Everybody Loves Hugo

...and I loved this episode!

Tonight, at long last, we got...

- some jaw-dropping action, with not one but TWO explosions, a surprise push into a very deep well, and a shocking hit-and-run

- the long-awaited return of Libby and the resurrection of the incredibly sweet Libby-Hugo romance

- an answer!!! What are the whispers? Check!

What part made you the happiest?

Hugo Reyes, Chicken Mogul, Philanthropist, Leading Man
In the LA alternate storyline - and yes, I've decided to accept that the sideways world is an alternate, nuke-created world and no longer an epilogue like I thought, for now - Hugo is still a super-rich man, but the lottery and luck had nothing to do with it. He built himself up to be a powerful businessman, one Mr. Cluck franchise at a time. (In front of the Great Pyramid? Really?)

I *loved loved loved* that the little photo tribute of him at the museum opening included a picture of Hugo with Jorge's real-life dog Nunu. If you haven't met Nunu, then you haven't been reading Jorge's amazingly amusing blog, and you must start immediately.

And finally, setting all of our 'shipper hearts a-twitter, Hurley's true love Libby appears out of the blue, telling him he's her soulmate. Well, if it's that easy, I should go solo to Mexican restaurants more often! Libby's not crazy, she just remembers. And I loved that story, because that makes sense that *of course* these 815ers who start to remember things would probably seem pretty damn crazy. So that was a great way to explain why she's at Santa Rosa's. On a romantic beach picnic, true love's kiss awakes all those memories in Hurley, too. How sweet.

The whole time, who's lurking in the background? Desmond, seemingly on a mission to recruit all the 815ers and get them to remember together. More on that in a moment.

The Island Story, Now with More Dynamite!
About 2 seconds after Ilana blew up, I thought "finally, here we are on the back end of the season when the action really picks up!" And tonight's explosions and attacks are probably just the beginning of what is sure to be a crazy ride for the next several weeks.

I loved Hurley taking on the leadership role, and standing up to Richard who's still got a touch of the crazy-eye. And, I have to admit it, I am liking this Zen-regretful Jack more and more. But for all of their interesting conversations - like Ben wondering what will happen to them after the Island is done with them, if that's what it did with Ilana - the scenes with this group largely served to get them reunited with the Flocke group (Flocke's flock).

And it was over at Flocke's camp that the real action took place... because after seeming to be as congenial as he could be for so long, Flocke/MIB finally showed a bit of that evil side, and totally pushed an unsuspecting Desmond down the well!!!! Ack!!!! I guess he really is trying to prevent Widmore from finding those electromagnetic hot spots, or whatever they are. When Flocke fights, he fights to win.

Side note: It was great to finally get an answer about what the whispers are, the ghosts of so many who are trapped on the Island and unable to move on. And though I was surprised they brought Harold Perrineau back, it was also nice to have a few scenes of Michael where he wasn't screaming about WAAAAAAAAAAAALT.

Des the Recruiter.... Or The Creepy Schoolyard Stalker / Killer Driver?
How much did I love Dr. Ben Linus, school teacher, asking Desmond what he was doing parked outside a playground for hours? I still love Ben Linus so much, no matter which storyline he's in!

So.... we think Desmond is recruiting everyone from the plane. He's trying to bring them together to somehow remember this other life that they've all been flashing on, and ultimately reunite him with his beloved Penny and cute little Charlie.

At least, that's what it seemed.... until he FREAKIN' RAMMED INTO JOHN LOCKE IN HIS CAR! And this was the REAL John Locke! The paralyzed but happy Locke, engaged to Helen, and finding a new purpose in teaching. What the hell??? So, does sideways Desmond remember Island Flocke (who he thought was Locke) throwing him in the well?

And by the looks of next week's trailer, sideways Sayid better watch out for Des, too.

We have reached the point in the season where Things. Are. Happening. and I'm more than a little worried for some of our characters. Sure, Ilana was acceptable - though unexpected - collateral damage. But the rumors I'm reading of a bloodbath later this season are scary, because we've gotten to a point where we just care so damn much about these characters. While some people may be sadly expendable- Lapidus, for example - it would be really hard to lose some of these folks, even those who have turned to the dark side. Sure, I'd rather see Sayid or Claire go now than any of my personal faves, but it would still hurt. Based on the current configurations of characters, I think Richard, Miles, and maybe even Ben could be in real danger, very soon. And I just don't expect that all of our main characters will make it. I'm a very worried watcher!

Image source.