The Long Con

First impressions? An interesting episode that continues the darker mood of “Fire + Water” with some interesting twists. Almost no clues for the sci-fi theorists, and a lot of emphasis on characters and motives… some of which left us scratching our heads. On the one hand, it made us sit up and say, “Well, now […]

First impressions? An interesting episode that continues the darker mood of “Fire + Water” with some interesting twists. Almost no clues for the sci-fi theorists, and a lot of emphasis on characters and motives… some of which left us scratching our heads. On the one hand, it made us sit up and say, “Well, now things are getting interesting.” But some of the turns our old friends take — Jack, Locke, Charlie, and of course Sawyer — seemed unusually sharp, at least packed into one episode.I think the identity of Sun’s would-be kidnapper was a great surprise, as was how the anticipated “Jack v. Locke” face off instead led them both to be conned. Sawyer’s double double-cross to close the flashback was also a nice touch, and Kate’s guess at his motives (especially after he clearly disliked being liked in previous episodes) is a fair one.

But we were left with plenty of questions. Just what else is driving Sawyer? Seems this turn proves what some of the creators have said about the journey of the characters not being one way (liked to disliked, bad to good). If it wasn’t the Virgin Mary statues (and simply embarassing Locke), how did Sawyer talk Charlie into a second drastic abduction attempt? And Locke’s sudden panic when Sawyer rattles his cage about Jack seemed a little off. His remark to Jack about locking up the drugs adds to the “he’s up to something” theory, but he was also surprisingly unsteady. Part of the evolution of his character’s nature? Or just a random quirk to advance the plot?

Some random thoughts…

Yep, there was Kate’s mom Diane in the restaurant scene. Didn’t seem particularly significant, but it was one of the few crossovers where the characters interacted directly, as with Jack’s dad and Sawyer in Australia.
Locke was looking for more film, it seems. The book he was flipping through was “An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge.” It’s a short story (that was also adapted for a Twilight Zone episode) that you can read online, with a twist that links it to many of the other literary references we’ve seen.
Hurley was reading “Bad Twin.” The closest we’ll get, hopefully, to product placement.
Locke is superstitious, too? What an interesting mix of beliefs he’s turning out to have.
Sawyer tells Charlie he’s not a “good person.” Wonder if, over time, each character will basically categorize themselves?
Jen actually had a dream last year where Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade” figured heavily in an episode of “Lost.” Too bad no one will believe her.
Hurley’s “another time” line: meaningful hint toward a time-travel theory, or yet another jab at obsessed fans? We’re guessing the latter. If so, though, they were picking up an FM radio signal from east of the Mississippi (the call letters started with “WX”).
Loved the return of the Scott and Steve thing. Craig and Dylan must be thrilled.
The restaurant where Sawyer and Gordy met was Bob’s Big Boy in Mapunapuna (you could see Moanalua Freeway out the window), and the place where Sawyer and Cassidy shacked up was indeed a model home in Mililani Mauka. Didn’t see the pigs reported on the set, though.

How’d you like the episode?