What's Hot: 6x05: User Requested Images
What's Hot: 6x05: User Requested Images
There are many reasons to be drawn towards the character of James “Sawyer” Ford. He’s funny, he’s multi-dimensional, and he’s hot. As Sawyer boards Oceanic Flight 815, he is being deported from Australia for head butting the Minister of Finance (I can’t wait to see that flashback!) Throughout the years previous he conned, lied and swindled his way through life. 24 hours before being deported he also killed an innocent man. This is the Sawyer that landed on the beach on Craphole Island. When last we saw him at the end of Season 3, he had also just killed a man. But the Sawyer who killed Tom was not the same Sawyer that killed Duckett. In the three months between, Sawyer had grown from a man out for only himself to a man ready to be a strong leader to our Losties.
[html] [/html]
A con man needs to be clever, a quick thinker that can adapt to any situation and make it benefit him. He is purely greedy and completely self-centered. So it is no surprise that Sawyer started his first day on the island scavenging through the luggage of the dead, even before knowing that rescue was not imminent. He gave nothing readily or generously, not even information of what he didn’t have, such as the asthma medicine Shannon so desperately needed. Why not just say, “I don’t have what you need”? He even withstood torture to make them believe he had the inhaler. In return for what they wanted he demanded a kiss from Kate. This was no romantic notion or noble gesture, it was a slimy move designed to gain the upper hand; to humiliate Kate and show everyone who was really in control, at least as far as he was concerned. He had no problem using a confused Charlie to fake a kidnapping, terrify the camp and injure Sun as long as he got his way. Not even tree frogs stood a chance around this creep.
But no man is an island, even on, you know, an island. Hurley says to him later in the season; “You may want to ask yourself about all the good stuff that comes from being a part of this …society.” The Losties working together and depending on each other was a matter of life and death, and Sawyer learned that not only did they need him, but he also sure as heck needed them. I’m sure he was thinking “no good deed goes unpunished” after getting shot trying to protect Walt on the raft, but this rare selfless act would later provide life saving karma and a darn good lesson to himself. The gunshot wound became infected and after setting off from one end of the island to the other with the newly found Tailies, he becomes quite sick, and collapses. For someone who had treated his fellow survivors so egregiously, it would be fairly understandable if Michael and Jin had followed Ana’s instructions and left him to die, but instead his friends didn’t think twice about building him a stretcher and then they put themselves at risk to carry him to safety. He was delivered “home” to the hatch thanks to the kindness of a stranger, Mr. Eko, and the two of the people he had butted heads with the most, Kate and Jack, nursed him back to health.
Following Michael across the island in another attempt to save Walt brought him to another new struggle. Captured and placed in a cage, he no longer just thought of himself. The quick thinking con man in him assessed the physical threat the Others posed to himself and Kate. His new protector side kept Kate in the dark about the crushing knowledge of there being two miles of ocean between them and their beach. Sawyer was so clever and resourceful that Ben had to resort to a con to keep him in line. Once Sawyer learned the truth about his “pacemaker” he also learned a little humility. When he returned to the beach, other humility lessons came quickly: a slap from Sun for her abduction, an awesome con job by Hurley to trick him into being nice, getting his butt whooped in ping-pong, and the loss of his arsenal of nicknames. In Left Behind, Hurley tells him that the Losties had looked to Sawyer to be their leader in the absence of Jack, Locke, Kate and Sayid. His transformation sped along when, with a fortune in diamonds clutched in his fist, his old greedy, hoarding days came to a close as he threw the diamonds into a grave. A day or two later, when Claire needed aspirin, Sawyer doesn’t think about what she should give him for it, but instead doesn’t hesitate to say, “I’ll get it”. The Leader Sawyer is almost born.
A last demon remained in Sawyer’s psyche and finally he conquered it. He avenged the deaths of his parents when he strung up Cooper, and his past was officially behind him. What walked out of that brig was a new man. He went back to his beach home equipped with evidence against the others and began getting ready to bring direction to the Losties, this time with no hidden agenda, and with no doubts about him lingering among his co-survivors like there were surrounding Jack. Later, while leading the small, ragtag team of rescuers in a blue Dharma microbus he saved the day, his friends, and his family.
I predict Sawyers leadership role will skyrocket in the coming seasons. Jack has led the Losties for quite some time, but people are wary of him. As long as people think twice about sharing information with Jack, they will look instead to Sawyer, especially if Jack has now made a huge mistake by calling Naomi’s ship. I also predict he will start to be called James more often, eventually phasing out the name Sawyer, both because it’s symbolic of the previous life he is getting beyond, and because the name change has already slowly been started by Kate and Locke. What the immediate future holds for his relationship with Kate, I’m not sure. But whatever happens, I predict he will be exciting, and intriguing and, probably most likely, hot.
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Metamorphosis.
TrackBack URL for this entry: http://lost.cubit.net/cgi-bin/mt5/mttb_xyz2.cgi/632
You hear enough of our opinions on this site! We want to know what our users think! Do you have an idea for an article, review, spoiler material, humorous commentary, parody, or other materials regarding LOST or SWLS? We want to publish your articles on SWLS! Just submit your well written and captivating article to us, and if we like what you have to say, we'll publish it!
"When you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you."Friedrich NietzscheSawyer is basically a good person who has done some bad things. The question is; will his conscience allow him to move forward after killing Cooper?Two paths diverge in the woods, one leads to salvation (if he is willing to confess his sin(s) and repent)... one leads to damnation (the inner turmoil and guilt become unbearable) and a life of crime.Feeling somewhat existential today :)
very well said...
sawyer beter yet "james" can really be a leader..
thanks to hurley for his awesome con job..
This article makes for a great read.
I haven't poked my head in the Window Into The Island in months, and this was refreshing.
i agree LOSTFAN... especially with Naomi's boat on the way, and if Ben is tellign the truth ( whch he never is but who knows) they will come with full force, and tehy'll need a badass like Sawyer who just completed his life's journey to just let loose and kick ass.
Quote from: BadRobot64ok just to comment... about the wussification of James Sawyer Ford... i can just feel it... you havent seen the start of it yet... Sawyer is the man... and you havent seen nuttin yetI agree! After living as 'Sawyer' most of his life with one goal in mind he finally reaches his end when he takes out Cooper. At this point, he can either fall apart or find the strength to go on as 'James'. I think we saw in the scene with Tom that James isn't about to fall apart! The only question is will he be able to control his newfound strength and be a leader? Or will he alienate everyone with his anger and hatred, like he may have already done with Hurley?As the song goes.....When you got nothin', you got nothin' to lose. You're invisible now, you've got no secrets to conceal. How does it feel? Aaah, how does it feel? To be on your own, with no direction home, like a complete unknown, like a rolling stone......
ok just to comment... about the wussification of James Sawyer Ford... i can just feel it... you havent seen the start of it yet... Sawyer is the man... and you havent seen nuttin yet
I agree with all the comments that are being made.. im just bored with this no new LOST to talk about.... just checking in and sayin whats up to my LOSTIE friends out there in SWLS world!!!!
Emotionally balanced is an interesting topic for most of us here to write on ;)No wussification for James imho.
Quote from: Versed4every1Great article, Cayley. I have heard this change in Sawyer called his "wussification" by some people who shall remain nameless. However I agree with what you have said. It is much more about his ability to take responsibility for his actions rather than to place that responsibility on others or use them for his own gain that has changed.I totally agree with this, Versed. This isn't a wussification that James is going through. Emotionally, I think he's becoming balanced.
Great article, Cayley. I have heard this change in Sawyer called his "wussification" by some people who shall remain nameless. However I agree with what you have said. It is much more about his ability to take responsibility for his actions rather than to place that responsibility on others or use them for his own gain that has changed.
I thought that Kate called him Sawyer and he didn't respond to it, or said don't call me Sawyer... I might be insane tho. :D
Quote from: JBRamQuestion: Has James been called Sawyer since he killed Cooper? If so, has he reponded to it?Ya know what? I just realized I read this backwards. I thought JB asked if sawyer had been referred to as James. I shouldn't operate message boards while drowsy. Yes, everyone is still calling him Sawyer. The Others have always called him James, so Ben and Juliet use that name, which is how Kate learned his real name, and Locke read his file. I don't remember, did Michael show his list to anyone? Sawyer was referred to as James there. At any rate, people are starting to learn his real name, but the name change will be fairly gradual.Sorry for the screw up.
Quote from: LostAndSeekQuote from: CastawayCayleyQuote from: JBRamQuestion: Has James been called Sawyer since he killed Cooper? If so, has he reponded to it?Well, right after he killed Cooper, and then ran outside and vomited, Locke called him James. And in the finale Juliet calls him James twice. It's not like someone yelled "James!" and he turned, but when it comes up in conversation, he doesnt tell them not to call him that.OTOH, I'm pretty sure Jack's called him Sawyer. And Hurley. Most people don't know him by any other name as yet.Oh, absolutely. I never said he is now only called James. I said the trend of certain people who know his secret starting to refer to him as James will continue, and eventually I believe he will make the switch. Hurley does know his real name because he did the census/manifest.
Quote from: CastawayCayleyQuote from: JBRamQuestion: Has James been called Sawyer since he killed Cooper? If so, has he reponded to it?Well, right after he killed Cooper, and then ran outside and vomited, Locke called him James. And in the finale Juliet calls him James twice. It's not like someone yelled "James!" and he turned, but when it comes up in conversation, he doesnt tell them not to call him that.OTOH, I'm pretty sure Jack's called him Sawyer. And Hurley. Most people don't know him by any other name as yet.
Quote from: JBRamQuestion: Has James been called Sawyer since he killed Cooper? If so, has he reponded to it?Well, right after he killed Cooper, and then ran outside and vomited, Locke called him James. And in the finale Juliet calls him James twice. It's not like someone yelled "James!" and he turned, but when it comes up in conversation, he doesnt tell them not to call him that.
Question: Has James been called Sawyer since he killed Cooper? If so, has he reponded to it?I agree that Sawyer is no more. James Ford has been reborn.
U PERV!!!! U'r my hero ;D
Great article Cayley!!! Not only do I agree with everything you said...I had a lovely picture of Sawyer in my mind the whole time I read it ;) :D
Quote from: talkhardyou can quote me on that ;)You are right
you can quote me on that ;)
there is FAR too much quoting in the discussion
Quote from: nikarroQuote from: Nancy DrewQuote from: nikarroQuote from: Nancy DrewQuote from: nikarroQuote from: Nancy DrewExcellent article Cayley!! Sawyer has become such a developed character and you captured that wonderfully!! I also wanted to add, and for no other reason than future reference, that the man Sawyer headbutted in the bar in Australia was Australia's minister of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The only reason I mention this correction is because of the fact that since Season 1 we have all wondered why this particular group was brought to the island. Was it coincidence or was this a selection of some sort? If it was a selection of some sort, this information might be handy to know. And you're right--that would be one hell of a flashback episode to see!!!!Again, Great Job!HEY, maybe this guy was in DHARMA and helped with the wildlife when they first set up the island! I have wondered that too, and many other things concerning this guy. If he does have something to do with this island, then it is more than mere coincidence that Sawyer ended up there after headbutting him. But it is just speculation--and a huge stretch--on my part for thinking that way.I agree, but then who would have thought at the beginning that the creepy wheelchair guy's dad indirectly killed the creepy con-artists parents? Very true! That being said, I can't wait to see how Sawyer's character evolves further in Season 4. It's a tough situation because the unlikeable aspects of him are why everyone likes him!! LOL Kinda like that saying, "Good guys finish last"--everyone likes the bad boy!I LOVE the way too, that the show started seeming as though Jack was the Hero and Sawyer just a jerk, and now it is almost as though in some ways they are switching roles and they do such a fantastic job with characters that it is believeable! Very good point!!
Quote from: Nancy DrewQuote from: nikarroQuote from: Nancy DrewQuote from: nikarroQuote from: Nancy DrewExcellent article Cayley!! Sawyer has become such a developed character and you captured that wonderfully!! I also wanted to add, and for no other reason than future reference, that the man Sawyer headbutted in the bar in Australia was Australia's minister of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The only reason I mention this correction is because of the fact that since Season 1 we have all wondered why this particular group was brought to the island. Was it coincidence or was this a selection of some sort? If it was a selection of some sort, this information might be handy to know. And you're right--that would be one hell of a flashback episode to see!!!!Again, Great Job!HEY, maybe this guy was in DHARMA and helped with the wildlife when they first set up the island! I have wondered that too, and many other things concerning this guy. If he does have something to do with this island, then it is more than mere coincidence that Sawyer ended up there after headbutting him. But it is just speculation--and a huge stretch--on my part for thinking that way.I agree, but then who would have thought at the beginning that the creepy wheelchair guy's dad indirectly killed the creepy con-artists parents? Very true! That being said, I can't wait to see how Sawyer's character evolves further in Season 4. It's a tough situation because the unlikeable aspects of him are why everyone likes him!! LOL Kinda like that saying, "Good guys finish last"--everyone likes the bad boy!I LOVE the way too, that the show started seeming as though Jack was the Hero and Sawyer just a jerk, and now it is almost as though in some ways they are switching roles and they do such a fantastic job with characters that it is believeable!
Quote from: nikarroQuote from: Nancy DrewQuote from: nikarroQuote from: Nancy DrewExcellent article Cayley!! Sawyer has become such a developed character and you captured that wonderfully!! I also wanted to add, and for no other reason than future reference, that the man Sawyer headbutted in the bar in Australia was Australia's minister of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The only reason I mention this correction is because of the fact that since Season 1 we have all wondered why this particular group was brought to the island. Was it coincidence or was this a selection of some sort? If it was a selection of some sort, this information might be handy to know. And you're right--that would be one hell of a flashback episode to see!!!!Again, Great Job!HEY, maybe this guy was in DHARMA and helped with the wildlife when they first set up the island! I have wondered that too, and many other things concerning this guy. If he does have something to do with this island, then it is more than mere coincidence that Sawyer ended up there after headbutting him. But it is just speculation--and a huge stretch--on my part for thinking that way.I agree, but then who would have thought at the beginning that the creepy wheelchair guy's dad indirectly killed the creepy con-artists parents? Very true! That being said, I can't wait to see how Sawyer's character evolves further in Season 4. It's a tough situation because the unlikeable aspects of him are why everyone likes him!! LOL Kinda like that saying, "Good guys finish last"--everyone likes the bad boy!
Quote from: Nancy DrewQuote from: nikarroQuote from: Nancy DrewExcellent article Cayley!! Sawyer has become such a developed character and you captured that wonderfully!! I also wanted to add, and for no other reason than future reference, that the man Sawyer headbutted in the bar in Australia was Australia's minister of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The only reason I mention this correction is because of the fact that since Season 1 we have all wondered why this particular group was brought to the island. Was it coincidence or was this a selection of some sort? If it was a selection of some sort, this information might be handy to know. And you're right--that would be one hell of a flashback episode to see!!!!Again, Great Job!HEY, maybe this guy was in DHARMA and helped with the wildlife when they first set up the island! I have wondered that too, and many other things concerning this guy. If he does have something to do with this island, then it is more than mere coincidence that Sawyer ended up there after headbutting him. But it is just speculation--and a huge stretch--on my part for thinking that way.I agree, but then who would have thought at the beginning that the creepy wheelchair guy's dad indirectly killed the creepy con-artists parents?
Quote from: nikarroQuote from: Nancy DrewExcellent article Cayley!! Sawyer has become such a developed character and you captured that wonderfully!! I also wanted to add, and for no other reason than future reference, that the man Sawyer headbutted in the bar in Australia was Australia's minister of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The only reason I mention this correction is because of the fact that since Season 1 we have all wondered why this particular group was brought to the island. Was it coincidence or was this a selection of some sort? If it was a selection of some sort, this information might be handy to know. And you're right--that would be one hell of a flashback episode to see!!!!Again, Great Job!HEY, maybe this guy was in DHARMA and helped with the wildlife when they first set up the island! I have wondered that too, and many other things concerning this guy. If he does have something to do with this island, then it is more than mere coincidence that Sawyer ended up there after headbutting him. But it is just speculation--and a huge stretch--on my part for thinking that way.
Quote from: Nancy DrewExcellent article Cayley!! Sawyer has become such a developed character and you captured that wonderfully!! I also wanted to add, and for no other reason than future reference, that the man Sawyer headbutted in the bar in Australia was Australia's minister of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The only reason I mention this correction is because of the fact that since Season 1 we have all wondered why this particular group was brought to the island. Was it coincidence or was this a selection of some sort? If it was a selection of some sort, this information might be handy to know. And you're right--that would be one hell of a flashback episode to see!!!!Again, Great Job!HEY, maybe this guy was in DHARMA and helped with the wildlife when they first set up the island!
Excellent article Cayley!! Sawyer has become such a developed character and you captured that wonderfully!! I also wanted to add, and for no other reason than future reference, that the man Sawyer headbutted in the bar in Australia was Australia's minister of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. The only reason I mention this correction is because of the fact that since Season 1 we have all wondered why this particular group was brought to the island. Was it coincidence or was this a selection of some sort? If it was a selection of some sort, this information might be handy to know. And you're right--that would be one hell of a flashback episode to see!!!!Again, Great Job!
Quote from: LaklostTerrific article, writing and insight, Cayley!! My favorite thing you took on is that "the Sawyer who killed Tom was not the same Sawyer that killed Duckett." Sawyer is not on a decline, he is not descending into murderous intentions. He is behaving as a hero and doing what needs to be done. His character's growth is remarkable and infinitely watchable. And, I'll add, three loud cheers for Josh Holloway's superb acting. He's not my hottie dream, but he is such an emotive, literate actor - and that I adore.aw, man. I should have consulted with you before I posted and added that in and claimed it as my own ;) (j/k)Thank you, Lorie, I appreciate your kind words since I'm completely in awe of your writing. ((((Lorie))))
Terrific article, writing and insight, Cayley!! My favorite thing you took on is that "the Sawyer who killed Tom was not the same Sawyer that killed Duckett." Sawyer is not on a decline, he is not descending into murderous intentions. He is behaving as a hero and doing what needs to be done. His character's growth is remarkable and infinitely watchable. And, I'll add, three loud cheers for Josh Holloway's superb acting. He's not my hottie dream, but he is such an emotive, literate actor - and that I adore.
Great article. Great insights. I can even understand why you think of Sawyer as hot. Not that I see him that way... not that there's anything wrong with that.
Quote from: pauinha6Cayley, great piece!i love reading your stuff, i hope u keep them coming all year long ok????and a Sawyer article??? Girl, i love you!!!!i just don't agree with you on ONE thing, losties still run for sayid before turning to Sawyer for leadership, but i agree he is going for a leader role very soon!!!!And thx for the Sawyer/James name change, i never had thought about it! U are soooo right! sawyer as changed, and his caracter has been dyin', we'll see the hole new James very soon (still HOT of course ;D )thx for your awsome work CC :-*Thank you, Paula, I'm glad you enjoyed it! When you say the Losties run to Sayid first, you're absolutely right. I mentioned in "Left Behind" Hurley basically told him he was 5th choice. But Sayid is usually always in the "Away Team" and I think when he's not around so much, Sawyer will get more responsibility.
Quote from: LostAndSeekQuote from: nikarroI loved this. not because i like sawyer, but because I finally think you explained the asthma situation well, that always bothered me, but now I feel like it was needed. It still bothers me. They don't know each other at all and yet they're willing to tie a guy to a tree and stick bamboo shoots under his nails because he had a book.... and because he's stubborn. To me, torture is an absolutely last resort and then only when you have very strong evidence. In this case they had no real evidence and the medicine wasn't the last resort.writer-wise I had felt that the reason they jumped to torture was to establish Sayid as a torturer... but they goofed because later we discover hes NOT torture happy. And you're right, if they wanted a torture scene, they could have come up with much more dire circumstances. As for the medicine not being a last resort, I'm not sure they knew that at the time. Some doctors won't consider natural remedies, or certain stubborn doctors might focus on the one thing they think they need and tunnel-vision themselves into thinking the inhaler is the only hope. Also, to have Sun come in with the eucalyptus and calm Shannon down may have also been a way for the writers to establish her character as knowledgeable in gardening/herbal remedies/anything other than just a subservient wife... (it was Sun who helped Shannon, right? I'm going on a vague memory)also earlier you mentioned the humiliation vs. manipulation: I will definitely concede that I interpreted that scene in my own way, and perhaps with my own personal feelings. I looked at it as, if I were Kate and that happened to me, how would I feel? My answer was humiliated. Someone else would probably see it another way. Whichever way, Sawyer certainly wasn't trying to make her feel good.
Quote from: nikarroI loved this. not because i like sawyer, but because I finally think you explained the asthma situation well, that always bothered me, but now I feel like it was needed. It still bothers me. They don't know each other at all and yet they're willing to tie a guy to a tree and stick bamboo shoots under his nails because he had a book.... and because he's stubborn. To me, torture is an absolutely last resort and then only when you have very strong evidence. In this case they had no real evidence and the medicine wasn't the last resort.
I loved this. not because i like sawyer, but because I finally think you explained the asthma situation well, that always bothered me, but now I feel like it was needed.
Cayley,
You Go GIRL! Your writing is as HOT as James. I didn't really think he was HOT until he started turning to James. I agree with Pauinha6, thanks for the name transformation.
Sawyer is one of my favorite characters mainly because he is so pop culture and his lines so funny. I think the character has gotten a little muddy, but hopefully he'll get some direction in season 4.
Thanks for the great article.
I love Sawyer(James),Maybe now I will be calling him sweet baby James!
Cayley, great piece!i love reading your stuff, i hope u keep them coming all year long ok????and a Sawyer article??? Girl, i love you!!!!i just don't agree with you on ONE thing, losties still run for sayid before turning to Sawyer for leadership, but i agree he is going for a leader role very soon!!!!And thx for the Sawyer/James name change, i never had thought about it! U are soooo right! sawyer as changed, and his caracter has been dyin', we'll see the hole new James very soon (still HOT of course ;D )thx for your awsome work CC :-*
Good job. I like the way you wrote this. I would like to see more about the head butt also.
Wow, great article Cayley! You did a very nice job of detailing Sawyer, er I mean "James'" transformation on the island. I will be interested in seeing if he truly does become the leader you predict for our losties.
Very nice Cayley, lots of good insight. I like the idea that more and more people will start calling him James.I'd disagree with one small point though. I think humiliation is too strong a word to describe his manipulation of Kate in the torture epi. Sawyer doesn't want anyone telling him what to do and he wants to dominate whatever situation he's in. So domination and manipulation, yes, but not humiliation. At least not where Kate is concerned.
Thanks Tex! you're good for my ego ;D ;) ;D
Excellent recap, summation and observations Cayley. You did a great job and I really enjoyed reading your article. I look forward to much more of you work. I knew the new High Speed would lead you to such Heights here. Great Job!