The writers certainly know how to effectively use plot twists, and like previous episodes, Land of the Rising Son fills its quota. They also know how to use audience assumptions to their advantage. In Locke's flashbacks, he was always seated, but we assumed he could walk if he wanted to, because there was no reason not to. We also assume that the Korean couple is restricted to speaking Korean, as that's all we see them speak, even in flashbacks. Almost as shocking as learning that Locke was paralyzed before the crash is that Sun can speak English. Now, I did predict this, but as my clairvoyance has about the same success rate as Shaq at the free-throw line, I won't tout that too much.
The episode opens with Sun and Jin's relationship up until the crash. Initially, they are separated by class and money; we see Sun attending a cocktail party where Jin is serving drinks. They keep their relationship a secret from her father, or at least keep secret how serious it is: that Sun wants to elope. But the more conservative Jin wants to ask her father for permission. He gets it, but only on the stipulation that Jin works for Sun's father, at least for a few years. We see the evolution of their marriage, as his affection slowly evaporates and material objects slowly accumulate. His disaffection seems like an annoying habit, however, when he comes home from work with blood on his hands. "What do you do for my father?" Sun asks. "Whatever he tells me to do," Jin replies.
On the island, Jin sees Michael walking on the beach and snaps. He clocks him Dick Butkus in his prime. He then holds Michael under water, clearly trying to kill the man. Sayid and Sawyer pull Jin off and handcuff him.
More flashbacks flesh out Sun and Jin. We see that she was making preparations to leave him, arranging to fake her own kidnapping and death to escape her murderous father and husband (those are two different people, her father and husband. I don't want you thinking there's some kind of
Meanwhile, Jack, Kate, Charlie and Locke come across two bodies, which they dub Adam and Eve. They were apparently laid to rest forty or fifty years before in the caves near the water source. Jack mulls this over and decides the caves, with their protection from the sun and predators, as well as proximity to the water, makes them an ideal place to settle.
Kate disagrees and we see the first major societal shift on the island. Sayid, Sawyer and others believe rescue may still happen, and if no one tends the signal fire, they'll miss it. Thus, a schism occurs and we now have two factions on the island. When the war eventually erupts, I hope Hurley cracks Sawyer's skull like a rotten coconut.
I really liked this episode. Psychology and sociology are more interesting, to me anyway, than mysterious, blood-thirsty beasts, and I'm happy to see that the writers are not only tapping this source, but using it well.
- Matt Baker hopes that now that they've won the World Series, the Red Sox can afford razors and shaving cream.
