Mar 21 2009
LOST Mid-Season Thoughts
I can’t believe we’re more than half-way through Season 5 already. That went fast!
We started the season with several episodes of vertigo-inducing time jumps which, mercifully, stopped after Locke put the donkey wheel back on its tracks, per Christian Shephard’s directions. Christian Shephard has popped up twice so far, an interesting feat for someone who is, supposedly, dead. Both times, he seemed to have the role of a guide — first to shepherd (pun definitely intended!) Locke back to the mainland, and later to guide Sun, perhaps back to the past.
Sawyer blossomed this season. After four years of watching Jack and Locke bicker about who was the real leader of the Losties, we saw Sawyer effortlessly assume the role, showing leadership skills that far surpassed those of either of the former contenders for the throne. Sawyer made good use of his extensive experience as a con man to create a story to protect the Losties, and his romance with Juliet gave them both moments when they were happy for the first time ever on the show.
Most of the Losties are now back on the Island (with the notable exception of Walt). They are scattered across at least two different time zones, so it’s as if they are walking along parallel tracks. I expect them to reunite, but where and when remains to be seen.
The show seems to have settled in, for a while, into 1970s Dharmaville, a place filled with cheery, cozy homes and love-bead clad workers, but with plenty of sinister undertones. We know Dr. Candle/Chang is not what he seems, and we know that the “Purge” is looming in the future. Will the Losties be gone before then or will they become involved in some way?
We’ve had some questions answered this season, along with some new questions posed. It was a good balance, and I think (knock on wood) that the writers really do know where they are going, and will shepherd us (pun again intended) to a satisfying conclusion next year.
It really is hard to believe that the next to last season is half-way over. We wait so long for a season to begin, and then POOF! it’s over again.
I really have enjoyed seeing how Sawyer has grown into his own person. I think his leadership qualities far surpass Jack’s or Locke’s. It will be interesting to see what happens when all three are in one place again - who will be the one everyone truly looks at as a leader.
Jack seems to have lost all interest in being in charge, for some unknown reason, and Locke might be a bit preoccupied, after having just come back from the dead.
So maybe Sawyer will remain the leader by default.
True, that may just be what happens.