Comments on: Lost: Catch-22

By: evans

evans — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:37:34 +0000

I just watched the episode again, and if you look closely, when Desmond goes to turn in his robe, there is a quick shot from behind the desk. In the corner, there is a photo of his monk mentor and a woman. It is the same woman who owns the jewelry store and tells Desmond that he was meant to walk away from Penny, and who knew the guy with the red shoes was going to die. It was his path. “Unfortunately, the universe has a way of course correcting itself.” I thought this was intriguing, since his mentor told him that the monastery wasn’t where he is supposed to end up.

I think Desmond’s test is to keep Charlie alive. By doing so he is sacrificing himself; the ultimate sacrifice.

By: Nathan Miller

Nathan Miller — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 04:06:28 +0000

Always been a fan of your Lost posts, but have to ask have you been following Heroes?

By: Hunter Maxin

Hunter Maxin — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 19:46:27 +0000

The “catch” in Catch 22 doesn’t really translate to catch in even English as the phrase’s meaning has come into being (awkward sentence, but i think you understand). As Ardil means “trick”, I think Ardil-22 was a very conscience decision when it was translated to Porteguese. Either way, that’s the actual Brazilian version of the book used in the episode.

I don’ thin Ruth the character has any meaning other than to introduce the name for contextual thematic clues. I’d bet dollars to donuts we never see either again, but…

The Book of Ruth teaches that genuine love at times may require uncompromising sacrifice. Regardless of our lot in life, we can live according to the precepts of God. Genuine love and kindness will be rewarded. God abundantly blesses those who seek to live obedient lives. Obedient living does not allow for “accidents” in God’s plan. God extends mercy to the merciful.

By: Seth

Seth — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 18:58:13 +0000

@Hunter: They speak Portuguese in Brazil, so maybe it’s some kind of regionalism. I just know that “Catch” doesn’t literally translate to “Ardil” unless Babelfish is wrong. ;-)

Good call on Ruth as well. Maybe she or the over-protective brother have some kind of vendetta against ole Des.

By: Hunter Maxin

Hunter Maxin — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 18:28:42 +0000

Also, I checked with the former Int’l rights coordinator at Simon & Shuster (don’t ask, just a lucky twist of fate that I know her)…and that copy of Ardil-22 is the official BRAZILIAN printing of Catch-22.

By: Hunter Maxin

Hunter Maxin — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 18:20:10 +0000

Desmond’s jilted fiance…Ruth.

From the Book of Ruth, Ruth spake “For wherever you go, I will go.”

By: Will

Will — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 05:48:49 +0000

The very easter-egg link you gave us says that Ardil-22 actually is Portugese.

As for this episode, I thought it was sort of a weak outing for the series this season. My wife missed the first half of the episode… and it didn’t matter. Not that much happens given the forty-five minutes it took to tell the story.

But I do like that we’re given this chance to get into Desmond’s shoes a little bit. Plus, I think this kind of breather — seeing people identify the beach as “home” and all — is essential to maintaining the kind of tension they’ve been up to. But, seriously… do any of the castaways every really talk to each other? It’s like, “Hey, Jack’s back! I’m gonna go eat some canned beans.”