LOST religion

I’ve now watched through the Hurley-centric episode 16, “Numbers”. In the last few episodes I’ve been struck by the theme of redemption that has been repeated over and over. Each of the characters has a fascinating back-story in which he or she was on the plane with a major problem, often one dealing with a difficult relationship, or self-image issues.

Locke is wheelchair-bound and unfulfilled. Jack has father issues. Kate has made a mess of her life through bad choices. Charlie sees himself as worthless. Sun and Jin have marriage problems. Boone has issues with his step-sister, Shannon. Shannon has used men throughout her life, and now sees herself as useless on her own. Sawyer affects a tough-guy persona, but he’s wracked with guilt for what he has done. Sayid has to live with the horrors of his past. Claire is pregnant, single and confused. Michael has no clue how to handle relationships, especially with his eight-year old son, returned to his care after many years. And Hurly thinks he’s a jinx. (All of the above are seriously understated! Each of them makes a wonderful story in and of itself.)

Locke receives redemption first, miraculously, immediately upon crashing on the island. After that, he seems to play an important role in the redemptive power the island exerts on the others. As Locke tells Shannon: “Everyone gets a new life on this island”. In some cases Locke intervenes directly and powerfully (Charlie, Michael). In others his ministrations allow the island to work on the character in question (Boone, Sawyer). In yet others he merely encourages the characters to accept what they have been given (Jack, Shannon). I leave it to those who have seen these episodes to review how each of the characters undergoes his or her own redemption, and to those who haven’t, to watch carefully as they occur. As in real life, the people don’t always get what they thought they wanted, but rather what was best in the long run (Sun and Jin).

I’m tempted to see the island as a type of deity with powers to heal the wounded soul, and Locke as a kind of angel. But perhaps I’m seeing more than is there. On to episode 17!