Lost review for May 8
Impressive. Any episode focusing on Locke is a good episode, and this was no exception. I don't think any episode has shown such a wide variety of timelines. We see from John's birth to his childhood, his time in highschool, and some time during his therapy after falling from the building. Most interesting though are the people who visited him.
First off - we see Richard again, who appears to be ageless. It is strongly implied that Richard was Locke's father. Why? When Locke's grandmother sees him, I swear I saw a look of contempt on her face. She definitely seemed to recognize him. If he is the father, then Richard is certainly more than a ghost.
Later on in Locke's life, we see him interact with the black man. Ok, the 'black man' is not a great name, but I'm not aware of his name on the show. (At least I've finally remembered Richard's name.) He offers Locke some helpful advice - and that's what's really eating at me.
Earlier in the show Richard visits Locke and seems disappointed when Locke didn't pass a test. The African American gentleman - who works for Widmore - seemed to be happy with Locke. If Richard represents the Island - this seems... odd.
More and more we seem to have the Island being represented as a sentient force. Locke asks Christopher at the cabin what he should do to protect the Island. And the answer - move the Island - implies some sense of self-protection.
So let's think about it. The Island has drawn an old slave ship. It drew in the Dharma Initiative. It drew in the airplane. It's certainly drawing Widmore. The Island then is obviously very special. Very powerful. And it wants to protect itself. It slaughtered Dharma. It brought down the airplane to help defend itself against Widmore. It's alive. I just know it.
Anyway I'm rambling now. Next week looks to be great.