Season 3 - Ep. 10 - "Tricia Tanaka Is Dead"

Initial Episode Reaction:

It’s nice to see LOST bounce back with an episode not filled with eccentricities and Other weirdness (excuse the pun), but rather a light-hearted, fun Hurley-centric gem that also hit on some of the underlining themes in the mythos of the show. After “Tricia Tanaka Is Dead,” the viewer better understands a number of aspects within Hurley’s psychology, all while doing so in a manner that takes a step back from the oppressing idea of determinism and ventures into the liberating notion of free will, having hope and creating your own breaks in life.

At the heart of “Tricia Tanaka Is Dead” is the complex emotional relationship between Hurley and his father, who abandoned his family seventeen years ago. Ah, yes; yet another chime of the “daddy issues” motif bell in LOST. It is interesting to note that Hurley’s father's listed name is David, which conveniently brings to mind Hurley’s imaginary id-like figure he called Dave during his institution days. Hurley’s father handing him the candy bar and telling him to “live a little” suggests that the schizophrenic creation in the Dudester’s mind is the mental embodiment of his long lost father.

But that’s a side note in the grand scheme of things. The “daddy issues” storyline here actually leads into a more interesting aspect of the episode that deals directly with one of the main philosophical concepts at the center of the series. Hurley, perhaps as a result of his father’s absence and always hoping for his return only to be left disappointed, has adopted a form of determinist philosophy. Although Hurley may believe in limited free will, he has always accepted what has been thrown his way - the Numbers are cursed, Desmondo has turned into the Amazing Kreskin, he caused the deck to give way, etc. In his (pre-island) view - much like Locke - everything happens for a reason and destiny is set for everyone.

In sharp contrast, Hurley’s dad was free will all the way - perhaps to the point of irresponsiveness. As said by David Reyes, and later repeated by his son, luck is made by oneself, not predetermined. At this point, after all the horrors he has seen, Hurley finally feels the need to find hope, change luck - and, much like Desmond - he is struggling with the domineering nature of universal correction. But this isn’t to say his outlook has changed. For one, Hurley still - like Locke with Eko’s religious stick - looks for signs, reasons why the DHARMA Volkswagen will start. So, despite his triumph in luck changing, a grand plan of determined fate lurks within Hurley.

This episode, while filler in one sense, greatly reinforced the ongoing struggle of free will versus predetermination. For each character, the answer to this question is different - and, as a result, each of his or her redemptive journeys on LOST Island will follow varying paths. Locke seeks meaning behind all things, as each trial faced is proof of a higher purpose. Jack is positioned on the other side of ledger, firmly believing in free will. Then there is Desmond, who is battling the idea of nature’s way - a future already fixed by the universe. Perhaps then, in the middle, is Hurley - a molded determinist - trying to accept a form of free will and an unrestrained fate; but much like his difficulty accepting his absentee father, the transition is far from easy, especially when your hopes were shattered so long ago.

The episode also moved the main plot along ever so slightly with Kate returning to camp only to head out in search of Rousseau’s help regarding the Others’ camp. Kate’s revelation to Danielle concerning her daughter also works on a metaphorical / philosophical level. With the idea of finding hope in mind, the news delivered by Kate to Danielle serves as a healthy dose of hope renewed. Along with Charlie testing his impending demise, the Rousseau ending fit perfectly with the message provided in the episode.

Overall, “Tricia Tanaka Is Dead” was not heavy in mythology or even much of a transitional, plot-moving episode. However, it did take one of the central philosophical ideas at the nucleus of show and proceeded to tackle it in a refreshingly comical and abnormal manner. The black humor hit its stride - making it easily the funniest episode of series (with the help of Cheech Marin) - and Jorge Garcia continues to play Hurley’s innocent optimism to a tee.

Analysis:

Shambala: Not only a great tune by Three Dog Night (originally written by poet Daniel Moore), but also a reference to some more Buddhist tradition - a DHARMA favorite. According to various ancient Tibetan texts, Shambala (often spelled Shambhala) is a mythical kingdom hidden within the Himalayas. In Sanskrit, the term Shambala means a “place of peace.” In Buddhism, the kingdom is only meant for those who have reached the level of pure enlightenment.

From wikipedia:

“Shambala is ruled over by a Kulika King ... The Kalachakra prophesizes that when the world declines into war and greed, and all is lost, the twenty-fifth Kulika king will emerge from Shambala with a huge army to vanquish the corrupt and usher in a worldwide Golden Age. Using calculations from the Kalachakra Tantra (a Tantric Buddhist time-wheel), scholars such as Alex Berzin put this date at 2424 AD.”

The concept of Shambala suits the idea behind LOST as a story about various characters in need of redemption. In a way, the island serves as the antithesis of Shambala – instead of tranquility, the Losties are faced with hardships and trials in order to reach a sense of enlightenment within their selves. All the characters are driving along various roads. Only some will travel down the metaphorical road of Shambala.

Neat Blueprint: Although brushed aside (at least for now) by Sawyer, plans for a road system on the island by DHARMA Inc. always made practical sense; so it is nice to see the writers address the issue. Of course, what exactly happened to poor Roger (Work Man) remains a mystery; and the idea of more terrain vehicles seems like a possibility.

It’d be somewhat disappointing if the blueprint didn’t serve a larger purpose beyond the reason for a van being on the island in the first place. Tactically, you would assume it would offer an idea as to where the Others’ camp or additional stations could be located.