Paul Terry's Blog: Episode 9 - Ab Aeterno

Portsmouth, England - Home to sailors, the neighbouring Isle of Wight, and a rather cool live music bar called Café Citrus - Oh yeah, and it’s where a rather significant ship set sail from back in 1845…

You look like you need a drink Nestor....I studied at Portsmouth University, and if had any idea that a certain TV series would end up having a certain ship sail from its shores, I would have paid a lot more attention to the city’s nautical history. Then, I could’ve wowed Iain and Tom with my earth-shattering anecdotes about ancient Portsmouth and its naval activity, rather than – the sad truth of it – simply have a pretty good knowledge of Portsmouth’s best bars, cafes, live venues, and comic shops…

All of which nostalgic nonsense brings me to this week’s utterly incredible episode. My pal Tara described it as (pun intended): “What a corker!” and I can’t think of a better way of summing it up either. Huge riotous applause to Team Lost for pulling off such a brilliant and complex back-story, with extra champagne for Nestor Carbonell (no Iain, that isn’t Rose!), writers Gregg Nations and Melinda Hsu Taylor, and the mighty Tucker Gates. Gates has directed a handful of amazing Lost episodes, and also helmed some incredible episodes of another Bad Robot show very dear to my heart – Alias.

I know fans are eager to get answers with this season – and you can’t argue that Ab Aeterno didn’t give you any answers – but, for me, the greatest and most satisfying thing about Lost is when it sweeps you up in the emotion of the moment. I found the through-line of Richard and Isabella’s relationship the most compelling thing about this episode, and when the camera swung past Hurley’s shoulders and Isabella disappeared, the tragedy of their story broke my heart all over again.

I loved the wine bottle and cork analogy, and the ongoing Jacob/Man In Black debate, but I think the way this episode handled the characters’ personal journeys was the most impressive thing. Ol’ Alpert may have lived for a very long time, but it was so grounding to discover his tragic history, plus, how living forever – in his eyes – can pretty much suck at the best of times.

Summer Heights HighSorry, I got a bit swept up in the power of Ab Aeterno all over again just there! But it’s great to see how much debate and reaction it caused on the TLI/Sky1 forums – keep your excellent theories and ideas coming in. Fan Focus has been brilliant lately, so try and top what you’ve seen/heard so far…

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted and in need of a breather from all this intense drama. So I’m gonna put on some Summer Heights High and chill out with the excruciatingly hilarious Mr. G, followed by a spin of my album of the moment that I demand you go and buy: the self-titled debut by The Unwinding Hours. Do your ears/soul a favour and check it out: just like Richard Alpert, it’s timeless, and full of sweeping, majestic stories…