It’s been three months since we last sat down to discuss “Lost,” and while the show’s triumphant return will no doubt reignite interest among the wavering fan base, the episode also didn’t deliver on Entertainment Weekly’s promise that it would have fans on the edge of their seats. Then again, the guys over at EW are absolutely gaga for the island drama, so I recommend that you take anything they say with a grain of salt. With that said, this week’s show did answer quite a few questions – the most notable being how Juliet arrived on the island – and looks to have finally ended that horrible string of episodes revolving exclusively around the Mod Squad (Jack, Kate and Sawyer). Oh yeah, and Mr. Friendly was finally given a name during the most absurd moment of the episode. While Jack works intently on Ben’s spinal tumor, Mr. Friendly leans in and says, “I’m Tom, by the way.” What? You’re friend and leader might be on the verge of death and you’re more concerned with introductions? Who cares what your name is?
Picking up where we last left off, Jack has just made his play for the safe return of Kate and Sawyer by threatening to let Ben die on the operating table. Upon discovering that – yes – Sawyer was actually telling the truth about them being on a completely different island, the dynamic duo gain an ally in Rousseau’s daughter and are promised a boat in return for their help. The task at hand is actually fairly easy, and after tricking the guard with the old “Wookie prisoner gag,” they discover that Little Rousseau’s boyfriend is being subjected to some sort of “Clockwork Orange”-like experiment, complete with restraints and subliminal messages. But when they make it back to the coast safely, they’re encountered by a couple Others who have decided to ignore the direct orders to let them go. This course of action doesn’t bode well for the incredibly hotheaded Danny, who gets a couple bullets to the chest courtesy of Juliet.
It looks like the writers are preparing to make a big move regarding Juliet. In the next few weeks, don’t be surprised if she’s either killed or joins up with Jack and the rest of the survivors. Showcasing her past in this week’s flashback segment certainly helped in earning some sympathy votes from the fans. As a research assistant for some unnamed lab in Miami, Florida, Dr. Juliet Burke (yes, you heard correctly) was working on a means of artificial impregnation when she’s suddenly approached by a mysterious (and privately funded) corporation looking to entice her over to the Dark Side. As you could expect, the corporation in question has an obvious connection to the Hando Foundation, but whether or not they are the same people is still unclear. What we do know is that they’re very interested in Juliet’s research, which will no doubt play a big part in why Claire’s baby was of such importance during the first two seasons.
Next week: The survivors raid the Others’ camp in an attempt to rescue their fearless leader. Plus, Desmond goes apeshit… again.
