Very dark episode. I’m glad we finally got a look into Charlie’s life. Even though what I saw I expected, I thought the episode was very well done. The writers are giving every actor the chance to shine and Dominic Monaghan beautifully played Charlie’s struggle to get over his heroine addiction. Excellent episode once again. Will we ever watch a bad episode?

          Charlie was the heart and soul of the episode as he made the decision to give up his final stash to Locke. This episode was beautiful as Charlie’s story was compared to the birth of a moth. It sounds stupid but the comparison was effective. Locke, to me, felt like Charlie’s source of strength and confidence. Locke brought out the best in Charlie. I hate to say this, but the cave-in was the best thing that could happen. Charlie got over his misfortunes and fought to save a close friend. He realized that he was the only person who could crawl through the hole and for Jack’s sake, he pulled through. Charlie pulled it together and saved the day. That’s that. His flashbacks were a great thing to watch. I loved watching his struggle to keep up with religion all the while being in band. That was a great element to add to the mix. He was a troubled young man caught between the demands of his religion and the responsibility of his band. He has a passion for music and he was willing to give it up, but his brother Liam brought him back in. In this whole story, Liam is the bad guy and I’m willing to stand by that fact. He convinced his little brother to stay with the band. He promised his little brother that in the event that things got too crazy, they would walk away together. That was not the case. Liam broke his promise and furthermore, broke his brother’s heart. Charlie ran for the drugs and consequently, lost his life. Then, Liam got cleaned up and left Charlie. He denied any responsibility for his brother’s outcome. For that, we hate him.

          Locke explained the importance of the moth. Locke refused to help the moth break free from his cocoon because it would make it weak. The moth had to decide itself when to break free. Locke could not help it. It was the same case with Charlie. Charlie had to decide for himself whether he was going to give up the drug, or whether he was going to let it affect the rest of his life. He consequently made the decision to give up the addiction.

          Jack was stuck in a cave after a cave-in left him with a dislocated arm and alone. Hurley rallied the whole group in order to get him out. Michael really took charge when digging through the rubble. He worked in construction for 8 years. Jack was really hurt and I’m glad Charlie came to rescue him. It felt like the group reunited once again to save their doctor. We had some great moments and we had Hurley’s usual sarcastic comments that made this episode as enjoyable as possible.

          Sayid and Kate tried to triangulate the transmission that was being sent out by the French woman in order to locate the source of this transmission. I don’t understand something. Two miles away from the beach doesn’t seem to create a big surface area. I’m sure Sayid knows what he’s doing, but that seems like a waste of battery. I also loved watching Kate get all worked up when she learned that Jack was in trouble. She actually ran to hug him. They both have feelings for each other and they should both acknowledge it. 

Spotlight on…Charlie

-          Charlie confesses in Church. He says that the consequent temptations that accompany the band’s stardom have become a burden to him. He says he wants to quit the band.

-          Liam is in Church and tells Charlie they just got signed for a record contract. Charlie makes Liam promise to quit the band if things ever got out of control.

-          Liam starts taking the spotlight away from Charlie.

-          Charlie confronts his brother, telling him to walk away from everything. Liam tells Charlie that he’s useless. Charlie asks him to leave the band and Liam responds that there’s nothing out there for them. He says they can’t leave. Charlie is heartbroken and this is where he starts taking heroine.

-          Liam has cleaned up and has a family. Charlie proposes to prepare a comeback. Liam refuses. Charlie accuses Liam of never looking out for him.

Tales from the Island

Charlie: I did it. It’s over. I burnt the heroine. I don’t need it anymore. Locke helped me see the truth. I gave it up on my terms. I didn’t wait for my stash to run out. I gave up my addiction. I also saved Jack in the process. The funniest thing happened: Locke had showed me a moth that was about to emerge from its cocoon. In the tunnel, I think I saw that moth flying. Locke said he wouldn’t help it grow, because it would be weak. The moth took its time and grew on its own terms.

Quotable Quotes

-          Jack: “You want to grab the rest of those bags?”

Hurley: “Oh, could I?”

-          Kate (on her mugshot): “You know, I take better pictures than that.”

-          Jack: “I don’t understand why you won’t come with me, us? It’s maybe a mile up there.”

Kate: “We crashed eight days ago Jack, I’m not setting up house here.”

-          Kate (to Sawyer): “Are you trying to be a pig, or does it come naturally?”

-          Locke: “Nice work Charlie. You make excellent bait.”

-          Locke (pointing at the cocoon): “You see this little hole? This moth’s just about to emerge. It’s in there right now, struggling; it’s digging its way through the thick hide of the cocoon. Now, I could help it: take my knife, gently widen the opening, and the moth would be free. But it would be too weak to survive. Struggle is nature’s way of strengthening it.”

-          Sawyer: “Still ain’t five, just like the last time you checked your watch.”

Kate: “I just don’t want to miss Sayid’s signal. Remember, I’ll fire the flare, you set off the antenna.

Sawyer: “I just thank the good Lord I got you here to  keep reminding me.

Kate: “It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s gotta do it.”

-          Charlie: “This place—it reminds me of confession. This little claustrophobic booth.”

Jack: “I wouldn’t have taken you for a religious man.”

Charlie: “I used to be. Hey, you want to hear my confession? It might take awhile.”

Jack: “Hey, I’m not a saint either.”

-          Walt: “This place is cool…can we live hear?”

Some Final Notes

-          Walt watched his dad in action and he looked amazed. He seems proud of his father.

-          Who hit Sayid on the head? There goes the battery.

-          It was great to see Jin and Sun work with the group. Jin commented on Sun’s lack of clothing, and she says it’s too hot.

-          Locke used Charlie as bait to catch some boar.

-          Jack knew that Charlie was a drug addict. I’m glad he kept it a secret.

-          I’m glad that Kate asked Jack whether he was angry about her decision to stay on the beach.

-          Sawyer and Kate had some great moments. I feel a love triangle forming.

Very good episode. 3 stars

-          Next episode

-          Lost season 1

-          Lost main