Lost, Season Four - Fall Television 2007

Lost, as a whole, has not been kind to the father figure. Almost all of the characters have had some negative experience involving either their own fathers, or themselves in the father role. Kate is wanted for blowing up her abusive stepfather; Hurley grows up without a father, only to have him re-enter the scene looking to cash in on the lottery winnings. In season three, we learned that Locke's biological father and the con artist "Sawyer" are one in the same. Interestingly, we also learn more about the Others through Ben's troubled past -- his being raised by a neglectful and alcoholic father, and his own struggles with parenthood. Charlie, too, is trying to be a good role model to Aaron, even though the boy is not his biological son. This theme has come to the forefront during the last season, and viewers can expect to see more characters deal with issues of fatherhood both in their past and in the present.

Ben's revelation of his unhappy childhood came at the same time Locke was trying to figure out what to do about his own father, who had mysteriously appeared on the island. Ben eventually "freed himself" by killing his father, and insisted that Locke do the same. I think in season four the writers will continue to develop the life story of Ben, and make his character more three-dimensional. While viewers continue to dislike and distrust him, he is becoming more sympathetic. It will be interesting to see which direction his character takes -- will he become more human and less of an "Other", or will he reveal a darker new side of himself? Will he realize how his own relationship with his father is affecting how he raises Alex, or will he continue to alienate her? Either way, I think we are in for some surprises with him.

Last season, viewers learned another shocking secret from Ben: he is not the "real" leader of the Others. We meet, but don't see, the mysterious figure of Jacob, a powerful but invisible being that lives in a secluded cabin. Jacob is the ultimate archetype of our characters' unfortunate father figures: uncaring, temperamental, and to some degree unknowable. He represents the ultimate authority figure on the island, a role that is constantly shifting. While Jack is the nominal leader of the crash survivors, his position in always threatened by mistrust. Ben's position is not entirely certain either. I think in season four we can expect to see some power struggles, both within the friendly camp and among the enemies...and I don't think we've seen the last of Jacob.

The moment when James aka Sawyer kills the "real" Sawyer was one of the most dramatic of season three -- but will his actions free him from his past, as Ben feels he has been freed? Sawyer has dedicated his life to revenge, but now that justice has been served, will he be happy? It will be interesting to see how the writers continue with this storyline. I predict that he will still have some internal conflict, but will finally be able to move on (and hopefully with his relationship with Kate as well!). Also, how will Locke's character develop, now that his biological father is dead -- the man who has caused him so much pain and suffering? We have seen Locke evolve through so many phases, and I think we will continue to delve deeper into his past in season four. I would like to see him regain some of the spiritual peace he had in the first season.

I was glad to see Charlie return somewhat to his old self last season, and if he survives into season four, I hope to see him grow and mature. He is one of the show's few examples of fathers actually trying to be good fathers. Charlie has evolved from a slightly silly, happy-go-lucky rock star, to a much darker character, to now, a hero facing his destiny and trying to save the ones he loves. If he returns (and you might remember he was trapped underwater in the finale) I predict his character will become much richer and more philosophic. Along these lines, I think we might hear something of Michael and Walt this season -- another father and son pair who have had some rough patches in the past.

I love that Lost continues to develop these undercurrents of meaning throughout the seasons. Everything is interconnected; nothing is random. Each year the characters become more three-dimensional, and the fall season should be no exception.