1.05 - White Rabbit

Title’s significance: The White Rabbit, of course, was the character from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland who eventually led Alice into Wonderland – the apparition of Jack’s father performs a similar function in this episode. (Locke states as much.)

Recap: Flashbacks explore the tumultuous relationship Jack and his father Christian shared before the latter died in Australia. After a survivor drowns, Jack continues to hallucinate a man on the island – we learn this is his father, who for all intents and purposes is supposed to be dead. Jack follows a vision of his father around the island, but Locke believes this is just a “white rabbit” the island has sent – it ends up leading Jack to a source of fresh water. When Claire falls ill, Charlie discovers that someone stole the water supply, and their relationship deepens. Kate finds out that Sawyer’s been hoarding supplies and trading for more. After Boone’s poor attempts at leadership lead to conflict, the survivors look for a real leader and draft Jack, who reluctantly accepts. “God knows how long we’re gonna be here,” Jack says. Brother, you have no idea.

Thoughts: Jack’s never been one of my favorite characters, so this episode wasn’t too exciting for me. I appreciate the backstory we got in the flashbacks and the mythological foundation set by the (re)appearance of Christian, but it’s difficult for me to get fired up about a Jack-centric episode, especially since he does so much crying.

Favorite moment: Since Locke is one of my favorite characters, I loved his exchange with Jack in the middle of the forest. Locke’s philosophy about the island and about Jack’s hallucinations is fascinating, expertly delivered by Terry O’Quinn – especially when he says he’s “looked into the eye of this island.”

Characters introduced (in order):
CHRISTIAN SHEPHARD, Jack’s alcoholic physician father
MARGO SHEPHARD, Jack’s mother

What we learned:

• Charlie doesn’t swim.
• Second post-crash casualty – Joanna, a swimmer who drowns.
• Kate is a Gemini – “restless, passionate.”
• Claire knows how to make astrological readings.
• Of interesting cultural note: Charlie’s tattoo, “Living is easy with eyes closed,” comes from “Strawberry Fields Forever” by The Beatles.
• Christian died from overconsumption of alcohol.
• Jack was on the plane to bring back his dead father.
• According to Sawyer, Boone is now “top of everyone’s most hated list.”
• Christian’s body isn’t in the coffin.

Questions:

• Where’s Christian’s body?
• Is the Christian on-island a ghost, a resurrected Christian, or something else entirely?
• Sayid suspects that Sun understands English. Does she?
• What does Locke mean when he says that he’s “looked into the eye of this island, and it’s beautiful”?
• What happened to Christian that pushed him over the edge to Australia? How is this Jack’s fault / why does he feel guilty about it?

Things that are going to be important in Season Six:

• In spite of his father’s advice, Jack has an overwhelming urge to save everyone he meets. Who will he be called upon to save in Season Six?
• On a lighter note, Jack cries all the time. I’m sure we’re going to see him cry some more before this show runs its course.
• Jack’s speech at the end of the episode includes two key concepts that recur on the show – “Live together, die alone” and “Every man for himself.” How will these play into the final season?