Recap: Lost (S3E13)

The Man from Tallahassee

What We Learned

• Flashback Focus: How long have we been asking how John Locke got in his wheel chair? 3 Years? Yeah, a long time. Well, finally the answer is here. I almost saw it coming, but still was shocked. We all know about John's con-man father (took John's kidney and disappeared, the love of John's life -- Helen -- left him because of his father, blah blah blah). A stranger (John Talbot) comes to John's house, asking if he knows a man named Adam Seward -- and shows a picture (yup, it's John's dad). John wants nothing to do with his father; but can't help it. He goes to him, tells him to call of the "sham" wedding and leave town.
• There is a submarine. And John (surprise surprise) blew it up. The FBI come knocking at Locke's house, asking about John Talbot, because he's recently "died". John confronts his dad about leaving ... his spins him some story, and John goes to use the phone and BAM --- out the window, plunging 8 stories -- goes John. Paralyzed (honestly did not see it coming).
• Jack was "this close" to getting "off" the island -- until, you know; boom boom. Ben never really wanted him to leave, and perhaps they never really were going anywhere anyway.
• Richard -- the man who "recruited" Juliet is on the island after all. Interesting ...
• Ben tells Locke that he was born on the island, and that everyone else is there "voluntarily", though he wants to maintain control and give all of them "hope" that they can leave (which implies that they really can't)
• Rousseau finally got to see Alex (from a distance); and you KNOW she's gonna kick someone's ass to get her back
• Jack plays piano.
• Ben tells Locke that there is a special box that you can make wishes and those wishes comes true -- sounds like metaphor more than fact. Ben also recognizes that Locke has something special, as he was healed immediately upon getting on the island (and Ben secretly wonders why he has not healed).
• Ben was able to get Locke's father (is he the man from Tallahassee?) and brought him to the island

What We Don't Know

• Is anyone is really able to leave the island or not (still wondering what happened with Michael and Walt)
• Where does all their power come from -- Locke asked, but Ben never answered. Is the island a mirage; a huge set (like Truman Show or The Island)?
• What was everyone recruited to? What is their task or purpose?
• Doesn't it seem now like the survivors have turned into "Others" -- sneaking around, kidnapping people, blowing things up. The tables have turned.
• How did they (The Others --- namely Ben or Richard) get Locke's dad?
• What happened to those that came with Rousseau? Why did they come?