For some reason I was really surprised to hear of Desmond's SIX year relationship with Ruth. Desmond has a lot of folks calling him a coward . . .

I was caught by surprise too! Six years is a long time. I just wrongfully assumed Penny was his only serious relationship. Ruth is a very attractive girl. I absolutely loved how Desmond met Penny! Fate. :smile:

Is there some Biblical significance to Ruth and 6 years?

Didn't find anything on Ruth and 6 years, but Ruth was the great-grandmother of King David who is considered the greatest of the Israeli kings. Ruth was one of a trio of women (Naomi, her mother-in-law, and Orpah, her sister-in-law). After all of the men in her husband's family died, Ruth was encouraged to go back to her own family by Naomi. Orpah took Naomi's advice, but Ruth stayed with Naomi. They went through years of poverty until Ruth remarried and was able to get back her husbands legacy through this new marriage. The Book of Ruth is pretty short, maybe someone out there has studied it in detail.

The chopper pilot's name is apparently Naomi according to TV Guide.

It was a nice surprise to find another relationship in Desmond's past. It was also interesting that no one seemed to have a connection to other Losties. Maybe some of these folks might turn up in other character's fb's.

Mmm...cute girl, scottish accent...more Des FBs please!

I love Des's flashbacks. I was also shocked to hear he ran out on a 6 yr relationship.

I didn't see anything about this so forgive me if I missed it. What was the significance of the past relationship with Ruth? I realize the epi showed us how he met Penny, but I seem to have missed the importance of the past relationship. (which is normal for me, so that's why I come here :confused: )

Also, does it seem that Des had a bit of a drinking problem? Didn't he say he was laying on the ground somewhere when the Monk found him? Then we see him hitting the wine pretty heavy. hmmm

I think the purpose of that scene was to establish Desmond's propensity for self-doubt and tendency to flee from obligations and commitment. She hardly seemed like his type though, did she? A woman half his age with an unconvincing Scottish accent.

Desmond was also lying on the ground after the explosion of the Hatch when he had his vision of Ms. Hawking/traveled through time and back.

The lesson Desmond needs to learn? Sleep standing up, brotha.

I was also shocked to hear he ran out on a 6 yr relationship.

I think it was a device to illustrate Desmond's perceived cowardice.