Is it me or was this the first time that a "theme" was being so obviously used. I mean the zoom in on Locke as he said "I mean who said it is our place to tell people what to do" (paraphrased). Also, it seems this "army" talk is coming from being told they "can't" go beyond that point. And Kate was told she "can't" go with them. And they were going to tell Michael he "can't" find his son. And Jin's discussion about not liking being told what to do. There are plenty more (i.e "the surgery can't be done," etc) but I will stop there.

It seems the episode is showing that people don't do well being told what to do. But, yet that is happening to them all. Seems quite ironic. They are forced to be there, and it seems that the "powers" on the island force things to happen to them.

So found this theme interesting.

That's what I love about coming here: it usually takes a while before things like that sink in and I love to read what others have picked up.

I agree. There is also the theme of "crossing the line" Jack's dad said it and so did "Zeke".

Also, Sarah's observation that Jack "will always need someone to save" was dead on (no pun intended). He saved her...he tried to save the old man...he's a spinal surgeon for God sake, probably one of the hardest specialities there is. On this God forsaken island, he's aways running off to find/save someone. Should we make a list starting from the moment he opened his eyes in the jungle?!?!?!? Sarah had him pegged. She's still a *&(#* for cheating on him though.

I also think there is a line being crossed with the Jack/Sawyer/Kate triangle. I believe that will surface in the next few episodes and cause tension between all of them.

Yes, it seems as though Kate crossed a line when she didn't listen to Jack about not going along on the Hunting Party. Talk about guilt trips.

Right. I think that is a lesson learned about "doing what you told" Maybe it has its place to "obey" and I bet the losties that don't obey the others, might pay a price.