Being a huge fan of Locke and not following the previews, spoilers or anything like that, I was just thrilled that this next 50 min was going to be about the guy..
and Sawyer, the cutest southern perv of pacific! But there's tons of more stuff that makes this episode a classic. My humble list would be something like this:
* Kate and Sawyer's scene was hot hot hot-- despite a little to much exposure to that cute little bunny sniff thing of Kate. Her second best "ain't I just adorable?" number after the unforgettable spoon lick..
* Boys bringing Naomi to camp and going to Sayid instead of Jack was interesting to watch. Not an unexpected sign of mistrust and further conflict to come, considering that Jack brought Juliette but it's interesting to see how Jack begins to lose grounds with peripheral characters like Charlie and Hurley, who have always been behind Jack and had a kind of mediating position between the 'alpha' characters and rest of the Losties. Charlie and Hurley may not be Superman and Flash, but my impression is that their word/influence on the 'regular' Losties is immense. Can't wait to see how things will unfold in that department..
* Notice how Locke made Sawyer (James) do what he wanted him to do, in Ben's fashion? A new leader's being born? Locke said he's not intending to go and 'join' the Others but can't help noticing that he can beat Ben in his own game, with some practice I mean
I know I know Ben's a though one- I kind of respect him for that. Strong enemy instead of a weak friend sort of thing..
* (Besides that Desmond's looking hotter to me lately
), I think he and Sayid can pair up and be the new leaders of Losties with voice of reason, contra the doctor with ugly tattoos and savior-complex. I'm excluding James only because he's no character that'd be interested in taking up such a role. And Locke said he's not returning back..
* Excellent acting between Locke, James, Cooper-Sawyer Dad and Ben. If this could be considered a Locke episode, it was equally a Josh Holloway one considering how his talent proved to surpass his looks (though competition) in every single scene of his. Loved the scene where he flipped out in the jungle and attacked Locke on the way to the catch-of-the-day.
* Flight 815 wreckage in the ocean?? A little too hot for heaven?? What's going on??