"We’re not strangers – we’re family."

So Jack is actually the hero then, right? That’s essentially what I came away with from last night’s episode. (Well, that and deep, deep sadness. And tears. And the night sweats.)

I’ve mentioned it many times before in previous weeks, but this season has done such a wonderful job of redeeming the character of Jack. When I rewatched the pilot before season 5 began, I remember being struck by how likeable Jack was and wondering what the show did to him. Then season 5 really did him no favors. But since this final season began, Jack’s been on the redemption train in both timelines, but especially on the Island.

I’m not sure that I have ever rooted for him more than I did last night. I almost got up and cheered after Jack said to MIB, “John Locke told me to stay” and then hit him with his gun into the water. That was teh awesome.

Then the scene on the sub between him and Sawyer was the most intense of a VERY intense episode. I was shaking my head, agreeing with Jack – willing Sawyer to listen – sitting on the edge of my seat, may hands clenched in fists, grabbing my hair. And when Sawyer pulled the wires, I knew what was going to happen, and I knew that death was coming. But still I wasn’t prepared for the madness that followed.

I am very sad to see Sayid go, but at the same time, I was happy that he died a hero’s death. I hope this means that he can move on and leave the Island; that he’s come to terms with the mistakes he’s made.

Sayid was probably my first favorite character on the show (and that title tends to change every few episodes). Even when he didn’t have much to do during certain seasons, I was always glad when he showed up. Between the innate coolness of Sayid as a character and Naveen Andrews’ always solid performance, I never disliked Sayid. And I’m sure that we will see Andrews again in the Sideways world, but I know that I’ll miss him on the Island. It’s not that I really thought Sayid would survive, because death was really the only way for him to redeem himself, but I’m still not really *happy* about it.

Did Lapidus die too? His reaction to the oncoming flood seemed to indicate that he thought he was going to die, and he looked to be clunked pretty hard on the head, but we never saw a body. If so, I’m sad to see him go too (and I’m not sure that we will see him again). I do wish they had found more for him to do this season, but even if it was just one quip or reaction shot a week, Jeff Fahey was always a welcome presence.

And then Sun and Jin. I’m glad that they were able to have their real reunion in the polar bear cages after their momentary embrace was interrupted by a cock-blocking Widmore. And that first scene in the cages was moving and touching and perfectly played by Yunjin Kim and Daniel Dae Kim (as usual). But then there was their second big scene – and that’s not one I’ll soon forget. It was equal parts Charlie’s death, Juliet being sucked into the hatch and Sun screaming when the Kahana exploded. But it was worse than all three of them. It was devastating, heartbreaking, and still, beautiful and poetic.

I truly thought at least one of them would survive – but at this point we don’t even know what survival means. Survival could just be a lifetime on the Island, and as much as that scene destroyed me last night (and I actually think I feel worse about it now), having them die together, holding each other’s hands – that actually may be the best ending for them. Sideways Keamy said that some people just aren’t meant to be together, but now Jin and Sun are together, and they always will be. Just thinking about him speaking to her in Korean for the last time gets me all teary. Damn this show for creating such indelible, realistic characters. Their ending may not be “happy” in the traditional sense – I mean Jin never even got to meet Ji Yeon – but they ended up together, and that might be enough for me.

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So who’s left then? Desmond is alive according to Sayid. We didn’t see Widmore die, so he’s still on Hydra Island. I don’t remember seeing Zoe this week, but I didn’t miss her, so I’m happy to assume that MIB as Smokey got her. But some of Widmore’s goons are still around. Then there’s Richard, Ben and Miles – whereabouts unknown. MIB and Claire. Jack, Sawyer, Kate and Hurley made it to the beach. I guess that’s it on the Island, right?

So Widmore put them in the polar bear cages, presumably to prevent them from leaving. I’m still operating under the assumption that he’s against MIB, unless this was just part of an elaborate scheme concocted by MIB to gain their trust so they would kill each other and Widmore was his assistant. No, I still think Widmore is anti-MIB.

It’s worth noting how great Katey Sagal is – especially since she is equally as great on ‘Sons o f Anarchy’ and she plays a character there that has very little in common with Helen Norwood.

“You were flirting with my wife Rose when I was in the bathroom.” – Bernard. Good to see him again too. However, he seems to know more than he’s letting on (just like Rose).

Jack’s candy bar (an Apollo Bar, of course) didn’t get stuck in the machine. Does that mean Jack doesn’t need a “little push” because he’s where he needs to be?

Claire’s music box significance: It houses a mirror that Jack and Claire both saw their reflections in – and I saw some recognition in both of their eyes. Also it plays “Catch a Falling Star,” which has significance to Island Claire and Kate (and Aaron, obviously).

I thought that MIB switched bags with Jack (O’Quinn played that scene very suspiciously), so I saw his double cross coming.

Kate got shot! Yeah, I gasped out loud at that.

It’s worth mentioning again because it was so awesome: that Jack/Sawyer scene on the sub was fan-freakin-tastic.

“There is no Sayid!” Yeah, but it makes it more real when you say it out loud.

Locke’s confession to Jack about Anthony Cooper was rather moving, especially since it referred to one of the more despicable characters the show has given us. A nice small scene, played very well by O’Quinn and Fox. And that left us with “I wish you believed me.” Well yes, of course.

Hurley crying after he asked about Jin and Sun just about broke me. If no one else, at least Hurley has to get a happy ending, right? What bad did poor Hugo ever do?

“We’re not strangers – we’re family.” And to circle back to the title of this entry – if that quote doesn’t perfectly encapsulate the story of the characters of Lost, I don’t know what does. And that’s why, even after it’s over, the show will have staying power. I can go back to it years from now and remember this family of strangers that I’ve come to know, love, hate and love again. That’s why this show is so great. Before the season began, Darlton both said that they would be going back to the characters, a la season one. They have, and this season has been great for it. Even in episodes that were not as strong as others, there’s always the a few character moments that remind me why I love the show so much and why, no matter how they end it, I know I will love it.