Season 2 lays some ground work down for how the show will go. And I can see that now. But at the same time it is all over the place. I don't even know how to explain my frustration for this season. A Michael-centric episode here. Great. Just icing on the Season 2 hate cake. So I tried to watch with a clear mind.
I was not bothered with the Dharma snacks, or how long this crazy man had been in this 1980's hole. I didn't feel all WTF when Desmond asked the snowman question. But I remembered those feelings and I liked it. This was a story about the characters. Always has been. And I can see it now. Clearly. So I sat back and I studied Michael. As a character.
They didn't just say they were going to throw Michael away and make him a whisper-teller right here. They knew that he wasn't ever going to let go of what he needed to and they knew he was going to be a pawn for MIB. And from this episode I see what they were doing with him. That's what it looks like to me anyway.
Michael's attitude in this episode on the raft is so telling for me. Especially when it is contrasted with Sawyer's. I see potential in Sawyer for change when he saves Michael and shows concern for Walt. Michael has no potential. Michael is hung up on Walt. Michael cannot properly let go of Walt because he was never given a choice. And he could never let go because of this. So he was stuck on the island as a whisper.
Lost is about choices. Or at least feeling like you have a choice. Michael was never given anything like that with Walt. Susan wanted Walt all to herself. And manipulated Michael into giving him to her. Michael could never choose. Once Michael finally got Walt he was taken by the Others yet again. Why was Walt taken? Probably for the whole Jacob replacement thing... But maybe it was more of a test for Michael to let go of him. And Michael could not. He was so obsessed with Walt. He killed people. Michael's story is very tragic. And I was able to see it a little more clearly now. (It was always about characters.)
Locke really creeped me out this episode with his interaction with Desmond and Kate in the Hatch. His blind faith in things has always bothered me. And it is ultra creepy here. Clearly, he thinks he is the chosen one for something. And he thinks this is it. He is also being manipulative here with tying up Kate so that he can talk to Desmond about his "destiny." I do not think he was doing anything for the good of them all, as he says. He wanted Desmond alone to talk with him. It's creepy and it will never be not creepy. I think that Locke really needed to let go of that. Not that I don't like Locke and his island love.. but his whole destiny obsession, yuck!
I think I will learn to love Season 2. It has potential. (like Sawyer! haha) After watching this episode I can see that it will happen. The mystery is nostalgic but they knew what they were doing and I will be able to see the path. The sharks and the Dharma snacks were just put there to throw us off. I really think I will love it. I am hoping, anyway.
