[spoilers] Lucas. Just Lucas.

[Byatil]

That is an absolutely fantastic analysis, thank-you for sharing that, seriously.

I think that scene is particularly poignant as well because Lucas is literally laying himself bare for Harry to see. The fact he's half-naked somewhat symbolises the fact that Lucas is desperate for Harry's trust, and that he really wants Harry to ask him questions, and to understand exactly what he's been through - I think he feels that if he can tell the story, as you've said, he can "wake up", and begin to deal with the events of the last 8 years. Harry abandoned him them, and he's metaphorically abandoning Lucas again - but emotionally this time. The fact that Lucas refuses to de-brief and wants to go straight back to work almost seems like a challenge to Harry (as well as to himself), I think he ultimately wants Harry to resist, and to force him into getting help; but equally feels that if Harry agrees to Lucas going back to work, it's a chance for him to gain Harry's trust again.
On a personal level, I can only imagine how frustrating it would be to have to work with someone who had the answers to all your niggling little questions, but was so reluctant to answer any of them. Harry is obviously an important person in Lucas' life in S7, as he has, after all, spent 8 years in Russia for the man... with apparently very little gratitude.

I love all the observations you've made about the car journey, and the tid-bits of small talk in 7.1. I've only seen the episode once, but I do remember how cleverly RA was acting his part - he's amazing at conveying very deep, underlying emotions. Even the way he asks for some fish and chips seems like an attempt to "fit in" again, to crack jokes and prove that he's coping well. The entire façade just makes me think that he desperately wanted Harry to actually pay attention to him after ignoring him for all those years, and to actually look at him. Perhaps Harry is too ashamed to admit what he has (inadvertently) done to Lucas at this point?

The thing about Lucas requiring commands is also very interesting, now that you've pointed it out I can remember pieces of the script where it was very apparent. It also slots in with his obsession over being logical and keeping things rather clinical, it just seems like classic institutionalised behaviour. I think we can see this clearly in his relationship with Sarah; he opens up to her yet he only really tells her things when she asks him to. She calls all the shots in their relationship, up until Lucas is dealing with her on a professional level, where he obviously feels more confident.

I probably have more to comment on but I'll leave it at that for now! Brilliant post Binkie, and yes... I do feel rather cheated out of the character I met in S7