The Man Behind the Curtain
- Episode aired May 9, 2007
- TV-14
- 43m
As Ben takes Locke to see Jacob and reveal the island's secrets, Ben's background on the island is exposed--as well as what happened to the Dharma Initiative.As Ben takes Locke to see Jacob and reveal the island's secrets, Ben's background on the island is exposed--as well as what happened to the Dharma Initiative.As Ben takes Locke to see Jacob and reveal the island's secrets, Ben's background on the island is exposed--as well as what happened to the Dharma Initiative.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaCarrie Preston, who plays Emily Linus (mother of Benjamin Linus), is the wife of Michael Emerson who plays the older Benjamin Linus.
- GoofsDuring a flashback, a teacher informs the class that sodium bicarbonate will react with water to create "lava" for their small scale volcano. In reality, an acid such as vinegar is necessary to cause a reaction, thus causing the sodium bicarbonate to release C02.
- Quotes
Ben Linus: [Ben and Locke stand over a mass open grave full of skeletons, some still wearing their DHARMA jumpsuits] This is where I came from, John. These are my people. The DHARMA Initiative. They came here seeking harmony, but they couldn't even coexist with the Island's original inhabitants. And when it became clear that one side had to go, one side had to be purged, I did what I had to do. I was one of the people that was smart enough to make sure that I didn't end up in that ditch. Which makes me considerably smarter than you, John.
[Ben shoots Locke, who falls into the ditch]
Ben Linus: What did Jacob say to you?
John Locke: Why did you do this?
Ben Linus: Because you heard him. Now, I need to know what he said.
John Locke: Help me...
Ben Linus: John, I'm not going to ask you again. What did he say to you?
John Locke: He said, "Help me."
Ben Linus: [Ben looks incredulous, pauses a moment, utters a disbelieving half-laugh] Well, I certainly hope he helps you, John.
[He leaves Locke lying in the ditch]
- Crazy creditsThe producers gratefully acknowledge the cooperation of the people of Hawaii and their Aloha spirit.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (2007)
Alongside "Not in Portland", "Flashes Before Your Eyes", "Enter 77", "The Man from Tallahassee", "One of Us" and "The Brig", "The Man Behind the Curtain" for me is one of the best Season 3 episodes up to this point of the season. Also feel that it is one of the best of Season 3 in general, one of the best episodes of 'Lost' up to this point and among the best of the show in general. Every aspect of "The Man Behind the Curtain" is brilliant and with all the trademarks for a 'Lost' classic.
The episode has pretty much everything that 'Lost' is all about. It's taut and thought-provoking, also providing some answers and surprises, with an edge-of-your-seat tension and a lot of emotion.
On top of all that, it advances characters, shows plot progression rather than repeating itself or being filler and there is some nice foreshadowing and a few shocking revelations. Ben's story is enthralling, with a superb mix of edge-of-your-seat tension and emotional impact. There is plenty of tension, fun and emotion everywhere else in the episode, the betrayal of Juliet and the events centred around it being the most intriguing.
Can't fault the performances, particularly from Michael Emerson, showing why he was one of the best and most consistent actors on 'Lost', and Sterling Beaumon as an intensely moving young Ben.
Nor the stylishness and atmosphere of the visuals, nor the effective use of music, taut writing and the tightly controlled direction (one of the best of the season and perhaps of the show).
In summary, brilliant and classic 'Lost'. 10/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- May 23, 2018
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Filming locations
- O'ahu, Hawaii, USA(filmed entirely on location on)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro