Loads of Locke loads of Flocke and the greatest metal band in the world. Thursday’s don’t get much better than this…
The power of Terry O’Quinn – times two – meant that The Substitute, even on paper, was always set to be one of those mind-blowing episodes. I’ve made it pretty clear over the years that Mr. O’Quinn is one of my favourite actors of all time, and so it’s the understatement of the century to say I loved this episode. I had face-ache from grinning all the way through it. Tons of amazingly acted emotional beats in the off-island story (plus, all hail Katey ‘Leela from Futurama’ Sagal), with even more intense scenes from the ominous, intriguing, and curiously likeable Flocke. Yes, I just said “likeable”. I know he’s done some very violent and horrible things on the show, but the way he’s portrayed accentuates the shades of grey that Lost has always excelled in – just like how Ben is manipulative, but loved for it too. Speaking of which, never before did I think that such a passing comment/theory about Mr. Linus would invoke such terrifying venom for my TLI brothers…
Yes, although I was super-pleased and smiley after the riveting watch and debate about The Substitute, nothing could prepare me for the ‘pincer movement’ attack I was about to experience during this week’s Theory Battle. If you thought you’d witnessed the full wrath of Mr. Lee and Mr. Page before… think again. I won’t give anything away, but let’s just say that the theory I put forward got absolutely torn to shreds, but all in the name of chummy debate. The boys definitely gave me and my ideas a run for their money – I think a breathless, panicked sprint away from hunting hounds is a better analogy – BUT, gawd bless ’em for it! It’s what our show is all about, and nothing beats a good ol’ Lost debate for getting the ideas flowing. And let’s just say, I can’t wait for next week’s Theory Battle: Sir Lee, you’re back in the hot seat, so prepare yourself, brother… ;o)
And after all that, what better way to unwind than a quick trip to Brixton Academy to see Machine Head do what they do best: showing exactly why they’re the greatest metal band alive. I’ve seen every London show of theirs since they first came to these shores, and this set was ridiculously good. If you’re a Lost fan who was there in the crowd, I salute you (with metal horns, naturally). And especially loud cheers for drummer Dave McClain. What a legend.
Blistering rants and rock aside… Recommendation of the week? Not a time travel film, but a Terry O’Quinn classic: check out the first two seasons of Millennium. He rules as Peter Watts… Until next week, as MH would scream, “You want more, you’ll get it…”
