Here are my notes about the long awaited 12 minute epilogue; which I will write up in the vein of the Missing Pieces Mobisodes. Remember to click the pics because they're posted here for a reason. Epilogue "The New Man in Charge"
Orote Peninsula, Guam: Dharma Logistics Warehouse THE PRESENT {uh, as in "gift"}
Two Dharma men {Provisions} are working in the warehouse. We get a shot of the printing press label maker with its "backwards/mirror image" plate.
Glen- "How soon do you get those peas labeled?"
Hector-"I don't know. Couple hours." {He hand cranks and hand cuts the labels.}
Glen- "Hurry it up, man. I already got the rest of the palette loaded."
Hector- "I don't know why you're always in such a hurry, man." {The fucking White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland!}
Glen- "That's why. We're gonna miss our launch window. I don't wanna be up half a night loading damn boxes."
Ben- "Excuse me." {Ben wears an Island shirt under his blazer.}
Glen- "Who the hell are you? How'd you get in here?"
Ben- "My name is Benjamin Linus. I'm from the Home Office."
Hector- "Nobody from the Home Office has ever come out here."
Ben- "There's a new man in charge, he sent me."
Glen- "Sent you to do what?"
Ben- "Tie up a few loose ends. Your services are no longer required, gentlemen. Closing this place down. So, you're free to go."
Hector- "But we've been loading the palettes under the drones for like...20 years now."
Glen- "What are we supposed to do?"
Ben- "This is your severance pay. I'd say you can do pretty much anything you want." {Ben hands them envelopes of American cash in hundreds}
Glen- "So, work with the Dharma Initiative?"
Ben- "The Dharma Initiative hasn't existed in almost 20 years."
Hector- "That's not true. We still get a teletype before every drop."
Ben- "It's automated. Comes from the Lamppost station in L.A.. There hasn't been a person posted there since you two started. That's why the man in charge has me going around closing up shop."
Glen- "Lamppost station?"
Ben- "I've already said more than I should've. Before you leave, please lock the doors, turn out the lights."
Hector- "Wait. You can't just walk out of here. We deserve answers!"
Ben- "All right. Before I go I'll let you each ask a question. But just one. So, make it count."
Glen - "Where have we been sending these palettes? Where are they dropped?"
Ben- "An Island."
Glen- "How's that possible? The coordinates are different every time."
Ben- "The Island moves."
Glen- "How does the Island..."
Ben- "Uh-uh! One question. Your turn." {Technically Glen got to ask three.}
Hector- "We're on Guam. So this Island is somewhere in the tropics, right? So explain this. Polar bear biscuits. How is there a polar bear on a tropical island?"
Ben- "Polar bears, actually. Plural. You guys have a DVD player?"
Ben- "So we watch it together and then we allleave. Is that a deal?"
Hector- "Deal."
Glen- "Deal."
Ben- "Sorry about the quality. It's a transfer from an old Betamax." {Ben pockets a Dharma granola bar and eats a Dharma granola bar}
The film/dvd begins...{Be warned! This video is riddled with skips, warps, glitches, and missing bits.} 1 of 6
Dr. Pierre Chang {Wearing a Swan station logo medical/lab white jacket}- "Hello, I am Dr. Pierre Chang. And this is the orientation video for station one of the Dharma Initiative, the Hydra. For purposes of security, please do not divulge my name to any outside parties. I wouldn't want to have to resort to using an alias in the future. The chief purpose of this station is to conductbiological and behavioral research on various animal, bird and marine subjects. {6 caged rabbits} Here are some of the duties you may be asked to perform...{A crazy voice says "Hurley. Hurley"}...Genetic alteration. These fascinating hybrids, or "hy-birds" as we call them, will be released and monitored to see how they adapt to the unique properties of the island... successful advanced studies in larger mammals. Ursus maritimus, or polar bears, possess a keen sense of memory and adaptability. These traits make them ideal candidates for electromagnetic studies that will be conducted at a secondary site where their comfort in cold temp... It's important when dealing with the bears that you do not show affection or become attached in any way. Also, do not underestimate their intelligence and cunning. These rules must always be followed. I repeat, the bears are not your friends. Rewarding the bear with a fish biscuit, once it has successfully performed a complex puzzle. After the training is completed, you will tranquilize the bear. Affix this tracking device around the subject's neck. At which point it will be transported to the Orchid station for the next phase of research. Remember, be sure to confirm that the female bears have not been impregnated before transport, as the electromagnetic levels at the Orchid have an extremely harmful effect on early term gestation. As you've already learned, we do animal research here at Hydra. Unfortunately, one must consider the most dangerous animal of all... humans. And so, there is another more secluded test site, where we are conducting significantly more sensitive work. The island's indigenous population, some of you may have heard them referred to as "Hostiles", are acquired on the main island, sedatedand brought here, to Room 23. {A "dummy/mannequin" is shown strapped in, in place of a person.} Because the subjects are unwilling participants, security personnel should always be present during these sessions. Under no circumstances are you to engage subjects in conversation. The purpose of these interrogations is to better understand the Hostiles' way of life, their origins, and particularly their worship of an island deity they refer to as "Jacob". After the research team has concluded their tests, inject this into the back of the subject's neck. Then place these goggles over his or her eyes. Hitting this switchwill commence the visualization while the drugs take effect. {The lights turn off, loud techno music plays while the video shows images and quotes} The dream-like quality of the filmcombined with the cutting edge pharmaceuticals will create an amnesia of sorts. Any memoryof his or her interrogation will be effectively wiped clean. While these interrogative measures may seem extreme, rest assured, they are vital...to temporary truce with the Hostiles is not violated. This concludes your orientation of the Hydra station. Good luck and remember do not discuss the nature of these experiments with other members of the Initiative. Enjoy your time here on Hydra Island. Namaste and good l..."
The two men are stunned.
Hector- "I think we're gonna need to see that again."
Ben-"Sorry, we're out of time." {Ben collects his DVD}
Hector- "What did they do to those bears? And what the hell's a 'Hostile?"
Ben-"Goodbye, gentlemen. I have another call to make. Namaste." {There is an obvious buzzing of a fly/bug}
SANTA ROSA MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE
Ben is wearing the same clothes as he wore to the warehouse in "Guam".
Ben- "Hello, I'm here to see Keith Johnson."
Nurse Susie Lazenby- "Are you on his visitor's list?"
Ben- "No. But I'm sure if you give him this note, he'll want to see me."
Walt, a kid in a grownup mental institute, plays Connect Four solo in the game/rec room.
{The same familiar artwork and colorful cutouts decorate the room}
Ben- "Hello, Walt." {He doesn't call him Keith}
Walt-" What are you doing here?"
Ben- "Like my note said, a friend of yours sent me."
Walt- "I don't have any friends."
Ben- "We all have friends. Even me."
Walt- "You here to kidnap me again?"
Ben- "I'm genuinely sorry about that. But what's done is done. I can't change the past. I can only take responsibility for it. Walt, I understand what you've had to go through. I know the difficulties you've had pretending to be someone you're not. {Walt takes off the legs of the Connect Four grid} Walt, I'm here to help you."
Walt- "Why?"
Ben- "Because you're special. And I bet nobody's told you that in a very long time."
Walt- "What good does that do me?"
Ben- "We need you. You have work to do. Starting with helping your father."
Walt- "My father's dead."
Ben- "Doesn't mean you can't help him. Will you gowithus, Walt?" {Ben places a wrapped DI granola bar on top of the red game pieces. Walt picks it up.}
Outside the building at night, Ben is encouraging cautious and unsure Walt as they walk through the picnic area and get into a blue Dharma van.
Ben-"Come on, it's OK. You ride shotgun."
Hurley-"Dude."
Walt- "Hurley."
Hurley- "It's great to see you, Walt." {Jacob music plays}
Walt- "I kept hoping one day somebody would come backfor me. They said I was crazy."
Hurley-"You're not crazy, dude. Not even close. You just need to get back to the island, that's all. It's where you belong. It's where you've always belonged."
Walt- "Why?"
Hurley- "I wanna talk to you about a job. All right, Ben, let's get out of here. It's time for us all to go home."
Ben starts the van and they drive away.
Things to Note...Questions to ask...
* Everything blurs together! "This Place"-the "Island"-Guam-Santa Rosa-On "Island and off "Island", etc.
* Ben and Hurley travel to and from the "Island". If you have to be sedated to "transport" to the "Island" then who sedates and wakes the other?!! lol
* The {"Hy"- "high"} bird is in a covered darkened cage...SLEEPING! Drugs! Altered State of Consciousness!
* Confined. Alone. Solitary. Shutoff. Shutdown
* The Hydra Station is number 1; the Orchid Station is next step of the research.
* Computers, Programs, Drones, Machines. {"acting" on behalf of a human.}
* Drugs-High (hy), Hallucinogens, Sedatives, Tranquilize, Injections, Hypnosis, Brainwashing.
* Mind games, manipulation.
* GAME. Rules.
* Dream. Dreamlike
* Mental health. Feeling alone. Lost. Santa Rosa.
* Tabula Rasa
* The Lamppost station is automated; hasn't had a person there in 20 years and The Hydra video shows a dummy/mannequin in place of a human
* What is real and what is not real?
* The "date" on the printout is not a real date.
* The "Island" is a place of learning. An Institute is also known as a place of learning.
* Faraday's rat maze
* Tests. Experiments.
* Challenges
* Walt's name is Keith Johnson.
* Walt is presented with a "job".
* Waltis not 20 years old and we just learned the DI hasn't existed in almost 20 years.
* What does "dead" really mean?
* Walt is wearing a zip up hoodie like Michael and Hugo wore in Everybody Loves Hugo
* You need to consume a Dharma food product to be "transported" to the "Island". The use of sedative and/or hallucinogen is what brings you to the "Island"
* The Island moves...is the "Island" really a ship?
* The handle on the door to Room 23 is like one that is on a refrigerated room or meat locker.
* Candle, Halliwax, Wickmund all represent "light".
* The Lamppost's "church" ends up being the place where Jack, Christian and friends are embraced by the warm bright "light". The "light" lives in all of our hearts and the heart of the "Island". Ah, lovely metaphors at work.
* The Dharma Initiative info from the film/dvd brings us back to the information we learned in the first ARG "The LOST Experience". - I also want to provide you with The Psychology test video from The LOST Experience from back in June of 2006.
Vocabulary and Research... * Logistics-word comes from "Pertaining to logic"
* Hydra- Also means a persistent or many-sided problem that presents new obstacles as soon as one aspect is solved.
* Drone-
1). A Bee, a male wasp, a male ant. (BUG)
2). An abbreviation referring to one of two psychoactive drugs (Mephedrone "Methoxymethcathinone"), commonly known as methedrone
* Hostile- opposed in feeling, action, or character.
2). characterized by antagonism
3). angry, aggressive, not warm, unfriendly or hospitable
4). enemy
5). alien
* Bear- carry, convey, transport, ferry, fetch, move,pack, take, transfer
- Mental state, Endure,
-Refuse to throw away,
-Give birth.
-Bare- To uncover, reveal or expose.
* Peas are contained in a pod.
* Indigenous-inherent; feelingsindigenous to human beings.
What the "hex" going on?! Well, people, things and places are not what you think...Ha, imagine that.
First...For those of you who feel disappointed that we didn't get a look at life on the "Island" under its new management...We did!! Because it's all "the Island". They are NEVER out of the confines of the "ISLAND" or whatever the "Island" really is. We've all been down the rabbit hole which just happens to be over the rainbow in OZ.
It is obvious (and not all in my head) events and places we've seen in the six years happened within the "confines" of the "Island" adventure. It was shown all over this 12 minute epilogue.
This also connects my Wizard of Oz-Alice in Wonderland idea...what we saw happened in a sleep state and/or altered state of consciousness where things are blurred together.
This Zen Buddhism based journey involvesaltered states of consciousness and levels of consciousness (sleep state), and states of existence/being along the path. The "Island's" role in this may also be aided with the addition of mediation, sedation, drugs, hypnosis, and/or even a computerized merged reality experience...the matrix.
If everything is really occurring and blurred within the confines of a specific space, one with distinct boundaries, then we still need to wonder...wherethis place is. Is it all completely in the mind, consciousness/subconscious {with the use of drugs and or meditation aided by machine/computer}
or is it literally on an island or in a building or a prison, or are they on a ship in confined pods? Is it possible that this adventure can happen all while you're in the comforts of your own home?
Let's look at the first part of what we're shown:
The "cutting edge" out of existence Dharma Initiative has only two clueless dudes in "Guam", hand cranking labels and packing pallets on autopilot (Automated) for 20 years! They don't even know about the Lamppost station. Really?! These people are literally "trapped in a fucking box"!
Not only are we being shown the DI surviving under an auto-piloted front, but we're also seeing more people who are metaphorically "stuck" and oblivious that there is a whole entire world out there that they could and should be living in. These two men are living in a redundant cycle with no comprehension of how to do it any other way.
Interestingly Ben, who just turned Glen and Hector's lives upside down, limits the men's questions and is obviously restricting them from learning more even though they are curious. Ben's entire demeanor is very mysterious and cunning and kind of suspicious.
Walt, a child who is residing at a mental institution for adults {I've only ever seen adults there}, is called upon by Ben via Hurley. Hurley, Jacob-like, wants to talk to Walt about a "job" but also refers to Walt belonging on the island and also feeling positively that it's time to get out of there and that it's time for all of them to go home. Is it just Walt's turn to watch the "Island" or is he "indigenous/hostiles" to the "Island" {Ahem, as Candle mentions "there are"} and is he just being returned? And I must ask what Walt's "special" role on the "Island is; although now we see he must become the new man in charge. Is his role to take the place of the Jacob or MIB identity? {John was "special" and connected with Smokey.} Hurley states it's time for "all" of them to go home, so if the "Island" and the outside world are not really of the same space is Hurley gathering up all the natives to return them to the "Island" as well, or are they just all ready to go home? Where is home? It must be somewhere over the rainbow.
Are we still the victims of a Long Con? Well, there continues to be a game element and the story still reeks of "Smoke and Mirrors", magic, illusion and lots of razzle freakin' dazzle.
The still seemingly vague and inconclusive {glitchy} information we received from the Hydra orientation film connects many things we learned in the first ARG, The LOST Experience. Do I disregard any of that valuable time consuming researched shit load of information I learned with playing that game? Nope. Because we know and accept this story is multi layered. Nevertheless, I found this Hydra Orientation film to be filled with a plethora of insight and answers.
We have been fed hints to breeding and "using" the natives of the "Island" all of these years along with the path to enlightenment part of the story. Keep in mind the story is a wonderfully huge metaphor being narrated via all the puzzling problems and imagery we see on and with the "Island". So the information Candle gives us can be perceived as him talking about Jack, John and the rest of the people on the "Island" and not "bears" and "birds".
But who knows, maybe Walt is a hybrid {or really a "hy" bird, as in they're all "high", again as Candle outright states}, maybe they all are. Or they're all Hostiles, native to the "Island" and they're the ones being broken down and reprogrammed.
Marvin Candle's drivel about the viewer not telling anyone his name lest he be reduced to needing an alias is total nonsense, but his statement, "The Hostiles are acquired on the main island, sedatedand brought here" is not.
Think about it...Are we really talking about "hostiles", as in natives to an actual island or are we really talking metaphorically about angry and lost people? Have we witnessed the literal kidnapping of natives to an island and their being used as test subjects by the Dharma Initiative or about is it about a lost person who can't bear his burden any longer and is in need of a life changing journey to put him in the right light so he can live the life he is meant to live. That may be a form of therapy or rehabilitation. It very well may be that it is a combination of some of these clues.
We can watch the orientation footage literally, accepting the information Candle is telling the viewer as facts regarding the D.I. and their "programs". And you can watch it understanding the subliminal and metaphoric connections to Jack, John, Hurley and the rest of the Castaways while ignoring the bits about the DI and their programs. Of course you can also watch it while mastering how all of those factors fit and work together.
The visual of the whiterabbits in the orientation video again for me, correlates to a trip down the rabbit hole and not to some gobbledygook Marvin Candle's video is trying to distract us with.
Hurley, the new man in charge, seems to be literally moving stuck people forward; liberating them.
Bah! Maybe he's just pushing the clueless people out.
"This Place"...the "Island" is a place of learning. It doesn't matter if you think it's run by a bunch of crackpot scientists, doctors, inventors, the military, actors, gamers or it's a real island that you can go on a journey to find yourself, you're purpose there is not only to be challenged and tested, but you will learn, heal and be free and reborn. It is part of the journey to enlightenment.
I do want to reflect on a moment we spent with Hurley and his adventure on the "Island" with his being confused on whether "Island" events are real or part of his subconscious. We're given so much important information from his friend, Dave. Dave hints to things being faked. But more importantly is the dialogue Dave has about the "need to wake up" Hugo. Dave tries to get Hurley to fall back off the cliff, not so he can kill himself but so it will "wake" him up. Hugo perceives the going over the cliff as an act of physical death but what it really represents is a metaphoric "death", an ending and a means to bring you back to life. It is very Zen.
So with this "Big Finale"it's time for us all to go home. After all, Home is where your Heart is.
It is also where you end up after you run all the bases on the field, or you work your way all the way around the game board indicating the completion of the game...back to home.
Now, if you're ready and only if and when you're really ready...
Come on, do it, I know you want to...Close your eyes, tap your heels together three times and think to yourself...There's no place like...Home.
...And now you can wake up.
At least until your next adventure, that is.
I can't believe I just wrote that title here. I am having a hard time coming around to facing the end of this wonderful journey, but alas I know that every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. What can I say? That's a line that sticks with me after my many years of playing the club circuit but its proper nonetheless.
Once upon a time:
Jack's eye opened to signify the start of this journey.
It has always seemed to me that he and the other castaways were placed on the "Island" as if they were placed pieces on a game board.
I played back in my mind's eye Christian Shepherd's coffin arriving at LAX in the LA X sideways and Jack on the "Island" washing his hands and face in the stream in preparation for his new "Island" job, Ben going through the mundane motions in his one armed existence in the sideways and then him loading a gun on the "Island" to continue on his quest as he currently sides with (MIB)/Locke, Locke looking back at his empty black wheelchair as he is wheeled on a gurney into surgery, Lonely James in the locker room at the police station putting his badge over his head and glimpsing at himself in the mirror he broke in frustration, then he tends to Kate's bullet wound on the "Island", and Kate waits in Hugo's Camaro in the church parking lot of The Lamppost station while the Oceanic Air Cargo van delivers "Christian".
Interestingly Desmond signs for the cargo from the currier Bocklin, claiming he works there. Kate nonchalantly asks Des "Who died?" and he blandly replies "A man named Christian Shephard."
Kate won't let him turn the key to start the car until he tells her why he made her put on that dress and busted her out of jail to go to a "Fusion" concert, "You won't even tell me why we're here."
Desmond-"No one can tell you why you're here, Kate."
I remember Kate having similar dialogue with Ben in A Tale of Two Cities.
Desmond confesses that he wants to "leave".
Curious Kate wonders, "Leave and go where?"
Desmond will show her.
Jack stands alone ankle deep the water of the stream and we see he has a renewed aura about him but shares with James that he really doesn't feel any different as "the new Jacob", and he really doesn't know "what the hell just happened up here". Jack explains to his friends that Jacob said they have to go to the bamboo forest just past their old camp and that's where he'd find the place they need toprotect. Yes, in that very same vicinity we've seen Jack start from at least twice already.
Jacob called it the heart of the Island; it's a light.
Hugo- "And that Locke Smoke Thing wants to put it out?"
Jack- "Something like that, yeah."
Hugo- "So, what if he does?"
Jack- "Then that’s it for all of us."
Kate- "But, if Locke wants to put it out, then why hasn’t he?"
James- "'Cause he ain’t got what he needs. I’m guessing that’d be Desmond. . .That’s where we were headed before your inauguration. Sayid said Locke tossed him in a well."
Jack-"Jacob didn’t say anything to me about Desmond."
James- "Doesn’t sound like he said anything about anything."
Hugo- "That’s kinda of true, dude. He’s worse than Yoda."
James-"All right. Y’all head to your heart of the island and I’ll go get the magicleprechaun out of that well." {Hearts and Minds}
Umm, yeah...there's some wonderfully evasive but convincing sounding bits of information for ya.
A Tale of Two Cities, Three Time Lines, Do-Overs, and an Island that "Technically, you know, we don't even know if we're on an Island"
Time was irrelevant on the "Island" and in the sideways and in the place of the Castaway meet up.
Christian tells Jack that everything that happened to him was real, so this includes "Island" events, Flashes, and the Oceanic 6 craziness. Hmmm...Perhaps it was only as real as he made it. Even if it was a matrix/virtual or physical with simulations incorporated, or a real mystical island, or metaphysical planes, and/or states of consciousness, all of those still count as a real experience for them.
Desmond and Jack share important dialogue before Desmond descends into the light cavern.
Desmond- "This doesn't matter, you know...Him destroying the island, you destroying him. It doesn't matter. You know, you're gonna lower me into that light, and I'm gonna go somewhere else. A place where we can be with the ones we love, and not have to ever think about this damn island again. And you know the best part, Jack?"
Jack- "What?"
Desmond- "You're in this place. You know, we sat next to each other on Oceanic 815. It never crashed. We spoke to each other. You seemed happy. You know, maybe I can find a way to bring you there too."
Jack- "Desmond, I tried that once. There are no shortcuts, no do-overs. What happened happened. Trust me, I know. All of this matters."
Yet we've constantly witnessed the loop concept with all the castaway's and their stay on the "Island" and in their Flashes. We've even seen Oceanic plane wreckage already inside the caves. Come on! Desmond "saw" different versions of Charlie dying and had Flashes before his Eyes, and in The Constant with times/places. We've seen them refer to moments of remembering things during the "Island" adventure, they even reference what their supposed to and not supposed to do as if it's been done before, saw proof of different versions of things and scenes, and people, items and dialogue repeated over and over again. But obviously in the grand scheme of things and the emotional closure to the story, all of these facts and details were placed in the category of "Irrelevant Island Items".
Fantasy, Fairy Tales and the Flightline Motel: Enlightened Hurley has a mission to bring Sayid along on one of his errands to pick up bass guitarist Charlie Pace of Drive Shaft and deliver him to the Fusion benefit concert. Sideways Charlie is totally drunk, and even after levelheaded coaxing from Hugo he won't go to the show. Hugo came prepared with a fucking tranquilizerdart gun to ensure the transport of the unwilling rocker. Someone please tell me why oh why there is a need for tranquilizer dart guns in the sideways?
This is supposed to be the same enlightened Charlie that was the guide to Desmond's enlightenment. WTF?! How come we don't see any sign of that Charlie here?! BTW Charlie's important message to us via his tattoo is "Living is easy with eyes closed. Misunderstanding all you see."
We revisited the same motel from Lockdown. The very same one that Anthony Cooper stayed in after he staged his death and instructed John to get the money from the safety deposit box, and where John proposed to Helen.
It is important to keep in mind the "sideways" also shows us people lying, on the run, kidnapping/taken hostage, embezzling, killing, dying and the inception of babies.
Fire + Water:
It is the beautiful Eden like cavern that contains the picture perfect stream and warm bright light, which simultaneously contains fire and brimstone. However, this ancient containment chamber has been constructed and decorated by man.
When Desmond removed the giant pawn from the hole in the heart of the "Island" in an effort to put the light out, he thought this action would let him leave "this place".
Evil wasn't really unleashed, but this act was one part to liberating the (MIB)/Locke from the "Island". After all, (MIB)/Locke and Desmond were seeking the same thing the Lostie's ultimate goal was in the sideways... to "leave".
Putting out the light played a role in giving us the end of "MIB", and of "Jacob" who just disappeared. This ended the "Island" game for the twins.
I hope that box is big enough for you to conjure yourself up an Ajira plane that can leave Hydra Island:
Just like the magic box of the "Island", the sideways seemed to utilize the concept of "If you believe it" it can happen.
In the "sideways" did Jack imagine he had a son? Locke tells him he doesn't have a son, yet Locke remarked about his son looking just like him in last week's episode. Also in the "sideways" Locke can get up and walk pretty much immediately after major spinal surgery.
On the "Island" Chesty Frank believed he could fly that plane out of there, not just on a wing and a prayer but with duct tape! And son of a bitch he did it!
This is also where we learn-
Miles-"I don't believe in a lot of things, but I do believe in duct tape" line is said, and I gotta say...I'm stealing that awesome line for future use!
Miles will be Frank's eyes while he drives the plane getting it ready for takeoff, and Ricky Boy, who finally realized he really wants to live, will relay Miles' info back to Frank the pilot.
Here "on Island" and "sideways" give us constant examples of people appearing and disappearing and wishes granted. {We've seen this in "off Island" and "Oceanic Six" events as well.}
The "Island" of misfit Castaways still keeps secrets:
The "Island" was indeed the place you go to be tested and challenged, to learn, to find what you lost, to heal from your pain, to grow, become enlightened and then move on. We have six seasons proof of that. Rose even mentions to Bernard the "Island" is the place where you to "get better". We have indeed been privy to a few castaways going through the challenges there, finding redemption, seeing truth, letting go and moving on more than a handful of times. We've even seen instances where people opted out; Ana Lucia.
The other point we can't ignore is that we've been told many times the "Island" adventure is a separate place from the "REAL WORLD", hence making it an "UNREAL WORLD" of some sort.
We can go back and prove the "Island" manipulated and altered people's perception and memory, drugged them, and brain washed them. We've seen proof of the illusion, of things being faked, contrived, use of costumes, wigs/beards, props, decoy villages, scripts, cameras, fake bird sounds, and so much more. The visitors were assigned roles, jobs and names. Their needs were met; including food drops, medical supplies and some comforts of home.
We've even seen the "blurring" of on and off "Island" events present themselves while someone was in a sleeping-dream state. Direct examples are Something Nice Back Home and The Cost of Living.
We know the "Island" to be an "Island" of magical power and such, and blurring of "Island" events and off "Island" events were always there.
Ultimately the "Island" did not want its true identity revealed!
Games, Games and More Games:
In this episode Christian reminds Jack that everything that happened to him in his life was real, with real people. This includes the "Island" experience.
The Island- The show did bring games, Easter eggs, hidden subliminal clues with books, props and actual dialogue within the on screen "Island" story and ARG'S.
Do I take back my bold typed clue words about the game, mental health, simulation/virtual, matrix, things happening in the head/mind/consciousness, events blurring together, and all those things? NO!!
No matter what the Island is not an "Island" or at least not your typical cay of land sitting in the middle of open water island.
The game element was there all the way up until the very end. There was no doubt about it. We know "this place" had rules that change and vary according to who the new leader is, moves, timer, countdown, trades, cheats, loopholes, levels, leaders, pieces/pawns, odds, and points. You could also leave the game/experience and come back into it or completely opt out if you're not ready to continue. We've even seen proof of literally starting over in the same position. There were goals of the game/adventure such as slay the monster, blow up the sub or the plane and save the world, and these challenges is what is supposed to liberate you from your own suffering and making you change.
We can look at the "Island" as a stop in the adventure/experience/game/journey as one of the levels/planes. We can even acknowledge the final scene in this episode with Christian opening the church doors as next level or "Game over."
We're told time didn't matter on the "Island" and in the last stop on Jack's sideways, yet there always was a blurring of events; as if things were running simultaneously.
The "Island" Whispers:
I call fucking shenanigans on Michael telling Hurley that the whispers are of those who couldn't move on. Ask yourself, "move on" from where? Automatically wouldn't you "assume" that makes it "purgatory" or "afterlife" of sorts? Or is it just the bleed through of voices from outside of the experience/game? It still fits either concept. Technically the general "voices" explanation is still in question, as the "Island's" identity wasn't explained and it appears that the two relate to one another. I must also question why Michael would have not been redeemed when he fulfilled his duty on the freighter and was actually given permission from "Christian" that he can go. I guess in the end it was Michael who couldn't "let go".
Enlightenment:
“Careful observation is the only key to true and complete awareness.”
In the six seasons of notes I've presented to you something that was a constant is my understanding that the castaways were indeed on a journey of enlightenment. You have seen this research and photos in my notes before, but I've left a few reminders here:
Dharma- Teachings of the Buddha {Dharma Initiative=The Start of the 8 fold path.}
Black or White...it's about the balance.
The images shown to us through the story connect with Dharma, Karma and Zen Buddhist practices: The Bagua, wheel, light, colors, Dogen, the temple, waves, fish, mirrors, water, spiral, consciousness, etc..
Bardo, a Tibetan word means "Intermediate State" also translated as "transitional state" or "in-between state.
Together "six bardos" form a classification of states of consciousness into six broad types:
The Bardo of This Life, Bardo of Meditation, Bardo of Dream, Bardo of Dying, Bardo of Dharmata, and the Bardo of Existence. Any state of consciousness can form a type of "intermediate state", intermediate between other states of consciousness. Indeed, one can consider any momentary state of consciousness a Bardo, since it lies between our past and future existences; it provides us with the opportunity to experience reality, which is always present but obscured by the projections and confusions that are due to our previous unskillful actions.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead ...there is in fact no single Tibetan title corresponding to the Tibetan Book of the Dead. The overall name given to the whole cycle is Profound Dharma of Self-Liberation through the Intention of the Peaceful and Wrathful Ones or as Karma Lingpa's Peaceful and Wrathful Ones.
The Liberation Through Hearing During the Intermediate State or Bardo Thodol is a funerary text. The Liberation Through Hearing During the Intermediate State also mentions three other Bardo: those of "life" (or ordinary waking consciousness), of "Dhyana" (meditation), and of "dream" (the dream state during normal sleep).
In the third Bardo the soul encounters the Lord of Death, a fearsome demonic deity who appears in smoke and fire, and subjects the soul to a Judgment. If the dead person protests that he has done no evil, the Lord of Death holds up before him the Mirror of Karma, "wherein every good and evil act is vividly reflected." Now demons approach and begin to inflict torments and punishments upon the soul for his evil deeds.
The Battle of Two Wills:
The storm is raging and rain is pouring down on Jack and MIB/Locke, who literally have a physical showdown on the cliff. It was like watching two Gladiators fight to the death!
Locke stabs Jack in the gut and starts to cut open his neck. This is the literal bleeding through of "Island" events and the sideways. {Or even facing a memory.} Jack tries to choke the life out of (MIB)/Locke; all the while the "Island" is falling to pieces around them. Because the magic of the "Island" is broken and MIB/Locke became "mortal" {at least he "became" mortal to Jack and the rest}, Locke is shot by the bullet Kate saved for him. The sunlight starts to show itself through the storm and MIB/Locke smiles knowing "You're too late". Ultimately Jack kicks MIB/Locke off the cliff sending him to his final death and finally liberating the MIB-LOCKE from the "Island". {Poor Locke, he's always tossed out a window, thrown off a cliff, falls down a well, gets shot in the leg.}
In the sideways Jack is congratulated on his "Nice work" by a nurse who is wheelingsedatedLocke from surgery into room 218. Jack's neck is bleeding. The nurse informs Jack that sedated Locke is already waking up.
Jack-"Mr. Locke. Can you hear me?"
Locke opens his eyes and Jack explains to him he just had major surgery, "Try not to move and just relax, okay?"
Locke is happy because "It worked". He has use of his legs again. When he moves his toes,memory of his "Island" experience floods him and he asks Dr. Jack, "Did you see that? You don't remember".
All of a sudden Jack has a Flash of him and Locke looking down into the Swan Hatch.Locke's awaking inspires him to literally get out of the bed, knowing "We need to go" and he asks Jack, "Will you come with me?"
Locke is truly happy that he "gets it" while in denial Jack feels, "We're not going anywhere".Upset Jack needs to go see his son, but Locke reminds him, "You don't have a son."
Jack is confused. On his way out of the room Locke tells the stubborn doctor, "I hope that somebody does for you what you just did for me." Jack literally just liberated Locke from his suffering.
The pieces are moved:
With the sun shining and order somewhat restored, severely injured Jackjokes with Kate, "Find me some thread and I can count to five."
Kate informs James that Locke's dead, "It's over."
Although the sun is shining the "Island" is still rumbling and breaking apart.
James-"Sure don't feel like it's over."
The "Island" is still crumbling because whatever Desmond turned off Jack needs to turn it on again. {This is exactly what James had to do with the vending machine when he was with Juliet Carlson to buy an Apollo bar from rack G23. And it's technically legal.lol.Reboot.} Jack feels if it doesn't work the rest of them need to be on that plane. Kate encourages Jack to let the "Island" sink,but Jack can't do that.James thinks he can manage to get the boat across the channel in time.
James thanks the Doc for everything. Ben feels if the "Island's" going down that he's going down with it. Hugo is "with" Jack. Jack wants Kate to go and get Claire on that plane.
Kate is sad, "Tell me I'm gonna see you again."
They passionately kiss goodbye and they both say "I love you".
James and Kate find they literally have to jump from the cliff to make it over to the boat that will bring them to Hydra Island and the plane.
Of course this reminds me of the Zen proverb- "Let go over a cliff, die completely, and then come back to life. After that you cannot be deceived."
Jack will head back into the depths of the cavern to plug the pawn back in, reigniting the light; rebooting the "Island" and restoring balance.
Jack, Hurley and Ben understand that this is Jack's final quest because this is the way it has to be, even though Hurley accuses him of committing suicide.
Hurley is handed the proverbial torch of protecting the "light".
Jack does the whole "Drink this" mumbo jumbo minus the "incantation" in order to make things legal, but he still manages the "Now you're like me" closing statement to the communion. Hurley will only accept the job on a temporary basis.
{Jack put Hurley in charge of a very important job in Everybody Hates Hugo.}
In the depths of the raging cavern Jack rescues disappointed Desmond. Desmond feels he has to put it back, "It's like a train!"
Jack releases Desmond to go home and be with his wife and son {How does Jack know all that info?} and he will plug the ancient stone pawn back in. Jack will see Brother in another life.
Severely injured Jack completes his last task of restoring the light and the water.
Kate pleads with Claire, who thinks the "Island" made her crazy ass insane, to go with her. Claire's concerned that she no longer knows how to be a mother. Kate convinces her she's not alone and that none of them knows what to do at first.
Kate, James and Claire make their flight with Frank, Enos and Ricky Boy.
Frank's leap of faith worked in enabling them to take flight.
Hurley, with his new role, dubs Ben his numbertwo in charge because he has experience. Desmond will be on the "Island" with them. Hurley will run the "Island" a new way, a better way than Jacob did. He will do what he does best, take care of people.
By the way a funny bit, Hugo always knew he was "going back to the caves, after all no one lives there anymore, so he won't bother anybody. He's going to live alone, be one of those crazy guys with the bigbeard, no clothes, who's naked and throws doody at people." He mentions this in Dave.
Some place safe:
In the "sideways" it's Kate that meets up with Jack at the Fusion concert (where workers are literally breaking everything down and packing it away) to inform him it's over. Jack is looking for his son and of course he doesn't seem to be around. Jack remembers Kate when she touches his face and tells him she's missed him so much. Jack has Flashes of them on the "Island" but still resists and wonders "What is happening to me? Who are you?"
Kate convinces Jack to go with her so he'll understand.
Changed Locke arrives in a yellow Shoreline taxi at Mrs. Hawking's white church {Lamppost Station} that contained the Dharma Initiative's Lamppost Station. Yes, the very same one that enabled the Oceanic Six to return to the "Island".
Locke wheels himself to the entrance where he comes upon Ben sitting. Ben shares that most of them are already inside.
Ben- "I'm very sorry for what I did to you, John. I was selfish, jealous...I wanted everything you had."
Puzzled John asks, "What did I have?"
Ben- "You were special, John. But I wasn't."
John- "Well if it helps, Ben. I forgive you."
Although that helps and matters more than Ben can say, he still isn't ready to join up with the rest of the castaways. He still has some things he needs to work out, "I think I'll stay here a while."
It is Ben that prompts John to get out of that chair.
John walks into the church a completely changed man, free of all the things that crippled him.
Hugo pokes his head outside the church, sees Ben and thanks him for being a real good number two.
Ben- "You were a great number one, Hugo."
Jack arrives to the Lamppost station/church in his shitty ol Bronco with Kate. He feels he's at {church} the place where he was going to have his father's funeral; he died in Australia. Although I remember Jack telling Sayid in the episode Three Minutes, that he was going to L.A. and right from the airport to the cemetery to bury his father.
He asks Kate,"Why did you bring me here?"
Kate- "Because this is where you were gonna have your father's funeral."
Jack still doesn't completely comprehend what is going on. Kate will wait for him inside for when he's ready to leave.
The Long Con:
Abracadabra, smoke and mirrors!
So...was the LOST adventure supposed to be a living breathing chess game and puzzle? We were led to "believe" that it was.
The blissful ending we saw with Christian and Jack and the ambiguous explanation given leaves much to interpretation yet on the other hand it was definitive...closure.
However, if we're asked to believe the "Island" is a real physical place, with real people, complete with a shape shifting smoke monster, a frozen donkey wheel that can move the "Island", time travel, mysterious wishes being granted, ghosts, whispers, an ageless man, appearing and disappearing people, healing properties, world saving electromagnetic forces, a Willy Wonka Eggdicator machine that determines if someone if good or bad, a cork that plugs a hole in a bright light cavern, reset button, special people, twins who've been playing an eternal game, and an invisibility cloak around the "Island", then we as the viewer can if we choose to, ignore certain key "facts" that make the ending we saw correct and create whatever world we want to.
The "Island" may very well have been a "real island" that had fantastical properties. It could be an "Island" that was utilized by rich people, military, scientists (The DeGroots, Hanso, Mittleos, Mittlewerk) for the purpose of study, and a place to bring "lost" people and rehabilitate them. Or even a metaphysical level of the journey. For the castaways this still would be the place that they did share their coming together via a staged plane crash, the tests and challenges they faced under the guise of a game, where they would learn to confront their demons, face their fears, see truth, end addiction, forgive themselves, forgive others, get over abandonment issues and other emotional issues that paralyzed them, learn to let go of their attachments and suffering and then be free to live their lives in the "real world". It would have been this time spent together that was indeed the most important to Jack, Locke and the rest of the castaways. They were the people who meant the most in the most important time of their lives, who shared in their life changing growth.
Wonderland:
In the sideways environment we were also mixed up in the world of Jabberwocky. Things were wrong and backwards at times. People switched sides, teams and even roles and jobs.
In The End we still witnessed people having to read and follow instructions and diagrams.
I just gotta ask...What are we logically supposed to make of the entire Oceanic 6 era? I'll just chalk it up to my thoughts about it being a level of the "Island" experience/adventure/exercise/game/journey.
But even Dorothy was able to wake up from her experience and realize what parts were real and which were not. The people in her real life bled over into the adventure she had while she was unconscious/sleeping.
Perception:
This has always been a story about perception. This is why we all extrapolated different things from the story. I can see why fans may not be happy with the conclusion that was revealed because it did not end with the ending you may have perceived or hoped for.
Did we spend the last six years watching a story about people caught up in the middle of a real life issue that involved a stay on an "Island" that really was a lab, run by powerful people all for the sake of betterment of man, or a real plane crash on a magical "Island", or is it strictly the metaphysical journey of levels of birth, enlightenment, death and rebirth.
We were always meant to take our own journey through this story and we were always supposed to take our own views from it and see things when we were ready to see them.
Things to Note...Questions we leave on the table...
* Jack, Locke and Desmond worked as a team to lower Desmond into the light, yet all three of them had different motives for going into the light.
* Your mind creates things/thoughts/ideas/fear/etc.. One aspect of the "Island" adventure is to "believe" and believing in what you see/hear/experience/etc.
* Locke is Locke.
* What was with all the eye color changes throughout the six seasons?
* At what point in time did "God loves you as he loved Jacob" happen?
* There are many episodes that although I feel connected to Locke's issues, I can see connect to Jack's journey.
* Was it really Jacob who invited Charles Widmore to the island; to bring Desmond and prep him for his mission to put out the light?
* One aspect of the journey it to let go of one's negative self and ego.
* Life, Death, Rebirth.
* Technically Desmond interfered in the sideways and pushed people to "wake up".
Vocabulary and Research...
* Arnold Böcklin: was a symbolist Swiss painter-16 October 1827 – 16 January 1901. He pained The Isle of the Dead and The Return.
I'm sure the sideways (waiting area) represents very different things to each of us. We were only told it was a place they "made" to find each other. I do have my own thoughts on what it is; of course this is based on the story I perceived through the six seasons.
Nonetheless, here is some insight to what the word Purgatory technically means:
* Purgatory: any situation causing suffering. A miserable situation.
From Latin purgātōrium: cleansing. Cognate to English (purge): Tending to cleanse or purge.
- In Roman Catholic and other religious teachings; a temporary state of the dead.
- is the condition or process of purification or temporary punishment
- (verb) 1). To carry out a task; EXECUTE, gas, electrocute, shoot, finish, hang, bear, create, enact
2). To reach a goal.
- Additional Synonyms: Abaddon, Gehenna, Hades, abyss, bottomless pit, everlasting fire, fire and brimstone, infernal regions, limbo, lower world, nether world, perdition, pit, place of torment, suffering, underworld.
- Mental suffering: affliction, agony, anguish,bemoaning, bereavement, bewailing, care, dejection, deploring, depression, desolation, despair, despondency, discomfort, disquiet, distress, dole, dolor, gloom, grievance, harassment, heartache, heartbreak, infelicity, lamentation, lamenting, malaise, melancholy, misery, mortification, mournfulness, mourning, pain, purgatory, regret, remorse, repining, rue, sadness, sorrow, torture, trial, tribulation, trouble, unhappiness, vexation, woe, worry, wretchedness.
Circle:
Ensō is a Japanese word meaning "circle " and a concept strongly associated with Zen. The story begins with Jack opening his eye and ends with him closing his eye in the same position as we were introduced to him. Locke found what he was looking for on the "Island" a long time ago, as did many other castaways. Jack's full circle experience on the "Island" happened for a reason. He was the one who admittedly checked back into the "Island" experience to try to fix his broken self. He would not learn to let go and beat his "demon" until he came out of the "Island" experience a fixed new man, freeof the chains/things that bound him. When he fulfilled his quests there, he was finally able to leave/die from the "Island's" learning ground and move on and have total peace.
Let's look at what we were shown...In the sideways Jack literally tells Locke "If I can fix you, Mr. Locke, that’s all the peace I’ll need." And on "Island" Jack's last quest is to kill the "monster" {the negative}, assume a new role to give him purpose and restore peace and protection to "this place", which he does. Although it took Jack longer to understand why he was in "this place", he finally completed the course and ultimately liberated himself.
Can I just say that even after all we witnessed my favorite character is still Locke. He was the one who did see truth in knowing they were brought to the island for a reason. Even when he would stumble the goodhearted and nurturing leader was there. He was a tough warrior who had hope and fought for the cause even when no one wanted to listen to him. Yes, we saw his spirit broken, but the warrior was still inside there. Even then Locke's the one who made me believe that I can overcome obstacles and find a purpose. "Don't tell me what I can't do."
Live Together, Die Alone:
It doesn't matter if we observed the castaways learn to find and forgive themselves and know love under the guise of a game, or if it was a literal depiction of the path of enlightenment and onto Nirvana, Jack and these people needed to learn to heal themselves, coexist and work as a team for the greater good. They played a deep and important role in each other's life changing enlightenment.
“There is no coming to consciousness without pain”:
We all went into this blind. We were never promised anything. We were never told how, why and what the deal is with "This Place"-the "Island", we were never told the rules of the "Island" adventure and/or game, what they were and how they work. You always had a choice to continue on with the adventure to where ever it was going to lead or to opt out. For all intents and purposes we took this journey just as blindly as the Castaways did. We only learned information when a Castaway learned the answer. We were always meant to take the entire journey along with them just as if we were on the "Island" with them.
Jack took longer to be able to heal himself and only when he completes the acts of liberating "the monster"/Locke on "Island" and Locke in the Sideways" was he able to see truth and free himself. I believe this is why we're led to believe "MIB" "assumed" Locke's ID; it was because Jack had to literally face the one person/Locke on the "Island" who represented his opposition/negative, the one who challenged him most.
All of this didn't make my own journey through all of this any less important or rewarding.
The LOST story is filled with so many layers of everything that makes up people, life, struggle, pain, rewards, love, hope, purpose, destiny, death and rebirth. We all had many ways to watch this show, and different things to take from it, or you didn't have to take anything at all from it. My entire experience with this LOST journey became a part of my life, played a role in my own personal growth and enlightenment, and made me a better person. This story changed my life on so many levels. I was open to all the possibilities this story had to offer. I enjoyed the magic even while it inadvertently became my teacher and guide. There always was a message, lessons and answers in the story. We were able to watch this epic unfold in a literal and metaphoric way.
Were we all meant to come out of this as Zen masters? No. But guess what? The idea was to clue us into "awareness", our consciousness, our own purpose...destiny. Some of us did indeed "get it" and some may need a longer to, but that's okay and that doesn't mean the journey stops for any of us.
We're all flawed. People are flawed.
We were shown that everything we do does matter and affects everyone we touch... forever, and, that "time" really means "now". Like it or not we make an imprint on the universe.
The Journey:
This journey did provide us with hints, clues, reveals and answers about the "Island" along the way, but some chose to not see them and that's okay because that part of the story is secondary. LOST also gave us hints to death and "this place" being a place of punishment, suffering and learning throughout the years. Sometimes it was literal, other times it was subliminal and/or metaphoric.
Christian explains to Jack that his friends "died" at different points. We don't know how much "time" came and went and it doesn't even matter. It seems that each castaway had their own individual experience and enlightenment and agreed that when they all were ready (of course they waited for Jack to have his awakening in the "sideways") and they were in their "some place safe", they would leave one place and move on to the next...together.
As we see literal reconnection's and reunions of the people who once lived on the "Island": Charlie finally connects with pregnant Claire, Kate delivers Aaron...again, Sun and Jin (who speak perfect English and are pregnant with Ji Yeon), James and Juliet (at the rebooted vending machine share the same dialogue as when James was reunited with her at the implosion site on the "Island"), Sayid and Shannon (really?!), etc., is all in preparation for Jack's being able to truly let go and move on to the next phase...all together.
You should ask yourself how this journey was for you overall. Did you have fun? Did you enjoy the ride? Did it excite you every week? Did it make you happy? Did it open your sense of wonder and imagination? Did you truly look, see, hear and understand? Did you find answers or insight? Did you read more books? Did you write about the show at all (blogs/forums/message boards)? Did you make new friends? Did you find love? Did you learn how to handle different kinds of situations? Did you learn to look at things through new eyes? Did you learn to think outside the box? Did you mock other people for thinking outside the box? Did you learn trust? Did you learn how to have hope? Did you find a way to forgive? Did you learn patience? Did you learn how to treat people? Did you learn about Karma? Did you grow? Did it give you wings to fly? Did you discover the real you? Did you find your purpose? Or, Do you just feel like you were Scooby Doo'd?
The Destination: It doesn't matter who we were, it only matter who we are.
Jack, through his long struggle to heal himself, finally came to realize who he really was. He went into the journey one way and came out another. {Although to me he still looked a bit confused and apprehensive.}
On "Island" Jack wakes up laying on the rocks at the stream like when we saw Jacob discover his brother "dead" after pushing him into the lighted cavern.
Inside the church Jack ascends the steps and enters the room that displays a lot of Buddhist, Zen, Dharma, Hindu, Christian and other religious and spiritual icons, and the casket he believes holds his father's body. When Jack touches the coffin he is flooded with Flash memory of his time on the "Island".
I gotta tell ya, when he opens the casket I really thought Jack would see himself in there. But of course the coffin is empty and Jack's disappointed. Christian's body never seems to ever actually be in a coffin. Does that tell you anything? Hmmm?
Still not understanding, Jack turns to see Christian there.
Jack-"You died."
Christian confirms he did.
Jack-"Then how are you here right now?"
Christian-"How are you here?"
He gives Jack time to think about it.
Jack-"I died too." {He looks a bit unaware and puzzled}
He cries and his father holds him. They tell each other "I love you."
Jack-"Are you real?"
Christian laughs- "I sure hope so. Yeah, I'm real. You'rereal. Everything that's ever happened to you isreal. All those people in the church...they're all real too."
Jack-"They're all...they're all dead?" {Real and Dead...at the same time!}
Christian-"Everyone dies sometime, kiddo. Some of them before you, some long after you."
Jack-"Why are they all here now?"
Christian-"Well there is no 'now' here." { N O W H E R E }
Jack-"Where are we, dad?"
Christian-"Well this is the place that you all made together so that you can find one another. The most important part of your life was the time that you spent with these people. That's why all of you are here. Nobody does it alone, Jack. You needed all of them and they need you."
Jack-"For what?"
Christian-"To remember...And to...let go."
Jack-"Kate said that we were leaving."
Christian-"Not leaving, no. Moving on."
Jack-"Where are we going?"
Christian smiles-"Let's go find out."
We are led very lovingly into the revelation that in the "sideways" the castaways were waiting for stubborn Jack to have his eye opening moment to truly seeing where he is in his existence/being.
The Over the Rainbow closing scene was beautiful. Jack still seemed confused by his awakening but was enveloped by the warmth and love of his friends. They chose to be of a collective consciousness and physically move on together.
Christian was with Jack while he traveled his path. It may have taken Jack longer to reach that point than his friends, but he made progress until he finally did. "It takes as long as it takes."
Science vs. Faith:
There was a way for these two sides to live in balance. You can be a person who encompasses both.
I still stand by all my research that gave us potential insight to the other layers of the story. I have taken my notes based on facts and information presented within the story itself not conjecture and speculation. I've always been a person whom believes in only what I can see. We all can see the layers and themes in the story and we can even entertain that some of what we saw wasn't real, again all based on the "information" they gave us. But we know questions only lead to more questions; which is what the word Hydra means.
I did always warn you that people and things are not what you think.
✈ Was the "Island" a real island that just happened to have magical properties?
- It was a place you can go back and forth from.
- A place of study, teaching, learning, healing.
- Food drops are made to it.
- The entire Dharma Initiative was able to run power to it, build barracks, hatches and stations all over it, yet conned it's Pearl Station workers with thinking their notebooks actually went somewhere.
- No children allowed except for Ethan, Miles, Aaron, Zack, Emma, Ji Yeon, Jacob, MIB, Dan, Charlotte, Annie and Ben. And we can't ignore in "this place" life was created where there wasn't supposed to be the creation of life.
✈ Was the "Island" a created environment? (Either physically or virtually)
- Items appear here, pretty much upon request.
- It is referred to as a "magic box".
- People die and are seen again.
- Certain people seem to heal from deadly injuries.
- No children allowed except for Ethan, Miles, Aaron, Zack, Emma, Ji Yeon, Jacob, MIB, Dan, Charlotte, Annie and Ben. And we can't ignore in "this place" life was created where there wasn't supposed to be the creation of life.
✈ Was the "Island" a form of purgatory or metaphysical limbo?
- Although this limbo not only challenged it's visitors, but it also allowed fighting, war and more pain.
- No children allowed except for Ethan, Miles, Aaron, Zack, Emma, Ji Yeon, Jacob, MIB, Dan, Charlotte, Annie and Ben. And we can't ignore in "this place" life was created where there wasn't supposed to be the creation of life.
- Jacob could not grant absolution for sins. But he could have you hang around looking youthful for a really, really long fucking time! (if you believed in that enough) WoooooHooooo!
✈ Which category do you place these "Island" facts?
- It's a bloody snow globe where on and off "Island" events blur together.
- Items, props, clothes, cars, books, images, people and dialogue are repeated over and over.
- Jacob "plucked" people out of their existence and brought them there.
The End:
As Jack is reconnecting with his "Island" friends in the church/Lamppost station with a new understanding and acceptance, on "Island" Jack makes his way back to the bamboo forest. We get a shot of Jack's white tennis shoe he gave to Christian, now is worn and tattered but still hangs from the tree. Jack assumes his position and is met by Vincent who is there to ensure Jack doesn't do this alone. Jack watches a plane fly overhead. {Dogs by their very nature are filled with unconditional love.}
In the church/Lamppost the "Island" friends take seats in the pews, almost as if readying themselves for another flight to adventure.
Christian opens the door in the back of the church letting in the warm bright light...Whatever or where ever that is or represents is up to you.
Jack's eye closes signifying the end of this journey.
The wreckage revealed at the end of the episode could mean there was a plane crash and they all died then, hence making the whole island adventure some crazy ass purgatory where magic tricks and illusions run ramped and people can die over and over. Or the wreckage is staged for the next round of lost people to arrive on the "Island" lab to face their challenges.
Or the explanation I feel...simply, it is closure to the place that brought us all together.
The episode was GREAT and it ended as I expected it to. I feel a warm peace with the conclusion. I thought it was beautiful and fitting. I knew it wouldn't please everyone, how could it?
I may talk about a lot of things in my notes/podcast as far as the exploration of the game element, matrix, what's real or fake, contrived imagery, simulation, blurring of events, etc. But no matter what parts of the science, technology or mythology I'd address I was always sure to address the metaphor and my take on their journey to enlightenment. Who knows why this is a layer of the story I always gravitated to, maybe it's because coincidentally have been trying to put the pieces of my broken self back together and it's one hell of a process.
I completely understand the viewer who watched the show and invested just as much time and followed the mythology, science, religion and other facts that "they" spoon fed us, and is let down that their journey did not have the payoff they expected. Life is full of surprises, aint it?!
I never cared if the ideas I brought to the table were right or wrong and it never bothered me if people didn't agree with me, for me it was always about the journey, the exciting exploration and possibilities, and the fun in trying to solve a puzzle. For me all of the research and note taking was a blast!
In the end all the fun smoke and mirrors, mystery, mythology, time travel, food drops and all that other wonderful mysterious stuff wasn't the point of the story. It has always been about the journey itself, the journey to enlightenment and the "Island" residents, the people that we connected with and fell in love with. We rooted for these special people while they were on their journey struggling to find themselves, through their pain, hope, growth, letting go, their quest for balance, to feel whole and know love, to find faith in themselves and enlightenment...their ability to keep moving...to ultimately moving on. It was a beautiful and memorable story filled with heart.
The "Island" is still a place of "Whatever you wish for" can be! I love my world of imagination, exploration, and escapism, but I am also conscious enough to be open to the things that will enrich my life and my being, and LOST is one experience that I will have with me forever. I had so much fun with every aspect of this adventure. I loved being an active participant in the story.
My heart is broken that it is over and I must learn to let go at some point, and I must have hope that it's ending will make way for a new beautiful experience for my life's journey as well as yours. I did go into all of this one person and I too came out of it another person.
The journey doesn't stop here as it is ongoing.
I truly thank you all for taking this journey with me.
Namaste.
I can't help but wonder if Desmond ever read Our Mutual Friend before he "died".
*Please Note the following was originally posted on MySpace July 20, 2007*
Let's talk about LOST! Season 1 Thoughts.
I never claim to know everything about the show and my thoughts by no means make me right! The things I share here are my views and/or opinions. I just want to have fun!
When I started to write out my notes in this blog I was very afraid of what I had gotten myself into. The amount of notes I have would shock you. Why would a grownup be so consumed with a TV show enough to take notes on it? I know I'm not the only one who does this....but think about it...Not only do we re-watch episodes over and over, but we take notes! LOL!
Also important for me to mention is the notes posted here are literally my handwritten notes transcribed. The note taking started when...well let's just say at this point my brain isn't cooperating with my fingers. I'll explain more on that at another time. But the sloppy, misspelling, poor grammar and structure is due to that fact.
We all watch the show in a different way and we all get different information from it. Many of us have different views about what we see and I think that's amazing. We can all see something different yet still come together to share what we learn. It's very cool.
Well, here I am about to give you my take on what I "see".
I'm sure if I re-watched again I'd get even more info, but I'm excited to move on to season 2.
Thank you so much for stopping by here, reading the notes and leaving your thoughts. I appreciate it more than you know. Remember this is all about having fun!!
I wrote these notes with all clue words typed in bold on purpose. That is because those clues repeat themselves in the show over and over; also to make it a little easier for you to go back a check out when a clue first showed up. It's important to note when I write out certain quoted dialog too. Clues, Clues, Clues!
To me this show is a fragmented metapuzzle, all chopped up and not put in order.
I don't think what we are seeing is always linear in time. "Flashes" are not in time order; they can be from anytime in the "characters" life and things feel "off". Much like when we had to piece together the Dharma video in the ARG last summer, same idea. We found fragments and had to put them in order.
Island "time" has issues too. Using the clue words helped me figure what I think to be our story.
Please note that in my season one notes I don't use the word Flashback, I use the word Flash Whoosh or Flash.
Right off the bat, I don't think they were in a real plane crash at all. I think all of our characters (including the ones we meet in future seasons) are part of a study and/or adventure where they are learning and there is a game going on.
The lost Castaways have been on the "Island" before, but how many times? Maybe a few were "born/created" there, maybe a few never left. Are they older than their years? Are some related?
How about a couple of them genetically "engineered" with a superior being or "created"?
Yep, any or all of these can fit in the story too.
The "Island" is where they all belong, it is home, and they are home. (Read that again).
The lost Castaways don't remember the "Island" as the place they belong{or need to be}, although I feel a few of them start have memory of it as the story unfolds. They all have a familiarity about the "Island".
They are "placed" in situations of extremes. The entire "Island" could be considered a laboratory or game board where they are all being watched and heard by "the powers that be".
This story has MANY layers. The "Island" must have some sort of "power" and that's why the "powers that be" were drawn to it in the first place. Wink, wink.
The plane crash: LOL! The characters are on a plane, brought together for a mass exodus. Study/test subjects, recruiters and players alike, arrive on this "Island". How do you get them all to an "Island" that no one knows where it is, and apparently needs a special way to get there? You drug them, knock them out and make them sleep. Here, on this large scale, we gas them. When the oxygen masks come down in the plane they are gassed and put to sleep. The players are then put in their places for when they "wake up".
Remember, Charlie is in the front of the plane but ends up placed with the middle section of Castaways. That same premise will be important for when we meet the Tailies.
We will have a situation of two sides. Two teams on a playing field, test subjects being studied and challenged so they can learn. Complete with missions, operations, traps and strategies. But we'll get to more of that in season 2!
As "Island" residents they have roles to play out: Doctor, Teacher, Rock Star, Con Man, Fugitive, Millionaire, Soldier/Torturer, etc…
The number two comes up often. Couldn't it mean not only mean two sides, but two "realities". They lived this already, done all this before, a cycle of sorts! That could be the reason I see alternate/different versions of the same situation. I think an alternate reality is what the "Island" gives them. Alternate as opposed to what is "real".
Here's a few from this season with a few from the next....
Jack is a drinker............Jack not a drinker on the island.
Charlie doesn't swim......Charlie swims.
It killed them.....I killed them.
Boone's life guard...wedding exec.
Nadia dead.......Nadia not dead.
The plane wreckage already inside the caves.
Claire's mom estranged.......Her mom in coma.
Hurley has two different lotto tickets.
Reality vs. alternate/altered reality- In other words Real vs. Not Real.
How many times has this game/puzzle/test/adventure been done? Does the outcome or results change every time it is run?
Their lives seem manipulated (scripted or written out) for the sake of the experience. Some situations we see them in are not real. They are an illusion, a trick, delusion, and a fantasy.
How can you have a project of this magnitude? Endless resources… endless money, people in very high places, scientist, doctors, recruiters, test subjects, players? People who can keep secrets and people who don't even realize they are part of a project. I know, you're thinking, Karen, you've really lost it now! LOL! Maybe I have, but this is according to the clues I've gathered to this point.
The "Island" has "power", yes, but what kind? Ancient powers, healing powers? It could, or it just may be a much simpler explanation.
Let me give you an example:
Locke being in a wheelchair, he arrives on the "Island" and he can walk! Did the "Island's" magnetic power really heal him, or was he never really crippled? Now, you may be getting a little frustrated with me and that's okay, but if the Lostie's lives aren't real, they are an illusion, then Locke never lost the use of his legs. This is just a possibility, a thought. Maybe he really did lose the use of his legs and the "Island" healed him, that's great! But could there be a chance that it wasn't even real? I just want you to see both sides.
We have seen the island "heal", so I know I CANNOT discount that altogether. When we get to Rose and her cancer I must admit that I'm back on the fence again. I'll explain more about that in season 2, it's important.
Recruit lost people to be involved in the "Island" project. Yes! From all over the world, different walks of life, different cultures, nationalities and religious beliefs. The lost recruits/test subjects have a role/job and that's the role/job they play out. How do you keep them in a state of delusion or manipulation? Hallucinogens, gas, injections, food, brainwashing, sleep states, etc.
A couple of our Lostie's have a much more important part on the "Island" and it's history. The connection probably goes deeper than what we see on the surface. Their history goes further back.
Creating the perfect "being" or environment could be part of this project/experience. But even with manipulating everything surrounding a human being including fate and faith, free will and choices are what makes us human.
Religion and spiritual issues are tested on the "Island". The "Island" may be "the source" of spirituality for some.
Languages: Although a few different ones are spoken on the "Island" it seems to never be a real issue. Someone always understands what's being said. But, it seems that the metaphor of "communication" is the problem.
Are some of our Lostie's really the age they appear? In this season we've heard things like "Older than your years", not the phrase "wiser than your years".
At this point I still feel Michael knows what's going on with the "Island" and Walt. Maybe Michael is Walt's father in name only. Maybe one of Walt's parents isn't biological.
The same maybe true for Locke. They may be part of a "design" to make them 'special'.
Walt and Locke share something big.
The "monster" of the "Island" is very interesting…If you pay close attention you'll notice that the "monster" seems to have a connection to Locke! We'll get into that too.
The importance of baby Aaron: Wow! I'm going to let that one sit a while.
Do not discount Hurley's casual demeanor as unimportant to the "Island". He has an extremely important role and job here!
Other important things I keep in mind as we go further into the story….
Hurley was the first one to make a list, there always seems to be guns, all of their needs are met on the "Island" and I won't let go of the comic book references/clues. Plus there are time lapses all over the place.
Our lost Castaways' identities: Changing names, different versions of names, nicknames, which have an alias, etc. They don't even have their own identity!
How many of them are connected?
Are they part of a global study, or a global game?
Will they ever be able to change their roles or will they forever be in a cycle of playing the same role in the same story/game?
Is this a case of scientists playing god?
Dharma is great at always supplying them with everything they need; Jars, medicine, pregnancy tests, guns, ammo, batteries. They sure do think of everything.
Being lost people and Dharma are a connection.
Think of our Lostie's suffering from par amnesia. That's déjà vu (already lived, seen, remembering the future) Also Deja Visite (already visited- a couple of them know their way around the "Island" pretty well)
They are in an "alternate" reality {meaning not real}, brought to the "Island" on purpose and for a purpose. Do not mistake coincidence for fate! It is not a coincidence they are all brought together.
Fate, Hope, Suffering, Faith, Fear, Sacrifice, Destiny are all issues every one of them deals with! What would have to happen to them for them to change the cycle they are in?
We've only scratched the surface. There are many layers to reveal with our story.
With that said I may find that I need to modify my theory or build upon it when more things are revealed. We still have a few more years of story to be told. This is so exciting!
I found season 2 to be filled with so much information. Learning about the Tailies and Henry is very informative!
I hope you all continue to hang out with me on this journey! I love having you along for the ride! You guys rock!!
Love to all who are "LOST"™
Disclaimer: I never claim to know everything about the show and my thoughts by no means make me right! The things I share here are my views and/or opinions. I don't claim to catch every single detail either! You all know I hate spoilers! And I stand clear of reading certain sites as to not take me off my own course of research. The one thing I don't need to do here is rehash all of the obvious clues from an episode; we all know what they are. Understood? Let the fun begin! I'll only note things that I know come up as clues later, but need to be noted when they first show up and things I find that will be of importance.
