I felt sorry for him after a while, although simultaneously angry at what he had done. I got from his story that he had given up Walt (paternity rights) because he was conned into believing it was the best thing for Walt. He continued to care about Walt, but was not permitted to be a part of his life. He sent letters and drawings which were kept from Walt. We find out later that the Others have files on everyone... it wouldn't be a stretch to believe they capitalized on these events to manipulate Michael. Any parent might be subject to such a manipulation, but most especially Michael...

It seemed to me when the Others gave him the choice to betray the Losties or give up his son forever (for the second time)... it drove him mad... he looked crazed and lost to me from the time he came back to camp all the way to when he and Walt took off on the boat. Despite betraying the Losties, he did not acquire loyalty to the Others, and we see clearly his suspicion of them right up to the end. I felt the shootings were out of character - only his crazed look made it believable.

I felt Sayid said it best when he says Michael has been "compromised." choice word. Michael had to make a dreadful compromise. I saw what happened to him as a near-variant of "Sophie's choice" - do this awful thing, or this other awful thing.

haha. yes things like this happen in tv shows - good to know.

~ waves ~