Nestor Carbonell as Richard Alpert; His Mysterious Origins Revealed on the Canary Islands in Lost Ab Aeterno

This is the moment folks that we can say we understand Richard Alpert. I was very touched by Lost Ab Aeterno. Nestor Carbonell hit all the right notes in his performance tonight. For the first time I feel I understand Richard’s motivations. Why he was content to be number two for so long.

Really the big question is do we buy Jacob’s explanation for the island? Did he sell it to us the way he did to Richard? It still seems a bit archaic but maybe that’s the point considering how far back MIB and Jacob go. I have a feeling that the

writers of Lost are going for an ending that will please everyone in terms of resolving the main character plot lines. It may not answer the question; who are Jacob and MIB or what the island is. This show has always had an epic quality to it and that type of show doesn’t lend itself to easy answers. I am convinced that we are going to be left with the ending where the religious metaphor works or the sci-fi metaphor works. Perhaps all the fan theories can live in harmony like the flash “sideways” and island story of this season.

I find it amazing that two characters have found the key to their redemption. Richard was able to being the process of forgiving himself for the death of his wife. With Ilana’s acceptance of Ben perhaps he is working through his grief over Alex. I liked what Jacob said tonight about how when people come to the island their pasts are wiped clean. On the island they are given a chance to do the right thing. Now which candidate is going to be convinced that his or her place is on the island?

Here is a useful link for those who want more history about the Canary Islands after tonight’s episode. Overall Lost Ab Aeterno blew me away as an episode. It was worth the wait. To understand Richard Alpert’s motivation to help Jacob is at the heart of this character. The fear of damnation without redemption that makes one chose to live forever rather than go to hell. That’s really deep and very human. Richard’s realization that he was in his own hell and his salvation with the help of Hurley is one of the most moving moments in Lost History. Much thanks to Nestor Carbonell for bringing the humanity to this character.