Ep 7. The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham

The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham is the seventh episode of the fifth season of the popular TV show Lost. The episode takes a closer look at the character of John Locke, one of the central figures of the series who has been a source of mystery and intrigue since the very beginning. The title of the episode itself is a clue to what viewers can expect, as it suggests that the episode will explore the life and death of someone named Jeremy Bentham.

As the episode begins, John Locke wakes up in a strange place, disoriented and confused. He is in the Tunisian desert, and it quickly becomes clear that he has been brought here by someone for reasons he does not yet understand. He is met by a man named Matthew Abaddon, who informs him that he is there to help him get back to the island. This immediately raises questions for John, as he had believed that he was back on the island and had been leading the other survivors.

Through a series of flashbacks, the episode explores John's journey in the aftermath of leaving the island at the end of the fourth season. The flashbacks take viewers back to a dark and troubled time in John's life. He is bedridden and suffering from depression, having been rejected by those he had believed were his allies. He is visited by a woman named Helen, who encourages him to move on with his life and find a new purpose. It is through her guidance that John begins to follow the path that ultimately brings him back to the island.

The episode also features appearances by several other characters who have been significant in John's life, including Charles Widmore and Benjamin Linus. These characters provide important pieces of information that help to fill in the gaps in John's story and shed light on his motivations and actions. There are also several scenes set on the island, which show the aftermath of John's departure and how the other survivors are coping without him.

One of the main themes of the episode is the struggle between fate and free will. John has always believed that he is destined for greatness and that his actions are in service of a higher purpose. However, the events of the episode challenge this belief and raise the possibility that he is not in control of his own destiny. This idea is reinforced through the character of Matthew Abaddon, who appears to have knowledge of John's future that he should not possess.

Overall, The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham is a highly engaging and thought-provoking episode of Lost. It provides important background information on one of the show's most enigmatic characters and raises intriguing questions about the nature of destiny and free will. The episode also sets up several plot threads that will undoubtedly be explored further in future episodes, making it a crucial installment in the overall narrative of the show.