency?<br />Go tell Weiner to hire Emerson as soon as Lost is over!!Uncle Sayidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-69757070126556143172010-03-12T19:34:16.466-05:002010-03-12T19:34:16.466-05:00Hey Alan.. I was watching Dr Linus when I had a vi...Hey Alan.. I was watching Dr Linus when I had a vision: what about BEN AT STERLING COOPER?? Wouldn't it be gorgeous? He has a perfect 60s look, while the mix between his educated manners and his total creepy glimpse makes him perfect for SC! How about a scene between Benry and Bert Cooper, discussing about japanese tapestry and postmodern painters meanwhile thinking how to kill someone off the agency?<br />Go tell Weiner to hire Emerson as soon as Lost is over!!Uncle Sayidnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-62045210124570867892010-03-11T23:20:49.305-05:002010-03-11T23:20:49.305-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08127066498713308348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-10667314910398678572010-03-11T22:13:54.749-05:002010-03-11T22:13:54.749-05:00Regarding Ben and Linus leaving the island....they...Regarding Ben and Linus leaving the island....they definitely did not leave on the sub when Dharmaville was evacuated. Ben was in the Others' camp right before the evacuation. And Linus shot Sayid AFTER the sub had left. So clearly, there was no miraculous reunion/evacuation.<br /><br />I really, really, really hope the Alt-universe isn't an "epilogue." Especially, if it means that everything that happened on the island, never happened.Kristennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-50992728021625036502010-03-11T17:32:59.087-05:002010-03-11T17:32:59.087-05:00Lapidus was never said to be a candidate, and Ilan...Lapidus was never said to be a candidate, and Ilana never said anything on the subject. When she, Bram and the rest of Jacob's bodyguards landed the outrigger with Lapidus on the front of it, Bram asked why they bothered to bring him. Ilana said, "He might be important." Bram said, "Do you think he's a candidate?" Ilana looked at sneaky Frank, figured out he was paying attention while pretending to be knocked out still, and said, "He's awake." Bram asked him how long he'd been listening to them, and Frank said, "Long enough to wonder what a candidate is" or possibly "...what I'm a candidate for." And since then his status as a candidate or not hasn't been touched on. I'm going with no, though I imagine there's a reason he was brought back.Hatfieldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01184680741873873714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-46841142079163158382010-03-11T15:33:57.764-05:002010-03-11T15:33:57.764-05:00Different strokes for different folks, but I just ...Different strokes for different folks, but I just don't understand the people who don't appreciate the flash-sidewayses(es). <br /><br />On a purely narrative level, these are like fun comic book "what if?" stories, the alternative universe in which Bruce Wayne's parents never died, or Harry Osborne was bitten by that radioactive spider. They're FUN.<br /><br />But on a thematic level, I think they are a fantastic way of doing just what the LOST writers have always said they were doing: exploring characters in unique ways, not just spinning some elaborate Tolkeinesque fantasy world with a complex set of rules that would ultimately explain everything.<br /><br />These are interesting stories about flawed people, and in earlier seasons the show seemed to be about whether they'd learned from their past, or could correct, or grow. Now we're just being treated to some version of them that did.<br /><br />I'm sure ultimately the writers will find SOME way of fitting it together. For me the biggest implication of Roger's Dharma reference was that these CANNOT be alternative universe stories: it does not appear that these stories are "what would have happened had the Island blown up/sank." Roger and Ben left INDEPENDENTLY of that, because as far as we know, they were ON THE ISLAND WHEN IT HAPPENED. These stories are something else. <br /><br />So people who want the all tied together before they can care -- you'll get it, eventually, I suppose. But I still think these have been a blast to watch, and I wouldn't lose a moment of enjoyment from them if they never tied them together and they simply remained "what if" stories. <br /><br />And, yes, I'm one of those people who would watch 5 seasons of Ben and Locke as high school teachers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-82237227710771769722010-03-11T15:05:18.849-05:002010-03-11T15:05:18.849-05:00When Ilana said there were six candidates, I first...When Ilana said there were six candidates, I first thought they had to be the Oceanic Six. Thus Kate could be a "secret" candidate, and Sawyer could be the "con" candidate, as a way for Jacob to trick MIB. I keep thinking there is something meaningful about their numbers being reversed, 15 and 51.<br /><br />But perhaps Kate is not a candidate, and instead she will be the replacement for Richard. Jacob touched her, and she did initially come to the island as a prisoner in chains, so to speak.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-76066240315214468292010-03-11T14:39:09.278-05:002010-03-11T14:39:09.278-05:00Good episode all around. I liked how the smaller ...Good episode all around. I liked how the smaller island with the Hydra station was a nice metaphor for Elba, which Linus describes in class at the beginning. The set up may have been a bit heavy-handed, but I felt that it worked.JamesGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-738739841677993392010-03-11T13:59:08.363-05:002010-03-11T13:59:08.363-05:00I think Ilana brought up the possibility that he w...I think Ilana brought up the possibility that he was a candidate (it's not clear why). I don't think anyone ever confirmed that, it was just a reason not to kill him or abandon him. Which makes it a little weird that Ilana is so certain of who the candidates are now (or at least their number).Chrissyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16543960876991187244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-991173875875365822010-03-11T12:12:07.625-05:002010-03-11T12:12:07.625-05:00For everyone counting candidates:
Didn't Ilana...For everyone counting candidates:<br />Didn't Ilana say that Lapidus was a candidate? I may be forgetting him being discounted as one, but last I remember, he was.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-17174595226868417772010-03-11T12:11:48.404-05:002010-03-11T12:11:48.404-05:00Leipodoptera wrote:
>>I should not have pain...Leipodoptera wrote:<br />>>I should not have painted with such a broad brush in asking about school nurses, as most of you clearly were able to have your tummy aches instantly administered to well into your late teens.>><br /><br />Well, not so much the having anyone's tummy aches be administered to, much more the "have someone who is legally mandated to control and dispense endless supplies of ritalin" and "be able to respond when someone gets stabbed" (as one might imagine, I work in a High School).<br /><br />I can't really imagine that all schools aren't legally required to have a medical professional in them.bakijahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11357029145748622693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-77579818288137873132010-03-11T10:26:34.945-05:002010-03-11T10:26:34.945-05:00Ok Ok, i gotta say I'm fucking happy about the...Ok Ok, i gotta say I'm fucking happy about the shape of things to come.<br /><br />I can also tell you guys I've enjoyes this week-episode, and it means that i can see an ending in the path.<br />The only I can't really understand is that our characters are getting two kinda endings at the alt-timeline, and i haven't got why that.<br />Is that the answer for the decision they have done as in the choose of one of those sides (jacob or Smokey)they wann go through? <br />I got myself willing that our lost is gonna end up at those alt-timelines, well, the choices they make at the island on the main-timeline will lead them to that ending at 2004-timeline, which means that it's (in epilogue) the end of series.<br />As if in every stories, (including here every kinda kid-story as The Lion King and every one out there), everything can't be good at once, i mean, some of them, even they make he right choice, they are gonna wind up in a non-good ending, or, an ending non-totally good, as we see said, having his willed nadia married with his blood-brother.<br />but, though, we also see jack getting a son.<br />After all so far I can say that I've got an idea of how it's all gonna end up, and that makes me feel really fucking good.<br /><br />=)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11417132696456426348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-46400281710945919972010-03-11T08:56:32.971-05:002010-03-11T08:56:32.971-05:00well, the down side of watching Lost, commercial-f...well, the down side of watching Lost, commercial-free, on iTunes is that no one here or other thoughtful communities will read this. However, maybe someone will and provide their thoughts. <br /><br />I loved this episode, despite the plot-holes etc. Whoda thunk I'd be weeping for Benjamin Linus?<br /><br />(re blackmailing the principal, alt-ben may have thought that if he got his way, the principal might, down the road, torpedo Alex's college education, if Ben's plan worked.)<br /><br />Here is the big thing that doesn't sit right for me:<br /><br />Ben slaughtered the Dharma Initiative, presumably at Jacob's request. He slaughtered people he knew, including Horace, who had cared for him. <br /><br />So when Miles says that Jacob "was hoping he was wrong about you", it doesn't make sense. Why would Jacob think this? Of course Ben would be willing to kill Jacob! He slaughtered all of Dharma! <br /><br />And as touching as Ben's speech to Ilana was, I am not sure he actually regrets killing the Dharma folks, or his father, or regrets inducing Sayid to kill those guys Sayid killed. I can't figure out if the writers are just trying to tie things up nicely, or if Ben is as capable of lying to himself as he is of lying to everyone else. <br /><br />But, yes, like Sayid, Ben has had to give up his soul, and probably Alex represented that for him. <br /><br />But Jacob shouldn't then expect that that soul would turn out to be intact.Juliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01617913434418243769noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-29476462765523768192010-03-11T03:59:28.490-05:002010-03-11T03:59:28.490-05:00I don't know why ABC doesn't just put surp...I don't know why ABC doesn't just put surprise guest appearances in the end credits like <i>24</i> does.thedemonhoghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01102612966838653626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-38727468643178485192010-03-11T02:00:32.155-05:002010-03-11T02:00:32.155-05:00drbristol:
Notice that I immediately retracted my...drbristol:<br /><br />Notice that I immediately retracted my theory because there was already a precedent that shot it down. Which was why I said it was a <i>brief</i> thought during the broadcast. But I like that the show gets my mind going with various theories and whatnot. No, I agree with an earlier comment of Alan's where Jacob's touch would propel those touched into doing something that ultimately led to their being on the island. It's all speculation at this point. It could very well be that Jacob's touch is the catalyst for the end of the world!Henrynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-68103288679795113442010-03-11T01:29:06.832-05:002010-03-11T01:29:06.832-05:00Just a few quick notes :
- I think we already est...Just a few quick notes :<br /><br />- I think we already established that the island is mobile/floating : didn't someone tell us a few seasons back that the reason Losties couldn't be found was due to the Island changing its position?<br /><br />Which reminds me - remember when the island "vanished" back in season 4 finale - where did it go? We assumed it went back in time with Sawyer, Juliet, etc. but in reality, it was tham who were skipping through the past of the island. Any thoughts on that?<br /><br />- Why didn't Illana shoot Ben as soon as she found out he killed Jacob? She just said "he was like a father to me" unconvincingly, and remembered to exact her vengeance only after they reached the beach. Was there some imperative that everyone who dies on the island must be buried? Made no sense.<br /><br />- I burst out laughing when Richard casually appeared out of nowhere and intruded in Jack and Hurley's conversation on the whereabouts of the temple. The direction of the scene was very silly, he looked like he just came out of a scene from Suddenly Susan.<br /><br />- How would the principal know that he could counter-blackmail Ben with the future of that one random student?Rogannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-78796303917919949262010-03-11T01:17:28.555-05:002010-03-11T01:17:28.555-05:00Chrissy,
I think Rose is in the same boat as Char...Chrissy,<br /><br />I think Rose is in the same boat as Charlie. On the island, healed and living happily with Vincent and Bernard, not bothering anyone. Then in the parallel world, she's got terminal cancer again. I can't see how it's an epilogue.Danonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-70972797004285803852010-03-11T00:14:49.535-05:002010-03-11T00:14:49.535-05:00I'm intrigued with Greg S's theory. The id...I'm intrigued with Greg S's theory. The idea that we are seeing the epilog, as Alan posits, makes sense but is not as satisfying. <br /><br />Ben is infinitely watchable so I loved the episode. Also liked the return to ending an episode with no words - just the camera rolling as characters move about. <br /><br />I think the existence of smoke monsters and donkey wheels and generally being in the dark about the plot, only amplifies the ordinary everyday bits that contradict our knowledge of such circumstances or situations. Living in LA, I was baffled and distracted by the absence of helicopters following Kate a few episodes back! Totally irrelevant, I knew, but it diverted my attention. My takeaway was that in Ben's alt timeline he selflessly puts Alex's happiness ahead of his own at an important juncture in her life unlike the choice he made on the island and unlike so many of the fathers on this show have done for their own children.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-36931366966430453732010-03-10T23:22:57.697-05:002010-03-10T23:22:57.697-05:00Certainly were when I was in high school, which wa...<i>Certainly were when I was in high school, which was well after Leave it to Beaver times.</i><br /><br />In a Lost thread, how could you not go with "Fonzie times" there?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-16643506422404859942010-03-10T22:40:34.677-05:002010-03-10T22:40:34.677-05:00Jughead is not the reason that the island is under...Jughead is not the reason that the island is underwater.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-12571283333080723752010-03-10T22:33:41.449-05:002010-03-10T22:33:41.449-05:00I went to a public high school in CA in the 80s, a...I went to a public high school in CA in the 80s, and we had a nurse...<br /><br />As for the rest, I'm content to let it unfold.<br /><br />To the commenter who thought the Skipper was guesting, you really made me chuckle. Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-27896859134495795462010-03-10T20:59:20.969-05:002010-03-10T20:59:20.969-05:00Greg S., the problem with your theory is that Ben ...<i>Greg S., the problem with your theory is that Ben and Roger were still on the island in 1977, so if the LA X timeline is simply showing what would have happened if the bomb went off, sank the island and prevented The Incident, the Linus men would both be dead at the bottom of the ocean.</i><br /><br />Alan, I think he clearly precludes your assumption by saying:<br /><br /><i>Another part of this theory is that both the bomb energy and the "time/electromagnetic" energy under the Swan were used up in creating the Sideways timestream, so there was no immediate devastation on the island. This allows for Ethan, Ben, plus both Others and Dahrma people to leave the Island and become doctors, teachers, etc. (I don't think the bomb sunk the island. I think that something else caused it at least a little bit later, otherwise Ben would not have had time to leave the island).</i><br /><br />If Greg is right, then maybe the bomb "disarmed" the island's magnetic anomalies and made it inert without causing any outward damage. Then Ben and Dad could have stayed long enough for Dad to decide to leave. <br /><br />It seems a little too obstinate to insist that, in a world in which an island can be moved by a donkey wheel, an atomic bomb would most certainly level the whole island. I think it just turned off the mojo like a light switch. Perhaps losing the mojo caused it to slowly sink over the many years that followed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-67514312587492723882010-03-10T20:24:34.215-05:002010-03-10T20:24:34.215-05:00Henry said: "I had the brief thought during t...Henry said: "I had the brief thought during the episode that Richard's talk about Jacob's touch would mean that everyone who got Jacob's touch would live forever, but that seemed ridiculous. In fact, John's death is proof that touched people don't live forever."<br /><br />It's that these people can't kill themselves, which explains why a "loophole" was needed for MIB to kill Jacob (via Ben); also why Richard could walk through the sonic fence without issue.<br /><br />I'm also cracking up that people are nitpicking college admission letters but accepting smoke monsters, time travel and rteincarnation pools. With 10 eps left, it's time to be people of faith, not science.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17517257.post-79077921848561492862010-03-10T20:24:13.729-05:002010-03-10T20:24:13.729-05:00Alex hadn't already asked the principal for th...<i>Alex hadn't already asked the principal for the letter when she was in the library with Dr. Linus. At that point, as the adult, he could have debunked her idea that she needed a letter of rec from him just because he went to Yale. She might not have realized this, being 17, but her doctor of modern European history teacher sure would have, and it would have saved him a lot of trouble.</i><br /><br />Disagree here. Why would Ben ever suggest a promising student *not* get a letter of recommendation from an alumnus. He has no reason to think it will be negative, and has only just begun formulating his evil plan. The only reason for him to suggest against this would be to eliminate an obstacle to his goal, and it was established that Alt-Ben is not willing to let Alex experience the ill effects of his ambition.<br /><br />--<br />I'm curious about Ben killing Locke, given what we know about candidates now. Is there any way he knew that Locke couldn't kill himself at that point? Was it totally a coincidence? <br /><br />--<br />In response to the idea that the Alt universe is an epilogue based on the characters choices, or what they deserve - if that is the case Charlie got the rawest deal in history. He makes possibly the biggest sacrifice of any character, for the ultimate good cause, and in the alt-universe he's still a drug addict, but with a death wish to boot? I won't say that Darlton can't be cruel, but considering we're unlikely to spend much more time with Charlie in which to make sense of this it seems far too mean-spirited.Chrissyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16543960876991187244noreply@blogger.com