There was a lot of anger last week after “Across the Sea.” A lot of “worst episode ever” being dropped. I was in the minority – I didn’t think it was that bad. But there had to be a collective sigh of relief after last night’s solid episode. It was a perfect set-up for Sunday night’s finale and featured some of the best moments of the season. Like Ben bucking down Widmore, for instance. That’s what I’m talking about. There is still plenty finale anxiety to go around though. The sideways universe is going to have to be explained and the Jacob/MIB battle for the Island/The Light is going to have to be resolved. Also, will we see Charlie, Daniel, or Charlotte again?

Now, maybe it’s because I’m on three hours of sleep and this is just delirium, but I have a theory that the sideways world is actually going to go on while the real world is destroyed by MIB. He stated last night that he wants to destroy the Island – perhaps he’s successful and the sunken Island we saw in the first episode is the result of that. MIB could possibly transfer over to the sideways world (in some form) and that’s why Desmond is gathering the troops: to face MIB down once he appears (somehow). And it’s sappy, I know, but I don’t want to see Jack lose his kid or Hurley go back to the looney bin or Claire to lose her new family. Could it be we’re on track for a happy ending? Again, I’m very tired.

After being on the back burner for much of the real world, Ben returned in all his glory last night. Going past Alex’s grave appeared to set his dial back to “evil.” And yeah, he shot up Widmore. “He doesn’t get to save his daughter.” Bad ass.  After giving up Widmore and Zoe, he seems to be MIB’s new right-hand, but he’s not just following him Sayid-style. Ben’s all about self-preservation and I’m sure he’s palling around with MIB is part of some con he’s got up his sleeve.

Jacob’s pow-wow with the fab four swiftly answered a lot of their questions. Unfortunately, some of those answers made seemingly mystical things we had previously seen this season pointless. He tells them that anyone who wants to become his successor as protector of the Island can do it. It’s their choice. He crossed off Kate’s name because she became a mother, but it’s “just a line of chalk.” Oook. I did, however, really like that Jack stepped up to the plate. He’s the show’s man of science now completely turned over to faith. Locke has been right all along and frankly, Jack has just been through too damn much to believe that he’s wrong. Jacob also explains that he chose them as candidates because they were unhappy. I like that.

Was that how Richard dies? No way. He deserves a more emotional end than that. And can MIB even kill Richard?

Since the finale is running until 11:30 this Sunday and I’m a huge pussy who needs his sleep, I’m planning on posting up my initial reactions right after the show ends, and then posting a lengthier re-up later on Monday. Until then, enjoy this montage of every death on Lost.

- Oh Mars