Random Initial Thoughts: "Meet Kevin Johnson"

-First and foremost, of course: R.I.P. Rousseau and Karl (although I'm not going to be surprised at all if Rousseau is allowed a few last dying words once episodes return in April). Were the deaths earned? I didn't mind Karl so much - and you could totally see it coming as soon as he said "I have a bad feeling about this - but Danielle's abrupt death shortchanged a character that has been integral to the show since the series premiere - especially since she was barely in this episode. The mechanics behind it sold me - Ben had suitable motive and ability to have his people off both her and Karl - but I would've liked it if she went out in a blaze of glory. She survived alone for sixteen years, c'mon.

-One curiosity: Alex clearly assumed the freighter folks were responsible for the deaths from the way she shouted "I'm his daughter!" That's not possible, is it? Everyone from the freighter is accounted for except Frank. Ben sent them to the Others' sanctuary knowing that they would kill Danielle and Karl because "the sanctuary isn't for everyone." Right?

-Onto the Michael situation: we got his whole flashback in the form of a nonstop thirty-minute block, and it was highly entertaining if logistically suspect: how long was he on the mainland? And when did Tom have time to sneak off the island, have some fun, and then come back and get shot by Sawyer? I'll definitely investigate this further.

-Speaking of which, finally the truth: Tom was gay! I remember Internet speculation on the topic ever since the beginning of Season 3 when he told Kate, "You're not my type." Of course now, this becomes a chicken-and-the-egg scenario: was he gay all along, or did the writers make him gay as a reference to the fan speculation?

-Damon Lindelof hinted before this episode that "You'll find out why Jack couldn't jump" in last year's finale, when the doc tried to commit suicide but was distracted by a car wreck. Does that mean that everyone who makes it off the island automatically can't die? More likely it's not that universal: the island simply won't let them because they have unfinished business with it.

-I understand the irony of Sayid's outrage over Michael working for Ben, but revealing Michael's secret to the captain didn't exactly seem like the smartest thing to do. This is Sayid we're talking about; he's consistently the most level-headed person on the island.

-As commenter Nicole pointed out in a recent post, the ABC promos confirmed that Aaron is one of the Oceanic 6. I know everybody already knew that...but I think it's cheating, too.

-The flashbacks found a clever way of masking how much Malcolm David Kelly (Walt) has aged, huh? The flash-forward device provides an opportunity to bring him back and actually have him look the appropriate age that I hope the show doesn't miss.

TAGS: Danielle Rousseau, Karl, Meet Kevin Johnson, Michael, Season4
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