We learned a lot about Michael post island and I still wonder how he got from the little boat in the Pacific to the NYC? But Ben did tell him if follows the heading he will find rescue. Michael if obvisouly conflicted about killing Ana Lucia and Libby because as Ben points out he didn’t have to and they didn’t ask him to. I was thinking at the time he had been brainwashed in some manner to do it, but I guess not. It must have been hard to go home and not tell anyone he and Walt were on the plane but got off the Island. Sounds like Walt is not saying anything to Grandma either.

Sean, I agree worst shooting ever by the “snipers”. They had sitting targets and missed three times before getting a hit. Although they had silencers which I think affect accuracy and they did get Danielle once she made a move. I hope she is only wounded as she has always been interesting and I agree with Ed that I would to know more about her past. It seemed stranged that Carl (we will not miss you) sensed there was something wrong before it happened. I didn’t think Danielle would get hit. By saying she Ben’s daughter I wonder if she knew they were from the boat and would not kill her because they would want to use her to get to Ben, or because she thought it was the others?

It’s interesting that Syaid still does not believe anything Ben says and therefore turns Michael into the Captain. Something obvisouly changes as we know he works for Ben once they get off the Island. Although the Captain didn’t seem to be surprised when Sayid told him Kevin Johnson was not who he says he was.

I’ll go in order of some of your questions.

1. Tom was killed on the beach. I think Juliet shot him. So he is definitely dead.

2. The story didn’t make me feel for Michael but it is more dramatically compelling – now he has the chance to become a tragic hero meaning I believe he will die. He’ll either sacrifice himself as a way of making amends to his fellow survivors or he ends up killing himself and in the box. I will say this – that newspaper clipping that Jack was holding was deciphered last year and it mentioned that it was death by suicide (hanging) so as you say, maybe he fulfills his mission and the island lets him do it.

3. I think you are right that the snipers are the freighter dudes that Lapidus flew to the island. He probably has no idea why he had to fly them there (let alone know they were going in for the kill). They didn’t seem like crack shots on the ship either (granted they were using automatic weapons for skeet shooting) – more like second rate mercs.

4. I think you are right with Sayid’s gambit – plus, Sayid really doesn’t like Michael and I imagine Jack isn’t going to be happy to see him return – if they do come face to face.

5. Great, I went out of order. I think you are right that Libby’s visitations were the Island manifesting itself (much like it has brought messages from other dead people). Meaning – maybe Smokey is the physical embodiment of the Island’s will.

That story didn’t make me feel for Michael at all. I don’t know… before it got rolling, I was kinda hoping he was going to be successful in offing himself… not knowing yet if the flashy was pre or post boat trip. (I was actually hoping for him to be teleported out of there right before the car hit the container, thus confirming my Looking Glass theory.) I guess saving the rest of the folks on the island would be a way for him to repent for killing Libby and Ana Lucia, but the fact remains he still killed one of them in cold blood (and the other accidentally).

Speaking of Libby, why do you think she kept appearing to him? Because he felt most guilty for her death? I’m thinking this isn’t his head playing tricks on him, but rather, the Island. However, why would she be telling him to not set off the bomb? Loved that by the way… the little flag gimmick was classic.

Liked the confirmations — physical confirmations — that the Island can impose its will. I think Tom asked if the gun “jammed” but you have the point.

What’s with Ben and his lists? These people aren’t even on the island, so yeah, maybe he is one of the “good guy’s” and legitimately doesn’t want innocents hurt, at least by his own hand, cuz, ya know… if Ana Lucia puts your romantic rival on a pole, it’s okay, even if you put him in the situation. Liked his expression of surprise when Michael told him he set off the explosive.

Who are the snipers? (Worst snipers ever by the way. How many shots missed?) I’m thinking it is the mercs from the freighter and this was Lapidus’ current mission, to fly them there. It wouldn’t make sense for the Temple folks to be sniping them since they could welcome them in and kill Carl and Danielle if that were the goal.

Also interesting with Lapidus’ conversation with Michael. It would seem that Widemore’s organization was behind that phone number which Frank rang up upon seeing the underwater footage. He thinks he convinced Widemore it wasn’t really down, meanwhile Widemore already knows that (obviously). Of course, we don’t know how he knew that already though.

Interesting play by Sayid to turn Michael in. Gotta figure it is to find out who he can really trust, Michael/Ben or the Captain/Widemore.

Lastly, and continuing from last week’s discussion in the comments, I can’t decide if it is Michael in the box. On one hand, it does make sense that he’d still be something of a pariah to the Six, especially Hurley, but why would he be in LA (and not NYC)? Obviously it fits with the suicide angle and maybe the Island finally allowed him to succeed. I know I called him out as a possibility a few episodes ago, but my gut is telling me it will be someone else we don’t expect right now.