Official UK 4.09 The Shape of Things to Come Discussion Thread

[-x-madegurl-x-]

lol i know it is but it was still funny! i'm allowed to find sick things funny it's the way i am.

[monster-eats-pilot]

[D-Roc]

My review, originally posted in the ABC 4.09 Discusson forum:

The Shape of Things To Come. I have never in my life seen an episode quite like this one. IF this IS to be the shape of the remainder of the season, then I think i'll need a cushion for my jaw, which constatly hit the ground whilst watching this absolute gem of an episode.

This episode ranks up there with Walkabout, Deus Ex Machina and The Constant. That's how good it was. It had everything - death, action, mythology, mystery, a fantastic 'flash', intriguing character development, a quality 'B' story (Jack/Faraday etc) and all of it moved the story forward like a freightrain..or a smoke monster on acid.

Speaking of which - OMG, smokey is back baby! Take THAT Keamy, you murdering swine!

Poor Alex..poor Ben! I have never in my Lost watching life been as shocked as I was when Keamy popped Alex in the head. My jaw klanged to the the ground, and i totally mirrored Ben in a silent state of shock, heartbreak and disbelief. It's not that I didn't expect Keamy to do it - i'm sure Ben knew there was a good chance..but like Ben I was suprised when it actually happened..the way it happened, the speed and unfliching manner in which it happened. And the way in which her death was preceeded - by Alex begging her "daddy" to help her..she was literally crying for her dad, her hero, to do something..anything..to get her out of Keamy's clutches..and the POP..and she slumps to the ground..the rules, changed, forever.

This episode confirmed my suspicions regarding the code of conduct that Ben and the Others (and other people in the war) have to..or are expected to abide by. It confirms that when Mrs Klugh told Mike "we can't do that (save Henry themselves)", that's exactly what she meant. It confirms that when Ben doesn't tell the Losties everything..that's exactly what he can't do - rules..codes of conduct..laws which govern the game..no, the 'war'.

My heart bleeds for Ben..I know many will argue that he sacrificed his daughter, but it's obvious that he had littleroom for manouvre and clearly believed that he could talk Keamy round..afterall, he didn't know that Widmore would change the rules. He did his best to prepare for such 'cheating' by sending Alex, Karl and Rousseau to the Temple, however they got caught - he didn't expect that. He did what he could, and I for one am proud of Ben, but deeply saddened by his loss.

The flash was amazing - more confirmation of my theory that Ben can 'magic box' his way through time and possibly space. Interestinly he came (teleported) from somewhere 'cold' and wasn't expecting to end up in Tunisia (or he wasn't certain that that's where he'd end up), which begs the question - did he magic box from the island..or from the Artic (possibly where those Brasilians were at the end of S2)..and what 'time' did he magic box from? He seemed uncertain that the year would be 2005, although his estimation was correct.

And what of the Widmore encounter - how fraking amazing (and good to see them actually using authentic London filming for once!). I gleaned from their encounter that at this point (2005) Widmore still doesn't have the island, but Ben does - "The hunt is on", relates to Widmore's search for the island, and Ben's search for Penelope..at least, that's what I understand. Incidentally this sets up all sorts of interesting and moral dilemna's - will Ben actually kill Penny?..where IS Penny? How will this effect Desmond's role in the show?

And what of Sayid..We now know how he joined team Linus - he feels that Ben's war is his war - it's personal to him for what Widmore did to his wife(!) Nadia. But DID Widmore kill Nadia? I think so, but obviously there will be speculation that Ben did it, in order to recruit Sayid.

I thought Sawyer was both incredibly brave and incredibly stupid in this episode - some amazing 'Action man' scenes with him saving Claire - who TPTB had the perfect chance to knock off BTW..damn it TPTB! - but his attempt to turn Ben over to keamy was pure foolishness, not to mention incredibly selfish. Still, this was at least an interesting Sawyer once more..that's more like it.

I should also add, that I think he could well be on the chopping block soon - he's one of a few characters who's post 2004 life we do not yet know about..

Locke was fantastic in this episode - he didn't actually do much, but Terry O' Quinn was on the ball once again with his interpreation of the character, particularly in relation to siding with Ben, and offering his condolences for his loss. Learn a thing, Sawyer.

There's so much more about this episode - I've barely touched on smokey, the hieroglyphs, the tunnel, Ben's Jacket, the 'B' story..etc

I think this is a legendary episode..and for the first time in a long time, i am physically and mentally looking forward to the next installment!

[Easily confused]

Originally Posted by D Roc

This episode confirmed my suspicions regarding the code of conduct that Ben and the Others (and other people in the war) have to..or are expected to abide by. It confirms that when Mrs Klugh told Mike "we can't do that (save Henry themselves)", that's exactly what she meant. It confirms that when Ben doesn't tell the Losties everything..that's exactly what he can't do - rules..codes of conduct..laws which govern the game..no, the 'war'.

That reminds me when Ben said that all of his people would die for him I did wonder if that is why he kidnapped Cindy and co to increase the number of people the enemy had to get through before reaching Ben himself although its a bit low recruiting the children as well

[D-Roc]

Originally Posted by Easily confused

That reminds me when Ben said that all of his people would die for him I did wonder if that is why he kidnapped Cindy and co to increase the number of people the enemy had to get through before reaching Ben himself although its a bit low recruiting the children as well

Hmm, interesting but personally I don't think this was his reason for supplementing his group with those people. The recruitment process seemed to be governed by list's..specifically Jacob's.

Also, I don't think that he would defend himself with kids..he'd get in the heavyweights like Eko, Scott, Steve. I think that Ben has alot of time for kids..he see's them as special and I don't think he'd ever put them in harms way - already seen with him sending Karl, of all people, to the relative safety of the Temple..and giving Walter back to Michael after Jacob was done with him