I found the idea below on another website. What is everyone's opinion? I'm always coming up with excuses for the bad guy, but I hadn't thought of this one. It does make sense considering how much most people's opinions have changed about Sawyer since the beginning of the show. He started out as an a-hole, but with his first backstory it is hard not to feel for or forget that poor little boy hiding under the bed. Some people are a-holes because life has dealt them a raw deal and they've had to struggle by any means to survive. Others are just a-holes through and through. Which one is he?

In a weird sort of way, Sawyer decided to take some of the “hate & resentment” heat off Charlie......He felt sorry for Charlie and figured he could take the heat better than Charlie, after all he is used to having people despise him - he can take it and survive - Charlie can’t - and so in a twisted way, now everyone’s attention is off Charlie and on Sawyer. And we all know what pressure may make Charlie do - just keep away from those statues, Charlie. Sawyer took the heat off Cassidy by double elimination, and in turn probably saved her life and made her get back on the straight and narrow path. Sawyer’s mind works in mysterious ways, but he is as soft hearted as they come, in a brutal sort of way.

• RE: Sawyer and Charlie,weltek, 03:30 PM, 02-13-06

I disagree. I think any good conman looks for a conspirator that is down & out, alone & may have a score to settle themselves.

Sawyer=good conman
Charlie=perfect conspirator