[D-Roc]

This has been briefly discussed in the episode discussion thread, but I feel it is such a powerful story that I'd like to start disecting it in more detail in it's own thread.

The idea that the Losties should be divided has been foreshadowed for several seasons now - the individual rivalries have been ever present -"Lord of the Flies" was referenced, "The Pigs are Walking" was screamed. But now we have a clear dividing line..a line in the sand.

As pointed out by someone in the discussion thread (can't remember who at this point), the majority of people on both Locke and Jack's side do actually want to leave the island..however this is complicated by Charlie's dying message - a message brilliantly conveyed by Hurley, who I have new admiration for. His message was an important reminder of the fact that they do have friends on this island..friends who would die so that they could survive..

Which begs the question, whilst Jack is so determined to kill someone and whilst Sawyer is hell bent on "surviving" - have they lost sight of what they really want? Are they so blinkered in achieving long sought aims that they forgot about the promises they once made? - "Live together, die alone" was what Jack advocated as he brought his people together from the brink of collapse.."I love you too" was what Sawyer promised Kate as they finally stopped running. I am not picking on these two characters, they are simply two examples for now.

The sad thing is, I detected a moment of recognition from Jack - he knew what Hurley said was right..and get this, back in season 2 when they had been "warned" by the Others, Jack was more than prepared to change his stance..but a season later they get "warned" again, yet Jack is too proud to remove those blinkers.

I'm not bashing Jack, it's a complicated situation and I can see why someone would want to hold onto a dream, afterall "haven't you ever followed a dream?"

But I fear that if Jack doesn't wake up soon, this dream of leading his people..all of his people to safety, will turn into a nightmare.

Well, unless the present can be undone, it would seem that it already is a nightmare.

Incidently, which side would you have chosen - this has been asked already, but I think it would be good to use a poll. Feel free to vote and add any of your views or opinions.