LOST: Walkabout

As hinted at by the creepy camera turn around Locke at the end of the previous episode, this one attempts to uncover the shroud of mystery that surrounds the character this early in the show. And it does so brilliantly. In fact, this is the best character introduction so far in the series. Albeit this is only the fourth episode, but his character is portrayed so well, which is a combination of the great writing and acting.

Locke could have sworn that he was wearing a white sock before the crash

The Losties have entirely run out of food by now, and Locke takes the opportunity to emerge from the nameless group of extras in the background and lead a hunting party into the jungle. In some flashbacks, we learn that Locke has a job that he doesn't really enjoy. He is constantly aggravated by his coworkers, and all he wants to do is go on a walkabout into the Australian outback. This is where the main theme of this episode sets in. In his past, Locke has this feeling that he is meant to do something greater, but his condition, being in a wheelchair, prevents him from doing so. On the island, he has the ability to fulfill this dream, and he seizes it. But he does so almost too smugly, leaving the other Losties to doubt his abilities, and he comes face-to-face with the smoke monster, setting a limit on his abilities after all, and forcing him to question his faith in his destiny himself.

"You know the difference between me and Professor X?
I make this look cool."

This, like many of the season one episodes, is a character building one, so there wasn't much that was too crazy, except that Locke was somehow healed by the island. I assume that this has something to do with him being a candidate for Jacob's spot. After all, we will later see that Jacob came to Locke after he fell from the building and gave him his touch. It also makes sense that Locke was merely scanned by the smoke monster, because it is revealed later that the man in black apparently cannot harm any of the candidates.

Another weird thing was the man in black appearing to Jack at almost the same time that the smoke monster was chasing Kate and Locke. So, after he scanned Locke, he immediately ran back to the beach and appeared to Jack? How does that make sense?

Oh, and it was funny how the typewriter-type machine that Locke was using at his job sounded exactly like the smoke monster. It actually makes metaphorical sense, too. Locke ultimately meets his match on the island with the smoke monster, and is also troubled by his job in the flashback. Ahh, you clever Lost writers. Always have to throw in an easter egg here and there, don't you?

Score: 8

Best Quote: "Don't tell me what I can't do!" (Not particularly clever, it was just well delivered)

Best Moment: The revelation the Locke was previously in a wheelchair.

WTF Moment: The same moment.