did anyone else love Sayid's small part in this epi? What a great mind and a refreshing perspective he always has.

Thank God we were able to hear someone's reaction to a big island mystery (someone whose mind we can respect, that is).

Yes...I always say that it's like a breath of fresh air to see Sayid--so much potential in that character in the first season, and it seems like it's being thrown away. I hope that he gets more of a story-line next year. Sayid and Locke were both so promising as ppl who could help them survive the Island. (I almost wrote "get off the Island" but hell, we don't want that, now do we? I hope they never get off the Island! ha.)

Oh no, I guess I must have unintentionally ignored it!?! I always look to Sayid for the truth. What was it that he said about the big island mystery?

I agree. Sayid was used great in this episode. He asked Locke good questions and offered his wisdom. "I believe what I can see." I'm sure we will get a Sayid story soon when the show picks back up.

I agree. Sayid was used great in this episode. He asked Locke good questions and offered his wisdom. "I believe what I can see." I'm sure we will get a Sayid story soon when the show picks back up.

Great point, which reminds me... Sayid said it himself, "I believe what I can see." So, this statment of truth would suggest a man of science. Yet, we have seen Sayid in prayer following his Muslim beliefs. That would make him a man of faith. So, which is he?

Of course Sayid would be the only one to pick up on Lockes Lie about how Eko died. Loooooooove Sayid! There was a thread on another board Called "Sayid Facts" One of them was "Sayid is so so Hot when he walks down the beach fires light themselves"!
Any chance to see Sayid even in a small part in an episode is a bonus!

I'm really happy about him being just like in season 1 again...
And here I was thinking they would kill him off because of the little role he had during season 2...

Oh this thread made my night. :biggrin: :kiss: This is why Sayid is my favorite character. I have decided that I am just going to ignore that the whole "boat" thing happened. Maybe it's not too late for the writers to go back and re do that whole episode. :) Anyway, what I was trying to say is that I am glad that Sayid seems to be back to his brilliant, intelligent, reasonable self.

Of course Sayid would be the only one to pick up on Lockes Lie about how Eko died. Loooooooove Sayid! There was a thread on another board Called "Sayid Facts" One of them was "Sayid is so so Hot when he walks down the beach fires light themselves"!
Any chance to see Sayid even in a small part in an episode is a bonus!

:eek2: So, Sayid walked past Eko's tent?? So THAT'S how the fire started!!
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Oh this thread made my night. :biggrin: :kiss: This is why Sayid is my favorite character. I have decided that I am just going to ignore that the whole "boat" thing happened. Maybe it's not too late for the writers to go back and re do that whole episode. :) Anyway, what I was trying to say is that I am glad that Sayid seems to be back to his brilliant, intelligent, reasonable self.

(((hugs))) I'm glad :) I have made it my mission to post non-triangle related threads all night. There were some great tidbits in "I Do"
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I think Sayid would believe what he sees but also try to find a logical explaination for it. I am feeling very happy that this was included. :cool:

Great point, which reminds me... Sayid said it himself, "I believe what I can see." So, this statment of truth would suggest a man of science. Yet, we have seen Sayid in prayer following his Muslim beliefs. That would make him a man of faith. So, which is he?

I'd say he's both, or neither. He seems to be confused about what he should believe a lot of the time, but mostly seems to be leaning towards science and logic. The way Sayid interrogates and uses reasonable, intelligent talk to-the-points makes me love Sayid all over again. :biggrin:

Of course Sayid would be the only one to pick up on Lockes Lie about how Eko died.

:confused: Um, excuse me, but what did Locke lie about Eko's death? Where, when?

I'd say he's both, or neither. He seems to be confused about what he should believe a lot of the time, but mostly seems to be leaning towards science and logic. The way Sayid interrogates and uses reasonable, intelligent talk to-the-points makes me love Sayid all over again. :biggrin:



:confused: Um, excuse me, but what did Locke lie about Eko's death? Where, when?

He said it was probably an animal, maybe one of the bears got him.

Sayid has his own way of thinking though.. he can pick out a lie like nobody's business and he is quick to notice the vital point everyone misses.


Btw, that kind of ryhmes....

Originally Posted by fourthpoliceman
Great point, which reminds me... Sayid said it himself, "I believe what I can see." So, this statment of truth would suggest a man of science. Yet, we have seen Sayid in prayer following his Muslim beliefs. That would make him a man of faith. So, which is he?

Why can't he be both? I believe in both God and science....I don't think the two are mutually exclusive.

Why can't he be both? I believe in both God and science....I don't think the two are mutually exclusive.


I actually don't have much of a problem with what he said, or anyone else to. But, I do think there is an absolute contradiction in believing both.

Well, yes, there are people who believe what you just said. I think there are people on both sides of that equation.
I agree w/ much of what you post on this site, fourthpoliceman, but in this case, I'll have to disagree. I think that someone with an open mind CAN believe in both. (Not to say you don't...) :)

I actually don't have much of a problem with what he said, or anyone else to. But, I do think there is an absolute contradiction in believing both.

I think Sayid is both and that is why he can perceive truth. Saying they have to be either/or is truly limiting the characters and the show.
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I actually don't have much of a problem with what he said, or anyone else to. But, I do think there is an absolute contradiction in believing both.

I just wanted to say that although we may disagree, it's a good convo :)

I dont get why John always keeps everything to himself he should have tried to explain to Sayid what he saw just too keep the guy in the loop for once.

[QUOTE=ncagl280;1270866]Sayid has his own way of thinking though.. he can pick out a lie like nobody's business and he is quick to notice the vital point everyone misses.
QUOTE]

I agree. Sometimes it seems like Sayid is the only rational acting one on the island!

Sayid's pretty smart. I can't wait to see more of him in the second half of the season. I hope that he will be more involved in a storyline, cause right now I see him sort of on the sideline. he needs to be more prominent in the second half.

What I can only wish for is that first conversation between Sayid and Juliet. He'd see right through her. Batting her eyes and making cheeseburgers wouldn't get too far.

Please, please PTB, bring these two together for a scene.

I think Sayid is going to have Locke's back for the rest of the season. I think Sayid realizes that Locke is back to Season One Locke who didn't divulge the Hatch to anyone until the end or tried to cover up Boone's injury by claiming he fell off Cliff and didn't tell anyone about the drug plane.

Sayid will follow Locke closely and will help unravel this damm island they are on. I am excited for where his character can go in the second half.

What I can only wish for is that first conversation between Sayid and Juliet. He'd see right through her. Batting her eyes and making cheeseburgers wouldn't get too far.

Please, please PTB, bring these two together for a scene.

You're right, nonny, that would be great! Juliet would see what it was like to go up against someone really savvy. He may not know the psychology like she does, but he can SEE into people.
I hope you're right, and we get a scene with those two! awesome idea.

Sayid will follow Locke closely and will help unravel this damm island they are on. I am excited for where his character can go in the second half.

I certainly hope you're right, connrick---that does have lots of possibilities!

What I can only wish for is that first conversation between Sayid and Juliet. He'd see right through her. Batting her eyes and making cheeseburgers wouldn't get too far.

That would be AWESOME! Sayid is the man.
'I believe what I can see', meaning, if he sees Smokey, p.e. he'd believe. Fortunately, Sayid would want to know further. Remember season 2 "I saw Walt in the jungle. Does that make me crazy?" Sure not.

:confused: Um, excuse me, but what did Locke lie about Eko's death? Where, when?

Locke lied to Nikki, Paulo and Desmond when he said Eko was killed by an animal, like a polar bear..... but Locke knew he was really killed by the "monster."

What I can only wish for is that first conversation between Sayid and Juliet. He'd see right through her. Batting her eyes and making cheeseburgers wouldn't get too far.

Please, please PTB, bring these two together for a scene.

That would be friggen awesome!!! You should ask Gregg Nations if we can expect a scene this year. Put a bug in his ear ;)

That would be friggen awesome!!! You should ask Gregg Nations if we can expect a scene this year. Put a bug in his ear ;)

Done. He has a lot of other mail to get through, after that last episode.

And I beg to differ with Lija; Sayid knows as much psychology as Juliet. He learned psychology while a torturer. She learned torture while a fertility doctor. Go figure.

Why can't he be both? I believe in both God and science....I don't think the two are mutually exclusive.

Yes, the two are just about mutually exclusive. To believe in almost all organized religions or God, you have to completely abandon at least a few laws of science, logic, reasoning, etc. Once you do that, you have taken the position that magic/superstition/religion/etc take precedent over logic. It's possible to have at least a little faith in something supernatural or mythical and still believe in science, but for the most part, they are two totally different things.

The writer seem to have been making a point ever since the beginning that there is a distinction between Faith and Science. Remember Locke and Jack's converstation on the way back with the dynamite? It's pretty obvious the writers made this one of the many themes of the show.

So far this whole series, Sayid has definitely seemed to be in the "Science" camp. The praying on the sailboat was extremely odd and uncharacteristic of him. The "I only believe what I can see" was a great line, one that wouldn't be said by someone very religious.

The "I only believe what I can see" was a great line, one that wouldn't be said by someone very religious.

"I only believe what I can see" brings to mind the vision of Walt that he saw with Shannon. He is aware that something is amiss on the island.
He does like to test his theories in a scientific way but his beliefs about people at least don't stem from logic but rather "a feeling". He was right about Michael, Benry, was able to see into Danielle and sees into situations based on a feeling.
I personally love that he crosses the lines between faith and science. We know that is Jack and Locke's conflict but I don't believe all characters have to fit into only one category.

Locke tells the group a bear or animal killed him when he likely knows it was Ole Smokey. And Sayid, Mr. Yummy Pants.. knew it. He's smart, hot and dangerous.. Where do I get some?

These scenes made me realize how much this show needs a nother Sayid-centric episode!

These scenes made me realize how much this show needs a nother Sayid-centric episode!

Heck yes!

Sayid and Locke make a good team. They were great when they went on the trek to the plane in "The Greater Good". Hope to see much more of this team.

These scenes made me realize how much this show needs a nother Sayid-centric episode!


Totally!!! I reeeeaaaally hope there is one lined up for the second part of the series. When all the characters are going a bit loco and acting oddly, Sayid is the only one you can rely on in my opinion!!!

I would also agree with earlier posts that Sayid HAS TO have a scene with Juliet.....she'd be busted in a second! There is no fluttering of eyelashes to get what you want with Sayid, though if I met him I'd probably give it a go :kiss:

Gemma x

I would also agree with earlier posts that Sayid HAS TO have a scene with Juliet.....she'd be busted in a second! There is no fluttering of eyelashes to get what you want with Sayid, though if I met him I'd probably give it a go

I don't know. Shannon won him over pretty quickly. Maybe he just has a thing for blond and annoying. Oh! Nikki could be his new love interest. Shannon's been dead for like, what, 30 days? It's time to move on...

On a more serious note, I want a Sayid/Pickett match-up. Let's see how long Pickett can handle Sayid's torturing. Someone needs to put that overgrown oaf in his place. That's what I want to see!

IOn a more serious note, I want a Sayid/Pickett match-up. Let's see how long Pickett can handle Sayid's torturing. Someone needs to put that overgrown oaf in his place. That's what I want to see!
Indeed. Pickett doesn't know it yet, but IMO he is a dead man walking. I won't venture to guess who it will be (I can think of at least two possibilities), but I believe that sooner or later someone is going to take him out.

well i hope Sayid Man Of Reason swims over to the island of insanity and slaps everyone across the face over there pretty pronto.

Yes, the two are just about mutually exclusive. To believe in almost all organized religions or God, you have to completely abandon at least a few laws of science, logic, reasoning, etc. Once you do that, you have taken the position that magic/superstition/religion/etc take precedent over logic. It's possible to have at least a little faith in something supernatural or mythical and still believe in science, but for the most part, they are two totally different things.

The writer seem to have been making a point ever since the beginning that there is a distinction between Faith and Science. Remember Locke and Jack's converstation on the way back with the dynamite? It's pretty obvious the writers made this one of the many themes of the show.

So far this whole series, Sayid has definitely seemed to be in the "Science" camp. The praying on the sailboat was extremely odd and uncharacteristic of him. The "I only believe what I can see" was a great line, one that wouldn't be said by someone very religious.

I strongly disagree. Faith only becomes unscientific when religious answers are applied to the wrong "magisterium," the physical world--e.g., believing that God created the Earth in seven days 4,000 years ago, against all physical evidence, because the Bible says so and you learned as a child that everything in the Bible is true. People who take religious mythology literally are definitely a minority in Christianity and perhaps in every other world religion. Generally speaking, educated people are not so literal. There are plenty of people (arguably including Einstein) who believe the physical world is scientifically understandable because God made it understandable and gave us minds capable of slowly figuring it out.

I don't know that TPTB see it that way. I've had problems with their whole "faith versus reason" setup. Worshiping (praying to!) a hatch you've found in the ground is NOT the same as following the traditions of the religion you were taught as a child, even though both may be equally illogical.

Sayid's eve-of-battle prayer, and Sayid's general attitude, have been discussed extensively. I think Sayid's distrust of the supernatural is a BIG theme in the show. After all, it got Shannon killed. (Her crazy running after Walt was mostly done to convince Sayid she wasn't crazy.) But it also will probably help to save them all--once Sayid figures out that the category of "impossible" is much smaller than he had ever expected. (Per Sherlock Holmes' dictum, "Once the impossible has been ruled out . . . ") With Sayid (perhaps with any human), it isn't just about the logic . . . more than any other Lostaway, he seems uneasy with, and frightened of, things he can't explain.

Others find it easier. Jack, for instance, seems sceptical but open-minded, carefully observing everything and everyone, asking questions, trying to figure out processes. I think with Jack the faith-versus-reason thing is more about POWER--who knows what, who understands what, who controls what, who's keeping others in the dark. In particular, it's been a Jack-versus-Locke thing and now increasingly a Jack-versus-Other thing, not so much a Jack-versus-the nature of reality thing. (Jack's also an interesting case because, like all doctors, he's already got the "cheating death" ethos--a permanent sense of confrontation with the Grim Reaper and entropy in general.) Many other Lostaways have their own deeply personal and interesting takes on these issues: Eko, Charlie, Claire, Rose, Desmond.

Some may differ, but I don't think the prayer on the boat even implies in a definitive way that Sayid believes in God. We KNOW he believes in ritual, tradition and social proprieties. He hopes that "everything happens for a reason" but worries that it doesn't. At this critical moment, why would it NOT be comforting and centering to him to physically, vocally and mentally re-enact a deeply meaningful and culturally specific ritual he learned as a child?

A Sayid/Charlie/Locke quest would be cool. Sayid rocked in this week's epi, but where is Charlie in all of this??? I think those three working together could get some answers PDQ.

Yes, the two are just about mutually exclusive. To believe in almost all organized religions or God, you have to completely abandon at least a few laws of science, logic, reasoning, etc. I disagree, To follow that logic is every scientist, doctor, or physisist an atheist? Conversely to what you are saying, to be religious I have to accept that some of the precepts that the bible offers are allegories - such as the world being created in six days. I believe that science and faith can and should work in unison.

So far this whole series, Sayid has definitely seemed to be in the "Science" camp. The praying on the sailboat was extremely odd and uncharacteristic of him. The "I only believe what I can see" was a great line, one that wouldn't be said by someone very religious.
How do we know praying is odd and uncharacteristic of him? This show is not "24"; we don't see every little thing they are doing on the island. Just glimpses here and there that the creators want us to see in order to advance the plot.

I posted this in an old thread, it seems appropriate here...
Sayid appears to be an intelligent man (science) who also is spiritual. I wasn't surprised to see him pray, rather pretty touched. I would guess that Sayid is a solitary person who usually prefers to pray privately - probably walks off by himself to do so. But the fact that he was on a boat didn't afford him such privacy.

I think Sayid, like most people, defies categorization. Much like physicists who spend their lives trying to pin down the origin of the universe -down to the littlest quark- but ultimately resign to the fact that something greater had to come into play. Something which created that first little quark. So are they persons of science or persons of faith? I'd say they're scientists who happen to have faith. So I'd say that Sayid is a man of science who is, amongst many other things, also spiritual.

http://www.thefuselage.com/Threaded/showpost.php?p=1048800&postcount=27

I'm really happy about him being just like in season 1 again...
And here I was thinking they would kill him off because of the little role he had during season 2...

Small part in Season 2? Come on! It was huge! I mean, every once in a while, you might see him digging a hole in the background or something.

i am a physicist (ok... physics major... :hypocrit: ) and, the more I learn about it, the more complex it gets, the more ridiculous the theories that end up being true are ; the more i believe that there is some divine power out there. let me tell you, now THAT is some pretty intense "magic." the things that are physically possible, from the astros to the subatomic, and the equations that explain them... i guess i don't really know what to say.

not only the fact that quantum tunneling, a mass being able to be in two places at once (an electron looked at as a wave), and other things (i'm actually pressed for time now), but the NORMAL things like the fact that we're attracted to a huge ball of dirt, and NO ONE has fallen off the earth, and everything corresponds to these laws, i mean what's the enforcer of these laws?! anyway, so yeah I have to go... maybe i'll post again about this

Yes, the two are just about mutually exclusive. To believe in almost all organized religions or God, you have to completely abandon at least a few laws of science, logic, reasoning, etc. Once you do that, you have taken the position that magic/superstition/religion/etc take precedent over logic. It's possible to have at least a little faith in something supernatural or mythical and still believe in science, but for the most part, they are two totally different things.


Too bad that this is completely OT - it would make a very good conversation elsewhere. But, for what it is worth, I don't think that are mutually exclusive at all. You are saying that religious people have to abandon certain laws of science, logic, or reasoning, which is a huge over-generalization... as I understand it, much of science and physics are not tangible laws, but more like theories, etc that cannot be irrevocably proved... and that sounds alot like faith to me. That's all I am going to say.. and I completely agree with ame en peine and Lostmymarbles and what they said.

Locke tells the group a bear or animal killed him when he likely knows it was Ole Smokey. And Sayid, Mr. Yummy Pants.. knew it. He's smart, hot and dangerous.. Where do I get some?

If you find out, will you please let me know? LOL

These scenes made me realize how much this show needs a nother Sayid-centric episode!

Um, YES!! I think so too. Do we need to start a petition or something? :biggrin: (I'm KIDDING!... partially...)

What I can only wish for is that first conversation between Sayid and Juliet. He'd see right through her. Batting her eyes and making cheeseburgers wouldn't get too far.

Please, please PTB, bring these two together for a scene.

That is a fabulous point and a scene well worth looking forward too... :biggrin:

You are saying that religious people have to abandon certain laws of science, logic, or reasoning, which is a huge over-generalization... as I understand it, much of science and physics are not tangible laws, but more like theories, etc that cannot be irrevocably proved... and that sounds alot like faith to me. That's all I am going to say.. and I completely agree with ame en peine and Lostmymarbles and what they said.


A thing is a scientific theory once it can be tested. Gravity is a theory, but that doesn't mean it takes faith to know it exists, we all know it does. Sure, scientific theories aren't always perfect, but that is just because humans are not perfect and have not fully thought about everything and tested everything. Theoretically, we could scientifically know the answers to all things some day that we can apply the scientific method to (make a prediction about something in the world, and then test it to prove whether it is right or wrong).

Obviously whether a scientific experiment proves something or not can still be a matter of debate, but the point is, we are still coming up with predictions and testing them. Questions like "does god exist?" can not even be scientifically tested. Now that doesn't mean that god is in and of itself a bad thing to believe in, or that this disproves god. All it means is that believing in god takes faith, and faith alone. There will never be scientific proof (obviously, that's where faith comes in).

When people say "you have to put faith in science," what they are really saying is we have to put faith in the people that are doing the scientific research, so that they will come out with the correct conclusion. Science itself does not require faith. The definition of faith is believing in something without evidence. Science is the exact opposite of this. Science is testing predictions that have evidence. If it doesn't have evidence, it's not science.

So in short, science and faith are at the two opposite ends of a spectrum. That doesn't mean someone can't believe in science with some things, and faith in other things. In fact, what usually happens is people believe in science with everything except anything that goes against any emotional faith-based beliefs they have (such as with the evolution/creation debate).

I think this thread has gotten a little off track in our thinking about Sayid. While Locke and Jack can be classified in the terms of Science vs. Faith (though not exclusively, of course), Sayid is a horse of a different color. When it comes to Sayid's character, we are not dealing primarily with science vs. faith issues; to make this our primary focus when discussing Sayid is to ask the wrong questions.

I think there are two main thrusts behind Sayid's character.

The first and most elemental thrust at this point is the price of truth. While this has some obvious overlaps in the science vs. faith debate and does touch on the nature of truth, Sayid's character is asking a different set of questions.

Sayid's attempts at extracting information through torture confronts us with two things. First it shows the importance of information, second it asks us to what extent we should go to extract information.

Sayid was the first one to suggest that some information should be withheld (Danielle's distress signal) from the larger group, to the shock of Kate, Boone, Shannon, Charlie, and Sawyer. This again speaks to the importance of information, and thus the importance of information control.

Also, notice how Sayid always seems to be the guy "in the know." In this last episode, for instance, he knew that John was lying.

This brings me to the second major theme of Sayid's character: loyalty. We see this immediately with his conversation with Hurley about the Gulf War ("I was in the Republican Guard"). Who do we trust? Do we trust Sawyer? The episode where Sayid torture's Sawyer is very interesting, as the viewer is conflicted between our feelings for Sawyer and Shannon (she needed asthma medicine) at the same time.

So to sum up this long post, here are the themes I see with Sayid:
1. The Price of Truth
a. The importance of information
b. To what extent should we go to get that information (torture)
c. Information Control
2. Loyalty - who do we trust

Perhaps this is dealing with small "t" truth, as some like to say: the practical nature of truth, it's cost and our responsibility to it. After all, as someone once said, "Knowledge is power".

In the end, we all can only go by our own life experience when coming to a decision as to which route to take. My life has led me in more of a science direction, but I gotta tell you, if I were to somehow discover that there were nothing beyond the physical plane, that this was all there was, I would be devastated.

Sadly, I think prayers are more or less a kind of "insurance", just incase there is something out there. To discount the possibility altogether is silly. Some things we just weren't meant to know, and I think that's really hitting Sayid right now. He is a man who is perfectly content with not knowing, but he's always on the lookout for... "it".

What about the value of information? - Knowledge is power.

Those kept 'out of the know' are disenfranchised.

What about the value of information? - Knowledge is power.

Those kept 'out of the know' are disenfranchised.

I kind of saw this coming after I wrote that quote. There aren't any instances that I can think of off hand that pertain to the abuse of power in regards to information. I think the abuse of power theme would apply mainly to Hurley.

Can you think of some specific instances? I may just be blanking out.

I think this thread has gotten a little off track in our thinking about Sayid. While Locke and Jack can be classified in the terms of Science vs. Faith (though not exclusively, of course), Sayid is a horse of a different color. When it comes to Sayid's character, we are not dealing primarily with science vs. faith issues; to make this our primary focus when discussing Sayid is to ask the wrong questions.

I think there are two main thrusts behind Sayid's character.

The first and most elemental thrust at this point is the price of truth. While this has some obvious overlaps in the science vs. faith debate and does touch on the nature of truth, Sayid's character is asking a different set of questions.

Sayid's attempts at extracting information through torture confronts us with two things. First it shows the importance of information, second it asks us to what extent we should go to extract information.

Sayid was the first one to suggest that some information should be withheld (Danielle's distress signal) from the larger group, to the shock of Kate, Boone, Shannon, Charlie, and Sawyer. This again speaks to the importance of information, and thus the importance of information control.

Also, notice how Sayid always seems to be the guy "in the know." In this last episode, for instance, he knew that John was lying.

This brings me to the second major theme of Sayid's character: loyalty. We see this immediately with his conversation with Hurley about the Gulf War ("I was in the Republican Guard"). Who do we trust? Do we trust Sawyer? The episode where Sayid torture's Sawyer is very interesting, as the viewer is conflicted between our feelings for Sawyer and Shannon (she needed asthma medicine) at the same time.

So to sum up this long post, here are the themes I see with Sayid:
1. The Price of Truth
a. The importance of information
b. To what extent should we go to get that information (torture)
c. Information Control
2. Loyalty - who do we trust

Perhaps this is dealing with small "t" truth, as some like to say: the practical nature of truth, it's cost and our responsibility to it. After all, as someone once said, "Knowledge is power".

SeaKing, I agree with all of this... great stuff. The only problem is that it doesn't answer to how Sayid has responded to the strange occurances on the island.

Sayid's encounters:

Visions of Walt: Sayid doesn't truly believe until he sees
Locke's mention of the black smoke: Sayid responds "I only believe what I see"

Sayid, while logical and scientific in much of his thinking, puts a lot of stock in experience. Belief in experience is generally seen as a mark of faith.

I still maintain that he's both ;)

Some things we just weren't meant to know, and I think that's really hitting Sayid right now. He is a man who is perfectly content with not knowing, but he's always on the lookout for... "it".

I don't know about that... What instances can you think of where he really didn't know something, and actively resolved himself to that specific ignorance?
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Thanks for the vote of confidence, YellowTang. You are right - his Island Encounters need to be dealt with better.

What if we were to suggest that Sayid is all about experience, and that both encompasses and transcends the science/faith issue? I hope I didn't just open up another can of worms...

You are right - his Island Encounters need to be dealt with better.We just need more Sayid all around!

What if we were to suggest that Sayid is all about experience, and that both encompasses and transcends the science/faith issue? I hope I didn't just open up another can of worms... That can of worms is still open.... my take is that Sayid puts his faith into what he sees, but that his response will be a logic, scientific one.

Just an aside re Pickett (I can't figure out the quote function on this new server, or maybe it isn't working) . . . I've been extremely disappointed by Pickett's one-note character. EVERYBODY on LOST is pretty much a complicated person, including Others and flashback characters. Even Colleen, though she was just a bit player, seemed like a three-dimensional, intelligent person who must have had an interesting history. She didn't seem like someone who would be with a one-track-mind idiot like Pickett. Pickett seems to exist just to beat up on Sawyer.

Just an aside re Pickett (I can't figure out the quote function on this new server, or maybe it isn't working) . . . I've been extremely disappointed by Pickett's one-note character. EVERYBODY on LOST is pretty much a complicated person, including Others and flashback characters. Even Colleen, though she was just a bit player, seemed like a three-dimensional, intelligent person who must have had an interesting history. She didn't seem like someone who would be with a one-track-mind idiot like Pickett. Pickett seems to exist just to beat up on Sawyer.

I know. There's a Pickett thread somewhere... I heard Lostpedia says he was in Locke's anger management class. You could see what they say about it.
I think we will get more from the Others via Jackback or Juliet...