Lost 1:4 WALKABOUT:Daytrip Down The Spiritual Path

[LilRed]

Hi everyone! I just stumbled across these reviews the other day, and wanted to say how much I'm enjoying them. I really enjoy the format they're done in, particularly the photos and witty comments at the end.

I'm new to these boards, but I've been a Buffy and Angel fan for about three years, and now have become a Lost fan. I've been to this website before, but never made it to the message boards. I'm glad I have now!

I'll be watching Lost tonight and will be back to discuss the episode!

Thanks again for writing the reviews!

[Lola m]

LilRed said:

Hi everyone! I just stumbled across these reviews the other day, and wanted to say how much I'm enjoying them. I really enjoy the format they're done in, particularly the photos and witty comments at the end.

I'm new to these boards, but I've been a Buffy and Angel fan for about three years, and now have become a Lost fan. I've been to this website before, but never made it to the message boards. I'm glad I have now!

I'll be watching Lost tonight and will be back to discuss the episode!

Thanks again for writing the reviews!

Hi, LilRed, nice to meet you!

I am really enjoying the format Vlad is using for the reviews, too. I think it will really help us all keep track of plots and characters and so on as the season progresses!

I'm also really enjoying Lost more than I was even expecting. The writing and plotting have been so creative and different than a lot of what else is usually on TV.

Lola

Again, welcome!

[Nickim]

Hi LilRed,

Glad to meet you. Is your name in reference to Willow or yourself or just because?

Nicki

[LilRed]

Thanks for the welcomes Lola and Nicki! I'm looking forward to becoming more a part of this group as there are so many friendly people here!

And, my name comes from the fact that I'm short (5'0") and have red hair. I'm afraid I'm not very original about making up names. The fact that it also could relate to Willow is a bonus!

Thanks again for the welcomes!

[SpringSummers]

LilRed said:

Thanks for the welcomes Lola and Nicki! I'm looking forward to becoming more a part of this group as there are so many friendly people here!

And, my name comes from the fact that I'm short (5'0") and have red hair. I'm afraid I'm not very original about making up names. The fact that it also could relate to Willow is a bonus!

Thanks again for the welcomes!

Let me add my welcomes to that also LilRed.

Keep your eye open as I think Vlad will have his new review posted soon. Hope you will join in the discussion.

Vlad's been really busy, and I am trying to keep from tapping my foot as I wait, as I have been really happy with his efforts so far. I learn something every time about what I REALLY just saw.

If you have any interest in Veronica Mars, or in the BtVS or AtS eps, please come visit us on those analysis/discussion threads as well.

[William the Bloody]

The A of the Q, the R of the C, The S of the B
(the Answers to the Questions, The Replies to the Comments, the Sh*t of the Bull )

I am glad you all took the time to comment and discuss the show in here! You all had interesting comments or points and really great questions. I tried to comment on the new stuff, and sorta took it as it came. Tehrefore some of the latter viewer comments I already talked about because someone pointed out something similar earlier on. Hope no one takes offense at that type of trimming. And I hope you can decipher what I just said. Think of it as a bonus puzzle! *G* So, with no further ado, lets get on with it:

SpringSummers said:

First, thanks so much for the excellent summary. I had to miss the ep, and foolishly forgot to tape it. This catches me up in a thorough, entertaining way, without having to read a tedious blow-by-blow.

So many have commented on the summaries! I really wondered if anyone was gonna think I was cheating, cause they take up so much space. *L* They are really a natural part of my reviewing hte show. On the second or third viewing I sit there with Notepad open and summerize each tidbit as the program plays. Sometimes I keep up with it, sometimes I pause it as I write out an important but quick happening and sometmies I even fastforward through an unimportant ot longish bit that I summerize in a few words.

I find that they allow me to think clearly about each snippet and I look a little deeper. So, since they seem popular and they are not really any "extra" work, they shall continue. I would like to perhaps trim them down a little more. My favorite was the second half of the Pilot where I managed to summerize and philosophize at the same time. That ep lent itself to that structurally, the others have not.

I love the “Road to Shambala” motif, Vlad. Perfect for setting the mood of the “chance for renewal” theme you emphasize. And you are doing a particularly great job with the characterizations – which in the end, is what it is all about. I really like the pics at the end and the observations underneath.

Theres a funny story behind that... or maybe funny strange. Locke's decription of the Walkabout to his co-workers struck me as a very Buddhist type thing. Then as I was editing the summary and thinking about where to go, Shambala came up in rotation on my MP3 player. I actually laughed outloud with the opening lines cause they seemed to fit Locke so well. After a quick search engine query on Shamabala, I came away almost amazed. Almost none of what I turned up (about how many think Shambala is almost like an Atlantis, possibly created by aliens, where people's thoughts can come true) actually made it into the review. But It did somehow seem to point to me that I was on the right path....*ahem* I showed Patti the research and she said it sent chills down her spine; that it was like I had found hte Rosetta Stone. OKay, she didn't "say" that last part, I was jsut summerizing. *L*

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Nicki~S'ad said:

Spring, I like your idea about them having to throw away their crutches.

I was thinking that maybe Locke's paralysis was pyschosomatic. And, now that he's in a totally different environment, where no one knows what he "can't do", he is able to do those things.

You know, I am in jsut as much flux over all this as you people are. I love the way the episode exposed the mystery of locke slowly. I had problems with Locke's recovery, barring we find that it is "truly" a miracle, not jsut a jar that fixed his spine, or as you say, may be psychosomatic. Even if it was that, he jsut would not have been able to walk like he is. His muscles wouldn't be capable after spending htat much time in a chair. Unless, and htis jsut came to me, his "condition" had gotten progressively worse over the 4 years and had only resulted in him recently being in the chair and paralyzed for a short period of time!

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Nicki~S'ad said:

I really like your thoughts about Sayid. You said he "continues to do what needs to be done." I keep thinking that his background makes him very different than the rest of the survivors. He's from Iraq, a country that was ruled by a dictator, so he understands the need for control and he's probably more used to deprivation. I'm not trying to make a political statement here, so just bear with me. Controlling information is part of how a dictator stays in power. You can keep people from revolting or panicking by only telling them what you think is best. I'm not saying he's trying to be the Island Dictator, but his background will cause him to see situations a little differently than someone raised in a more open, affluent society. Of course, we might find out that he was raised in a palace!

I have had lots of thoughts about Sayid and, yes, I think the fact his background is what it is, it allows him to be the perfect survivor, at least in attitude. His military skills allow him to be organizational and his scientific skills allow him to be able to do somethign with the components at hand as well as being creative. His military survival skills are jsut obviously helpful.

But, beyond htat, he has something else: his cultural survival skills. I agree that he understands the necessity to occasionally keep things to himself until it's the proper time to release it. It's a tricky fine line between that and lying. The events of the last two days on our own board demonstrate graphically how it can either work, or blow up in your face...or, indeed, do both at the same time. I would also point out that he comes from a country that is still thrid world. He probably spent his entire life "making do" with what was at hand, even inside the military. People without resources are forced to think outside the box, as compared to affluent people that find the "proper" method easy, because equipment and supplies are only an order form away.

Can we just offer Shannon up to the Island gods and be done with her?

Eetah!

You said something about Sawyer attempting to kill the marshall for the "good of the group." I don't see it that way. I don't believe in euthanasia under any circumstances. I think it was a selfish act, not to prevent the marshall's pain, but rather to prevent the others from having to listen to that pain. The fact that the marshall was conscious seems to be another of those medical mistakes that I've seen in this show. Serious blood leads to unconsciousness--at least in MOST cases--not to loud, moaning suffering. It was one of those unecessary situational ethics scenes that I don't like, and that this show will hopefully rise above.

I can't answer the question about how authenticly the injury was handled. I am completely unfamiliar with traumatic blood loss. I do know that in real life, what "should have happened" and what "actually does" are frequently two different things. As long as it doesn't cross the lines of "impossibility" I can deal. (Hence me being troubled by the walking of Locke, but moving along) Without getting into an argument over euthanasia, I think, that yes, the assisted suicide was at least partially selfish. Sawyer, like the rest, did not want ot have to listen to the Marshal die a horrible painful death. However, I really don't believe htis was the only (or primary) reason. Sawyer himself shows a willingness to take chances, so he could have easily camped outside of earshot of hte moans, risking the creatures of the wild. I think his argument over the supplies being wasted and the fact that the man was suffering for no good reason to be the key factors why he pulled the trigger. And the fact the man asked him, personally. It's true he botched it, but he did so by trying to be merciful, and out of a certain squeamiashness on his own part, both of which I believe, point to the goodness within the tough shell of Sawyer.

Thanks again, Vlad. This review was worth the wait.

Thank you. I work as fast as Ipossibly can. I think the quality of this type of work out-shadows somewhat the deadline factor. But, I do try to make the deadlines.

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Lola said:

Wow. I mean, wow.

Really, really excellent review, Vlad. Once again I feel the love for the style you have chosen for reviewing - summary, analysis, character snapshots. It is really working so well for this particular show!

Needless to say, I am humbled by your praise, and am very glad you are enjoying my efforts. To me, it jsut seems a natural way to work.

Hmmm. Your connections, your family and friends, are your strength. Seems like I've heard that somewhere before. ;D

Again, a most excellent review, Vlad. Bravo!

Lola

Yes, I am definitely getting the friends/familial connections equals strength as a theme. And yes, very "Whedonesque." The other show that we are watching this season, Veronica Mars, also appears to have that approach.

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<cont.>

[William the Bloody]

<cont. from above>

Patti said:

Also, your attention to detail always finds things I missed. Sometimes huge things, like Shambala, sometimes SEEMINGLY small ones like the comic book (which seems to be a huge point in favor of this Shambala idea) and this time the white shoes on the man in the distance. I'm thinking this might be Jack's doctor father, and those are medical professional shoes. Don't make me defend this theory.

Well, considering...you shoulda! Nice theory on it being ol' Doc Jack, Senior.

So this isn't just a fan letter, I disagree with your first point in "What didn't work". *grin*

For me, the fact that we haven't seen the 'creature' DOES work....my current theory being that the creature is different depending on who sees him - each will create his own creature, and it can appear to be devil or angel.

I still want more. It's working okay, I guess. I think they could still manage the confusion and theorizing even IF they showed us a glimpse or two. I do hope everyone understands this is a minor point with me thus far. But, it will grow as time passes. I still think they are doing a masterful job overall.

Laughed out loud at...

"Jack, finally you are beginning to show that you aren’t Superman. What is that secret you are keeping so close to your breast? And the weird blue guy… don’t worry about it. You aren’t going nuts. We saw him too."

*tips his hat to he red head in the front row* Thank you ma'am. That had depth you know? Not only was it a general statememnt for the S'cubie gang, it was supposed to harken back to the blue gremlin in Myth... book two, I believe. The one that Aahz keeps seeing and no one else does. *smile*
[/quote]

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Karen~W'istful said:

They do need to become "one" in order to survive. How will these individuals manage to do that successfully since there seem to be many of societies and personalities represented here. I'm excited to see what the writers come up with.

Me too! I think that it will be fascinating. I hope that they manage to allow serious growth of the characters. Personally, I don;t see this series lasting longer than maybe 3 seasons at the max, unless it goes off in a huge different direction other than island bound castaways. Which, I would love! Let hte show evolve as it moves along. Angel did that quite successfully, taking hte theme from the season before and building on it and exploring the characters in different situations. There's a great opportunity here, I think, to make this show anything they want it to be. Perhaps by the end of the season they will find that they are indeed in a different dimension and they try to get home ala "Sliders". I mean really, it could go anywhere.

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Rachael said:

...Had Jack found a stash of antibiotics, would it be ethical to use them all up on one person who would likely die anyway?

I don't honestly know the answer to that question. I know if I was Jack, I'd probably try to save him, because I doubt I'd have the strength of character required to just let someone die even if I thought it was the right choice.

And I would probably have killed him or let him die. In their situation, it is the survival of hte group that is more important than the one. It's ethics and, yes, it's situational. And it's a leadership decision. I think the point here was that Jack had done everything that he possibly could to save this dying man. If he had asked me, I would have put a bullet in his brain. If he was unable to ask me, then I would have let nature have it's way. I think if it is a smaller group of people, and had they shared some history together, then maybe they could have voted on the outcome, each person knowing hte consequences of their vote. But in this instance, the choice had to be made by one, or a very few. Just my opinion, of course, and I don't mean to actually debate.

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Sue said:

Vlad,

I haven't rewatched but can you actually see both legs when he is sitting in the wheelchair? Is it just paralysis and not amputation?)

There are two limbs there, which I would assume means they are real. An leg amputee has no real reason to wear protheses while in a wheelchair, unless he was simply trying to make it more asthetically pleasing. That's a possibility, but I doubt it.

I'm still pretty enamoured of the "Dawn Treader" theory. (The island is a place where both dreams and nightmares--wishes and fears--destinies and fates come "true." Or take physical form.) Which leads me to another question. Are the current manifestations a result of thoughts/hopes/fears of the current survivors, or might the big, bad thing have been created 16 years ago?

Not saying that either possibility is the actual fact, but why couldn;t it be both? Perhaps the big "creature(s)" is/are left over from 16 years ago, while the miracle of Locke and maybe future miracles are the result of the current inhabitants.

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MaryMuse said:

What beautiful evocative writing. I loved how you got into the spiritual part of the walkabout and shambhala and used it in his episode. Your questions were the ones I had, and yeah, there is just something about Boone. I think he strikes me as too California rich boy to be trusted/believed. And Shannon. UGH! They deserve each other. Maybe they can be sacrified to the gods of the island to ensure everyone else lives?

We can but dream, and perhaps it will come true! *L* Maybe you and I and Nicki and several others can create the "I Hate Cordelia Shannon Club". Nicki can be president, you can be Vice-president and 'll be ummm... Seargent of Arms.

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Laura said:

The real question is how do we balance the moral dilemma -- is it better to try to save the one person, in the belief that ALL life is sacred and deserving of protection; or is it better to sacrifice the one for the sake of the many -- the greater good. And no, that's not an easy issue for anyone to resolve. Frankly, I think it's an issue that, no matter which way it's answered, the decision-maker would feel self-doubt afterwards for a long time.

[/size][/quote]

Excellent point! No real comment to make other than that. Like you said in the rest of your post: It has no set answer. You do what you feel is right. And that has to be right for hte situation becasue that is the reality now. I know this sounds like some philosopher's stance, probably Niezche, but I think the point is, you have to decide one way or the other and then go on from there. You can't not make a decision in a case like this. Either action, or no action. One is going to happen.

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LilRed said:

Hi everyone! I just stumbled across these reviews the other day, and wanted to say how much I'm enjoying them. I really enjoy the format they're done in, particularly the photos and witty comments at the end.

I'm new to these boards, but I've been a Buffy and Angel fan for about three years, and now have become a Lost fan. I've been to this website before, but never made it to the message boards. I'm glad I have now!

I'll be watching Lost tonight and will be back to discuss the episode!

Thanks again for writing the reviews!

Hiya, Red

Welcome to the S3! I am glad you posted and, indeed, you have come to the right place for intelligent discussion of Buffy and Angel. Unfortunately this is the LOST area, so I can't promise much in the way of enlightenment here. The really good reviewers lie elsewhere. However, listen to the others' posts in here, casue they seem to have it all figured out better'n me. *L*

Looking forward to your comments.

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SpringSummers said:

Vlad's been really busy, and I am trying to keep from tapping my foot as I wait, as I have been really happy with his efforts so far. I learn something every time about what I REALLY just saw.

Uh huh. I bet you probably had to use a nail gun to keep from tapping. *grin* I am glad you have been appreciating my efforts, oh Queen of the Insight. Really, the praise means a lot, considering how well you write your own analyses and reviews...and for how long you have written them, nary missing a beat in quality. Thank you, Spring.

So folks, that concludes my "answer" session. I was a little busy the last couple days *cough* and wasn;t wuite in the mental state conducive to writing insight. But, now life is better and I took a break out of writing this weeks review to catch this up. And now, I am off, back to the Halls of Inspiration where I sneak in occasionally and lift the shiny things, hoping they are worth something.

Vlad

[Patti - S'cubie Cutie]

LilRed said:

Thanks for the welcomes Lola and Nicki! I'm looking forward to becoming more a part of this group as there are so many friendly people here!

And, my name comes from the fact that I'm short (5'0") and have red hair. I'm afraid I'm not very original about making up names. The fact that it also could relate to Willow is a bonus!

Thanks again for the welcomes!

as another short redhead, let me say I'm glad to meet you, and happy you joined us. Looking forward to some more great Lost discussions.

[Linda]

Laura said:

But phrasing the issue that way makes it a leading question -- it suggests that the answer is "yes" or "no." It also assumes that the only question is whether it's ethical to use scant resources for the sake of the fewest users. The converse of that question is whether it's ethical to deny medicines to someone who (presumably) hasn't asked to be allowed to die. And that's an equally valid question to pose in this situation.

The real question is how do we balance the moral dilemma -- is it better to try to save the one person, in the belief that ALL life is sacred and deserving of protection; or is it better to sacrifice the one for the sake of the many -- the greater good. And no, that's not an easy issue for anyone to resolve. Frankly, I think it's an issue that, no matter which way it's answered, the decision-maker would feel self-doubt afterwards for a long time.

[/size][/quote]


Hi Laura!

Thank you for articulating the issues involved. I think that this was the first big moral question of the series. Literally life or death in this particular instance. And the two sides were represented by Sawyer & Jack. I don't know that the writers themselves have decided on right or wrong. They've just presented us with choices. I saw Kate as the one in the middle and she came down on Sawyer's side. It could have been for reasons of mercy OR expedience. I really wish I knew what her crime was and what her past relationship with the Marshall was like.

I believe that this sort of choice will come up again and again in the course of the series. It's the kind of thing that could tear the group apart OR, with a good leader, allow them to survive. Because you need both idealism AND practicality (IMO) to make survival worthwhile.

Linda, late to the post again

[Linda]

William said:

<snipped for space>
Hiya, Red

Welcome to the S3! I am glad you posted and, indeed, you have come to the right place for intelligent discussion of Buffy and Angel. Unfortunately this is the LOST area, so I can't promise much in the way of enlightenment here. The really good reviewers lie elsewhere. However, listen to the others' posts in here, casue they seem to have it all figured out better'n me. *L*

Looking forward to your comments.

<snipped for space>


Vlad

Hey!

No dissing the reviewer here! He's done an excellent job. (Although haven't heard about any progress on the Adventures of Sawyer and Jack's Beanstalk.)

I apologize that I've only just now posted: Great review! Eetah with everyone else about how great it is.

And I thought this was the best episode to date, as well.


Linda, and Hawaii still pretty.


P.S. Aahz! Skeeve! Gleep! Tananda! Pervects and Deveels and bazaars, oh my. It's been so long since I've read those books. I can't for the life of me remember any of the plots, but the characters were fun! Thanks for sparking the memory.

[Patti - S'cubie Cutie]

Linda said:

Hey!

No dissing the reviewer here! He's done an excellent job. (Although haven't heard about any progress on the Adventures of Sawyer and Jack's Beanstalk.)

I apologize that I've only just now posted: Great review! Eetah with everyone else about how great it is.

And I thought this was the best episode to date, as well.


Linda, and Hawaii still pretty.


P.S. Aahz! Skeeve! Gleep! Tananda! Pervects and Deveels and bazaars, oh my. It's been so long since I've read those books. I can't for the life of me remember any of the plots, but the characters were fun! Thanks for sparking the memory.

oh COOL! Another Myth fan!

[Karen]

Just a quick note about flashlights.

I had to LOL when Jack was trying to find out what was making the noise in the fuselage with a teeny tiny penlight flashlight, and then right next to him was Sawyer with a big old spotlight. Don't know what it means, but thought it was funny. ;D

[Lola m]

Karen-K'ryptic said:

Just a quick note about flashlights.

I had to LOL when Jack was trying to find out what was making the noise in the fuselage with a teeny tiny penlight flashlight, and then right next to him was Sawyer with a big old spotlight. Don't know what it means, but thought it was funny. ;D

Very funny! I thought it was just showing how each of them are. Jack with his little "doctor" light, being all cautious and Sawyer with the big ol' spotlight just barging in.

And of course neither one of the ways worked very well. Jack couldn't see a thing and Sawyer spooked the boars. I guess they should have used the "momma bear" sized light. ;D

Lola

[Karen]

Lola said:

Very funny! I thought it was just showing how each of them are. Jack with his little "doctor" light, being all cautious and Sawyer with the big ol' spotlight just barging in.

And of course neither one of the ways worked very well. Jack couldn't see a thing and Sawyer spooked the boars. I guess they should have used the "momma bear" sized light. ;D

Lola

Hee! I like your explanation! Of course, that's not where my mind went. Jack's "RUN!!" cracked me up.

I do wish that there was a little more humour in "Lost". I miss that in most dramas out there. Except for "Boston Legal", there isn't one I can think of that uses humour like Buffy did.

[Lola m]

Karen-K'ryptic said:

Hee! I like your explanation! Of course, that's not where my mind went. Jack's "RUN!!" cracked me up.

I do wish that there was a little more humour in "Lost". I miss that in most dramas out there. Except for "Boston Legal", there isn't one I can think of that uses humour like Buffy did.

**snork, snicker**

Well, yes, we all know where your mind went, Karen. Frankly, my little explanation/metaphor works just fine for that . . . um . . . mindset, too.

'Cuz there's nothing like a guy with a "mamma-bear" sized flashlight and the skill to shine it in just the right spot. ;D

I agree with you on the humor, too. Wish Lost would do more snarky/clever dialog. I think a lot of dramas make the mistake of thinking that humor has to mean an actual entire comic plotline or situation (not so - you can mix humor into a very serious storyline just fine) or they think that humor is not "appropriate" if their ep is very serious or dramatic (not realizing that it will be more compelling if they are blended - just like in real life).

Unfortunately, all creators of shows are not Joss.

Lola