238 Weekly Lost Podcast – Wanna Try Another Stick?

Micheal's suicide attempts were thwarted, however, the explosion (if memory serves) was caused by the landing team of Widmore's party, and the device that would activate the explosion if they were killed. Had Jack lit the fuse and wandered off, I'm guessing Richard would have been killed too.

Bob, I had forgot about Locke's failed attempt to end his life. Is this why Michael's life was spared so many times? If so, why was the explosion able to kill him in the end?

Something I think is significant about this episode that I haven't heard commented on, is the notion that once Jacob touches a person, they cannot die by their own hand. I think its significant it was brought up in a Ben-centric episode, because using this logic, Locke's suicide attempt would have been unsuccessful, and as Alpert told him when he left the island, he would need to die to get everyone to return. I see Ben as a tragic character who has been set up to do terrible things in order to make things happen. When Miles says Jacob's last thought was he hoped he was wrong about Ben, I took this to mean he knew Ben was capable of murder, but hoped he might be spared. Just a thought...really enjoy your podcast! Keep up the good work!