The Man Behind the Curtain
- Episode aired May 9, 2007
- TV-14
- 43m
As Ben takes Locke to see Jacob and reveal the island's secrets, Ben's background on the island is exposed--as well as what happened to the Dharma Initiative.As Ben takes Locke to see Jacob and reveal the island's secrets, Ben's background on the island is exposed--as well as what happened to the Dharma Initiative.As Ben takes Locke to see Jacob and reveal the island's secrets, Ben's background on the island is exposed--as well as what happened to the Dharma Initiative.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaCarrie Preston, who plays Emily Linus (mother of Benjamin Linus), is the wife of Michael Emerson who plays the older Benjamin Linus.
- GoofsDuring a flashback, a teacher informs the class that sodium bicarbonate will react with water to create "lava" for their small scale volcano. In reality, an acid such as vinegar is necessary to cause a reaction, thus causing the sodium bicarbonate to release C02.
- Quotes
Ben Linus: [Ben and Locke stand over a mass open grave full of skeletons, some still wearing their DHARMA jumpsuits] This is where I came from, John. These are my people. The DHARMA Initiative. They came here seeking harmony, but they couldn't even coexist with the Island's original inhabitants. And when it became clear that one side had to go, one side had to be purged, I did what I had to do. I was one of the people that was smart enough to make sure that I didn't end up in that ditch. Which makes me considerably smarter than you, John.
[Ben shoots Locke, who falls into the ditch]
Ben Linus: What did Jacob say to you?
John Locke: Why did you do this?
Ben Linus: Because you heard him. Now, I need to know what he said.
John Locke: Help me...
Ben Linus: John, I'm not going to ask you again. What did he say to you?
John Locke: He said, "Help me."
Ben Linus: [Ben looks incredulous, pauses a moment, utters a disbelieving half-laugh] Well, I certainly hope he helps you, John.
[He leaves Locke lying in the ditch]
- Crazy creditsThe producers gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of the people of Hawaii and their Aloha spirit.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (2007)
And the iconic imagery is plentiful indeed. The dolls, the cabin scene, the period DHARMA scenes, the patricide, the mass DHARMA grave, Alpert's surprise appearance, and even more scenes and images remain burned into every "Lost" fan's memory, surely. The performances help the episode attain its iconic status; imagine if Michael Emerson didn't have that indescribable look on his face, behind the gas mask, during the purge. If he hadn't been so convincing in the cabin. Imagine if the child actor playing Ben hadn't been as genuinely talented as he is, and had over-acted. It's an episode with a ton of information, and for those who watch the show only for the mystery and mythology it is paradise.
On the other hand, the episode, while it is still great entertainment in my estimation, doesn't do much else other than attempt to blow your mind with every successive scene with some sort of revelation or intentional bit of iconography. It's good entertainment, but doesn't have a truly cohesive emotional base on which it builds on. All things considered it's probably as good as it could have been- perfect and mind-blowing on first viewing, and iconic and entertaining on repeat viewings. The trouble with this is that on repeat viewings I start thinking about my reaction the first time I saw it, while when I watch truly great episodes, such as the one that came just before, "The Brig", I never flash back to my reaction on first viewing, but am totally drawn into that world all over again. The episode's not disappointing however, only in relation to its reputation as a classic. Also, the direction by series newcomer Bobby Roth is poor.
- ametaphysicalshark
- Dec 21, 2008
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Filming locations
- O'ahu, Hawaii, USA(filmed entirely on location on)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro