LOST #315: "Left Behind": Smokey Strikes Back

"Lost" is on the roll. Following a somewhat disappointing fall and apart from the most recent Jack-centric flashback, the drama's strong spring run continues with yet another slam dunk of an episode that dwells upon people's fears of being left behind. Check the "Smokey Attacks" clip after the jump.

We did not learn what the "magic box" was and how Anthony Cooper ended up on the island (if that was him indeed), but we did see what effect that revelation had on Locke.

A changed man with an ominous tone to his voice he said goodbye to Kate feeling no remorse for leaving her behind as he had learned who she really was and what she had done. He left the barracks with the Others.



Kate's flashback revealed the pain she felt because of her mother's betrayal and her desperate need to find out the reason for it. In yet another inexplicable encounter of previously unrelated characters, Kate meets Cassidy, the woman Sawyer had conned.

In the hour of need and united on the other side of the law, the two women create a bond and help each other.



Finally confronted with her mother Kate now clearly sees how unforgiving she is and loses any hope her mother would ever feel even a glimmer of gratitude for the murder of her abusive husband.

Leaving one behind most definitely is the theme of the evening as the Others abandon Juliet, leaving her in the jungle handcuffed to Kate. Despite Kate's hatred towards her, Juliet is afraid of staying alone and does not reveal she has the key in her pocket.



Then Smokey strikes. Juliet seems to know little about the monster (ditto for Smokey who/which analyzes Juliet with its photographic flashes). She however knows those sonic fences that killed Patchy do seem to stop the monster, so she has no alternative but to reveal to Kate she's had the key all along and save both of their lives.

There was great comic relief in the episode courtesy of resident funny man Hurley and sleeper comedian Sawyer. We all knew the Survivor-like vote to banish Sawyer from the Losties' society was a hoax, but it was hilarious seeing the con man trying to make amends and do something good for others. Although, as he noted himself, he still won't get the Korean vote.



Finally, the two women make it to the village finding Jack and Sayid. Remorse-stricken Kate pours her soul out to Jack telling him how much she regrets ruining his chance to get off the island. A seemingly cold Jack responds asking about Juliet's well being. Oh, snap! That must have hurt.

Finally, the unlikely foursome heads back to the beach despite Kate's and Sayid's opposition to Juliet joining them. Still aggravated, Jack silences their disapproval with cutthroat conviction. There will be no further discussion.



Next week, Jack, Kate, Sayid and Juliet make it to the beach, but the arrival of an Other cuts the joyous reunion short. Juliet's flashback will pick up where her flashback from episode #7 left off, probably giving us insight into what led to her ultimate estrangement from the Others.

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