W-O-W! Normally I’m not a fan of Sayid’s flashbacks. But I loved his flashforward. He’s even more bad ass and mercenary. Yet, he’s still thinking with his heart and working for Ben! Holy fuck, I was almost expecting Christian Shepard. But I wasn’t expecting Ben, AT ALL! I, personally, thought that Ben was “The Economist.” Just, wow.

What’s been resolved?

* Sayid works for Ben in post-Island work.
* It’s an almost certainty that time distortion is in place on the Island. The “payload” was around 30 minutes late.
* Ben definitely has left the island.

New questions?

* Where’s Jacob’s cabin disappeared to?
* Who is the Economist? Is he also the leader of the Freighters?

Numbers, Connections & Re-occurances…

* Hurley in a cupboard was reminiscent of Cooper in the magic box.
* Kate witnessing Sawyer’s feet enter the room from under the bed was reminiscent of Sawyer witnessing his Dad kill himself when a young brat.
* It seems that Ben still gives lists post-Island time.
* Elsa and Naomi both wore the bracelet and were both looking for Ben Linus.
* 3.15 was displayed on Dan’s clock, this was also carved in Eko’s stick.

Character thoughts…

* Sayid makes a lot of deals in this ep. That he could be nearer the hole in golf. That if he got Charlotte back he’d get a seat on the chopper. Charlotte for Miles.
* Sayid also closes the eyes of two dead people in this episode, Naomi & Elsa.
* Ben has a little hidden room where he keeps his off island gear. Lots of clothes, a fair bit of different currency and passports.
* Sawyer almost proposed to Kate, telling her to stay on the Island and live happily ever after in the barracks with him. Sweet, even if deluded.
* Sayid is going on the freighter to help get to the bottom of the Freighter’s intentions.
* Dan and Charlotte stay behind but tell Frank to go on the EXACT bearing. This certainly backs up the theory that there is only 1 entrance / exit from the Island.
* Elsa was also a trained killer. Sayid tried to protect her, but in the end it was him that needed protecting.
* Ben really liked ancient masks, his house was covered in them. A hint to the fact he has many identities?
* Does Daniel have a little crush on Charlotte?

Team Update!

Team Locke : Whilst it was Team Jack looking strong last eppy. It seems the other way this time. Team Locke was working like a well oiled engine this episode. Hurley’s little deception of Team Jack, Sayid Branch, was fantastic and had me fooled.

Team Jack : Team Jack might have to admit they’re wrong. They’ve also lost Kate now but she’s been replaced by Dessie from the beach section of TJ.

Team Chopper : Frank, Sayid, Des and Naomi are headed back to the Freighter on the chopper.

Memorable quotes…

Hurley : “Oh great, the boat sent us another Sawyer.”

Kate : “So, what, I’m your prisoner now?”
Sawyer : “If that kind of thing works for ya.”

Jack (to Kate) : “So, does that mean I wait 20 minutes and go anyway?”

Miles: “Of course I’m affected, she was hot and I liked her accent.”

Theories…

* Each member of the Freighter’s has a different picture and different reason for being on the Island. This was probably used to sell each of them on the Island jaunt. Although so far we’re not sure why each person has a specific picture.
* Who is the Economist? Is it Jacob? He has a fear of technology as does the Economist.
* Or is it Alvar Hanso, or descendant. Hanso funded the Dharma initiative. Ben wiped out all the Dharma initiative. Hanso wants Ben dead. The motive fits…

Did you miss?

* The episode opened with Sayid’s eyes, both of them and closed. I think this is the first time we’ve opened with two eyes? Significance?
* Naomi’s bracelet is inscribed with “N, I’ll always be with you. R.G”. Who is RG?
* Elsa had the same bracelet, although no idea if it was inscribed.
* Sayid states in the “prison cell” that the day he trusts Ben is the day he sells his soul.. Has he sold his soul?
* Ben’s name on his passport was “Dean Moriarity.” A character in Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road.” Had an Abusive father. Or could be derived from Prof. Mariarity in the Holmes books. Widely considered to be literatures first “supervillain.”
* Daniel and Frank definitely know who Widmore is.

Rough Diamonds
B