Y'all are assuming that Ethan has recognizable motives. If one of the main characters kidnapped someone and hung him or her, that character would be a psycho, because we've been made aware that they share common background, and therefore a common frame of reference on what is and is not socially and ethically acceptable behavior, with us. If Ethan is, say, of supernatural, extraterrestrial, or some other unforseen origin, he may be behaving in a way that is rational to him. We just don't know enough about who or what he is to throw around terms like "psycho."

I'm still comfortable calling him a psycho. Until I have a frame of reference to put him in which might indicate that kidnapping and hanging are considered non-criminal acts by him and/or his society of origin, I'm going on the assumption that he's human and psycho.

So...

am I late to the party or did any of you think that the metal doors were the entrance to the Initiative?

I'm going on the assumption that he's human and psycho.

Bacteria ways are not our ways, my friend.

I'm going on the assumption that he's human and psycho.

Bacteria ways are not our ways, my friend.

I'm suddenly picturing the assassin from "What's My Line" -- the dude who was actually just a conglomeration of bugs.

I'm not convinced that Ethan or anyone else actually attacked Claire at the campsite, even though she obviously was right to be worried. The lack of physical evidence, or of anyone being seen running away from her when those 140 decibel screams started, makes me think she was just dreaming (albeit potentiously).

I'm not convinced, either, Matt.

I think she was dreaming, too, though significantly.

Speaking of intelligent bacterial conglomerations, does anyone else remember a show called The Burning Zone ? In the first episode, the villian was revealed to be a sentient virus, its consciousness spread across its many little viral bodies. It was cool and spooky.

Did anyone think it was very forboding foreshadowing when Kate told Shannon that Boone being with Locke made him safe?

That and the redshirt discussion in the same episode makes even more forboding.

On the other hand, Locke's comment about Kirk being a crappy captain may mean he'll pull Boone out of the line of fire, as it were.

On the other hand, Locke's comment about Kirk being a crappy captain may mean he'll pull Boone out of the line of fire, as it were.

Here's the thing I thought was interesting about that. Locke makes a point about how Kirk is a crappy captain for letting his minions get killed in a variety of interesting ways. Locke later shows great concern for Boone's safety, telling him to head back before it gets dark. Then, when Locke "feels something", he couldn't give a crap about Boone's safety. Go back down the boulder-strewn hill in total darkness, don't let the razor-sharp rocks kick you in the arse on the way down.

It's so difficult to say -- is this a "Lost" story or an "Angel" story -- but here is a story about JJ Abrams bringing Angel writers to "Lost" and "Alias".