September Theory Contest [Seth Norris’ Death]
I believe that Seth Norris was killed by Smokey for two reasons. One reason was internal (story-driven) and the other was external (production-driven).
The simpler explanation is the external, production-driven reasoning behind killing the pilot.. in the pilot. The attention-grabbing magnitude of a man being ripped from the cockpit by a loud, large, and looming unseen monster is hugely captivating; it jolts the audience and makes them wonder what the hell that thing could possibly be. I truly believe that a lot of the details in Lost were worked out after the story had been set. In other words, the writers had no intention of or idea to introduce Frank later on as the original pilot of 815. So the idea of candidates in this sense is far from realized in season 1, which explains why Locke is dragged-off by the monster in Exodus. They didn’t have the idea of candidates until season 4 or 5, so the idea that the monster wasn’t allowed to kill certain folks was long from conception.
Secondly, I believe that, within the context of the story, the monster killed Seth to send a message to the other survivors. Again, within the context of the story, accepting that Smokey was operating under “candidate rules” even in the Pilot, he was not able to kill Jack or Kate (not sure about Charlie). So he killed Seth, who was not a candidate, to scare the hell out of the other Losties.
KEEP THE THEORY CONTESTS GOING!
I don’t think we really need to worry about what the writers or creators of the show were thinking anymore. They gave us all the Lost they wanted to give us. Everything else is up to our own imagination and the imagination of any future Lost writers.
MIB manipulated candidates by befriending those who in fear/distress, so this is a good option. The Ab Aeterno Black Rock Massacre is a good example. Michael is another – both on the raft (Jin/Sawyer are candidates) and the boat (poor Jin … ) and perhaps the O6 on the helicopter … And, of course almost Ben at the end.
And, of course, there has to be something to fear. Sometimes it was just man’s nature (they come, they corrupt, they destroy) … and, perhaps, sometimes it needs to be helped along by a smoke monster.
I like how you kill 2 birds w/one stone w/Seth’s death’s timing, btw.
Hello Inquisiter…
Good theory here.
I really liked how you touched both the logic in MIBs attack, and the logic in the producers heads…its a very important part of theorizing.
In the end, it makes sense for the whole thing to be about wow factor to both the losties and us, the viewers…
Great thoughts, happy to be reading a theory from you again…