Ab Aeterno

Episode aired Mar 23, 2010
TV-14
48m

IMDb RATING

9.2/10

8.2K

YOUR RATING

Survival Adventure Drama Fantasy Mystery Sci-Fi Thriller

The mysteries behind Richard Alpert's arrival to the island, his immortality, and his alliance with Jacob are revealed--plus more details about the purpose of the island and the relationship... Read allThe mysteries behind Richard Alpert's arrival to the island, his immortality, and his alliance with Jacob are revealed--plus more details about the purpose of the island and the relationship between Jacob and the smoke monster.The mysteries behind Richard Alpert's arrival to the island, his immortality, and his alliance with Jacob are revealed--plus more details about the purpose of the island and the relationship between Jacob and the smoke monster.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

9.2/10

8.2K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
The statue seen when the Black Rock crashes onto the island is Taweret, a figure in Egyptian mythology. She was the goddess of pregnancy, childbirth and fertility, and the symbol she holds in her hand (an ankh) is the Egyptian symbol of life. It is interesting to note that the island is known for its healing properties, and effects on fertility in men, as indicated by Jin being able to impregnate his wife after having been sterile. Taweret was also a protector, thought to restrain evil, which makes sense in light of Jacob's explanation that the Island is there to contain evil.

Goofs
When Richard's dying wife takes off her cross necklace, it has a spring ring clasp which was invented in the early 1900s. The scene takes place in the 1860s.

Quotes
Richard Alpert: There were other people here before me?
Jacob: Yes, many.
Richard Alpert: What happened to them?
Jacob: They're all dead.
Richard Alpert: If you brought them here, why didn't you help them?
Jacob: I wanted them to help themselves. To know the difference between right and wrong without me telling them. It's all useless if I have to make them do anything. Why should I have to step in?
Richard Alpert: If you don't he
[referring to the Man in Black]
Richard Alpert: will.
Jacob: [pauses, taken aback] Tell you what, would you like a job?
Richard Alpert: A job? Doing what?
Jacob: If I don't step in, maybe you could. You could be my representative and intermediary to the people I bring to this Island.
Richard Alpert: What would I get in return?
Jacob: You tell me...
Richard Alpert: I want my wife back.
Jacob: I can't do that.
Richard Alpert: Can you absolve me of my sins?
Jacob: I can't do that either.
Richard Alpert: Then I don't want to die... I want to live forever.
Jacob: [smiles, lays a hand on his shoulder] Now that, I can do.

Connections
Referenced in Lost: Untangled: Ab Aeterno (2010)

Soundtracks
Main Title
(uncredited)
Written by J.J. Abrams

User reviews27

Review

Featured review

10/10

The best episode of Lost ever?

The best episode of Lost... ever?

Even if others disagree with that statement - it is absolutely the most revealing episode in a long time, maybe ever.

For those of you who have stuck with this show since Season 1, you'll be pleased to know you finally get a full episode dedicated to Richard.

Obviously I have to be spoiler free, so there's not much more I can say.

I will finish by saying this is probably my favorite episode of Lost of all time - and i'm glad I didn't get bored and stop watching like many others.

The information delivery is staggering - and secrets are actually revealed for once - something that is very rare for Lost - which usually stretches things out for as long as possible in the most frustrating and pointless manner possible.

Incredible acting, best episode for a long time, maybe ever.

10/10 - MUST WATCH.