More character development, plot advancement and more “OH MY GAWD!” moments happened in “The Glass Ballerina” than the entire second half of season two of “Lost.” Literally. Let’s recap the various major events of “The Glass Ballerina:” Sawyer kisses Kate, the first time since the third episode of season one; we discover Jin knows more English than he previously has let on; Sun shoots an Other (that would be one of those “oh my gawd” moments); we discover that “Lost” real-time is actually 2004 for us; and we discover than Benry (Ben) has been on the island his whole life (or not, but hey, at least it’s sorta-character-development).
And that doesn’t even factor in the character developments of this episode – Sun grows some new layers when it’s revealed she’s been a serial liar since the age of five; Jin is shown in flashbacks to actually be an attentive, caring husband who actually tried to leave his job as an evil hitman; and Sawyer showed actual affection for another human being, Kate, and he is totally in love with her.
It isn’t such a surprise that “The Glass Ballerina” is such a fully developed, expertly written episode because it was co-written by one of my favorite people ever (and he should be one of your favorite people ever too): Drew Goddard, a former writer and producer on cancelled genre-shows “Angel” and “Alias.” Goddard influence was especially present in this episode in that it featured actual moments of comedy, something that “Lost” doesn’t dabble into very often. The scene at the end with Jack having disbelief in regards to the Red Sox was classic Whedon-Goddard funny. Not to mention the “You taste like strawberries / You taste like fish biscuits” exchange between Sawyer and Kate.
IN OTHER DEVELOPMENTS…
First of all, here’s my take on the significance of the glass ballerina that Sun broke at the beginning of the episode: It was to illustrate that Sun is a compulsive liar, which was further illustrated in the flashbacks regarding her infidelity and then in real-time in regards to her lying to Sayid and Jin about their plan to save Jack, Kate and Sawyer. Or, it was symbolism to represent Jae (our former-favorite-bald-Asian-guy-ever), who later in the episode was shown in a very-similar free-fall… and shattering into a few dozen pieces.
Also, let’s talk about Sayid’s plan to draw out the Others. Or, let’s not: I’m not sure how Sayid thought it was going to work. Did he not know the Others had a boat, too? Why did Sayid think they were going to come toward the fire at nightfall? Did he really want to kill these people without knowing their motivations? Well, Sawyer did kill a couple Others at the end of last season for pretty much no reason…
Okay, no more thinking – head beginning to hurt. Must watch episode again.
New unresolved major plot-lines from “The Glass Balerina:”
1. Is Sun’s baby Jin’s or Jae’s?
Probability of mystery being resolved this season: Low-ish
2. Has Benry really lived on the island all his life?
Resolution probability: Medium
3. Is the Other that Sun shot dead?
Resolution probability: High
Ongoing unresolved major plot-lines:
1. What is the connection between Benry and Julliette?
Resolution probability: High-ish.
2. What is the importance of the previous occupant of Kate’s cage?
Resolution probability: High
3. The giant four-toed statue!
Resolution probability: Very low
Rating: 4 out of 5 glass ballerinas
I loved this episode, and I love where this season is going. Everyone cheer for “Lost” being officially out of its rut! Let’s see how long it lasts, though… Next week we go back to our bloated full cast when we see what’s going on at the Losties camp.
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