The Whole Truth

A good episode. Not a barn burner, but still a healthy serving of Lost-y goodness. After the last mythology-rich episode, I guess a story focused entirely on the characters can seem a little flat. But I liked the flashback, wherein at least we learned things we didn’t previously know, and where things are left somewhat […]

A good episode. Not a barn burner, but still a healthy serving of Lost-y goodness. After the last mythology-rich episode, I guess a story focused entirely on the characters can seem a little flat. But I liked the flashback, wherein at least we learned things we didn’t previously know, and where things are left somewhat ambiguous, rather than sewn up with a big twist. And on the island, the mixed loyalties and keeping of secrets are getting so thick, even our survivors sense that things won’t end well. (The “I’m the last to know” device is getting a little old, though.) I thought Daniel Dae Kim shined in this episode, and that Jin’s character got richer and more complex. Jen, however, was miffed at his early outburst, and suspects it’s a hint of a darker turn. We’ve both always liked Ana Lucia, though, and this episode was a good one for her.

So, is Sun’s baby Jin’s? I say yes, Jen says no. “It’s that look,” says she. A woman’s intuition. Is Henry Gale an Other? Jen and I still say yes — breathtaking preview for next week notwithstanding.

It was fun to see the Ala Wai Canal and the back of the Hawaii Convention Center featured so prominently in the flashback (and the city bus crossing the bridge in the background). True story: I was originally supposed to be a background extra in that scene. Even better true story: I ended up a background extra in next week’s episode instead. And that one looks like it’s going to be nirvana for the mythology fans.

Random notes and notions:

So was Sun unfaithful? Or is Jin not sterile (anymore)? If it wasn’t infidelity, one could theorize about the pregnancy two ways: either the island “fixed” Jin like it did Locke (both describe things in terms of a “miracle”), or the island made Jin’s deep desire come true (as some other character’s wishes have been realized, for better or worse).
Mirrors and reflections factored heavily in this episode. Jack and Locke’s shower scene, and several scenes in the flashback (Sun entering the hotel room, and later standing at the window).
Jack’s lecture to Sun about telling “the whole truth” sure seemed loaded. A secret he knows about Sun? Or foreshadowing more of his own backstory (given the sketchy pregnancy conversation he had with Sara before she left him)? Interestingly, Sun got advice from both Jack and her English teacher, and both of them qualified their advice by saying, essentially, “I’m hardly the person to say this, but…”
Voices speaking backwards again? This time, it’s the conversation between Bernard and Sawyer from Jin’s point of view, made unintelligible to illustrate his inability to understand English (a creative device used in Season 1). Still want to know what they said? Member gumpy5 at The Fuselage posted a transcript and an audio file with the voices reversed.
The pregnancy test is a product of Widmore Labs. Any relation to Widmore Construction? The company whose name was supposed to be visible in the background during Charlie’s flashback in London? That’s a pretty varied portfolio. Maybe Widmore and Hanso are competing multinationals.
Other or not, Henry Gale is turning out to be a great character. So good, in fact, that his comments about ending up dead are probably right. “Do you have any milk?” One of my favorite closing lines ever.
And how about that opening scene? (Opening in a flashback, no less.) Eye candy no matter your hormonal preference.
Charlie produces a gun, and no one asks, “Where did you get that?” Especially glaring since Charlie gave the best knowing smile when Ana Lucia said, “Jack and Locke are too busy worrying about Locke and Jack.”
Another book reference, and an odd one at that: “Are You There God, It’s Me, Margret?” Seems Sawyer’s running out of stuff to read. But Dostoyevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov made a second appearance, and I don’t know if any other book reference has spanned more than one episode. Can the epic tale of three brothers be a hint of what’s going on in “Lost”? At nearly 1,000 pages, it might be perfect summer hiatus reading. Or not.
Another quick (and fun) reference to Hurley’s hoarding. His secret is surely not long for this world. And some charming Rose and Bernard banter. Definitely a pair of characters we’d love to know more about.
Something’s being built, and it includes a dining table. Is that Mr. Eko’s project? (Most common guess is that it’s a church.) If so, I can see Charlie pitching in, but how did Sayid get involved?

Links:

“Maternity Leave” discussion threads at The Fuselage and Lost-Forum.com.