Lost - Whatever the Case May Be

In “Whatever the Case May Be”, there are subplots given some attention, but this was far and away a Kate episode.

You had Sayid trying to translate French with Shannon’s help (we learn she was involved with a guy in France) on a map in the hopes of learning more about the island. Jack wants Sayid to arrange a meet-and-greet between him and Gabrielle. Sayid isn’t comfortable doing so, understanding she might not be ready for introductions with others on the island. Shannon is still reeling from Booth’s comments about her being useless. Admitting to Sayid that her French isn’t good, Shannon struggles to translate, finding some of the language (and math/coordinates) frustrating. Ultimately a tune from a cartoon Shannon remembers watching with the child of her French lover could be attached to the map. It also gives Maggie Grace a chance to sing at the end. Before this episode, Grace has been just a diva with a nice body taking in the sun. So Lost’s Creative is trying to include her in something important that is happening on the island. While she’s probably my least favorite character on the show, I consider that effort by the writer’s room to give her more depth an A for effort.

Booth and John have kept their new find (steel under the earth while searching for Claire) to themselves, but I am not altogether sure why. I’m guessing John Locke doesn’t want to cause a panic or scare everyone. Booth reluctantly agrees but it is clear he’s not as favorable about John’s decision.

Charlie, of course, is still rattled and depressed after losing Claire and almost dying. This episode gives L. Scott Caldwell some time to serve as a voice of comfort to Charlie, easing him into addressing his ache and realize that Claire’s absence/abduction is not his fault. An inability to save Claire and the anxiety of almost dying has clearly stifled and shook Charlie. Caldwell’s Rose Nadler hasn’t been included in a lot of island activity so this was a good shot in the arm for the character. Mentoring the damaged Charlie into breaking down and letting go, Rose can serve as a healthy influence on him. 

Of significant note is that the tides are rising and gradually overtaking the beach. For the past episodes, those staying on the beach were doing so because they felt the need to keep watch for possible help in the sky or by ocean. But the tides rushing the beach and nearly taking off luggage and goods/items from the survivors have forced the remaining folks still not staying inside the jungle to move somewhat inside, not by choice but perhaps by something not quite so easy to explain. As Jack says to Sayid...nothing about the island seems to make sense.