How Did Ben Not Die?

[nemmah]

I just got finished watching the series finale for the first time, and I am dying for someone to respond to what I believe is a major continuity error/oversight and say "what the heck are you talking about? that is not what happened. You're gonna need to watch that again."

So, when the light went out and the island started imploding in on itself, there is one scene in which, as I remember it, a giant tree was crashing down right in the path of Hugo, and Ben heroically pushes Hugo out of the way, and in doing so, is crushed underneath said tree instead. Let me clarify: A giant tree, weighing at least several tons, I'm sure, came crashing down with epic force and collapsed, with all of it's weight, RIGHT ON TOP OF BEN'S TORSO, where all of his major organs and stuff are.

And then James and the gang start the seemingly impossible task of lifting said massive tree from him. Even giving the allowance that he would still be concious, much less alive after such blunt force trauma, how is it that after the gang free him (which was implied, I think, not shown) he is walking around with the rest of them, as if nothing had happened? I kept thinking "Okay... surely... this is just adrenaline or something, keeping his body from feeling the extent of his injuries.. he's gonna collapse from internal bleeding at any moment now." Nope.. He was as good as new.

Even if the island wasn't done with him yet (in this case I'm not sure if the island was really thinking about Ben as it was too busy exploding and all), didn't the island usually PREVENT things from happening like a gun not going off, not.. say.. render a five ton redwood as light as a feather.  And I get that the island has healing properties, but they/ve never worked that fast.

I know it seems like I'm being nit picky, especially in compariso to the perfect composition of the finale as a whole, but it just seemed like a major logical over sight to me... Especially since the concept of one person pushing another out of the way of impending doom, and in doing so heroically sacrificing themselves instead.. is a common literary element frequently used at the end of the story arch of the tragic hero, who by definition is extremely flawed and broken, but finally and somewhat ironically, finds the redemption that he'd spent his whole life seeking, in this final, sacrificial moment of his life - dying in the place of someone he loved. And though I can't recall specific instances, I'm almost sure that exact thing has happened on Lost before. So yeah, I was definitely expecting this sad, yet incredibly, and unexpectedly, heroic act to be Ben's atonement for his transgressions, and that it would cost him his life. And then.. bing! He's runnin' around all bug eyed and confused, just as usual.

Now, don't get me wrong.. I LOVE Ben. I'm really glad that he didn't die. But it just seemed like to me that it really was a hugely forgotten continuity error, like they had originally planned for Ben to die saving Hugo, but at the last minute got this idea that Ben could be Hugo's number 2, his Advisor, I suppose, and liked that better, and so the writers through a quick bandaid over it, instead of cutting the scene out all together or something.

So.. DID I see it wrong the first time? Do I need to watch that again? Anyone else agree, but have a different theory?

[Jennifer in AL]

Since you took the trouble to write a post, I thought someone should reply.  It's totally cool to be nit-picky.     Welcome!

Okay, So I watched the End,  made me cry again.   

The tree fell on top of a rock, so it had a slight elevation pinning Ben to the ground underneath the tree.  Ben didn't have enough wiggle room to get out, but apparently enough to prevent life threatening injuries.    If you look for it, surprisingly, you will see the rock.

Also I was surprised they left in the edit for the ad during the Jack/Locke fight scene.  I really wanted that to be cut out, but I guess that's how they shot the scene.  Still love "I don't believe in a lot of things, but I do believe in duct tape."

[Amanda from Michigan]

I love that we're still talking about Lost.

I cannot bring myself to watch this finale again. I think I'm still mourning Lost's demise...especially Jack's.

[Jennifer in AL]

I understand Amanda.  Saved myself a lot of tissues by fast forwarding past Juliet's death scene in LA X.  Can't say it was the easiest thing in the world to watch the finale again.  Give yourself as much time as you need. 

I certainly did not watch the entire 6 season yet.  I only watched certain episodes, and with some commentary.  But I really want to because already the conversation between Rose and Jack in LA X,  I see it from a totally NEW perspective and I am dying to figure out what else I see differently in the flash sideways. 

Just need to find some time.   
 

[KCBob]

As much as I loved this show, there were certain "suspensions of belief" that occurred quite regularly, that one just needs to look beyond. For example, how often did one character knock out another character with a blow to the back of the head? No concussions; no bleeding scalps, no brain damage.....everyone seemed to know the magic spot to hit to make people go to sleep with no permanent damage! In real life I can picture someone turning around, quite upset and asking, "what the heck is wrong with you??" That said, its still the greatest TV series of all time.