'The Message'
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But why? I mean, why do that completely numb-brained and weak-linked setup? There's no reason you have to have someone enter the numbers to discharge the hoo-hah, is there? Can't the computer just do it on its own?
That computer couldn't, because it was old. In fact, they just had a terminal, didn't they? And also it couldn't because part of the experiment involves getting a new influx of people only when the poor sap sucked into inputting the numbers gives up or dies.
With magnets.
That computer couldn't, because it was old.
Is this stated, or inferred?
In fact, they just had a terminal, didn't they?
What bearing does this have on the computer's capability?
I can't imagine a program that on input of a predictable constant does a task that it cannot do without the input of said predictable constant--the rationale for this is psychological, but until we know what the tests are and are for, I still consider the question fundamentally unanswered.
You missed the whole this-answer-is-all-nonsense-with-magnets context, huh?
Then it's not an answer.
Is all my point.
Can't the computer just do it on its own?
EXACTLY!
That computer couldn't, because it was old.
the orientation video told them specifically not to use the computer for anything other than entering the numbers and to not try to set up a system where the computer would automatically enter the numbers when the time came.
so i'm with ita on this. i have severe doubt that typing in the numbers does anything other than play mindgames on the participant. earthquake and flash of light randomness from last season be damned.
Then it's not an answer.
Is all my point.That it wasn't an answer was my point as well.
"The nation that controls electromagnetism will control the world!" -- Old Dick Tracy comic strip.
Oh, look. The meaning of the numbers has been revealed.
I've wanted to check out The Lost Experience. It sounded pretty wacky. I wonder if it's all canon, though, and if they'll ever use that explanation for the numbers on the actual show.
In season 2 at the beginning, doesn't Desmond freak out and run away because the computer gets broken?
Why didn't he use the override?
I think we'll find out why the numbers had to be entered when it's a) sweeps and b) they've thought of something.