I do think that there's some degree of wish-fulfillment going on, but that it's manifesting in odd ways, since we all tend to wish a million different contradictory things at once.

Part of me is wondering that since Walt is a kid, he might have some pretty uncomplicated--and therefore powerful--wishes. He thought the picture of the polar bear was cool, and poof! Polar bear appears. It also stopped raining almost as soon as his dad promised he'd look for the dog once the rain stopped. The fact that the dog survived also hints at some pretty powerful wish-granting juju.

Locke seems to have figured things out. I suspect that not only did he regain the use of his legs, he also gained the knowledge and skills he needed to become the kick-ass hunter dude he is now.

All of this is to say that if the island responds to the strength and clarity of a person's wishes and desires, thinks might get really interesting once Claire's baby is born.

Yay, a Lost thread!

Deena, I was also considering the theory that the island gives people what they want (Claire's baby moving, Kate's freedom, Locke's legs, Jack's father), maybe in kind of a Needful Things way. Like you, though, I don't know how they could sustain that sort of thing.

It's also possible that Locke thinks the "monster" gave him back his ability to walk, so he might end up worshipping it (and would explain why he'd say the island's eye is "beautiful," no matter what he actually sees).

Anne, I think Locke probably already had all the hunter/survivalist know-how, considering he'd been researching and planning for the walkabout for almost a year. It is pretty amazing that he can actually do everything he's imagined himself doing, though.

would explain why he'd say the island's eye is "beautiful," no matter what he actually sees

My mind went very much to a 'the way Connor saw Jasmine' sort of place with that line.

All of this is to say that if the island responds to the strength and clarity of a person's wishes and desires, thinks might get really interesting once Claire's baby is born.

You know, once the kid gets sentient, he/she might wish it were older. Shazam!

(and would explain why he'd say the island's eye is "beautiful," no matter what he actually sees).

Maybe the monster's Jasmine's maggoty face! (Heh. x-post with Anne.)

The wish fulfillment dealie is pretty apparent, but like the Opposite Land theory, it's not universal yet, but it might turn out to be once we learnt the other characters' backstories.

For instance, you think Sun wanted to be in this crappy relationship? Will Charlie run across a stash of coke? Is Shannon's ability to remain well dressed and well groomed the island's doing?

So many characters, so many questions.

Locke has only been in the wheelchair for 4 years, so who knows what skills he acquired before that.

YAY - Lost thread. I kinda like the current title, but hey - Lost thread! Am happy!

Shiny new thread!

I really like the premise of this show--that the mysteries each week are not just about where this place is and what kind of place it is, but about who these people are and how they got that way.

What Robin Said. More than that, I already care about most of the characters, so I can't wait to find out what the story is with them

I agree that there seems to be some sort of wish fulfillment going on, even in small ways, like Walt and the rain.

And, since Kat hasn't made it here yet, let me be the first to say, Sayid is mine.

Locke has only been in the wheelchair for 4 years, so who knows what skills he acquired before that.

Hey, wait...what if he lost the use of legs from a hunting accident? I'm not sure whether that's more interesting than having him be a pathetic cubicle rat with delusions of grandeur.

What Robin Said. More than that, I already care about most of the characters, so I can't wait to find out what the story is with them

I agree with Robin, and I, too, care about most of the characters now, in a way I didn't after the first half of the pilot. I'm even warming up to Sawyer, if only cause he was reading Watership Down. Whoever chose that book is great. Not only does it tie in with the rabbit theme, but it's also relevant to the island, with its examination of the social dynamics of a small group of individuals in a dire situation.

I think it'd be amusing if Locke has struck a deal with the monster, and now he'll be leading people to be dinner. "You know, Jack...there's water over there. Yeah, right over there, next to that giant eye."

er...top 20? (Posting started with #2)

I hope... ETA:Curse you P-C!

Locke must have had some amazing PT during that four years.

I too wonder what kind of injury put him in the chair.

I'm even warming up to Sawyer, if only cause he was reading Watership Down. Whoever chose that book is great. Not only does it tie in with the rabbit theme, but it's also relevant to the island, with its examination of the social dynamics of a small group of individuals in a dire situation.

Yes. This. I now need to re-read WD as soon as possible, mainly because this ep reminded me of how much I love the book.

I now need to re-read WD as soon as possible, mainly because this ep reminded me of how much I love the book.

Seriously. I want to re-read that, read The Lord of the Flies because I'm not certain I ever did read it back in the day, and read The Stand.

When was the last time a television show encouraged people to read? (But don't take my word for it.)