Episode 7

Okay, before I even start, I'm going to let you know that I love this episode. It is my absolute favorite because Charlie and the feels.

This episode is called The Moth. Philosophical symbolism is the theme of this episode. Before I start the usual summary of the episode, I have to explain the meaning behind the moth. Locke explains to Charlie that he is like a moth in its cocoon. The moth has to break out of the cocoon on its on otherwise it won't be strong enough to survive in the world. Likewise, Charlie has to break the addiction on his own otherwise he won't be able to make it through the withdrawals.

From the flashbacks in this episode we follow Charlie's past to learn about how he was before his band took off. He was fairly religious and had a good head on his shoulders. His older brother however doesn't take the right path and eventually abandons Charlie emotionally. His brother loses himself and begins doing drugs. This leads to Charlie's drug addiction. Later, we see that his brother is clean and has a family, but Charlie is still addicted. His brother offers help, but Charlie claims he has a plane to catch. This is how he ends up on the island. If only he had taken his brother's offer.

Locke tells Charlie that he can ask for his drugs back three times and on the third time Locke will give the drugs to Charlie. The suspense builds throughout the episode as Charlie asks for the drugs twice. At the same time, Charlie begins feeling self-conscience because he thinks the others feel he is useless. This causes him to start an argument with Jack in the cave and it ends up trapping them both. Charlie manages to get out but Jack is pinned. In the end, the efforts of those on the island to get Jack out help, but they are not enough. It rests on Charlie. He must go back into the cave to find Jack and free him. They both believe they are going to die when Charlie spots a moth in the cave, realizing there has to be an opening nearby.

Charlie wins everyone's hearts (including mine) when he successfully rescues Jack from the cave. He has finally proven to himself and the others that he can do it. However, he is still suffering from symptoms of withdrawal and he ventures into the woods to find Locke. He asks for his drugs once more and Locke hands them over. Locke is disappointed, but not for long. Charlie throws the bag in the fire.

What are your feelings towards Charlie's brother?

OK: I never liked his brother from the get go. He was a man whore who pushed Charlie towards drugs. Even though he was able to get clean and tried to help Charlie, I feel like he didn't try hard enough to make up for what he did.

SH: I really dislike Charlie's brother. From the beginning he PROMISED Charlie that he would take a step back if the band got out of control. Charlie tells him that things have gone too far and he forces Charlie to stay in the band and even contributes to Charlie's drug addiction. Even though he tries to help out later, I don't think he can make up for his actions.

Do you think Charlie could have sobered up without Locke's help?

OK: I think without Locke he wouldn't have sobered up out of his own free will. He would've just gone through withdrawal when it ran out. Had he not met Locke or been on the island without supply, I think he would've never sobered up back in his normal everyday life.

SH: Personally, I think Charlie had the power to fight his addiction, but Locke helped him realize that. Without Locke's guidance, he wouldn't have recognized his true potential.