OK, here we go. Work has been hectic. We are supposed to switch to a new system and our IT department decided to take the day off.
SPOILER WARNING
Episode 305: The Cost of Living
This episode is Ekocentric.
As usual my comments will be in
blue.
Flashback: Doing bad to do good
We see Eko and his brother Yemi as young boys in Africa. Eko is trying to steal food for Yemi. A nun catches him and takes him into the church to tell him to confess. Eko looks and sees the legs of a priest behind the curtain. The nun tells him he must go and confess. He tries to explain that Yemi was hungry but the nun says it doesn't matter. They stole and stealing is a sin. Yemi grabs Eko's hand.
Next we find Eko just after the drug plane took off and he is in the truck with the soldiers. They arrive at Eko's childhood home, just outside the church where Yemi was a priest. Eko goes into the church and picks up The Bible from the confession bench. He opens it to find a picture of himself and Yemi as boys and has to fight back tears. Just then a woman with a young boy walks in looking for Yemi. Eko explains that he was called away suddenly and he would be replacing him. The woman introduces herself as Amina and her son Daniel. She works in the clinic and Daniel is the alter boy at the church. Amina asks if Yemi is still going to London and explains that he was going to London at the end of his week to finish his studies. Eko says that he will be taking his place.
Eko returns home.
Later Eko is in the church washing his hands from a bowl. Daniel looks up and tells him that he isn't supposed to do that, it's holy water. Eko explains it away by saying that he is washing away his sins. Daniel says that Yemi would never do it, but Eko interrupts him saying that he is not Yemi. Just then gunfire erupts outside and Eko tells Daniel to stay inside as he goes out to find men with guns driving up in a Jeep. One of the men asks where Yemi is and Eko asks who wants to know. The man steps up asking again where Yemi is, but at that moment Amina comes running over saying that the shipment is late. Eko asks what they are talking about and the man tells her to explain their arrangement. Amina tells him that they receive medicine from the Red Cross and they keep 20% and give the rest to the men. The man looks at Eko and says, "In exchange protection," and then says that everyone benefits and he hopes they can keep up their arrangement. Eko just says, "I am not afraid of you," and turns to walk away but the man shoots a woman standing nearby and tells Eko that he doesn't want anymore lives on his conscience.
I didn't know Blade had a brother in Africa.
Eko finds Amina at the clinic and asks her how often they receive the vaccines. She says it is six months , if they are lucky. He asks about them giving it to the militia and she explains that before Yemi they had none and it fetches a high price on the black market. She then tells him that he reminds her of Yemi, he is a good man too.
Later Eko, dressed in regular clothes, meets a man. The man inquires about Eko selling vaccine and Eko tells him it must be done by Sunday because he is leaving the country.
Back at the church Eko is looking up at the crucifix on the wall when the militiamen come in. The man from before tells him that he hears he has vaccine for sale and if he thought he could do this he was mistaken. He goes on to explain that he is superstitious and can't bring himself to kill a priestÂ….so he will just cut off his hands. Two of the men hold Eko's hands down with a rope. As the knife swings down Eko moves quickly, grabs the knife and kills the two men, leaving the leader begging on his knees. Eko raises the knife and says, "You do not know who I am," and then kills the man. When Eko walks outside he is still holding the bloody knife and has blood splattered all over himself. Daniel and Amina, among others, are out there and look at him. Eko drops the knife.
This guy apparently doesn't watch Oz.
Eko is leaving the church with a suitcase in his hand when Daniel comes up and asks where he is going. Eko says that he is going to London. Next Daniel asks if he is a bad man because his mom says that he is a bad man. Eko looks at the crucifix and says that God only knows. Once outside he sees Amina with the vaccine shipment and mentions it to her. She is far from grateful, explaining that other men will come. Just then Eko hears hammering and turns to see them boarding up the church (
Even though Daniel never left?). Eko asks what they are doing, it is Yemi's church. Amina says that it is no longer sacred and then lectures him about how he will one day be judged and that when he is in London he needs to repent because he owes God for every life he has taken. She then tells him that if he truly believed that this was Yemi's church then he owes Yemi one church.
And this explains why Eko was building a church. He owed one to Yemi. So, was he never really religious? Was it all just for his brother?
Side Story -
The Test of Hippocrates
Jack is sitting in his cell when Ben comes in. Ben ins wearing a long-sleeved white shirt and invites Jack for a walk. Jack says that Ben says that as if he won't just throw a bag over his head and drag him out if he says no. Ben suggests that he not say no and then lays a shirt identical to his own and asks Jack to put it on. Jack then asks Ben if he has pain and numbness in his fingers and toes. Ben asks Jack why he is asking him these questions and Jack explains it is because he has an aggressive tumor on his spine that is going to kill him. Jack explains that unless the x-rays he saw were very recent he won't be talking walks for very much longer. Ben says that he has no clue what Jack is talking about and Jack finishes putting on his shirt and says it is his mistake.
Ben leads Jack outside to the shore where Colleen's funeral is beginning. Ben tells Jack to stand near the back and goes forward to lead the procession. Juliet comes up next to Jack and says that she hates funerals and asks Jack if Ben let him out. Jack says that he did and then gives her a smart comment about getting a new shirt too. Juliet's response is to just say, "Goodbye Jack," and walk to the funeral. Colleen's body is set afloat in the ocean on a floating funeral pyre, much like a Viking funeral, as Brenda Lee's "I Wonder" plays over the intercom system. As they walk back Ben asks Juliet why she showed Jack his x-rays and Juliet explains that she didn't tell him whose they were, but she guessed Ben did.
Others Funeral
Later Juliet brings Jack a cheeseburger and fries to his cell. (
It appears to be a Ruby Tuesday cheeseburger, possibly Applebee's) m she makes a joke about having to slaughter the cow and process the meat as well as the process for making the French fries. She tells him he should try rendering animal fat. Juliet sits cross-legged on the table as Jack asks if there is no ketchup. Just then Ben walks into the room. Ben says that he would like to talk to Jack and Juliet says OK, but Ben says he wants it to be alone. Jack plays up the tension by saying that he doesn't have a problem with Juliet being there, but Ben says he does because of doctor patient confidentiality. Juliet walks out.
Before Ben starts Jack asks if he can eat while Ben talks, showing Ben little of the respect he was just showing for Juliet. Ben starts by saying that they had a wonderful plan to break Jack. They were going to convince Jack that they weren't his enemies and that he actually wanted to perform the surgery. He explains that this was all based on the assumption that Jack would become invested and points out that Juliet looks a lot like Jack's ex-wife. Jack asks Ben while he is telling him all this and Ben explains the plan got shot when Jack saw the x-rays too soon. Jack asks if this is all just so that he can operate on Ben, and save his life. Ben says, "No, I want you to want to save my life," and explains that they are beyond that now and that he wants Jack to think about it. As Ben walks away he turns back and asks if Jack believe in God. Jack asks him if he does and Ben says, "Two days after I found out I had a fatal tumor on my spine, a spinal surgeon fell out of the sky, and if that's not proof of God, I don't know what is," and then walks out.
Do you believe in God?
Juliet comes in on the opposite side of the glass from Jacks cell and Jack makes a comment about her not trusting him anymore. She explains that she trusts him she just wants to put in a movie for him. Jack explains that he doesn't want to watch a movie but Juliet says it is "To Kill a Mockingbird," it's a classic, and then she rolls the TV up against the glass. Jack explains again that he doesn't want to watch a movie and Juliet says she will turn the sound down then. Then Juliet says, "I'm sorry for bringing you here, and for everything that's been done to you and your friends. You have to know that we were desperate. It was also so we could save his life."
On the TV screen, Jack sees a video of Juliet holding a card that says: Ignore everything I'm saying.
"Ben, he's a great man," Juliet says.
On the TV screen, the next sign says: Ben is a liar.
"I know you find that hard to believe, but he is."
Jack looks at the security camera briefly and then back to the TV.
The next sign she holds says: And he is very dangerous.
"You probably feel like you don't have a choice, but you do, Jack. Free will is all we've really got, Jack."
The cards say: Some of us want a change. But it has to look like an accident. It has to look like you tried to save him. And that's up to you, Jack.
"Anyway," Juliet says, "I just wanted to put in my two cents. I told you before you can trust me. I want you to trust me now when I tell you that doing the surgery is absolutely the right thing for you to do."
On the cards: It's a complicated surgery. No on would ever know. And I would protect you.
"It's the right thing," she says, "because he deserves to live."
Cards: Now tell me to turn off the movie.
"Turn the movie off," Jack says.
She takes the movie. Before walking out she says, "Think about what I said, please."
The question here is: Is Jack being conned so that he is being tested to see if he fits their definition of good or bad? Of course does that definition fall under the willing to kill for the greater good or not being willing to kill at all? Jack has yet to kill. (The marshal being an exception that was more Sawyer than Jack) Is this a test to see if he will kill?
Hippocrates would have a fit.
Main Story -
Monster of a Confession
Eko is lying in a shelter recovering from his polar bear wounds when Sayid looks in on him. (
I assume Sayid returned with very little fanfare Hurley explains that he has been like that for a couple of days. Sayid tries talking to Eko but gets no response. Sayid then asks Charlie what happened to him and Charlie asks if he means before or after they saved him from the polar bear caves. Hurley then tells Sayid to come on because Locke will want to know that they are back. And then tells Eko to stay alive.
Eko dreams of the situation leading to Yemi's death outside the drug plane. Eko then hears a voice telling him to wake up and when he opens his eyes a small lighter is lighting Yemi's face. Yemi tells him that it is time to confess and be judged, he knows where to find him. Eko wakes up. At that moment Hurley asks if the others smell smoke and they turn back to find a fire in Eko's shelter. They rush to save Eko and put the fire out. Charlie rests Eko against a tree and Eko tries to say something about his brother but Charlie tells him he is fine. Charlie goes to help fight the fire as Locke comes up. When Locke asks where Eko is Charlie points towards the tree but Eko is gone.
Boo!
Later we find Locke, Sayid, and Desmond sitting on the beach together and Locke is discussing how he thinks they might be able to find Jack ad the others. Sayid questions their letting Desmond in on it and Desmond just asks if it was intended to hurt his feelings. Locke then asks Desmond to explain to Sayid how the computer was for more than just pushing the button and that it was connected to other stations and could be used for communication. Sayid points out that the hatch is exploded (
I guess exploded/imploded are used interchangeably on Lost) Locke points out that one hatch has but there are others that they can investigate.
At that point Hurley and Charlie walk up saying that they have looked everywhere and can't find Eko, there is no trail, not that they know what a trail looks like. Locke asks if he said anything and Charlie says it was nothing coherent, just mumblings about his brother. Locke quickly stands up and announces they are going to the computer. Charlie asks about Eko and Locke says they are all going to the same place.
Why can't my meetings be held here?
We find Eko stumbling through the jungle. As he moves forward we can see the black smoke whisping by in the background. Eko doesn't see it. Eko makes a stick into a walking stick and starts to move but suddenly a man throws a knife at his head, just missing. Eko pulls the knife from the tree and goes to kill the militiaman from his past, who is once again begging for his life. Eko goes to kill him but the man turns into Daniel, the alter boy. Daniel raises his finger to his lips and shushes Eko and then says confess and disappears. (
OK, so that was weird.)
That was close.
Back on the beach Locke is packing a bag in the kitchen area and informs every one of his plans, inviting anyone that wants to come along. Hurley questions this because Jack usually goes off with just one or two people and keeps everyone out of the loop. Locke explains that he isn't Jack and the more the merrier. Nikki volunteers to go and Locke tells her and anyone else to meet them in ten minutes. Paulo asks Nikki what she is doing and she says that he always complains that he is left out, but now is his chance. Desmond walks up and asks Locke if they are going after a computer or Eko and Locke explain that Eko is heading for the plane that crashed where the pearl station is located. Desmond comments that it is quite a coincidence and Locke reminds him not to mistake coincidence for fate.
Eko is wandering through the jungle when he comes to a stream and kneels down to drink from it. He uses shreds of his clothing and mud to patch up his wounds, which have begun bleeding again. While bent over he hears the monster sounds and sees a reflection of the smoke in the stream. He spins around to face it and it disappears into the jungle. At that moment Locke appears on the other side of the stream and says, "Hello, Eko."
You have to be tricky.
As they are walking through the jungle Locke asks Eko what it is that he is doing. He says he knows he is looking for the plane wreckage and then asks if he is looking for Yemi. Eko grabs Locke and shoves him against a tree, with a knife to his throat and tells him to never mention Yemi's name again. Locke calmly asks him what it is that he is afraid of. Eko backs down and keeps moving until they find the plane.
At the wreckage Locke shows Sayid the hatch entrance and tells him to take everyone down, he will be down in a minute. After everyone is gone Locke helps Eko remove rocks blocking the entrance to the plane and asks him what he saw back at the stream. Eko doesn't answer him and so Locke explains that he saw it once too. Eko asks him what he saw and Locke explains that he saw a beautiful light. Eko tells him that is not what he saw. (
Could we have a light vs. dark monster thing going on?) Eko then climbs inside the plane and finds that his brothers' body is missing. Confused Eko pulls the picture of himself and Yemi as kids from his pocket and looks at it. Locke tells Eko that when he was tracking him to the polar bear cave he found his crucifix and hands it to him. As Locke heads down into the hatch Eko looks up at the sky.
Someone needs to relax
Down in the pearl hatch Nikki is watching the orientation video while Desmond and Sayid try to find a way to connect the computer to other hatches. Sayid gives up, explaining that the system is only one way and it can't be done from there. Nikki asks about the other stations and shows them where the orientation film mentions projects, plural, so Sayid decides to route the video signals to the working monitors. At that moment a toilet flushes and Paulo steps from the bathroom, saying that the toilet still works. Sayid gets the signal for the monitor to work and they see another computer. Suddenly a man with an eye patch fills the screen, looking into the camera, and then reaches up for the camera and it goes to static. Locke says, "I guess he'll be expecting us."
Are you looking at me?
Outside Eko is sitting by the plane when he sees Yemi. He goes after Yemi and eventually catches up to him. He asks why Yemi wants to hear his confession now and Yemi asks if he is ready. Eko says that he is ready and hands Yemi his cross and says that he does not want forgiveness for he has not sinned. He explains that he only did what he had to do to survive. He tells Yemi how a young boy once asked if he was a bad man and if he could answer him today he would tell how he killed a man to save his brother's life and that he is proud of this. Eko then drops to his knees and says that he did not ask for the life he was given, but it was given nonetheless and with it he did his best.
Yemi's face turns to a scowl and he says, "You speak to me as if I am your brother." Eko suddenly looks horrified and asks who he is, but Yemi runs into the jungle. Eko follows him but he has disappeared. The monster passes behind Eko who turns at the sound but it is already gone. When he turns back the monster is raised up large in front of him. Eko begins to recite the Lord's Prayer. The monster grabs him and throws him against a tree.
It's a bit late for prayers.
Inside the pearl they hear the sound of the monster and quickly run to see what is happening. (
Since when did they run towards the monster?) Meanwhile the monster is tossing Eko about like a rag doll, slamming him against trees and into the ground. By the time Locke gets to him the monster is finished and drops him to the ground, disappearing into the jungle. Locke finds Eko and rolls him over trying to talk to him. Eko begins speaking very quietly and Locke leans over to hear him as the others come running. Eko remembers walking arm and arm with his brother as a boy and smiles, then dies. Sayid asks what Eko said and Locke says, "He said, we're next."
Eko dies.
And we're next.
So, some questions:
1) Is the smoke monster actually all the visions people are having on the island?
2) Is there a light and dark monster, as Locke saw a beautiful light?
3) Could that be the good and bad of the island?
4) Is Juliet lying to Jack?
5) Is anyone telling Jack the truth?
6) Is Jack facing a true good/bad test?
7) WTF is going on?
I heard an interesting theory on the LostPedia forums: The idea is that we, the audience, is the monster, which is why we see their flashbacks and we only get a third person view when the monster acts as more than an observer.
While I think this sounds cool I think it is just someone with a good imagination blowing some smoke. Besides, if we were the monster we would have killed off Paulo or Nikki.
As for Eko's death. There seems to be a low tolerance on the Lost set for any cast members with legal troubles.
http://starbulletin.com/2006/09/05/news/story01.html
All arrested members have been killed off, as well as two with traffic citations. Arzt is the only guy that died without legal issues, but he was a red shirt.
Of course it could just be that they are all just tailies and their stories were merely there to bring Bernard back to Rose. I hope that isn't the case as that would mean that all of season 2 was simply an extended story to bring one character into the show who had a connection to a current main character. Of course it also creates the ability for many people to die, thus proving the severity of the situation, without killing a single main character. In other words, a season full of red shirts. The best way to test this is to see if either Bernard dies or Nikki and Paulo eventually die.
If Bernard lives and no one else dies or Nikki and/or Paulo die then we know season 2 was to get Bernard in with a group of red shirts. If they all die then we know that we can just expect to meet new characters randomly, and then we can expect them to die.
Sorry. I imagine this will play a role in something picotal, whether it be saving the captives or just convincing people to walk a different way, saving lives. 
Not trying to be argumenative, just defending a guy that I believe left the show for legitimate personal reasons, and no reason to think he was ousted just because he got pulled over.
