His experience, there was darkness everywhere human beings gathered. The way of the world. Perfection was a surface thing. Cut a few layers deep, you begin to see some darker shades. Cut to the bone –pitch black.
-- Narrator (Chapter 2 paragraph 188)

Importance: As Ethan begins his investigation in Wayward Pines, he makes a dark but realistic assessment of human nature, which is metaphorical for his experience so far in Wayward Pines: nothing is ever what it seems. The truth is far darker and disturbing than what meets the eyes. The same will be true of Wayward Pines.

The sting and the shame of all he’s put her through are still raw. He can’t say for certain, but he suspects that if she’d done the same to him, he’d already be gone. Marvels at her love for him. Her loyalty. So far beyond anything he deserves, it only intensifies the shame.
-- Narrator (Chapter 5 paragraph 3)

Importance: Here...