‘What They Died For’ attempts to answer a question by never really doing so, or perhaps by giving the simplest explanation that we all already knew. In that sense, this episode could be viewed as the series in microcosm.
The flash-sideways have been an oft-intriguing looks at the characters from alternative points of view with inherent ironies: Jack as a father when he never thought he would be a good one; Locke having a good relationship with his father yet causing both of them debilitating injuries; Ben trying to physically protect Locke instead of murdering him.
These contrasts are what have made the flash-sideways grow on me as the season progressed, and in harkening back to the first season in their simplicity and tight focus, have recalled the original charm of ‘Lost’.
The flash-sideways, then, in some ways have been working better than the main storyline.
Whereas the flash-sideways have been brighter and more filled with hope, the Island storyline has been spiraling into darkness. This contrast makes for some uncomfortable viewing, but considering the effect it has, I can’t fault the writers.
This episode continues the brutality, as Widmore and Zoe’s fates are decided. Frustratingly, Widmore’s plans are still no more clearer to the audience, and with so little time left in the series, it is starting to get unforgivable. Then again, there are still two-and-a-half hours left.
Widmore’s death was particularly fitting, considering all the trouble his machinations caused, although we still aren’t sure which side he fell on. I doubt it will be touched on again. Ben’s line right after doing the deed was perfectly delivered.
What was unsatisfying is the explanation as to ‘what they died for’. Because Jacob needed a replacement? Because the Island has a light in it that needs protecting? Seems awfully simplistic after 6 seasons, considering we don’t know what that light is. And to tell us something we already knew right before the finale is a bit silly.
In the end, ‘What They Died For’ is a fairly strong but flawed episode; it does the job it set out to do, which is take us into the finale. Hopefully, it isn’t a sign of the wheels coming off in doing so.
