In Defense of Hugo

Hugo "Hurley" Reyes has taken a lot of flak the last couple of weeks. From the Others? The Freighties? Other Losties? No, I'm referring to the fans. Perrenial fan fave Hurley has become a punching bag. Why? Because of his decision to follow Locke, and his role in trapping Sayid and Kate. Well, I don't share other fans disappointment in the island's resident teddy bear, and I'll tell you why.

First of all, this is Hurley we're talking about. He's a good guy who cares about other people and values his friends. He is not making selfish decisions, he is exercising his judgement as best he can, like all of us.

Second, there is evidence that he isn't just a good guy, but a "good person" (as defined by the island/Jacob), namely, the appearance of Jacob's cabin to Hurley. It seems you have to have a special connection to the island to see the cabin/Jacob (like Ben and Locke), and I doubt strongly that Hurley's sighting was coincidental.

Also, let's remember Hurley's stated reason for going with Locke: he was heeding his best friend's dying warning. Seems pretty honorable to me.

And let's face it, there were compelling reasons for making either decision. Hey, they want to get rescued, right? So it's easy to see people taking their chances, rather than following a vague warning. But it's also easy to see that seeds of doubt would be planted by Charlie's warning, and some people are inevitably going to be swayed by this.

Hurley isn't against Jack or Kate or Sayid; he is simply doing what he thinks is best under the circumstances. Granted, in the TBOTE FF, he does apologize to Jack for going with Locke. Presumably, something we have yet to see happen convinced him he made the wrong decision. But given the information at the time, I think he did the only thing he could do, and regardless of how things turn out, I don't see how he can be criticized.

Plus, I still believe in Locke. :-)