Sweet Escape Plan

This was a perfectly balanced episode: The central story line involved characters (Claire and Charlie) who we've come to care about, but the plot was interspersed with some truly nail-biting moments. The past few episodes had referenced Claire and Charlie without actually giving them much to do — and I had been missing them. It eventually became obvious that Desmond's premonitions were getting under Claire's skin, even if she didn't know exactly why. This episode brought all of that to the surface. Charlie had interpreted Desmond's concern as a sign that he was only worried about Claire because he had designs on the blonde Aussie beauty.

First of all, she wasn't always a blonde. Claire's flashbacks showed us the connection between her and Hurley (which was much more prevalent in the first season). Of course, it's easy to write off Hurley's doting as simple physical attraction. And while I don't doubt that played a part, I think this episode showed that the two are kindred spirits. Claire feels responsible for the death of her mother, and Hurley feels responsible for the chaos and death that ensued after his lottery win. This is one of the show's greatest strengths: It even offers insights into characters who don't appear during an episode. And in this way, it rewards devoted viewers.

In any case, it seems fitting that Claire, one of the more free-spirited characters, would seek salvation in a flock of birds. Charlie was initially resistant to her plan, but only because he was worried Claire had a crush on Desmond. I confess that even after Desmond explained to Claire how Charlie would have died (he would have been crushed by waves against the rocks while trying to get the carrier seagull for Claire), I still don't quite know what to make of his visions.

Now, how badass were those electrified pylons? I expected Locke to push Mr. Eye Patch through the perimeter, but I surely wasn't expecting Patchy to foam at the mouth and then (as far as we know) die. Then Kate, without hesitation, volunteered to go first over the pylon. The woman has no fear! It's almost a compulsion. Plus, it provided a great excuse to film Ms. Lilly from the rear.

Another coincidence: the not-so-shocker that Jack and Claire are half siblings. This was a long-expected development, but I still got goose bumps when Claire came upon the senior Dr. Shephard in the hospital. Do we buy his story, or is there a reason Jack's father might be lying about his paternal relationship to Claire?

This episode also left me wondering what exactly will happen to Charlie. I was also left wondering if sending a message with the seagull was just a symbolic gesture, or if it will have real consequences. I'm thinking we'll see those consequences, perhaps in the series finale? Remember, each Lost season covers 20-30 days (so far we are at 80). If the show lasts 2 more years, that's enough time for it to happen. Lastly, how shocking was the last scene?