Generally, character-driven storylines are viewed separate from the mythology elements of LOST, which are the Island mysteries. But back in season one, it was not just the Island that had the mysteries. Quite often the characters were mysteries too. One of the most notable instances was- what did Kate do? Another is concerning Locke, but that is for the next recap.
The survival aspect is still very much a part of the show in these early stages, with the shock of the crash still fresh. Kate has more reason than most to want that clean state the title promises, as being an important and trusted member of a new community sure beats being on the run from the law. But new starts are never simple, and her past soon comes back to haunt her.
The episode begins with Jack still reeling from learning the truth about Kate, and Kate’s group on their way back from the previous episode. The gang agree to lie about what they heard. Lying is not exactly a new concept to Kate.
Kate smiles a lot, even when she's uncomfortable. It's a false front she puts on. Kate keeps a lot back. Her attempts at being nice to Hurley fall flat because Hurley not only knows the truth but that she has the gun. Funny how everyone agreed that Kate was the most trustworthy person.
We get to see our first ever traditional flashback this episode, which is Kate’s time on the Australian farm. It opens with Kate being held at gunpoint (exactly where the story will also end). Ray’s barn is a totally different colour scheme to anything on the Island, almost sepia-tone, which is good for contrast.
The Marshal's condition worsens and Kate suggests he may have to be euthanized. This is where Jack reveals what he knows. He probably suspects Kate may have an ulterior motive in her suggestion – getting rid of the evidence. Jack still wants to trust Kate – he gave her a chance to tell him the truth but she doesn't. Would she have ever told him herself? Who knows, but she did offer to tell him everything at the end of the episode.
Jin tells Sun he loves her, which was a surprising moment. Up until then we'd only seen him be possessive.
Michael seems very interested in Locke. Perhaps even jealous that Locke already has a better relationship with Walt than he does. The only way he can win Walt over is finding his dog, which he says he’ll do once the rain stops. Interesting how the rain stops as soon as Michael says that. Could it have been an early indication of Walt's powers?
Locke bringing Michael the dog to give to Walt may have been intended as a friendly gesture – but also serves at a patronising reminder to Michael that Locke is better than him.
Michael encounters topless Sun. This makes Sun the third female character to strip off in just two episodes – the last one also saw Shannon in a lovely orange bikini and Kate going for a swim in just her underwear. Eye candy for the females has been strangely lacking for now, with only Jack going shirtless. But plenty of shirtless Sawyer will be coming up soon.
Kate saving Ray Mullen from the car wreck proves once again that despite whatever her crimes may be, she is indeed a good person. A similar attempt at conveying this was shown in the first episode, where Kate gives Edward the oxygen mask.
One of the outstanding guest performances of the season is Frederic Lehne. He manages to be intimidating and cool. In the above scene, he plays the hunter, tracking down his prey. We get hint at his obsession by the way he says to Jack "She got to you too, huh?".
"In case you didn't notice, I did get away" - In a way, getting caught is the best thing that ever happened to Kate – because now she’s more free than she was before. I wonder how things would have been different if the Marshal had lived and got off the Island with Kate. Would he have let her go, like Nicholas Cage did to Sean Connery in The Rock?
Sawyer and Jack's first significant interactions occur in this episode, and they are immediately shown as opposites. Sawyer is the renegade, not afraid of cutting ethical corners, like looting from dead people. Jack has a moral code and sticks to it, however impractical, like letting Edward Mars suffer rather than killing him because he doesn't believe in it. Sawyer is the cynic. He's the one who wants to talk about the depressing French message, and who is adamant that the rescue boat isn't coming. Jack is the optimist, insisting the Marshal is not going to die.
This culminates in the episode climax, where Sawyer uses the Marshal's own gun to try and end his suffering, but simply leaves him in an even worse condition, forcing Jack to do what he has refused to do. This is the most uncomfortable scene in the episode, and it happens off screen.
Although Jack says he doesn't want to know what Kate did, that's clearly not true...he asked the Marshal the same question earlier on. He doesn't want Kate to know he wants to know. He is trying to make Kate feel better – he is telling her he forgives her because he believes she is a good person. This is where the title comes in, and the line "three days ago we all died" – responsible for a billion purgatory theories.
The final montage, set to Joe Purdy's "Wash Away" is a great feelgood moment. It shows it's not just Kate who wants a clean slate – After squabbling constantly in Pilot, Sayid offers Sayid a piece of fruit as a peace offering, and Walt and Michael end their fighting when Vincent is brought back into their lives.
8/10 – Solid but uneventful episode with its highlight being the final montage
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