Lost: Season 5, Episode 16 - The Incident (1) (2009)

The episode begins with a flashback to 1977, where a young Dr. Pierre Chang is seen in a Dharma Initiative video, explaining the purpose of the Swan station. He discusses the importance of the station and the need to contain the energy emanating from the site. The video abruptly cuts off, and we see Chang in the present, working at the Swan station, where he is preparing for an incident involving the energy source.

In the present timeline, the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 are split between two groups. Jack, Kate, Hurley, and Sayid are in the 1977 timeline, while Sawyer, Miles, and Jin are also present but have different motivations. Jack is determined to prevent the incident that he believes will lead to the destruction of the island. He is haunted by the knowledge of what is to come and feels a sense of urgency to act.

Meanwhile, in the 1977 timeline, the Dharma Initiative is preparing for a significant event. Jack, Kate, and the others are trying to blend in with the Dharma workers. Jack is increasingly frustrated with the lack of action and the complacency of the Dharma Initiative. He believes that they need to take control of the situation and prevent the catastrophic event that he knows is coming.

As tensions rise, Jack decides to take matters into his own hands. He confronts the Dharma workers and insists that they need to drill into the energy source to understand it better. This decision is met with resistance from the Dharma members, who are wary of Jack's intentions. Jack's determination to prevent the incident drives him to make bold choices, even if it means going against the established order of the Dharma Initiative.

Simultaneously, we see Sawyer and Miles working together to navigate the complexities of the Dharma Initiative. Sawyer is focused on finding a way to reunite with Juliet, who is also part of the Dharma Initiative. Miles, on the other hand, is more skeptical and cautious about their actions. The two characters represent different approaches to the situation, with Sawyer driven by emotion and Miles by logic.

As the episode progresses, the tension escalates when Jack and the others learn that the drilling has begun. Jack realizes that they are on a collision course with disaster. He races against time to stop the drilling, believing that if they can prevent the energy from being released, they can avert the impending catastrophe. This leads to a series of frantic moments as Jack tries to convince the Dharma workers to halt their operations.

In a pivotal moment, Jack confronts Chang and the other Dharma members, insisting that they need to stop the drilling immediately. The confrontation is intense, with Jack's desperation palpable. He argues that the energy they are trying to harness is dangerous and must be contained. The Dharma workers are skeptical of Jack's claims, leading to a standoff that highlights the clash between Jack's knowledge of the future and the Dharma Initiative's beliefs.

As the drilling continues, the energy begins to react violently. The ground shakes, and alarms sound throughout the station. Jack's fears are realized as the situation spirals out of control. The energy source becomes unstable, and chaos ensues. Jack, Kate, and the others scramble to find a way to contain the situation, but the damage is already done.

In the final moments of the episode, the energy source erupts, causing a massive explosion. The screen goes black, leaving the fate of the characters uncertain. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, setting the stage for the dramatic events to come in the following episode.

In the ending of "The Incident (1)," the episode culminates in a series of intense and pivotal moments. The main characters, including Jack, Kate, Sawyer, and Locke, are faced with the looming threat of the hydrogen bomb, which they believe could change their fate on the island. The episode concludes with a dramatic detonation of the bomb, leaving the fate of the characters uncertain as the screen fades to black.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with a flashback to the 1970s, where we see the Dharma Initiative at work on the island. The tension builds as Jack, Kate, and Sawyer are captured by the Dharma workers and brought to the main camp. Here, they encounter a younger version of Richard Alpert, who is intrigued by their presence. Jack is determined to convince the Dharma Initiative to help them, believing that detonating the hydrogen bomb could reset their lives and prevent the crash of Oceanic Flight 815.

Meanwhile, Locke, who has been struggling with his identity and purpose, is confronted by the Man in Black, who takes on the form of his deceased father. The Man in Black manipulates Locke, convincing him that he must lead the others to the bomb and ensure its detonation. Locke, filled with a sense of purpose and desperation, agrees to this plan, believing it will ultimately save them.

As the characters converge at the site of the bomb, tensions rise. Jack and his group are racing against time to stop the detonation, while Locke and the Man in Black are intent on carrying out their plan. The emotional stakes are high, as Jack grapples with the weight of his decisions and the potential consequences for everyone involved.

In a climactic moment, Jack and Locke confront each other at the bomb site. Jack pleads with Locke to reconsider, but Locke, driven by the Man in Black's influence, remains resolute. The scene is charged with emotion as Jack's desperation clashes with Locke's determination. Ultimately, the bomb is detonated, and the screen cuts to black, leaving viewers in suspense about the fate of the characters and the island itself.

As the episode concludes, the fates of the main characters hang in the balance. Jack's hope for a reset is met with uncertainty, while Locke's journey takes a dark turn as he becomes a pawn in the Man in Black's game. The episode ends with a sense of foreboding, setting the stage for the dramatic events to come in the series.

In "The Incident (1)," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional footage or scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the intense events leading up to the detonation of the hydrogen bomb and the implications for the characters involved, leaving viewers with a cliffhanger as the season builds towards its finale. The episode ends on a dramatic note, emphasizing the stakes and the emotional turmoil faced by the characters, particularly Jack, who is determined to change the course of their lives on the island.

In this episode, John Locke is revealed to be dead, having been killed by Benjamin Linus. His body is shown in a coffin, and the episode explores the implications of his death and the impact it has on the other characters, particularly Ben, who feels a sense of guilt and responsibility.

The incident with the hydrogen bomb occurs when Jack Shephard, Kate Austen, and the other survivors attempt to detonate the bomb to prevent the crash of Oceanic Flight 815. They find the bomb buried in the ground and, after a series of tense moments, Jack decides to go through with the plan, believing it is their only chance to change the past.

The 'flash' at the end of the episode signifies a pivotal moment in the series, as it represents the moment when the bomb is detonated. This flash serves as a cliffhanger, leaving viewers questioning the consequences of their actions and how it will affect the timeline of the characters.

Benjamin Linus plays a crucial role in this episode as he manipulates events to achieve his own goals. He is shown to be calculating and strategic, as he seeks to use the situation with the bomb to his advantage, while also dealing with the emotional fallout of Locke's death.

In this episode, the relationship between Jack and Kate is explored through their shared determination to change their fate. Their interactions are filled with tension and unresolved feelings, as they grapple with the weight of their past decisions and the potential consequences of their actions regarding the bomb.

"The Incident (1)" from Season 5 of "Lost" contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Violence: There are scenes that depict physical confrontations and injuries, which may be intense or graphic for younger viewers.

2. Death: The episode includes themes of death and loss, with characters facing life-threatening situations and the emotional fallout from these events.

3. Emotional Distress: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including fear, desperation, and betrayal, which may be distressing for sensitive viewers.

4. Mature Themes: The episode explores complex themes such as sacrifice, morality, and the consequences of one's actions, which may be difficult for younger audiences to fully grasp.

5. Tension and Suspense: The overall atmosphere is filled with suspense and tension, which could be unsettling for children or those who are sensitive to intense situations.

These elements contribute to a narrative that is more suitable for older teens and adults rather than a family-friendly viewing experience.