The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham

Tonight's was a compelling episode of Lost, covering the time between Locke's turn of the "Frozen Donkey Wheel" and the events of his death.

For me, the highlights were the many great character moments sprinkled along the way. That first moment when Abaddon takes out a wheelchair for Locke to use; the moments of confrontation with the Oceanix Six (particularly Kate and Jack); arriving at Helen's grave. And of course, most powerful of all, Locke's moment of complete loss. His total and self-doubt, and readiness to commit suicide, was as powerful a moment for the character since we first learned of his disability back in the first season. (And was a dramatic mirror for Jack's sudden conversion to faith.)

More mysteries mounted, and mostly of the character sort. It is now murkier just what went down between Ben and Widmore to put them at odds. At the same time, it seems more clear than ever that neither one is either all "good" or all "evil," but each is spouting so many lies that it's impossible to find the truth beneath it all. The true pasts and motivations of these two men are to me perhaps the most compelling mystery of the show right now.

Speaking of Ben's motivations, we were treated to a most cryptic scene tonight. Ben pleaded in earnest to save Locke's life, but the moment he learned that Locke knew of Eloise, it was time to murder instead. I suppose it remains to be seen whether Ben actually knew that Locke would be resurrected; just how much of Eloise's plan to return the group to the Island did he actually know? Or did Ben really think he was doing away with Locke? And if so, why did he want to? Very interesting stuff for the weeks ahead.

As far as mysteries of a more technical level, it appears the entire plane ridden by the group on their return trip did crash on the Island after all. Strangely, it seems, intact. And some of "our people" were snatched up in the "time hopping" flashes of light. But not Ben, not Lapidus, and (surprisingly?) not Locke. Instead, they all appear to be in the present with a fresh batch of Island arrivals. How much will the series have to show us about these people? Are there fresh back stories waiting that might be as compelling as some of that great season one material? Can the writers juggle it well with the tales of the characters we really care about, the ones who have been with us all this time?

I'm getting into it now.