Overall, it was a sloppily-written episode. The two new characters, Paolo and Nikki, add nothing...yet.

I thought Eko's unrepentent end didn't really synch up with his character to that point. And there didn't seem to be an event that caused this change of heart. How does he go from a guy carrying a "Jesus stick" and quoting scripture and building a church--all attempts to atone for his sins--to a guy who basically tells his faith (represented by his brother) to F off? Because a polar bear tried to eat him? I'm just not getting the connection. Seemed like a convenient write-off (which it probably was, if trade rumors are to be believed).

And has anyone seen any spec on the possibility that Patch-Eye controls the smoke monster? That was my first thought, because there was a direct line between his discovery and when the monster attacked Eko. Eko's dying words to Locke could possibly support that theory. They know about Patch-Eye, ergo they're next.