I am still seeing Arthurian connections. The conflict between Christianity and paganism. Consider the following:
*Colleen is a very Celtic name
*The funeral is very pagan (no Christian symbolism). More Druid than Viking. The word Druid has as one of its meanings "seers of truth"
*The name Desmond is Celtic in origin and means "man of the world"

And how about this as a connection between Merlin and the Smoke Monster:
He [Sir Gawain] was bewailing aloud his evil fortune as he went through the forest of Brécéliande, when suddenly he heard the voice of one groaning on his right hand; and, looking that way, he could see nothing save a kind of smoke, which seemed like air, and through which he could not pass. Merlin then addressed him from out the smoke, and told him by what misadventure he was imprisoned there.
from Thomas Bulfinch (1796–1867). Age of Fable: Vol. III: The Age of Chivalry. 1913.

I believe that we may find that the show is a conflict between revealed religion and natural religion. Guilt and sin (elements of free will) versus utilitarianism and fate (elements of predestination).

Not sure yet; just random thoughts.