LAST EDITED ON 05-17-07 AT 09:33 PM (EST)

An episode that shows the "Preparation for Battle" is bound to have less action but I saw it as a chance for
Redemption

-Charlie was not a well-liked character, either by design or circumstances, but he got a chance at redemption in this episode. This dissolute man became a man of "faith", at least with respect to Desmond's vision and a "hero" ready to make good on the promise he made Claire when he met her: "We're alive, it's a beautiful island and before you know it, helicopters are going to come to save us." He will do anything to save her and Aaron.

The writers made sure that, even if we didn't like him, we'd be on board for this emotional send-off. Charlie's "greatest hits" fleshed out a character that had been seriously lacking. His friendship with Hurley was used to make us embark on Charlie's journey.

As a side note: The surprise in the "Looking Glass" Station could be just starting. I think that the Blonde girl, the one who came rushing in with a gun, was the Finnish groupie that was on Charlie's left during the ring flashback. I hope he remembers her and treated her well or she could have another reason to shoot him besides his intrusion!

-Jack's character was not supposed to be disliked, at least I don't think that was the intent. The writers tried to make us appreciate him a little more.

They showed that Jack didn't want the leadership: "For 90 days, I've been asked to make decisions."

They used Sayid to highlight Jack's role. Sayid has grown as a character probably more than expected so even if he was the one to tell Jack: "I'm trying to get us home" Sayid told us that: "I'm not the leader, you are...Take us all home."

The writers used Rose to make us like Jack: "I like you better since you've returned."
They also downplayed Sawyer to leave room for Jack. In two scenes where Jack took leadership; the walk towards Danielle and the preparation to leave camp, Sawyer was seen but not heard. How often has that happened?

Even if Jack did assume the leadership which culminated with his: "We'll blow them all to hell", Sayid still appeared to outshine Jack. Is it the character or the actor that doesn't cut it?

The writers want Jack to be the leader the Losties and the audience follow and respect. There was a lot of manipulation done for Jack this week. If the audience still doesn't embark, when do we see a change of leadership?

-Rose and Bernard were two forgotten characters that needed to be reintroduced. Now that the rapport with the island is taking center stage, we know that Rose is "Special" also. Is it the start of their story arc or is it giving them airtime before their exit? We'll have to wait but they don't look like they are there for the long term.

I had speculated that Mikhail could be another of the Dharma crew that was saved from the purge but seeing Ryan, I think Ben brought in ex-military personel to act as mercenaries. Ryan's "Yes Sir" was military. It wasn't the tone of a member of a scientific staff, not even from a security agent. Where does Ben get his funds? From Dharma?? Blackmail or extortion maybe?

When Jack said: "They have no idea we'll be waiting for them" how many thought: Are you sure?