ria_oaks

I'm still pretty numb, and ~~I really don't have much to say right now.~~ (eta: Okay, I lied, I have a lot to say... ) I knew that there was going to be a death, of course (they haven't exactly been subtle about it), but I didn't know for sure who it was. I never used to like Shannon much, but after Boone's death she grew on me and I've been really liking her this season. I hate that they killed her just as I was starting to love her. I can't help but feel that there was so much potential for character growth in her that was cut short by killing her. And Maggie Grace has done such a brilliant job of portraying her, especially late last season and this season so far. It's truly a pity to see her go, and to know that we will never get to see another Shannon or Boone flashback. I think that's one of the worst parts - with them both dead, we'll never see more about their past. This episode made me want to know so much more about Shannon, about who she was and who she could have been. Her death just seems... pointless. I know they want to "keep the stakes real" blah blah blah and all that stuff, but constantly killing off characters (not to mention loudly publicizing the fact) is just getting annoying and depressing. We get that the stakes are high, now stop killing people off for awhile, mkay?

Already I'm hearing talk of possible deaths later this season (no idea if it's true or not, but it seems likely that they'll kill more characters this season), and it's getting frustrating. I hated the nervous anticipation of this episode, knowing that someone was going to die but not being sure who. I freaked out half-way through and irrationally thought it was going to be Sawyer, and I hate that they made me almost want someone else to die just so my favourite character wouldn't. Stupid, I know, and I hated feeling that way. I hate being made to choose between characters when I know that someone is about to die, and feeling relieved when it's not my all-time favourite, even if I do like the character that does die. I felt the same way with Boone, and to some extent in the Buffy series finale. Only real way to avoid it is to never look at anything to do with the show, and even then the death was all over the media. Guess I just have to deal with the fact that it's near impossible to remain completely spoiler-free. Hell, I don't mind some spoilers, I just hate knowing about deaths. :( Still a bit bitter over having been semi-spoiled for the Angel finale. ^^;

Anyway, I did enjoy the episode for the most part, even if the constant nervous anticipation made it hard to watch. I loved the insights into Shannon's character and her background, and it was great to see Boone back, silly floppy hair and all. I got all teary eyed when I saw his grave, and whenever he was onscreen. Giggled a lot over the hair, though. I was surprised that I really quite enjoyed Claire this episode, specifically how it looks like she's starting to be uncertain about Charlie's behaviour around her. I'm finding that Charlie's feelings and behaviour towards her are getting progressively creepier. He's way too possessive over her and the baby. I think to a large extent Charlie sees Claire as someone vulnerable who he can take care of - first because she was pregnant, and now because she has a baby. I liked seeing Claire start to assert her own independence and strength in this episode, and I'd like to see that develop. I want to see her as a stronger character who doesn't need Charlie constantly taking care of her. Of course she needs help with the baby, but Charlie shouldn't have a monopoly over helping, and his getting so jealous and possessive when Locke was holding Aaron was just plain disturbing. Time to back off, Charlie... Ya'know, I used to really like Charlie back in the first half or so of season 1, but my feelings towards him have cooled this season. Hopefully once the assumedly impending heroin arc begins he'll become more interesting.

Speaking of becoming more interesting - ooh, I'm looking forward to Sayid kicking some ass soon. :) He's become a relatively stagnant character, but I loved him in season 1 and I'd like to see more development which I think we're going to get now. I hope.~~Please please kill Ana Lucia, okay Sayid?~~

Loved Sawyer, as always. Really did think he was going to die for awhile there, which was really faintly ridiculous since he was obviously a red herring, but I couldn't help it. Thank god he's not dead yet, though, and hopefully once he gets back to the camp Jack will take care of him. *crosses fingers* I thought we were going to get the reunion this episode and was surprised when we didn't. Nice to see Michael finally helping him out, though. I need to re-watch that scene to say much more on it; I was too busy biting my nails and freaking out the first time. ^^;;

Locke is still creepy, yet I can't help but love him for his creepiness. Heh. It'll be interesting to see where the show goes with his knowledge of Charlie's new heroin stash...

The complete and utter lack of either Jack or Kate (other than the brief shot of him in the hospital) was oddly jarring. I'm so used to them always being around, and thinking of them as basically the 2 'main' characters (at least that's how the show tends to be advertised), that seeing neither of them all episode was really weird. ^^ Didn't see any Sun, either, which was too bad. Still can't wait for her reunion with Jin...

So, next episode - according to the American promo it's an "extended episode", whatever the hell that means. I'm looking forward to this ep well enough, though I can't wait until we get back to the present in, I assume, episode 8. I don't care much about seeing more Ana Lucia, but I want to see more revealed about Echo (Eko? Ecko? They need to confirm that...) cause he rocks. :) I like Libby well enough, too, and of course it's still cool to see ~~Holland Manners~~ Sam Anderson on the show. Someone should totally write a crossover where the island is actually a holding pen for former Wolfram & Hart employees or something. Like the 'suburbia hell' that Lindsey was stuck in in s5, except with a jungle. ;p *gets happy thoughts of Stephanie Romanov on the show* Ahh, if only. I want to see more of her, I haven't seen her in anything new since Angel. :(

Guess that's it. I'm still feeling kinda numb and weird - I think I'm just emotionally drained from the episode. Was horribly torn between being sad over Shannon's death, and relieved that it wasn't Sawyer. *hangs head* Hate that feeling. Anyway, mostly now I'm just upset to think that Shannon's gone, and all the potential for her character is cut off. It feels like such a waste... I'm going to miss her. *sigh* And Maggie Grace was so talented, and so beautiful...

RIP, Shannon Rutherford.

Shannon icon courtesy of