There is only one episode of LOST remaining in the third season. One episode to last the rest of 2007. In anticipation, I've been reflecting a lot on Greatest Hits, this week's long-awaited Charlie flashback episode. I was literally queasy going into it, feeling almost certain that Charlie would accept his fate at last or Desmond would step in at the last minute and take his place. In the beautifully executed last ten minutes, both of these things happened, but neither course led to death, at least not immediately. It would seem that perhaps Desmond and Charlie's willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good, and more immediately for each other, may have lifted the curse at last.
To the tune of Simon and Garfunkel's Scarborough Fair / Canticle, here is an (admittedly unfunny) exploration of their thoughts leading up to their heroic actions, with Charlie driving the action and having the final word while Desmond's inner debate serves as an undercurrent that nearly overturns Charlie's courageous journey. His despair is of a very different sort than in Live Together, Die Alone. It's not utter desolation; in fact, hope is clearly on the horizon. But despite his calm demeanor, Desmond is agonizing under the surface, since the prospect of his long-awaited reunion with Penny is dependent upon his failure to save Charlie, who he's tried so hard to protect. In the end, though, Charlie's determination wins out over Desmond's guilt, and we're left with two heroes out in the water, far removed from but deeply involved in the massive struggle taking place on the island.
For Her Sake / Sacrificial
Charlie: If I'm going to run out of air,
If my fate undoes me this time,
Deliver these five moments to Claire.
For her sake, I'm willing to die.
Tell her I never would let her get hurt.
Desmond: I have tried, but I still haven't changed what I've seen.
If my fate undoes me this time,
Saved from the arrow, you're destined to drown.
It's for a duty I don't dare shirk.
Four times I've spared your life now, but who's counting?
For her sake, I'm willing to die.
Deep in despair, I prepare for your fall.
Tell her the high that I got from my band.
I have tried to distill it with drink, but I grieve.
If my fate undoes me this time,
We are both slaves; fulfillment is near.
Please ask her to wear my ring on her hand.
Why must you be the sacrificial one?
For her sake, I'm willing to die.
Tell her I love her when you give her this letter.
Brother, your bravery sharpens my valiance.
If my fate undoes me this time,
I must implore to exert my free will
Tell her she saved my life on the day I met her.
And to fight off the curse you wrongly have been caught in.
For her sake, I'm willing to die.
If I'm going to run out of air,
If my fate undoes me this time,
Deliver these five moments to Claire.
For her sake, I'm willing to die.
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