Walter remarkably lucid this episode

[Cathy904]

When I watch all the episodes, "The Arrival" really stands out as Walter's most lucid episode yet.

I was distracted with Peter giving notice to Olivia that this was his last investigation, and Walter cheerfully calling out "Hello!" when they first arrived to the beacon landing. Does anyone else think Walter seems more like a tortured scientist this show than a barely functional man?

[D-Roc]

I noticed that he took a healthy dose of "supplements" at the start of this episode, which seemed to perk him up. He did similar in "Safe" when he realised that the safety deposit boxes were his. These "supplements" or home-made remedies seem to give him the mental clarity and concentration that he must have had in his youth.

To answer your question, yes, he did seem fairly lucid in this episode - in light of that, it shows that he was in control of his actions, and puts his attack on Astrid into greater perspective. Which Walter is less dangerous, the cloudy and muddled Walter, or the lucid and awake Walter..

Does anyone else think Walter seems more like a tortured scientist this show than a barely functional man?

He certainly flirts on both sides of the fence when it comes to be being "tortured" and "barely functional". I would say that he is tortured to an extent - he's almost a slave to his love for science, and he's paid the price for it.

I guess that when push comes to shove we can see what a person is really made of - two such occassions have showcased Walter's 'duality': His attack on Astrid in order to protect the cylinder at all costs, and his brave journey back within the walls of St. Claire's for little Ben.

There definetely seems to be (at least) two sides to this man - both are just as dedicated with different approaches and perspectives.