My Pre 4.04 Thoughts

[D-Roc]

The landscape of the show has changed yet again. The "Beginning" was 'Confirmed' as a more dark, sci-fi approach was delivered, but we are now hurtled back into a world of realism.

A world in which politics, markets and economies are yet again revealed as being the back-bone of the shows compass bearing. A world where rivals compete in a war of hierachy and hidden motives and secrets.

From torturer to hitman, yet Sayid Jarrah is still a tortured soul. A soul which now belongs to the devil. But at what price? And for what ends? ..Self-sacrifice, redemption?

Truth be told, this is one golden handshake which no amount of Berlin ice will wash from Sayid's hands. Ben and Sayid working together. However, it's an economic partnershi which appears to be mutually viable as they both strive to protect their interests.

The island..or those still on it..the Oceanic 6? Whatever those interests it is now clear that the island is at the heart of a bidding war - a veritable 'cash cow'. But it is not milk which seeps from it's "Udders", but "Others" who seek to protect it. Ben, Sayid..and possibly Kate. Will Jack and Hurley also work for Ben?

I can't quite see Hurley as a hitman, but Kate, most definetely so.

But that's the future..now it's time to see the missing pieces in the journey to that end. The changing markets, the changing individuals. We've seen evidence of this already - Sawyer not wanting to go home, Jack giving Kate her independence, Locke being contested by his people, Jack stepping into the background. This is economics at work - the changing roles and mindsets of the individuals now that 'rescue' is here.

And at the very heart of this war, the market leader waits his turn to strike. As all business people know, timing is everything, isn't it Benjamin Linus