He really does have a fascinating face doesn't he? I think Terry O'Quin has the ability to draw in a viewer - no matter what role or scene he is playing and invest them so completely in him that even if the writing lags at times, he still owns the scene.

I didn't feel the Walt scene as much as you did but yes, it does seem to me that the name Eloise was again a trigger. I am getting more and more curious as to why this name triggers Ben so much.

And yes, Desmond is special. Forever and always.