I love Hurley and loved most of the exchange between him and Dr. Chang--but was anyone else disappointed that the writers had him say of the Korean War--"There's no such thing"?

I realize he's not the most book-smart of the group, and I know he's not the best speller (which has nothing to do with intelligence,) but he's not dumb. And I think he would know about the Korean War--from school, from relatives who were vets, or from just living on this planet, for Pete's sake. At the very least, there are M*A*S*H reruns.

I love Hurley and loved most of the exchange between him and Dr. Chang--but was anyone else disappointed that the writers had him say of the Korean War--"There's no such thing"?

I realize he's not the most book-smart of the group, and I know he's not the best speller (which has nothing to do with intelligence,) but he's not dumb. And I think he would know about the Korean War--from school, from relatives who were vets, or from just living on this planet, for Pete's sake. At the very least, there are M*A*S*H reruns.

LOL, I'm thinking Hugo was just plain confused and/or he wanted Dr. Chang to know the truth.

I think he knew there was a Korean war but couldn't remember when it happened. I think he thought it was a trick question, thus his peculiar response, which was hilarious on many levels considering the concern he voiced earlier that someone from the past would pose a similar question to him. Best Hurley moment this season.

I was surprised that he didn't know about the Korean War.

He was thinking it happened after 1977 so he thought it was a trick question.

My impression was the same as Captain Fuzzbottom and ventro, that Hurley knew about the Korean War, but that he wasn't sure when it happened. He thought that he was being tested by Dr. Chang with something that hadn't happened before, a "trick question," and so he thought maybe the Korean War hadn't happened yet.

It was particularly funny that Hugo was worried about this in the very beginning, that he would get a history quiz and fail, and Sawyer basically said that it isn't a game show...then it happened anyway. :D

He was flustered, too, having already given an obviously incorrect year of birth for himself.

I loved the way Miles and Jin looked at each other after that answer. That was classic.

He was flustered, too, having already given an obviously incorrect year of birth for himself.

You had to love him staunchly trying to stand by it, too. :biggrin:

In the United States, the conflict was officially termed a police action (http://forum.thefuselage.com/wiki/Police_action) — the Korean Conflict — rather than a war, largely in order to avoid the necessity of a declaration of war by the U.S. Congress (http://forum.thefuselage.com/wiki/Declaration_of_war_by_the_United_States).


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_war

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_war


And actually, on MASH they talked frrequently about the fact that it wasn't a "war", it was a "police action". So technically, Hurley was right.

And actually, on MASH they talked frrequently about the fact that it wasn't a "war", it was a "police action". So technically, Hurley was right.

whenever any type of history buff mentions Korea (and my husband is one of them), it is referred to as the Korean Conflict. They make it a point to say it wasn't technically a war.

Maybe it's a nod to the fact that it's also identified as 'The Forgotten War', sandwiched between WWII and the Vietnam War. Those guys came back from that conflict more forgotten than the vets from Vietnam. Sad for all those who lost loved ones there. Anyway, I was also thinking they were realistically portraying the slacker in Hurley. After all, comics are his reading venue of choice.

Hurley's a great guy, but he doesn't exactly define grace under pressure.;)

He was thinking it happened after 1977 so he thought it was a trick question.


This is exactly how I saw it.

None of Hurley's relatives might actually been living in the USA until decades after the war. Then if he doesn't get the right lessons in school, no one mentions it to him and he doesn't watch the right television, he might well never have heard of it.

Hurley seems to be the kind of guy to avoid watching anything violent from the real world anyway.

whether he did not know about the war or he did not remember the exact date doesn't much matter - it was the BEST scene from this weeks eppi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PRICELESS

This is exactly how I saw it.

Me too. If he didn't know about it, I think he would have reacted differently. It was more thoughtful, like he thought Chang was trying to trick him (which he was).

Hurley knows something about the history of Korea, because didn't he ask Sun about which Korea she was from? I also like the idea that he is a history buff or watched too many M*A*S*H episodes--maybe he thought that was part of the trick question.

*** mod edit ***

I have my masters, but I still misspell words now and then--some people are just good at some things and not at others. Plus, I know a lot of people who are FANTASTIC at math but can't write a paper for the life of them. (I am a teacher)

I think it's funny that Hurley knows that Star Wars came out in 77' but he doesn't know who the president in 77 was.

How many Americans here could say what year the Korean War began without looking it up? I'll fess up and say I could tell you the decade but not the exact year.

I blame the California public school system.

There is an entire thread here (http://forum.thefuselage.com/showthread.php?t=112058) about Hurley's most recent misspelling. I was tempted to write up an entirely new post, but since there are many very articulate explanations of how intelligence is not equated with being an amazing speller on this pre-existing thread, I will just link to it. Being a poor speller just means you can't spell. :)

Hurley's a great guy, but he doesn't exactly define grace under pressure.;)

This is how I viewed that scene myself... :cool:

lmao.....when he said "Ha! there was no such thing as the Korean War" I laughed my *** off.
I immediately thought...."but what about M*A*S*H?" then I saw the look that Jin gave Miles and I laughed even harder.

Dr Chang knew exactly who to question. Priceless. Best exchange of the season.

Dr Chang knew exactly who to question. Priceless. Best exchange of the season.

Didn't even think about that! Good thought. Of course you would question Hurley.

Chang totally scooby-doo'ed him, dude.

At first my friend said, "He was thinking of the Holocaust". I was like, "Dude. Seriously? Idiot."

It was perfectly within character.

End of discussion.

-- J

Yep. I'm in the camp of "He didn't know what to tell him."
It's not that he didn't know, I mean, c'mon.
He just didn't want to give him any future knowledge.
For shame on some of you. Selling our Hugo short. tsk. tsk.

whenever any type of history buff mentions Korea (and my husband is one of them), it is referred to as the Korean Conflict. They make it a point to say it wasn't technically a war.
This was precisely how I took it when Hurley said that.

Honestly, I don't find it very strange that Hurley may not have known anything about the Korean war. I'm 34, and my wife is 30, and other than knowing there was a Korean war (or conflict) that's all we know, and that's just picking up references of it from other shows. I didn't even realize that M*A*S*H was set during the Korean war, since I never watched that show, and my wife didn't realize that either. So Hurley being around the same age as my wife and I, I don't find it odd he didn't know anything about it at all.

I know more about the war of 1812, than the Korean war.

I thought it was more telling that Hugo was asked who the president is because this is the very point he brought up to Sawyer who gave his usual flip remark "You ain't on Jeopardy" (or something close to that) It was almost like Hugo knew he was going to be questioned at some point.

When they showed this scene, I couldn't help but totally think about the absolutely hilarious appearance that Jorge made on the quiz show "Russian Roulette" before he was hired to play Hurley on Lost. For those who have not yet seen this priceless gem, here it is, in two parts:

Jorge on Russian Roulette, part one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s93W-80plfM)

Jorge on Russian Roulette, part two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xpekrElVfk&feature=related)

I wonder if the writers actually set this scene up with Jorge's funny pre-Lost adventure in mind, as sort of an inside joke? :biggrin:

When they showed this scene, I couldn't help but totally think about the absolutely hilarious appearance that Jorge made on the quiz show "Russian Roulette" before he was hired to play Hurley on Lost. For those who have not yet seen this priceless gem, here it is, in two parts:

Jorge on Russian Roulette, part one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s93W-80plfM)

Jorge on Russian Roulette, part two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xpekrElVfk&feature=related)

I wonder if the writers actually set this scene up with Jorge's funny pre-Lost adventure in mind, as sort of an inside joke? :biggrin:

"Come on Grocery Clerks!"

Hilarious, thanks for the link.

-- J

Honestly, I don't find it very strange that Hurley may not have known anything about the Korean war. I'm 34, and my wife is 30, and other than knowing there was a Korean war (or conflict) that's all we know, and that's just picking up references of it from other shows. I didn't even realize that M*A*S*H was set during the Korean war, since I never watched that show, and my wife didn't realize that either. So Hurley being around the same age as my wife and I, I don't find it odd he didn't know anything about it at all.

I know more about the war of 1812, than the Korean war.

Me too. I'm 28 and have never learned a thing about the Korean War. I'm too young to have watched M*A*S*H when it was on and happen to have never watched it in syndication. I had no idea it was set during the Korean War. Honestly, I would have guessed Vietnam.

My history lessons in school ended around WWII, with brief lessons on the civil rights era, etc. I have *never* had a lesson on Vietnam. Everything I know is from my own reading, etc. Social studies and history lessons are PATHETIC in the US. I really wouldn't be surprised if Hurley indeed didn't know about the Korean War. It wouldn't upest me that *Hurley* didn't know about it. It just upsets me in general how pathetic how our history education is in this country.

The Korean police action or conflict was a polite convention used in the media and perhaps among some history buffs and political science profs wanting to be politically correct as to the lack of a formal Congressional declaration. However, among those of us who served in the military, World War I and World War II veterans of the time, it was referred to as the "Korean War."

The average Joe is the street generally used the word "war," even if having a twinge of imprecision in doing so. Most were simply "telling it like it is [was]."

I am classified as a Korean Era Veteran, since my Army service took place during the time span when the action had yet to formally ended. However, when I was sent overseas, it was not to Korea, but to Thule Air Force Base in Greenland, with a technical MOS and working with Air Force personnel housed in Army barracks on a mountaintop.

Although the cease fire was signed in 1953, Korean Era status extends through January 31, 1955.

However, when I was sent overseas, it was not to Korea, but to Thule Air Force Base in Greenland, with a technical MOS and working with Air Force personnel housed in Army barracks on a mountaintop.
No kidding! That's so awesome! So you were part of the DEW Line? What was it like living in Thule? I spent most of the 1960s (as a kid) living in Eielson AFB near Fairbanks - my dad was a chopper pilot in the Air Force. And he'd get called out for temporary duty assignments at times to various and sundry DEW Line installations, but never to Thule - that's sort of the Grande Dame of DEW Line sites, right?

[quote=Saukkomies;2178655]No kidding! That's so awesome! So you were part of the DEW Line? What was it like living in Thule? /quote]

Well, it was different. Lots of surprises for a kid from Long Island. First, it was nearly desert-dry, with all the "snow" from Phase Winds being deposited layers of glacier "dandruff" accumulations over the past year. Water had to be pumped in by delivery tank trucks and waste likewise had to be removed by tank trucks as well. [Interesting, if disgusting, tale of a mix-up there].

Arctic hares whose ear tips reached one's hips would let you step aside on a shared path; and arctic foxes were smaller than the hares. Strangest new experience: coming out of the base movie theater at midnight and walking into glaring sunlight. Lowest temp @ -55 degrees; highest @ +55 degrees.

Yes, I believe Thule was the hub or keystone of DEW.

Miniature flowers near the icecap made for another surprise. Yep, it was different.

The Korean police action or conflict was a polite convention used in the media and perhaps among some history buffs and political science profs wanting to be politically correct as to the lack of a formal Congressional declaration.

It was a "police action" for the United States and the United Nations, but it was definitely a declared war between the DPRK and the ROK, so there is no problem in calling it the Korean War. Sadly, what most Americans don't know is that the war never ended, it is currently only in a cease fire.

Me too. I'm 28 and have never learned a thing about the Korean War. I'm too young to have watched M*A*S*H when it was on and happen to have never watched it in syndication. I had no idea it was set during the Korean War. Honestly, I would have guessed Vietnam.

You can actually be forgiven for this because M*A*S*H is supposed to be a reflection of the criticisms of the Vietnam War. The Korean War was used at the conflict backdrop because when the T.V. show started, the Vietnam War was was still going on and was an enormously sensitive topic in America. The producers would have wanted to avoid angering too much of the viewing audience by making light of something that was most decidedly NOT funny to many Americans.

It was a "police action" for the United States and the United Nations, but it was definitely a declared war between the DPRK and the ROK, so there is no problem in calling it the Korean War. Sadly, what most Americans don't know is that the war never ended, it is currently only in a cease fire.

As I stated, it was formally referred to as a a 'police action;" but the mass of people in the "United States" called it the Korean War [being less inclined to political euphemisms]..

nanwynnfan, thanks for sharing that and for your service...

Whatever was going on, we know that Hugo thought it was a trick question--probably relating only to the year, but I do like the idea that he might have been a history buff and was using that language thinking it was part of the trick question. We have a history of military presence and military trivia buffs on the show. For example, look to Locke. I'm still waiting for an explanation about why Hurley was considered a warrior by some back home. I've always thought maybe he dressed up as a Klingon for a SF con, but maybe he won some trivia competition.

Considering that he asked Sun whether South Korea was "the good Korea or the bad Korea", I think Hurley has never heard of the Korean war. I too watched M.A.S.H. as a kid, but any historical references would have gone right over my head at the time. I think I thought it was set in Viet Nam. (The 70's and 80's was full of movies about Viet Nam. The Korean War... not so much.)

I would think less of Hurley's intellect if he thought, even briefly, that a non-time traveling Dr. Chang could have asked him a question about something that hadn't happened yet. I think Hurley's smarter than that. Not knowing that there was a Korean War is just a lack of knowledge about something that happened before he was born.

As for it not being a war, that's just silly. It was a war by any sane definition. The fact that the US didn't refer to it as a war because of their own twisted political or diplomatic needs is irrelevant. It is referred to as a war by North Korea, and South Korea, and anyone else who is honest. It's sort of like the US calling Taiwan a part of China... when the fact is that if China actually invaded Taiwan, we would defend them militarily. It's just political-speak... in other words, lies. Echoing an official lie doesn't make you "technically correct". It in fact makes you incorrect.

I don't think anyone was actually saying that s/he believed it wasn't actually a war.

Two major recurring motifs in LOST are lies and technicalities. I'm sure Ben, for example, would happily tell someone straight to their face that the Korean War wasn't really a war.

I agree that Hugo's question to Sun does seem to indicate that he probably isn't a history buff. Man, that was so awkward and wrong. However, it does seem to indicate that at that juncture he did know of the conflict--in a mass media, scaremongering kind of way.

Dr. Chang knew that people were able to time travel and were from the future, so as far as Hurley knew, he might have also known some information about the future.

One route this conversation hasn't gone, and I hesitate to bring it up especially with the esteemed Pythagoras99 posting directly before me :), is the off the wall suggestion that as far as Hurley remembers (at this point), there wasn't a Korean War--it would fit either with the idea that our characters came from alternate universes or were implanted with inaccurate memories. Watchmen is part of the inspiration for the show, and it takes place in an alternate U.S.

It was a "police action" for the United States and the United Nations, but it was definitely a declared war between the DPRK and the ROK, so there is no problem in calling it the Korean War. Sadly, what most Americans don't know is that the war never ended, it is currently only in a cease fire.



You can actually be forgiven for this because M*A*S*H is supposed to be a reflection of the criticisms of the Vietnam War. The Korean War was used at the conflict backdrop because when the T.V. show started, the Vietnam War was was still going on and was an enormously sensitive topic in America. The producers would have wanted to avoid angering too much of the viewing audience by making light of something that was most decidedly NOT funny to many Americans.

You're right about the ambiguity of the tv show M*A*S*H, but the confusion began with the movie. The film makers wanted it to seem like Vietnam even though the original book was about Korea. They figured that was the best way too make a political point about wars in southeast Asia. When 20th century fox realized what they were up to, they forced the film makers to put that quote by General MacArthur about going to Korea at the beginning. So much for respect for the artist.

I just think that this was one of my favourite scenes of the whole season. Absolutely brilliant. :)

I think it was the best Hurley scene this season also. Loved the interplay between the brilliant Dr. Chang and helpless hapless Hurley. And yes, I think he was just played out at that part and the writers thought it was the funniest answer to finish with.

My history lessons in school ended around WWII, with brief lessons on the civil rights era, etc. I have *never* had a lesson on Vietnam. Everything I know is from my own reading, etc. Social studies and history lessons are PATHETIC in the US. I really wouldn't be surprised if Hurley indeed didn't know about the Korean War. It wouldn't upest me that *Hurley* didn't know about it. It just upsets me in general how pathetic how our history education is in this country.

Me too - it's more a reflection on US education than on Hurley himself. But seeing Hurley getting "Scooby-doo'ed" is priceless, every time. He's so innocent and clueless.

I liked how they focused on the Korean guy and Miles rolling their eyes.

Me too - it's more a reflection on US education than on Hurley himself.
This scene reminded me of the Jaywalking series that Jay Leno does on the Tonight Show where he goes out and asks random people on the street some basic questions. Here's an example:

Jaywalking "Battle of the Sexes" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB4wR8Bc8o8&feature=related)

I think he knew there was a Korean war but couldn't remember when it happened. I think he thought it was a trick question, thus his peculiar response, which was hilarious on many levels considering the concern he voiced earlier that someone from the past would pose a similar question to him. Best Hurley moment this season.

That was my immediate reaction...
He was caught in the lies, and got confused...
Brilliant stuff for Hugo, particularly the way the writers have realised that without Sawyer, he needed a suitable foil, and his scenes with deadpan Miles have been some of the best this year. It's nice to have some fun every now and again...
It's not all about Death and Monsters and goddam "shipping" (No offence you shippers out there...;))

This scene reminded me of the Jaywalking series that Jay Leno does on the Tonight Show where he goes out and asks random people on the street some basic questions. Here's an example:

Jaywalking "Battle of the Sexes" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB4wR8Bc8o8&feature=related)
I always wonder if those are really real. Those are a lot harder to believe than Hurley not knowing the Korean War.
100%
Me too - it's more a reflection on US education than on Hurley himself.
True. Most US public education is horrible. But there are a lot of great private schools, and a few good public ones too. Unfortunately, until a voucher system is put in place, for the most part only the wealthy in America will get access to high quality primary education.

True. Most US public education is horrible. But there are a lot of great private schools, and a few good public ones too. Unfortunately, until a voucher system is put in place, for the most part only the wealthy in America will get access to high quality primary education.
I am a teacher, and I am completely in agreement with you about the voucher system. I have been for many years.

I think that one of the biggest problems confronting American society is the classism that is introduced into society where there are those who get unfair advantages due to the privileged status of their parents. This is totally against what so many Americans since the Revolution have fought against, but it is a pervasive cancer that permeates our society. The latest unhappiness we've experienced as a result of this can be seen with the Bush and Clinton administrations, and how they were from privilege and rich families, and went to the right schools and all.

This all starts in school. Until we can provide a way to offer the same level playing ground to everyone, we will continue to have a society of the "Haves" and the "Have-Nots". And to do away with that, private schools and public schools must all be open to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religious background, or economic status.

Okay, better quit now, I'm starting to froth at the keyboard.