EPISODE 301: “A TALE OF TWO CITIES”

S3E1 (301) “A Tale of Two Cities”

Air date: Wednesday, October 4 at 9/8c
SEASON PREMIERE
“In the season premiere episode, Jack, Kate and Sawyer begin to discover what they are up against as prisoners of “The Others.””

This is the first of six episodes that will air in October and November. The remainder of the season resumes in February and concludes in May.

EPISODE RE-CAP:

This episode was all about cages and confinement…

Flashback
“A Tale of Two Cities” opens in the very antiseptic-looking and seemingly solar-powered village of the Others. During a book club gathering hosted by Juliet (a new character) the members suffer through what seems to be an earthquake. The sky, however, is filled with the broken pieces of Oceanic Flight 815. Ben (fake Henry Gale’s “real” name) directs Ethan Rom to the fuselage wreckage and Goodwin to the tail section.

The remainder of the episode shifts between the various cages and the captives…

Flash forward
Sawyer, Jack and Kate each wake up in a different cage and Kate and Jack have both had blood drawn. (Kate’s cage is quite different from that of Jack or Sawyer.)

Kate is given a shower and a dress and taken to breakfast with Ben. When she asks him why he is treating her to clean clothes and food he replies, “The next two weeks are going to be very unpleasant.” And we certainly believe him!

Sawyer is being held in a large cage and is introduced to Carl, a young teenage boy who helps him to escape. “Subject escaped!” blares over the loudspeaker as they run in different directions but both Sawyer and Carl are recaptured quickly. (It all seemed rather concocted to me!)

Jack is being held in a dark glass and steel cell that looks strangely like some type of weird medical testing facility. Jack attempts an escape and captures Juliet but opens the wrong hatch door and the jail fills up with water. Jack finds out that this is the Hyrda Station part of the Dharma Initiative and that it was an aquarium once used for sharks and dolphins.

At the end of the episode Ben congratulates Juliet by saying, “Good work.” and she replies with a simple “Thank you.” They’ll have to work a lot harder than that though to break our three survivors!

It is apparent that Ben and the Others are conducting experiments on Jack, Kate and Sawyer (and probably Carl, too). It is also apparent that we’ll have to wait until later in the season to find out why.

Note: There is a very strange back-story flashback concerning Jack’s jealousy and obsession concerning his ex-wife’s boyfriend. The creators wanted us to know that Jack was flirting with an epic emotional breakdown. Why? Showing him at his most vulnerable here it appears that we are being set up for a future reversal of circumstances and that the strongest side of Jack has yet to be seen.

JACK’S CAGE


Jack opens a hatch in the Hydra Station in an escape attempt but floods the station. A quick reacting Juliet saves Jack, tells him to hit the button on the wall, which drains the water form the cell, and them knocks him out with one punch! Later, Juliet confirms that the Hydra Station is an underwater aquarium and that it was once part of the Dharma Initiative and used for Sharks and Dolphins.

KATE’S CAGE

Kate’s cage… is a dress?!? And Mr. Friendly is her chaperone! Ben has threatened Kate and she is not happy about that. The unknown possibilities of Ben’s threat weigh heavy on her but she knows that she has the support of Sawyer. Look for Ben to conduct his un-pleasantries on Kate soon.

SAWYER’S CAGE

We speculated last season that the entire island might have been a big Skinner’s box. We now think that perhaps only segments of the islands can be defined in this manner. This includes the Pearl Hatch (where the reward is information) and now Sawyer’s cage (where the reward may be survival)!

Imagine a con man in a cage. This is a special cage, a polar bear cage, (called, in fact, a “Skinner box”). This cage contains a bar, a pedal and an over-large button, with a knife and fork icon imprinted on it, that, when pressed, should cause a mechanism to release food into the cage. The con man is inspecting his cage closely, trying to find a way out, when he decides to press the button… Here, good folks, is where a deviation from the Skinner box scenario occurs. Normally, food would be dispensed and the con man would continue to press the button until he had enough food to hoard away but in this experiment our con man is given multiple verbal warnings to prevent him from pressing the button. The outcome is, of course, pre-ordained (we are talking about Sawyer here after all). And pain ensues… After a trial and error period Sawyer understands that the contraption must be manipulated in a certain order and he figures out how to obtain food. He is rewarded with a large Dharma goldfish and Dharma corn nuts?!? Yummm!

THE OTHER’S CAGE
(See image above)

The Other’s village is in essence another cage. While more comfortable than most it is a cage nonetheless. It seems that there is no escape for them, either. The location seems remote but both sides of the island can be reached in about an hour. We all know that the boat that Ben gave to Michael was not made for open ocean travel, which is why Ben gave it up. Desmond’s boat is another matter entirely. The only reason that Ben would want Desmond’s boat is to escape the island… the Others are as trapped as the survivors.

JULIET’S CAGE

I believe that Juliet’s cage is much more emotional than the others. While we have little to go on we do know that she has a sadness about her that begs for an explanation. She listens to Pet Clark’s anthem to loneliness and forgets that she has muffins in the oven. These are all obvious signs of someone preoccupied with extremely hefty thoughts. But why is Juliet so melancholy?

OBSERVATIONS:

1) The Others have electricity in their village (I assume solar-powered.)
2) Juliet plays the song “Downtown” by Petula Clark on her CD player. This is definitely a song about being lonely and Juliet is “very” unhappy. She burns the muffins and her hand, obviously not concentrating on the task at hand. Why is she so upset?
3) The book club is discussing Stephen King’s “Carrie” which Juliet says is her favorite book. This is the story of a young woman with extraordinary powers who is ostracized by her peers and eventually snaps… Will Juliet be threatened emotionally in the future and explode? (An excellent article concerning the Stephen King Connection can be foud here.)
4) A member of the book club says that Ben (fake Henry Gale) would not even read “Carrie” while sitting on the toilet. This proves what? That Ben is a snob? An intellectual? Hmm…
5) Ben is obviously in charge in the village as he directs Goodwin and Ethan Rom to head towards the two wreckage sites.
6) Jack’s cage is proven to be some type of holding cell for sharks or dolphins. Why on earth would they need a multi-channel mixing board for sharks and dolphins? Perhaps, a little easy listening music by Geronimo Jackson?
7) During Sawyers escape we see that there are many cages in the immediate vicinity. This compound resembles a zoo and should explain the polar bears and horses. But why does it have the Hydra Station designation on it?
8) The village contains between 15 and 20 houses. (30 to 40 people?)
9) The theme of dark and light was also portrayed again tonight with Jack’s cage as the dark element (stark, steel, Plexiglas, dark, light greens and blues) and Kate and Sawyers as the light (exterior, sunny, bright).

THE HYDRA STATION

I admit to being a bit confused by the Hydra Station as I was totally convinced that there was no underwater hatch on the island. I’ve been proven wrong. One nagging question though is why is the Hydra Station symbol found in the zoo? The same symbol appears in the underwater cage where Jack is being held and on the canopy in the compound of cages where Sawyer, Kate and Carl are being held. Why would an above ground zoo be part of an underwater station? Anyone care to comment?

JACK’S BOOKSHELF

Click here to view a hi-res image of Jack’s bookshelf.

I encourage you to visit and help fill in the missing books (see below).

There is no doubt that a correlation exists between the books found on Jack’s bookshelf in this episode and the show mythology we’ve already encountered. Sawyer’s book selection and our discussions concerning them certainly indicate that the creators know we are looking at this aspect of island life. The writers and producers are well aware that viewers are going over those titles in minutiae. With the bookshelf in Jack’s office they have given us an entire season’s worth of speculation concerning the works that appear here. Because there has been so much discussion concerning the literary works seen on Lost I have researched in detail the identifiable books on the shelf. (Please note: if you recognize a book that I have not been able to identify please e-mail me or post a comment.) Obviously, the reference and medical books are prevalent because of Jack’s profession but the fact that the books are so visible indicate to me that the writers/producers want us to view the titles. Recurring themes of the books on the shelf, either in title, subject matter or both, correspond to themes on the show. Those themes are (in no particular order): The Wizard of Oz, Yin / Yang, constellations and astrology, science and faith, ancient societies and civilizations, mystery, redemption, religion (Catholicism), Greek mythology, medicine, monsters / evil, murder and torture, corporate corruption, ship and plane wrecks, isolation and rescue, prisons and escape, islands, and twins.

The Bookshelf

On top of the bookshelf (left to right)
1. Three Ring Binder (Black – thin)
2. Three Ring Binder (Black – thin)
3. Three Ring Binder (White – thick – yellow lettering “…OGICAL”?)
4. Three Ring Binder (White – thin)
5. Three Ring Binder (Grey – thick)
6. West’s Business Law – Clarkson, Miller, Jentz and Cross
7. Compton's Encyclopedia Vol. 23.
8. Clinical Procedures
9. Harrison's Platinum Edition - Anthony S. Fauci MD, Eugene Braunwald MD, Kurt J. Isselbacher MD, Jean D. Wilson MD, Joseph B. Martin MD, Dennis L. Kasper MD, Stephen L. Hauser MD

SHELF 1 (left to right)
1. Obscured by Jack’s head
2. Obscured by Jack’s head
3. Obscured by Jack’s head
4. Obscured by Jack’s head
5.
6. Information Systems - Management in Practice - Barbara C. McNurlin, Ralph H. Sprague
7. Fire in the Mind: Faith and the Search for Order - George Johnson
8. Dark Horse -Tami Hoag
9.
10. Parker’s Astrology – Julia & Derek Parker
11. ____ Student’s Yearbook
12. Book of the Year 1976
13.
14. (Tilted book)
15. Pale Horse Coming – Stephen Hunter
16. Nighttime Is My Time - Mary Higgins Clark
17. The Greatest Generation -Tom Brokaw
18.
19. Coping With Job Loss: How Individuals, Organizations, and Communities Respond to Layoffs (Issues in Organization and Management Series) - Carrie R. Leana and Daniel C. Feldman
20.
21. Skinny Dip - Carl Hiaasen
22. Redemption - Leon Uris

SHELF 2 (left to right)
1.
2. Two Dollar Bill – Stuart Woods
3. Domes of Fire – David Eddings
4. The Price of Beauty?
5. Valhalla Rising – Clive Cussler
6. No Place Like Home - Mary Higgins Clark
7.
8. Hearts In Atlantis - Stephen King
9. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling
10. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Chest - Vol. I - Fraser and Pare
11. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Chest - Vol. II - Fraser and Pare
12. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Chest - Vol. III - Fraser and Pare
13. Diagnosis of Diseases of the Chest - Vol. IV - Fraser and Pare
(Cycling trophy)
14.
15.
16. Eleventh Hour - Catherine Coulter
17.
18. Last ___

SHELF 3 (left to right)
1. The Spirit of Christmas – exact book remains unidentified
2.
3.
4. Funk & Wagnall’s New Encyclopedia Vol. 14
5. Lawrence Sanders McNally's Folly – Vincent Lardo
6. Funk & Wagnall’s New Encyclopedia Vol. 14 (Earlier Edition of # 4 above)
7. Astrological Patterns
8. Reader's Digest Condensed Book (4 titles illegible)
9. Holy Bible – King James Version
10. Dirty Work – Stuart Woods
11. (Call It Courage – by Armstrong Sperry) Possible
12.
13. Pulmonary Diseases and Disorders
14.
15.
16.
17.
18. The Scottish Bride - Catherine Coulter
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

SHELF 4 (left to right)
(Several books obscured by golf clubs)
1.
2.
3.
4. Scientific Genius - Dean Kenneth Simonton
5. A History of World Societies – John P. McKay
6.
7. International Book of ____ (?)
8. Reference work
9. Reference work
10. Reference work
11. Reference work
12. Reference work
13. Reference work
14. Reference work
15. Reference work
16. Reference work
17. Encyclopedia Americana (Vol. II)
18. Encyclopedia Americana (Vol. I)

SHELF 5 (left to right)
1. Encyclopedia Americana (Vol. ?)
2. Encyclopedia Americana (Vol. 12)
3. Encyclopedia Americana (Vol. 13)
4. America -
5.
6.
7. The Bailey Chronicles - Catherine Cookson
8. Last Rights: Rescuing the End of Life from the Medical Establishment - Stephen Kiernan
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15. _____ Vol. 2
16. _____ Vol. 15
17. _____ Vol. 1

SHELF 6 (left to right)
(portion of books obscured by desk.)
1.
2.
3.

My observations and thoughts concerning some of the books (also in no particular order):

The medical reference books found on the bookshelf are there for obvious reasons but why the odd incomplete collection of Encyclopedias? The detective/mystery novels here may be a shout-out to the fans that have been trying to piece together clues from the past two seasons. Some of the books were clearly chosen for their titles and others for their subject matter and some are easier than others to connect to the Lost series. All, however, are of great interest and significance to fans of Lost. Yours truly included!

The books (a brief synopsis and connection, if found):

No Place Like Home by Mary Higgins Clark. While not one of Clark's best books I like it because of the homage it pays to the Wizard of Oz and how it connects with "Henry Gale" and the "hot air balloon." Is it a coincidence that one of the murder victims in this book is named Charley Hatch?

Domes of Fire by David Eddings. “Perhaps the Troll-Gods are once more loose in the world!” And they only have four toes!

Hearts in Atlantis by Stephen King. The most interesting part about this book is the introduction, to the young boy in the novel, of William Golding's "The Lord of the Flies." This is the definitive island survival story. Also, the show has been linked to Greek mythology and Atlantis would fit tightly into this theory. Some forum posters also believe that the island rose up out of the ocean and that is how the Black Rock was found so far inland. As Atlantis sunk into the ocean and may one day rise up again this too seems to fit nicely.

Redemption by Leon Uris. This is an action-filled novel, which depicts determined individuals during dramatic upheavals. Sound familiar? Losties, Tailies and Others!

Harrison’s Platinum Edition by Anthony S. Fauci MD, et al. is considered the "gold standard" in internal medicine. A great reference for those internists looking for “missing organs” or that stray “TWM virus” strain.

Fire in the Mind: Faith and the Search for Order by George Johnson. This book is based on a collection of interviews with scientific and religious pundits and fits nicely within the mythology of Lost, especially concerning the episode entitled, “Man of Science, Man of Faith.”

Dark Horse by Tami Hoag. This story revolves around an ex-policewoman mired in self-pity and self-hatred. A reviewer wrote, “In her latest thriller, New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag takes readers on a suspense-filled ride of shocks and twists leading to an explosive finish.” Sounds like the season finale of Lost!

Parker’s Astrology by Julia and Derek Parker. “One of the most detailed, practical, and beautifully illustrated guides to astrology ever published, written by two world-renowned experts. Beginning with basic explanations of planets and their positions, the Parkers show how to make a personal chart with step-by-step sequences.” Constellations, stars and astrology are recurring themes both in Jack’s bookshelf and the Lost show but I haven’t quite figured out the connection yet. Thoughts anyone?

Pale Horse Coming by Stephen Hunter. Pale Horse Coming is the story of a prison in the deep-south run by an aging madman with insane theories of racial purity and administered by a brutally efficient Stalin of a guard sergeant. Perhaps a warning to the Lost survivors to keep a suspicious eye out for Mittlewerk and company?

Nighttime Is My Time by Mary Higgins Clark. “Across the nation, young women are vanishing. By all accounts, their disappearances seem unrelated. But one young woman, realizing that she may have narrowly escaped their fate, begins to wonder--could all these women have had the same abductor? Determined to learn the truth, she finds herself in the midst of an investigation pitting her against a dangerous and ruthless foe.” Is this one of those mysteries that pays homage to the intrepid research of the fans?

The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw. This is Brokaw's homage to the Americans who survived and overcame the depression and World War II and went on to build modern America. Alvar Hanso? The Dharma Initiative? The Hanso Foundoundation? The island?

Coping With Job Loss by Carrie R. Leana and Daniel C. Feldman. This may have special meaning to Christian Shepherd and Ana Lucia since both them had recently “Lost” their jobs.

Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen. Skinny Dip is the story of a corrupt, evil and inept man who will do anything to get what he wants. Even murder! Sounds like finger pointing to me! This story also contains elements found in the Lost Experience Alternate Reality Game that played out this past summer. The dumping of chemicals into the ocean, murder and island solitude are found here.

Two Dollar Bill by Stuart Woods. This story revolves around a brilliant con man and his exploits. The inclusion of this book is most likely paying homage to the Sawyer character.

Valhalla Rising by Clive Cussler. The main character in the novel “finds himself confronted by an extraordinary series of monsters, both human and mechanical, modern and ancient. He will tread upon territory previously known only to legend.” Pretty much sums up seasons one and two of Lost but instead of a ship wreck it’s a plane.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling. An island protected by dark soul-sapping entities. (The Isle of Azkaban/the Island – Dementors / Cerberus) A prison of unknown location. (Azkaban / the weapons locker.) A dark, and deranged prisoner freed unexpectedly. (Barty Crouch Jr./ Henry Gale.) Also, we know that the prisoner of the title was SIRIUS Black and this connects nicely to the constellation/star/astrology books. From Wikipedia: “Azkaban is probably not found on Muggle maps, as wizard land is often made hidden or un-plottable (therefore keeping it secret from Muggles and even sometimes from other wizards) and as a wizard prison, Azkaban would probably be especially secretive. Azkaban has a justifiably horrible reputation. Its remote location is more of a precaution than a safety measure—the mass presence of dementors renders the inmates incapable of happiness and forces them to relive their worst memories, as they become gradually helpless and very often severely insane.”

Eleventh Hour by Catherine Coulter. Father Michael Joseph is killed and it is up to his twin brother to find the killer and unravel the mystery. This partially mirrors the Lost Experience game clue novel, “Bad Twin” by Gary Troup.

Lawrence Sanders McNally's Folly by Vincent Lardo. “Archy McNally agrees to help Desdemona Darling's husband find out who's been blackmailing her for years and, while he's at it, “get the goods” on a psychic who's been milking Miami's finest ladies. An amateur production of ARSENIC AND OLD LACE, a murder, and other goings-on thicken the plot.” Psychics, murder and blackmail, oh my!

Dirty Work by Stuart Woods. This is another murder mystery that was probably placed on Jack’s bookshelf as a nod to the fans.

The Scottish Bride by Catherine Coulter. A single father of three has inherited a Scottish castle and the title of Baron Barthwick, but does not realize how much his austere life will change. Another one that I’m not sure where it belongs but perhaps is mirror of Michael, a single father who has fallen in the eyes of his peers and whose life has taken a tremendous turn.

Scientific Genius by Dean Kenneth Simonton. “Dean Simonton is one of the most creative people studying creativity today. In Scientific Genius he presents a theory of the bases of scientific creativity, as well as the beginnings of what he calls a ‘psychology of science.’ The book is a signal contribution to our understanding of creativity, scientific and otherwise... “ Janet E. Davidson, in Applied Cognitive Psychology. Hmmm… can you say Orientation Film? Or Pearl Station?

Next episode – “The Glass Ballerina”
Air date: Wednesday, October 11 at 9/8c
Synopsis: Sayid's attempt to rescue Jack, Kate and Sawyer from the others jeopardizes Sun and Jin's lives.