Sawyer kills Locke’s father in Season 3, Episode 19, titled “The Brig.” This pivotal episode reveals the intricate web of revenge and mistaken identity that binds Sawyer, Locke, and Anthony Cooper (Locke’s father) together, marking a turning point in their respective character arcs and shaping the events of the remaining seasons.
The Shocking Revelation: Unpacking “The Brig”
“The Brig” is not merely a plot point; it’s a complex character study steeped in guilt, manipulation, and the desperate search for closure. The episode’s structure cleverly weaves together flashbacks and present-day events, leading viewers to a devastating truth that reshapes their understanding of the characters’ motivations. Sawyer, driven by the promise of information about the location of his son Clementine, is manipulated by Ben Linus into killing someone he believes to be the man who conned his parents into suicide. This man, it turns out, is none other than Anthony Cooper, John Locke’s estranged and manipulative father.
The episode hinges on several critical elements:
- Ben’s Manipulation: Ben, with his intricate knowledge of everyone’s past, exploits Sawyer’s vulnerabilities and thirst for revenge. He presents Cooper as “Tom,” the man responsible for Sawyer’s misery, providing Sawyer with a picture and instructions to infiltrate “The Brig,” a makeshift jail.
- Locke’s Confrontation: Simultaneously, Locke confronts Ben about his manipulative nature and attempts to connect with his father one last time. However, Cooper remains unrepentant and reveals his disdain for Locke, reinforcing his status as a villain.
- The Tragic Climax: Sawyer, believing he is fulfilling his long-awaited revenge, confronts Cooper. The ensuing confrontation culminates in Sawyer killing Cooper, only to realize too late that he has been a pawn in Ben’s game. Locke witnesses the murder, leaving him devastated and further disillusioned with Ben.
This sequence of events establishes a profound connection between Sawyer and Locke, forever altering their relationship and influencing their choices throughout the remainder of the series. It’s a brutal illustration of the show’s themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of past actions.
Delving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These FAQs provide further insights into the events surrounding Anthony Cooper’s death and its impact on the characters and the overall narrative of Lost.
FAQ 1: Why did Ben want Sawyer to kill Locke’s father?
Ben’s motivations were multifaceted. Primarily, he sought to maintain control over the Others and the island’s inhabitants. By manipulating Sawyer into killing Cooper, he achieved the following:
- Weakened Locke: Locke, already struggling with his faith in the island and his place within the group, was further traumatized by witnessing his father’s death, orchestrated by someone he had started to trust (Sawyer, to some extent).
- Strengthened His Own Position: By proving his manipulative abilities and demonstrating his control over others, Ben reinforced his leadership and cemented his authority.
- Removed a Threat: Cooper was a dangerous and unpredictable element. Even though he was physically limited, his manipulative nature posed a potential threat to Ben’s plans. Eliminating him removed this wildcard.
Ben’s primary goal was power and control. He used Sawyer’s past trauma and desire for revenge as a tool to achieve his aims.
FAQ 2: How did Ben know about Sawyer’s past and his connection to Cooper?
Ben possessed an extensive network of information and surveillance capabilities. The Others had been observing the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815 long before they even reached the island. They had access to background checks, personal histories, and intricate details about each individual’s life.
Ben’s intelligence network allowed him to exploit the survivors’ vulnerabilities and use their pasts against them. He likely learned about Sawyer’s con artist background and his parents’ suicide from these files. He then pieced together Cooper’s identity and his role in Sawyer’s tragedy.
FAQ 3: Did Sawyer ever find out that he killed Locke’s father?
Yes, Sawyer eventually learns the truth about Cooper’s identity. This revelation occurs much later in the series, during Season 5, Episode 12, “Dead Is Dead.” Sawyer witnesses the resurrected John Locke, now under the control of the Man in Black (the Smoke Monster), manipulating Ben into killing Jacob.
In this pivotal moment, Sawyer realizes the full extent of Ben’s deception and the tragic consequences of his actions. The realization weighs heavily on him, further fueling his desire for redemption and his commitment to protecting those he cares about.
FAQ 4: How did Locke react to Sawyer killing his father?
Locke’s reaction to witnessing his father’s death was one of profound shock and disillusionment. He was already grappling with his strained relationship with his father and the manipulation he had suffered at Cooper’s hands. Seeing Sawyer, someone he had begun to trust, commit this act solidified his belief in the inherent darkness of human nature and further eroded his faith in others.
The event deepened Locke’s sense of isolation and contributed to his eventual willingness to embrace a more radical and deterministic worldview. It was a crucial step on his path towards becoming the Man in Black’s pawn.
FAQ 5: Was Anthony Cooper really “Tom,” the man who conned Sawyer’s parents?
Yes, Anthony Cooper was indeed the con man who used the alias “Tom” to swindle Sawyer’s parents. This is confirmed through flashbacks and dialogue throughout the series. Cooper’s manipulative and unscrupulous nature is consistent across all his appearances, solidifying his role as a villain and explaining Sawyer’s intense desire for revenge.
Cooper was a master manipulator, adept at exploiting people’s weaknesses and leaving them with nothing but despair.
FAQ 6: What were the long-term consequences of Sawyer killing Locke’s father?
The act of Sawyer killing Locke’s father had far-reaching consequences, impacting the characters and the narrative in numerous ways:
- Strained Sawyer and Locke’s Relationship: While they eventually found a way to work together, the initial shock and betrayal created a deep rift between them.
- Fueled Sawyer’s Redemption Arc: The guilt of killing Cooper became a driving force in Sawyer’s quest for redemption and his desire to atone for his past sins.
- Contributed to Locke’s Dark Path: The event pushed Locke further down a path of disillusionment and vulnerability, making him more susceptible to the Man in Black’s influence.
- Reinforced Ben’s Power: The manipulation further solidified Ben’s position as a powerful and manipulative figure, capable of orchestrating events to his advantage.
- Advanced the Overall Plot: The act was a crucial turning point in the series, setting the stage for future conflicts and revelations.
FAQ 7: Could Sawyer have avoided killing Cooper?
While Sawyer was manipulated by Ben, he ultimately made the conscious decision to kill Cooper. He was driven by his desire for revenge and his belief that he was righting a wrong. However, had he been less consumed by his past trauma and more willing to question Ben’s motives, he might have avoided the tragic act.
Sawyer’s own inner demons played a significant role in his decision-making process.
FAQ 8: How does this event connect to the themes of fate and free will in Lost?
The killing of Locke’s father perfectly illustrates the recurring themes of fate and free will in Lost. While Ben manipulated Sawyer and seemingly guided him towards this act, Sawyer still exercised his free will in making the final decision. The event raises questions about whether Sawyer was destined to kill Cooper or whether his actions were a product of his own choices.
The series constantly explores the tension between destiny and individual agency.
FAQ 9: What was the significance of “The Brig” as a location?
“The Brig” itself symbolizes imprisonment and confinement, both literal and metaphorical. Sawyer is physically imprisoned in the brig, but he is also trapped by his past and his desire for revenge. Locke is confined by his complex relationship with his father and his own sense of inadequacy. The brig represents the characters’ internal struggles and the limitations imposed upon them by their pasts and circumstances.
The location serves as a physical manifestation of the characters’ inner turmoil.
FAQ 10: How did Sawyer feel after killing Locke’s father?
Immediately after killing Cooper, Sawyer felt a brief moment of satisfaction, believing he had finally avenged his parents. However, this feeling quickly turned to horror and remorse as he realized the truth: he had been manipulated and had taken the life of an innocent (in the sense that Cooper wasn’t Tom to Sawyer).
The guilt and regret haunted Sawyer throughout the rest of the series, driving him to seek redemption and protect those he cared about.
FAQ 11: Was Locke’s father a “good” or “bad” person?
Anthony Cooper was undeniably a deeply flawed and morally reprehensible character. He was manipulative, selfish, and willing to exploit others for his own gain. He had a history of conning and betraying people, including his own son, John Locke. While he was physically vulnerable later in life, his capacity for cruelty and manipulation remained intact.
Cooper’s actions consistently demonstrated his lack of empathy and his willingness to prioritize his own needs above all else.
FAQ 12: How does this episode contribute to the overall narrative arc of Lost?
“The Brig” is a pivotal episode that significantly advances the overall narrative arc of Lost. It:
- Deepens the character development of Sawyer and Locke.
- Explores the themes of revenge, guilt, and redemption.
- Reveals the manipulative nature of Ben Linus and his control over the Others.
- Sets the stage for future conflicts and alliances.
- Contributes to the overarching mystery of the island and its inhabitants.
The episode’s impact reverberates throughout the remaining seasons, shaping the characters’ destinies and influencing the ultimate resolution of the story. It is a testament to the show’s complex storytelling and its ability to create compelling and morally ambiguous characters.