The Lost Diary tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1 2008-05-16T16:41:49Z Movable Type 3.2ysb5-20051201 There's No Place Like Home -- Part 1 tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.124 2008-05-16T14:26:20Z 2008-05-16T16:41:49Z Daniel I used to be super excited for "Lost" every week, but this season hasn't left me with that "Oh my God 'Lost' is on tonight!" feeling like it used to. But after last week's great episode -- and knowing that we're down the wire here -- has me back to my old level of excitement about tonight's episode.

Forget the preamble -- let's roll:

10:02 -- I am immediately in love with this episode. We're going to get to see how the Oceanic 6 get re-introduced into society. I am already at the edge of my seat.

]]> 10:04 -- "We are in shock, Jack." -- Sun

10:05 -- Odds Widmore or Abaddon is in the crowd waiting for them? I am betting on yes.

10:06 -- Hey, it's Cheech.

10:07 -- Slow-motion reunion scene time. Oh, that? No, it just must be dusty in here. Very, very dusty. Let's just move on, shall we?

10:09 -- Farraday clearly understands what Keamy is talking about, but Jack and the others fail to notice. Also, remember this -- something Sayid does, maybe in this episode, is part of how Ben gets Sayid to work for him (""Remember what happened last time you thought with your heart and not with your head.")

10:13 -- Jack and Kate are making their way through the forrest, and Jack is bleeding. Unless Kate takes off an article of clothing, this scene is not going to do much for me.

10:14 -- Hey, it's Miles, Sawyer and Aaron. Sometimes this island is incredibly small.

10:15 -- Did Sawyer just call the Others little community "New Otherton"? That might be my favorite Sawyer line ever.

10:16 -- Sawyer and Jack together again? Good times.

10:17 -- Whoa, OK -- so in addition to this fairy tale about a typhoon washing a fishing boat ashore, Kate is telling people Aaron is her baby. I got that one wrong.

10:18 -- "By then there were only eight of us left." -- Jack. Please tell who the other two are -- it's killing me!

10:19 -- Ok, Jin "never made it off the plane." We can cross him off our list. Which means he could be alive on the island ...

10:20 -- Someone is there to see Sayid. It can only be one person ...

10:21 -- "Nadia?" -- Sayid. Uh oh, it's getting dusty in here again. Dusty, I tell you!!!

10:22 -- Here he comes to say the day, Sayid Jarrah is on his way!

10:25 -- Ben is taking Locke and Hurley to the Orchid, just like Keamy thought he was. Ben also says moving the island is "a measure of last resort."

10:26 -- "You know those are 15 years old?" -- Ben to Hurley

10:27 -- Ben just used a mirror to communicate with someone up on a mountain -- most likely Richard and the rest of the Others.

10:28 -- Sayid trusts Farraday with the raft, which I totally would have too. I like Farraday.

10:29 -- Hmmm, Sun gets on the raft, splitting her and Aaron up from the rest of the Oceanic 6. Interesting.

10:30 -- On the list of things I want to see this week, here's one -- I want to know that Sun's dad is involved with Widmore somehow. I feel it in my bones.

10:31 -- I thoroughly enjoyed Sun's Korean bitch-slapping of her dad. I can only assume Widmore is the second person she blames for the crash. Maybe Ben.

10:35 -- Hoogo is starting to go nuts -- but it's only a surprise party.

10:36 -- "Jesus Christ is not a weapon." -- Hoogo's mom

10:37 -- Cheech fixed up the car he and Hurley used to work on when he was a kid. Damn this dust!!!

10:38 -- Of all the things I have ever seen in my life, I don't think anything has given me goosebumps quite like seeing the odometer on Hurley's car -- and it's "the numbers." If I may quote Keanu Reeves, "Whoa."

10:39 -- As Hurley was running away, all I can think of is this -- I wish the camera would stay on him longer, 'cause I am guessing he didn't "run" very far. Probably changed to walking after like a block.

10:40 -- "I wasn't being entirely truthful." -- Ben to Locke. That line is Ben's version of "Don't tell me what I can't do!"

10:41 -- "They're already here." -- Ben

10:44 -- Farraday delivered everyone back to the freighter safely. I have to say, no matter what goes down, I hope Farraday is involved in the show next season -- Miles, too. The rest of the Freighter Tots can go.

10:46 -- Well that's weird -- something on the boat is broadcasting, blocking the freighter's signal. I am guessing Michael would know something about that.

10:47 -- Lawnmower Man is handcuffed to the helicopter when Sawyer and Jack find him. I've never been handcuffed to anything. Sigh ...

10:48 -- "Son of a bitch." -- Jack

10:49 -- We're at Jack's dad's funeral and afterwards a woman comes up to him -- with a thick accent. Might Jack be about to learn about Claire?

10:50 -- "He came to see his daughter ... Her name was Claire." -- Claire's mother. Shouldn't she be in a coma?

10:52 -- Man, Jack's face tells the whole story, doesn't it?

10:54 -- Sun and Jin aren't too happy to see Michael. He must get a lot of that. Oh and PS -- that's a lot of C4 on the boat.

10:55 -- Alright, I know he's a small character and all -- but I get super duper excited every time Richard shows up.

10:56 -- "How many times do I have to tell you John? I always have a plan." -- Ben

10:57 -- Based on the music and the slow-motion walking, I am going to say Sun just saw Jin for the last time.

10:58 -- "My name is Benjamin Linus. I believe you're looking for me." -- Ben

When "Lost" is on its game, it has a little bit of everything -- and tonight's episode was certainly that. Moved the plot forward, revealed a little bit, and gave us more than a few fantastic scenes. All the flashforward scenes tonight were right on the money as far as I was concerned. And, in some ways, that is what's been wrong with this season.

The flashforwards are almost delivering too well -- what is actually going on on the island pales in comparison. The flashforwards, by nature, have rendered the scenes on the island almost useless. We have a pretty good idea what happens to every person on the island and it's taken a lot of the suspense out of what is going on on the island.

Only now do I feel like we're building up to something really happening on the island that will really mean anything.

Tonight's episode was definitely an A -- with the numbers on the odometer thing being a subtle, yet truly memorable "Lost" scene.

Here's my question to you today: How do you like your flashes, forward or back?

"Lost" is off next week, so let's get in an LDQA. Feel free to send in whatever question you want -- "Lost," presidential election, gay marriage ... whatever. Feel free to have fun with it. Click here to send me a question. Til then ...

(One more thing and I couldn't find a place to put this. In the first scene, didn't it look like the Oceanic rep on the plane nodded at someone before she went to talk to the Oceanic 6? Look at this screengrab and tell me you don't see someone sitting there! Weird, right?)

]]> Cabin Fever tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.123 2008-05-09T18:14:45Z 2008-05-09T18:49:37Z Daniel **ARGH!!!! Site has been down all morning. I posted this as soon as I could. Damn you, Internet! 

I've had a really hard time writing this part of the Diary and I think that goes back to the fact that I have had a hard time putting my finger on this season. Flashforwards are unpredictable, the Losties are spread out in many different places, the Freighter is looming and Jacob is hanging over my head worse than final exams. I don't think I have had less of a clue of what is going to happen from week to week than I do now.

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10:02 -- My clock says 10:02, but I think "Grey's Anatomy" is still on. I don't think I can handle Locke with McNickname.

10:03 -- "His name is John!" -- Locke's mom

10:04 -- Three minutes into the show and we have our first Locke/Ben scene. As far as I am concerned, that's a good sign for a good episode.

10:05 -- We're back on the freighter and frankly it's about time. Whatever happened with Michael?

10:06 -- As to be expected, Michael is chained to a pipe in a room. Seems like he got off easy ... til now.

10:07 -- Keamy pulled the trigger, there were bullets in the gun, but the gun didn't fire. Just saying.

10:12 -- Locke encounters Horace in the woods, building a cabin. You might remember Horace as the guy who was there when Ben was born, helped Ben's dad get a job with Dharma, and there was one other thing. What was it? Oh yeah -- he died in the Purge!!!

10:13 -- And he's completely aware of the fact he's dead. And we now know the Purge was 12 years ago.

10:14 -- "Godspeed, John." -- Horace. And it was all a dream. Yeah, right.

10:15 -- "I used to have dreams." -- Ben

10:16 -- A fairly innocuous scene about how even when Locke was in an incubator people treated him like crap has just been kicked up a gazillion notches because RICHARD WAS THERE!!! So many questions ...

10:17 -- "He did it." Locke explaining the Purge to Hurley. There's something about a mass grave that rubs me the wrong way. I just can't put my finger on it.

10:21 -- "Mind if I show you a couple of neat things?" -- Richard to Locke. I am pretty sure that's a line preferred by some of the finest pedophiles in all the land.

10:24 -- I stand by belief that any scene of "Lost" over two minutes is just phenomenal. This one was no exception. I wonder what those items mean in the grand scheme of things? The vial of sand could relate to the sand around Jacob's cabin. Not sure if I get the compass yet. Oh, I'll have a theory about Alpert/Dharma later on.

10:25 -- Though I am willing to bet Locke will find the compass on Horace's body.

10:26 -- Nope, he just found cabin blueprints instead. Not sure how that helps.

10:27 -- So Keamy's a d**k, right? Anyway, he's picked up the secondary objective and he says that in it, Widmore explains where Ben is headed. Does Widmore know where the cabin is? How could he?

10:28 -- The captain, who seems on the level, now wants to help Sayid and Desmond. Next time Keamy leaves for the island, he should just sail off. That's what I'd do.

10:33 -- Every time Locke and Ben talk lately, I can't decide if Ben likes Locke or hates him. On the one hand, it's like Locke is now Jacob's new favorite and he's jealous. On the other, he sees Locke as being the person who can save him and island.

10:34 -- It's high school now and life still sucks for John Locke. Dr. Alpert has eye on Locke, but his guidance counselor keeps telling him what he can't be. What are the odds this scene ends with John saying, "Don't tell me what I can't do"?

10:35 -- "Don't tell me what I can't do!" -- Locke. Too easy.

10:36 -- What the hell are they strapping to Keamy? Prediction: Lawnmower Man takes one for the team and crashes that helicopter into a mountain or something.

10:37 -- With everything that has gone on, would you want to ride that little dinky boat back to the island? I'd take my chances on the freighter.

10:42 -- "Destiny is a fickle bitch." -- Ben. Someone has lost their mojo, big time.

10:43 -- "Cabin." -- Hurley

10:44 -- Giant leap forward in our flashback and Locke is in rehab. And the voice of that nurse can't get past me (thank you, "The Wire") -- it's Abaddon, the guy who visited Hurley in the mental ward and recruited all the Freighter people. Creepy.

10:45 -- "You need to go on a Walkabout." -- Abaddon to Locke

10:46 -- "When you're ready, Mr. Locke, you'll listen to what I'm saying. And then, when you and me run into each other again, you'll owe me one." -- Abaddon to Locke

10:49 -- After a tense stand-off on the boat, and the morse code message coming true, Lawnmower Man is going to fly Keamy and company back to the island. I stand by my prediction -- they never make it.

10:52 -- Back on the beach Jack has recovered nicely and everyone has gathered on the shore to watch the helicopter. I can't wait to see the look on their faces when it explodes.

10:53 -- Nope. Instead, Lawnmower Man throws them a sat phone so they can find Keamy. I like my idea better.

10:54 -- Hurley and Ben are passing on going into the cabin.

10:55 -- And do you know whose voice that is? It's Christian Shephard, but he says he ain't Jacob -- just his publicist.

10:56 -- CLAIRE!!!!!

10:57 -- "How do I save the island?" -- Locke

10:58 -- Great little scene between Hurley and Ben. Candy bars, bringing fat people and mass murders together for generations.

10:59 -- "He wants us to move the island." -- Locke. Sounds reasonable enough.

Everyone watches TV for a different reason. Me, I can't stand shows that wrap up their show in a neat little bow every week and solve the murder and everyone is happy. I like long-reaching story lines that last for awhile. I want my television to make me work a little bit.

At its best, "Lost" is that show (and then some). What I loved most about tonight's episode is that it focused entirely on the mythology of the show. Seeing Richard and Abaddon in Locke's flashbacks was awesome. Watching Locke and company search for the cabin was fantastic. This is the kind of episode I enjoy.

Thus, I am giving tonight's ep an A -- watching Ben react to Locke's journey tonight was fascinating. Seeing Richard again gave me goosebumps. I hope every episode from here on out focuses on the same kinds of things that tonight's did.

Here's my thing with Richard tonight (besides the fact he seemingly never ages). He was off the island. We have been told the submarine is the only way on and off the island, but Locke was a baby some 45 years ago and the Purge only happened 12 years ago. Didn't Dharma arrive on the island in the 70s? So shouldn't Richard not have had access to the sub yet? Is this proof there is another way off the island? Or am I missing something?

Anyway, here is my question to you this week --are you like me in that the more an episode of "Lost
 delves into the mythology of the show, the better it is?
]]> Something Nice Back Home tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.122 2008-05-02T15:41:56Z 2008-05-02T15:42:51Z Daniel
For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Ari and Lauren are in Costa Rica, so I am flying solo tonight. Let's roll ...

]]>
10:01 -- Oh no, Jack fainted. Maybe he'll die. Oh wait, we already know he lives! I'll stop now, promise.

10:02 -- Jack flashforward time and it looks like we're getting "somewhat well-adjusted Jack" instead of "raging lunatic Jack." Perhaps this week will fill-in that blank a little bit for us.

10:03 -- Jack's got a lady friend -- and a kid. With Juiet, perhaps?

10:04 -- in an upset, it's Kate. I wonder where in the timeline we are here -- after Kate's trial, but before Jack goes crazy?

10:07 -- From the looks of things, Jack and Kate are playing house now, and have for some time. It's definitely post-trial. BTW -- Kate in a dress shirt? Thumbs up.

10:10 -- Whoa -- looks like Rousseau didn't survive. A little anti-climactic, a tad shocking and a bit disappointing. Great scene with Miles though. More of him, please.

10:12 -- Even if I didn't know Jack makes it off the island, I would never want to watch a show that kills off a main character because of appendicitis. Lame.

10:16 -- Juliet is barking orders around and Kate is standing around looking worried and all I can think is this: How did I ever think Juliet was hotter than Kate? It's not even close. Evangeline, my apologies.

10:18 -- Rose thinks the island made Jack sick on purpose -- to keep him on the island, perhaps.

10:19 -- Jack wants Kate to be in the surgery. Apparently he thinks at some point someone is going to be needed to be held at gunpoint.

10:20 -- Jack's back to seeing his dad. Sweet.

10:21 -- And Hurley is back to being crazy. Nice.

10:23 -- "You're not supposed to raise him, Jack." -- Hurley

10:24 -- "Charlie said someone is going be visiting you too. Soon." -- Hurley. Remember last week when I said anytime "Lost" does a scene that's longer than like 2 minutes it's always amazing? No exception here.

10:28 -- Farraday and company are at the medical station and Jin and Sun are back to speaking Korean. I missed subtitles. Only problem? I think Charlotte speaks Korean. Just a hunch.

10:29 -- Lawnmower Man emerged from the bushes with a sat phone and a warning -- HIDE. Sawyer and company smartly listen.

10:30 -- Seems the smoke monster spared all the bad guys from last week. What the hell did it do then?

10:31 -- "Looks like I'm gonna be your nurse." -- Kate. "Wouldn't the first time." -- Jack. Nice throwback to the premiere episode, when Kate sewed up Jack's wound.

10:32 -- Jack is camped outside Hurley's mental hospital. Looking for Charlie, maybe?

10:34 -- "Will you marry me?" -- Jack

10:35 -- "Yes." -- Kate

10:39 -- Have I mentioned lately how much I love Jin? He just totally bitch-slapped Charlotte -- in Korean -- and it was awesome. I want Jin to be my friend.

10:40 -- Jack appendectomy time. I think he'll make it.

10:41 --

10:42 -- Jack is really, really back to seeing his dad again. Next stop, Crazytown.

10:44 -- And here comes the drug addiction. Choo, choo! All aboard!

10:45 -- "Jack's never home before 8. I can stay about an hour." Kate to ... Noreen? I don't think so.

10:46 -- Two pills with a beer? Man, Jack is getting right to it, ain't he?

10:47 -- Ok, now Claire sees Christian holding Aaron. Is anyone NOT crazy this week?

10:50 -- Juliet gracefully stepped aside, basically giving Jack and Kate permission to screw. Classy move, considering she's a whore.

10:51 -- "I know you're awake." -- Juliet to Jack

10:52 -- Jack is obliterated and jealous. Things are about to get good.

10:53 -- What man in his right mind would "let it go" when he asks where his fiancee is? Not even Jack would let that non-answer slide.

10:54 -- WHOA!!! SAWYER IS ALIVE ON THE ISLAND!!!

10:55 -- And it's Claire's Aaron. That's now settled.

10:56 -- I think Jack can flush that Father of the Year award down the toilet now.

10:57 -- Claire seems to have followed Christian into the night and disappeared.

10:58 -- If that's the last we ever see of Claire again, that would be BEYOND awesome.

10:59 -- "CLAIRE!!!!!" -- Sawyer. Not as good as "WAAAAAALT!!!!"

Yet another high-level episode of "Lost" -- though I don't think I can sit through another week without Desmond. Feels like the producers know he's the man, so they spread out the Desmond love so as not to waste it. I thoroughly enjoyed this episde -- B for sure -- but I have the same odd feeling after this one that I have had after nearly every episode this season.

I used to judge each episode with the question, "What have we learned?" But lately, we haven't been learning much -- but the episodes have still been top-notch. I am not going to go note-for-note, but we haven't learned anything Earth-shattering this season. The biggest revelations have occurred off the island, and some would argue that all they have done is give away what will happen on the island.

Again -- don't take this as me bashing this season. I have loved it. But at the same time I am left to wonder -- has this season really accomplished anything in the grand scheme of things? Everyone has moved around a bit, the freighter people have landed -- but really, what else is there? I could probably explain what has happened this season in like a minute.

I have often argued there is a difference between a good episode of "Lost" and a GOOD EPISODE OF "LOST" -- last year's Nikki and Paulo episode being a great example." I feel like we've been getting good episodes, but not GOOD episodes. Hope that makes sense.

So my question to you this week is this -- as good as "Lost" has been this year, do you still feel robbed by it? I kinda do. 'Til next week ...]]> The Shape of Things to Come tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.121 2008-04-25T14:03:40Z 2008-04-25T14:09:37Z Daniel My friend Chris has been great about IMing me the morning of "Lost" and giving me a good one-liner that really sets me up for this blog. Thursday morning he only sent me this: "I totally forgot that 'Lost 'started back up tonight. That's like f**king Christmas." Couldn't have said it better myself.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I am watching tonight's episode of "Lost" solo -- I needed to watch the East Coast feed so I wouldn't end up staying up all night. Gotta get my shuteye. Let's roll:

10:02 -- Previously on "Lost" has never been so useful. I almost forgot what was going on, it's been so long. So there was a plane crash, right?

]]> 10:03 -- I like when "Lost" ends chaotically one week, then starts off slow the next. Particularly when that slow start consists of Kate in a state of undress.

10:04 -- When you're hoping a boat is going to come and rescue you, having the doctor of said boat wash up dead on shore is probably a bad omen. Just a thought.

10:05 -- "Australia is the key to the whole game." -- Hurley. Fun fact: I have never played Risk.

10:06 -- Predictably, Alex turns off the super fence. Question -- is Rousseau really dead? I go with no.

10:07 -- "They're here." -- Ben. Carol Anne, is that you?

10:11 -- I managed to go this entire week without seeing one "Lost" commercial or reading a single spoiler. So the fact that this is a Ben flash-forward is a complete surprise to me. Color me excited.

10:12 -- Ben seems to have fallen from the sky and landed in the Sahara Desert, with a wounded arm, and stumbled onto a couple of guys on horses wearing turbans and armed with Ak-47s. Clearly someone slipped me acid during the commercial brake.

10:13 -- I have to admit, Ben going all Jason Bourne on those guys was kind of a letdown. Ben is like the guy from "Princess Bride" -- he's all intellect. I don't like the fact he's got a black belt, too. It's inconceivable.

10:15 -- "When? When is kind of a relative term." -- Farraday. I missed that guy.

10:16 -- One of my biggest pet peeves about "Lost' is how there are dozens of random people running around who never say or do anything. Apparently the producers have decided to cut that number down by having some of them walk into gunfire. Natural selection.

10:17 -- "Lost" does gunfights about as well as Britney Spears sings. BTW -- did Claire just blow up? That would be anticlimactic.

10:20 -- Dean Moriarty is checking into the Tunisia Hilton ... but he's not 100% sure of the year. Nothing unsuspicious about that.

10:21 -- Sayid is on the TV, and apparently his wife is dead. R.I.P. Nadia.

10:22 -- Ben is planning a field trip to Jacob's cabin and it involves Hurley. Better pack an extra picnic basket.

10:24 -- Ding dong! Miles is at the door and he's got a walkie-talkie.

10:29 -- Yup, Nadia is dead and here comes Ben to pay his respects.

10:31 -- Ben has finally tracked down Sayid and we're beginning to see how he recruited Sayid to work for him -- by exploiting Nadia's death. Same way he always gets people to do what he wants.

10:36 -- Ok, I didn't go minute-by-minute during the Ben vs. Martin the mercenary scene for a reason -- I couldn't. As someone who pours over the minutia of "Lost' every week, I have come to learn something. Since there are so many characters spread out over the island, "Lost" has a ton of scenes, usually lasting about a minute, maybe two in length. But when they decide to hunker down for a good five-minute scene, look out. I loved this scene, I really didn't know how it was going to play out. Have we ever seen Ben truly lose in a situation? Not this badly, that's for sure. A+ scene.

10:37 -- Oh, almost forgot -- R.I.P. Alex.

10:40 -- "He changed the rules." -- Ben. He's not taking this well at all.

10:41 -- Ben scurried off into his fortress of solitude and then snuck of into a Batcave. I literally couldn't make another comic book reference if I tried.

10:44 -- "Benjamin, who is next?" -- Sayid. Ben is pretty happy with himself.

10:45 -- Black Smoke Monster? Hey, it's Ben. Well, not so good actually. I was wondering if you could do me a favor. I am locked inside a house and these six mercenary guys are trying to kill me and they just executed my daughter right in front of me. Yeah, I know. Sucks, right? Do you think you could take care of them for me? Really? Oh, man I totally owe you one. Say hi to the Mrs. for me. Linus, out.

10:50 -- Bernard, who never ceases to surprise, exposed Farraday for lying about the Morse code message. BTW -- Jack looks likes grim death.

10:52 -- After a bit of a pissing match, Hurley agrees to go with Locke and Ben. Of course he does, he has to find the cabin.

10:54 -- Ben is heading up to the Penthouse suite of some building in London. Any predictions on who is there? I am going with Penny, and Ben kills her.

10:55 -- Close, it's Charles Widmore. That was the safe bet.

10:56 -- Why can't Ben kill Widmore?

10:57 -- "I know who you are, boy, what you are. I know that everything you have you took from me." Widmore to Ben.

10:58 -- "I'm here Charles to tell you I'm going to kill your daughter. Penelope, is it?" -- Ben to Widmore. I was close!

10:59 -- "Sleep tight, Charles." -- Ben

I used to judge an episode of "Lost" by what we learned that week. Lately though, I feel like we're learning less each week than ever before (as if that was possible). Yet, I still find myself enjoying every week, even though every episode fails my "What did we learn?" test.

This week is no different; we learned a few things (Ben can control the smoke monster, for example). But how many big "reveals" have we really had this season? Can't say I have ever been totally blown away at any point.

Tonight though gave us a handful of new questions, which on "Lost" is the far more common occurrence. How does Ben control the smoke monster? How he did land up in the desert? Why can't he kill Widmore? Why does Widmore think the island was once his? What happened to the boat doctor and why did the boat people think he's fine? What are the "rules" Ben spoke of? Why did "Lost" start at 10:02? Did America really need two extra minutes of "Grey's"?

In the end, I found this to be another solid episode of "Lost" -- I enjoyed it the whole way through, even if it never gave me that "OH MY GOD!!!!" moment, though I loved the Alex execution scene. Solid B from me.

I am bringing back an oldie but goodie for my question to you this week -- if you could have one "Lost" question answered next week, which would it be?

I'll try and throw together an LDQA every week if we get enough good questions, Feel free to ask me anything and everything. Click here to send me a question.

]]> What? tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.119 2008-04-07T18:54:48Z 2008-04-07T19:58:16Z Daniel ]]> LDQA -- 4/3 tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.118 2008-04-03T21:33:55Z 2008-04-17T20:47:42Z Daniel
Ok, a few quick things I want to get off my chest before we get started:

-- I am finally all caught up on "Battlestar Galactica." It's good, for sure. Great? I don't know if I can go that far. I was a HUGE fan of the show as a kid, and what they have done with it is amazing -- but sometimes I feel like the show tries a little too hard.

-- I feel like I did you all a disservice by not bringing this up sooner, but "In Treatment" is just beyond phenomenal. It's certainly not for everyone (it's essentially two people talking for 25 minutes) but the writing is amazing and every performance in it is top notch. The girl who plays Sophie deserves an Emmy now for sure. If you can On Demand it, I suggest you give it a shot.

-- If you want to see a totally f'ed up movie that is incredibly good, go see "Funny Games." It's about two yuppy kids who hold a yuppy family hostage and torture them. Is it a downer from start to finish? Absolutely. Is it a superbly-directed, amazingly well-acted movie? Definitely. Not for the faint of heart though, that's for sure.

-- I read every question that comes in. Some I include in the column, some I don't. What makes me pick some over others? I don't know -- I am just looking for the ones that sparks something in me. Most of the time I don't pick a question simply because I don't have a good answer. But keep 'em coming, please. They're all great.

Let's roll:

Q: Now that we know who the Oceanic 6 are, does it make sense to assume that the two other survivors who "died on the island" would have to be Claire (because she birthed Aaron) and Jin (because he had to have impregnated Sun)? -- Jenny

A: Yes. With everything we know now, that would make the most sense to me. But I don't think we know everything there is to know yet. I reserve the right to change my answer on this one.


]]> Q: There is a spot for you on my couch!  Of course my couch is in NH, so you'd have quite a distance to travel, if Ari and Lauren ever come back they are welcome too.  My question for you is this.  If Ben and Jerry's created a Lost Ice Cream flavor what do you think it would be? -- Kelly

A: Thanks for the offer. After my plea for new places to watch "Lost," I have plenty of options across the continental U.S. Good to know if I ever have to travel, I am never hard up for a place to crash. The answer to your question is easy: Chunky Hurley.

Q: I'm new to your posts and site, however, My first visit was last week - you didn't like the episode. I return this week - you didn't like the episode. I know criticism and detail are what you do for this site, but let it go and enjoy the show. There is no other show that grabs me emotionally like this show - from the first frame to the last logo. Remember how you used to enjoy it - and love it for what it is: One of the best shows television has ever had to offer. -- JD

A: Every time I dislike an episode, the majority of the fan reactions fall into one of two categories: totally with me or totally against me. Look, I write down what I think of "Lost" as I am thinking it. I write my summary up as close to when I am done watching as possible. If I don't like, I'm going to say so. I've had people tell me I was too easy on episodes I liked and too hard on ones I hated. Just think of my opinion as a springboard for discussion.

Q: Do you think that you are a little pessimistic this season because you have no one to watch it with and therefore no one to remind you how horrible the show really has been before. I think you are losing a little bit of focus. -- Anna

A: This season I have watched more episodes alone than before. And even when I watch with people, it's fewer people than previous years. The show is on late, I have to wake up early, I've been playing basketball on Thursday nights -- everything has conspired against my "Lost" experience this year.

And when was "Lost" horrible before? Season 3 started off slow, but that's really it to me. I am looking forward to re-watching season 2 this summer because that's the one season that seems to get bashed, when I don't think it should have been.

Q: You grade each episode. What’s your overall grade for Season 4’s first eight episodes? I say B+ -- Matt

A: I'd say a strong B. Every episode has been solid, but it's really lacked those big moments that just knock you on a loop. The Desmond episode was an A+ one for sure, but it wasn't enough to bump the season up for me as a whole. But the season has not been a disappointment to me at all, save for the Michael ep, which could have been better.

Q: First, Did we know that Tom was Gay?! I was suprised by that. Second.  If there is a time-warp idea on the island, couldn't the flash-forwards be contingent on what people Choose to do now on the island?  So if they end up making different decisions (eg joining locke, turning ben over) the future would also change.  Thus, what we are seeing as flash forwards now, might not mean that is how it will actually turn out if and when they get off the island.  What do you think?

A: Yes, we knew Tom was gay in season two when he said Kate "wasn't his type." And if the flashforwards aren't real somehow, I will kill someone. That would be stupid.

Q: What do you think happens to Desmond, will anyone have a happy ending? -- Denise

A: Speaking of killing people -- if Desmond and Penny don't get together, a certain short Mexi-Jew I know is going to go on a rampage. No one wants to see that happen. She may be little, but she's feisty.

Q: You wrote "And they did give him a pretty good reason for working for Ben, when really I never thought they'd have a real good one. But I can't shake the feeling that we missed a good opportunity (but I understand that they pretty much can't show Walt ever again)." Why can't they show Walt ever again?  I must have missed something. -- Megan

A: Walt is pretty much done for, except for when he shows up as "taller, ghost Walt." Only three months have gone by on the show, but three years in real life. Walt looks older than me now and he seems like he grew three feet. They can't explain that one away.

Q: Do you ever panic in the middle of an episode that isn't going well and think that all these years might have been wasted? Sometimes, my enthusiasm for the show makes me a bit paranoid that it could never come out with as cool an ending as I hope. For example, when things get uber-predictable, like with Michael this past week. If this has ever happened to you, what are your "LOST panic" moments (besides the obivously heart-stopping possibility of a Charlie resurrection)? -- Lindsay

A: I don't worry about the show as a whole at all, but I worry about little things. For example, if Charlie is alive, that would be stupid. He's dead, please leave him dead. Leave Eko dead. Leave Ana Lucia dead. Please.

Q: I thought the Oceanic 6 would be revealed last night.  I only count 5. Kate, Jack, Hurley, Sayid and Sun.  Who is the 6th? Thanks for taking the time to respond so I can stop obsessing about it!

A: I got a lot like this one, and I am sure you all put it together by now -- it's Aaron.

Q: I watch TMZ on TV also and wonder who ypu are, do you ever have speaking parts or so they keep you in the back?

A: I sit in the cubicle right in front of Harvey. More often than not, the top of my head is in every show. But yeah, I also have plenty of "speaking parts" -- I even hosted once.

Q: Hi! Love the Diary and appreciate your thoughts and humor.  Have you noticed how being a Lost Fan is a lot like being a Scientologist?  Its life-consuming, only fellow watchers "get it", you constantly "convert" people into watchers, and when you try to explain it to anyone, it (and therefore *you*) sound completely crazy. =) -- Cheryl

A: So does that make me Tom Cruise?

Q: I love your recaps and read them every week. I too watch Lost with a fluctuating group of friends here in Atlanta and our weekly comments are pretty similar to your own. I was hoping you’d mention the ham that Ben cooked for his date, and you did not disappoint. Anyway, my question for you is, what are your personal theories about Annie? There are a lot of crazy ones out there, and we know that she's of some "seismic" importance, which will apparently be revealed to us, but I wanted to know your own thoughts. -- Haley

A: I don't have a good answer except to say this -- it would SHOCK me if we didn't see Annie again.

Q: My, sister, we'll call her Stupid, got me watching "Lost," by getting the 1st season and lending it to me.  She watched the first and second season only and sworn off "Lost," basically saying all the characters are self absorbed and not worth watching.  She is soooooooooooo pulling a Jack by being stupid, hence her name.  My question is,  how do I make her realize her own stupidity without putting a grenade in her mouth and making her watch the third, and so far the fourth and greatest season ever of "Lost"?  If a grenade is needed, where do I find one? -- Mary Ann

A: First off, the Lost Diary does not endorse violence in any way. Secondly, I think you need to use the carrot and the stick -- give her incentive to watch. Offer to babysit her kids or take her out to dinner. Once she gets lured back in, you'll be all good. If that doesn't work, do the opposite -- start withholding favors and sisterly love.

On the flip side, how could you let this happen? This is the woman that got you into "Lost" and you let her fall off the wagon? I think you need to admit your own culpability in this. You've got work to do, my friend.

Q: I know this is the "Lost" diary, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the final season of the Wire.... so sad it's ending. -- Kristin

A: I was very satisfied at the ending of "The Wire." I thought the 5th season, as a whole, was one of the weaker of the bunch. That said, it ended strong and the finale was great. I definitely need to sit down and watch all five seasons again this summer.

Q: Since Lost premiered in 2004, I have been blessed with two sons. The first one we named Henry, the second one is Ben. In truth this has nothing to do with the show; they're both family names. But, I'm starting to think I might be Jacob. Thoughts? -- John

A: Does your house magically appear and reappear in different places. If so, yes.

Q: Daniel,
 
I am going to graduate from High School this May, and would like to have the quote under my senior picture be associated with LOST.  I'd love your advice as to what LOST quote I should use.  The quote doesn't have to have anything to do with high school - heck, it doesn't even have to have anything to do with me for that matter.  My goal with this is for someone years from now to see the quote in my yearbook and think, "This kid must have been a fan of LOST".
 
Here are the lines I'm considering now, but I am open to yours (and your reader's) suggestions.
 
My favorite quotes so far, in descending order:
 
10)  "Actually, we're not quite in Portland."
9) "Picture a box. You know something about boxes, don't you, John? What if I told you that somewhere on this island there is a very large box, and whatever you imagined, whatever you wanted to be in it -- when you opened that box, there it would be. What would you say about that John?"
8) "There is no curse. You make your own luck."
7) "Welcome to the wonderful world of not knowing what the hell is going on."
6) "Guys, where are we?"
5)  "I've made the biggest mistake of my life. And the worst part is I am pretty sure I made it before."  (By the way, this is a line from Desmond in last year's "Flashes Before Your Eyes".  Kind of has a whole new meaning now, huh?)
4)  "He walks amongst us, but he is not one of us."
3)  "I want you to bring me the man from Tallahassee."
2)  "Same way I get anyone to do anything. I find out what he's emotionally invested it and then I exploit it."
 
And here's the quote I'm leaning towards using now.  I just think this would be so cool.......

1)  "If anything goes wrong, Desmond Hume will be my constant."
 
What do you think?  Are there any more you recommend?
 
Thanks,
Rich

A: This is the best question ever, hands down. I thought about this long and hard and here is what I came up with.

For me, the quote needs to accomplish two things -- it needs to totally confuse anyone who is not a "Lost" fan and immediately draw the respect of any hardcore fan. For example, I am a Prince fan (have I mentioned that before?). If I were to use a Prince quote, would I take one from "Purple Rain" or "When Doves Cry"? Hell no! I'd reach into my bag of tricks and pull something from a 20-year-old, unreleased song that only a real Prince fan could ID.

So the choice is completely and utterly clear to me ...

"If anything goes wrong, Desmond Hume will be my constant."

This quote satisfies the first requirement, plus it's actually a great yearbook quote because it alludes to the future. No one who watches "Lost" will have any clue what it means on any level at all (Who is Desmond Hume? What's a constant?"). But an actual "Lost" fan will immediately know it and give you props for life.

Rich, if you do this, be sure to scan it in for me.  

]]> LDQA MIA tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.117 2008-04-02T17:40:01Z 2008-04-17T18:51:09Z Daniel Here's the deal ...

I planned on working on it Sunday, but I called into work.

I planned on working on it Monday, but I got sucked into finishing season 3 of "BSG." 

I planned on working on it Tuesday, but as I literally sat down to write it, I got called into work again.

I am cursed.

Barring an "American Idol" being rushed to the ER, I am plowing through it tonight. Honestly, it's my favorite thing to write and I hate letting questions sit there for a month. I plan on unleashing the biggest, baddest LDQA I have ever done.

In fact, I need your help with the first question ...
 

]]>  
I am going to graduate from High School this May, and would like to have the quote under my senior picture be associated with LOST.  I'd love your advice as to what LOST quote I should use.  The quote doesn't have to have anything to do with high school - heck, it doesn't even have to have anything to do with me for that matter.  My goal with this is for someone years from now to see the quote in my yearbook and think, "This kid must have been a fan of LOST".
 
Here are the lines I'm considering now, but I am open to yours (and your reader's) suggestions.
 
My favorite quotes so far, in descending order:
 
10)  "Actually, we're not quite in Portland."
9) "Picture a box. You know something about boxes, don't you, John? What if I told you that somewhere on this island there is a very large box, and whatever you imagined, whatever you wanted to be in it -- when you opened that box, there it would be. What would you say about that John?"
8) "There is no curse. You make your own luck."
7) "Welcome to the wonderful world of not knowing what the hell is going on."
6) "Guys, where are we?"
5)  "I've made the biggest mistake of my life. And the worst part is I am pretty sure I made it before."  (By the way, this is a line from Desmond in last year's "Flashes Before Your Eyes".  Kind of has a whole new meaning now, huh?)
4)  "He walks amongst us, but he is not one of us."
3)  "I want you to bring me the man from Tallahassee."
2)  "Same way I get anyone to do anything. I find out what he's emotionally invested it and then I exploit it."
 
And here's the quote I'm leaning towards using now.  I just think this would be so cool.......

1)  "If anything goes wrong, Desmond Hume will be my constant".
 
What do you think?  Are there any more you recommend?
 
Thanks,
Rich]]> Meet Kevin Johnson tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.116 2008-03-21T08:24:24Z 2008-03-21T08:27:20Z Daniel I took off Thursday and Friday from work so I can stay home for four days straight and watch nothing but college basketball. Now that "Lost" is on, I kind of don't know what to do. Who would be the four number one seeds in the "Lost" tournament? I go with Ben, Locke, Jack and Sayid -- I think they best represent what "Lost" is about. I'd have to put Widmore in my Final 4 though somehow, he's becoming more and more of a player as things go on.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I am watching tonight's episode of "Lost" alone as Lauren is MIA and Ari wanted to wait and watch with her. Lauren's commitment to "Lost" is embarrassing these days and frankly I think it's time I take the show on the road once "Lost" comes back from hiatus. Anyone got room on their couch for me? I'll bring the chips! Let's roll ...

]]>
9:01 -- Locke is hosting a tupperware party of sorts as he brings every up-to-speed on what's been going on. Another scene where people tell other people things we already know.

9:02 -- "We kinda, like, knew that forever ago." -- Hurley to Miles when Miles says the freighter is there for Ben

9:03 -- "My spy on the freighter is Michael." -- Ben. To quote Hurley, We kinda, like knew that forever ago.

9:04 -- "I'm here to die." -- Michael to Sayid when Sayid asks him why he is on the boat. Michael, could you be a little more specific?

9:09 -- Ben is giving Alex (who, along with Karl and Rousseau, looks weird in actual clothes) a map to the Temple. Perhaps finally we'll see what the rest of the Others have been up to.

9:10 -- Did anyone notice that like EVERYONE is listed as being a guest star tonight -- including LIBBY??? I don't even know what to make of this info right now.

9:11 -- We're flashing back now -- hopefully to explain how Michael ended up on the boat. Or maybe we're flashing forward, I don't know.

9:12 -- Did Michael just pin a suicide note to his jacket?

9:13 -- Yes, yes he did.

9:17 -- Didn't work though, as Michael wakes up on a hospital, looking a little worse for wear -- and dreaming of Libby.

9:18 -- The note pinned to Michael's chest was written to Walt. Something obviously happened to him, the question is what.

9:19 -- Apparently Walt is just fine, living with Michael's mom. Not showing Walt is a clever way to cover up the fact that he he's like a foot taller than he should.

9:21 -- "I want a gun. I want a gun with bullets." -- Michael. He wasn't kidding when he said he wanted to die. If at first you don't succeed by driving into a shipping container at high speed ...

9:22 -- Another ghost of island past -- it's Tom. Is he actually real? Can't be ... right?

9:27 -- Seems real enough. Oh right, this is months ago, so he's not dead yet. Totally forgot about that.

9:28 -- Tom tells Michael that the island won't let him kill himself. Did the island cause the car crash that kept Jack from jumping off the bridge at the end of last season? Hmmm ...

9:29 -- Others get to stay in penthouse hotel suites?

9:30 -- After Michael tries and fails to shoot himself in the head, a conveniently-timed newscast reveals the wreckage of Oceanic Flight 815 has been found. What fantastic timing!

9:31 -- According to Tom, it wasn't Ben that staged the plane crash -- it was Widmore. Either way, the point of the fake plane crash is the same -- to keep people from finding the island.

9:32 -- Tom even has and entire file -- complete with cemetery photos where Widmore got the the 324 bodies. Details, details, details.

9:33 -- Tom is guilting Michael into being Ben's "guy on the boat" -- and he's doing quite a good job of it. We're just past the halfway point of this episode and I have to say, while it's interesting to see how Michael got onto the freighter, it would have been more interesting to see how he got from the island back to NY.

9:38 -- Not only is Kevin Johnson on the boat, but so are Minkowski and Naomi. What are the odds Kevin and Naomi ended up getting together? Thought I picked up on some vibes there from Naomi.

9:40 -- Is Miles ever NOT creepy?

9:41 -- Man, Tom would make a great football coach -- his motivational speeches are awesome.

9:43 -- Lawnmower Man is giving Michael his theory that Oceanic Flight 815 is really out there somewhere. Michael is probably more inclined to believe him than most.

9:44 -- What's in the box? Fax machine? Laptop? Camera?

9:45 -- The conveniently-timed random gunfire gives Michael all the motivation he needs to open the box, where he finds ...

9:46 -- ... a bomb ...

9:47 -- ... and Libby's ghost ...

9:48 -- ... and a note that reads "NOT YET." Watching Michael try and kill himself all these times is like watching "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray.

9:53 -- Michael has a call from the mainland -- and it's Walt.

9:54 -- But it's actually Ben, trying to explain how he's different from Widmore and how he didn't kill Libby and Ana Luca -- Michael did. Michael already feels bad enough -- does he have to rub it in?

9:55 -- Ben is giving Michael the game plan for taking down the freighter. Sounds easy enough (and apparently it was).

9:56 -- And now we're back to now ("Spaceballs" reference) and Sayid is outraged that Michael is working for Ben. That's like the future pot calling the kettle black, no?

9:57 -- Sayid is selling out Michael to the captain, and I'm imaging the captain will shoot him in the head and grant Michael his wish. This is the act that will begin Sayid's downward spiral that leads him to go work for Ben.

9:58 -- Rousseau, Alex and Karl are making their way to the Temple. Almost forgot about them.

9:59 -- R.I.P. Karl.

10:00 -- R.I.P. Rousseau.

10:01 -- "I'm Ben's daughter!!!" -- Alex

It's important not to think of this episode as a season finale or anything like that -- it was just intended to be the 8th episode out of 16. So I don't want to hold it to the same standard that I would a finale of some kind.

That said, this episode fell a little short for me. As I mentioned before, I feel like we were kind of robbed of half of the "What Happened to Michael?" story. It was interesting to see how far into depression he sunk over killing Ana Lucia and Libby. And they did give him a pretty good reason for working for Ben, when really I never thought they'd have a real good one. But I can't shake the feeling that we missed a good opportunity (but I understand that they pretty much can't show Walt ever again).

All in all, I'd say we got a solid, but not spectacular episode of "Lost." I give it a C+. While there are plenty of things I liked about the episode, if I had said to you going in, "Tonight we find out what happened to Michael since he left the island and how he ended up on the freighter" -- wouldn't you have expected an unbelievable episode? I know I did.

As for the ending, there are two possibilities: 1) Lawnmower Man took the helicopter back to the island with some people and now they have Alex (just like Ben didn't want) or 2) Ben knew that Richard and company would never let Rousseau and Karl in the Temple, and they killed them (in which case Ben sent them out there to be killed -- assuming they're really dead).

Well it looks like we're off for about a month. I absolutely, positively promise I will do a question answer column on Monday -- I am way too far behind. Click here to send me a question.

Til then ...]]> Ji Yeon tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.115 2008-03-14T14:48:33Z 2008-03-14T14:49:43Z After this episode, we only have one more left until we go on Writers Strike hiatus. It's been a good run so far and I will be curious to see how the writers adjust after the hiatus. Here's a suggestion:... Daniel After this episode, we only have one more left until we go on Writers Strike hiatus. It's been a good run so far and I will be curious to see how the writers adjust after the hiatus. Here's a suggestion: Answer some questions. Just a thought.

]]>
9:02 -- Lawnmower Man brings Desmond and Sayid lima beans to eat. Yet another reason why it's better to be on the island.

9:03 -- Has anyone ever learned English faster than Jin?

9:05 -- Time again for my favorite game -- flashback or flashforward? Sun is preggers galore -- so it has to be a flashforward.

9:09 -- Jin is toy shopping, presumably in the future, so it looks like maybe he gets off the island too. That makes six, as in Oceanic 6 -- so I guess Aaron doesn't count.

9:10 -- Kate is trying to explain what went on with Faraday and Charlotte. I hate when people on this show explain things to other people on the show. Can't we just skip all that?

9:12 -- A cryptic note was just passed through the door -- things are getting good.

9:13 -- DON'T TRUST THE CAPTAIN.

9:14 -- Jin and Jack are talking English over breakfast and I am bored.

9:15 -- Sun wants to head off to Locke's camp. Maybe things will finally get good.

9:19 -- "I know that I have been less than truthful about certain things ..." -- Juliet. I'll take "Understatements" for $200 please, Alex.

9:20 -- Any doubt about flashforward or flashback has been removed as Sun was ID'd by a nurse as an Oceanic 6. This whole pregnancy thing is so boring, the only thing than can spice this up is if the kid comes out black.

9:22 -- Jin trying to make his way to the hospital is getting silly. Am I watching a Nora Ephron movie here?

9:23 -- "I need the panda." -- Jin. He can make anything sound menacing sometimes.

9:24 -- "Wherever Sun I go, I go." -- Jin

9:25 -- Juliet just told Jin that Sun had an affair and Sun slapped her. Lauren cheers.

9:29 -- Jin is about to go off on a fishing trip with Bernard and I am more excited about this proposition than I should be.

9:31 -- Time for Bernard to dispense some sage-like advice. Bring it on, my man.

9:32 -- How does Jin understand the concept of "karma"? Did that come up in Sun's lessons already?

9:33 -- How is catching a fish karma?

9:34 -- "The captain would like to see you now." -- creepy doctor guy.

9:35 -- The illiterate woman just jumped over the side of the boat with chains wrapped around her -- and no one seems to care except for Sayid and Desmond.

9:40 -- The captain opens up with "So what can I do for you?" Gee, let me think. How about starting with getting me off this damn boat and back to civilization?

9:41 -- Desmond just found out that they are on Charles Widmore's boat, and he took it in stride. Little strange.

9:42 -- The captain just gave a whole long spiel about the fake plane crash, the 324 bodies and Ben. This guy just gave more of an answer in 10 seconds than most people on this show so far.

9:43 -- Juliet is painting a pretty picture for Sun's future -- if she stays on the island.

9:44 -- Sun is still having her baby. Is there going to be something interesting about this? If all she does is have a baby I am going to be seriously let down.

9:45 -- For the record, Lauren thinks Asian babies are the cutest -- followed by black babies.

9:46 -- "Johnson, is that you?" -- The doc.

9:47 -- "Nice to meet you, Kevin" -- Sayid. Ok, "Lost" has had several "big reveals" this season and none of them have been actual surprises.

9:52 -- "I made dinner." -- Jin. He can really do no wrong in my book. Definitely the most underrated character on the show.

9:54 -- Jin is far more forgiving than ... well, anyone.

9:56 -- Jin finally makes it to the hospital -- but not to see Sun. Hmmmmm ...

9:57 -- Looks like we've been watching a Jin flashback this whole time.

9:58 -- Hurley shows up at Sun's door to see the baby, which was nice of him, considering ...

9:59 -- Hurley and Sun go to the cemetery to see Jin's grave.

10:00 -- That's it?

11:23 -- Right now I am hating this episode. I feel like they purposely manipulated us with Jin's flashback and the reveal really wasn't even all that interesting as a result. And the reveal of Michael being the man on the boat was as un-suspenseful as it was predictable. I need to sleep on this one a bit before I just come right and call it one of my least favorite "Lost" episodes ever. See you in the morning.

5:30 AM -- I still don't see it. Here is what is bothering me:

We had three reveals tonight, if you will. Let's throw out Sun being one of the Oceanic 6 since they've revealed who is an Oceanic 6 person the same way every time. That leaves two reveals:

1) Michael is the man on the boat.

I never like to assume I am smarter than anyone else, but I really think we all saw that one coming. And the way in which it was revealed, at least among the people I was watching with, didn't exactly leave us stunned. So it wasn't just what the reveal was, it was the way in which it was done as well that left me underwhelmed.

2) Jin is dead (though apparently this open to interpretation).

This one angers me. I feel like the show purposely manipulated us (again) to do a reveal. You'll remember in the season finale, Jack spoke about his dad for two reasons -- to prove he was a little nuts and to cover up the fact we were getting a flashforward and not a flashback. Ok, fine. I'll give you that one.

But now you have Sun screaming for Jin in her delivery as a way to make us think he's alive when he's really dead. That's just lazy and deceiving in a way that isn't interesting to the story -- it was done purely to throw us off. In Jack's case, when you look back at it, it's a way to show us just how far off the deep end he has gone. But with Sun, sure you could argue she's distraught over the death of her husband, but that's not why they did it -- they were trying to cover their tracks, pure and simple. Been there, done that.

It all comes down to what we were told and how we were told it. If you had said to me before the show starts, "We find out who the man on the boat is and that Jin doesn't make it off the island" -- I probably would have slapped you. NEVER RUIN "LOST" FOR ME!!! But then I would said alright, that's cool -- should be a good episode. But I'm sorry, I just can't get behind it. When the most surprised I was all episode was when Juliet told Jin about Sun's affair, something isn't right.

I give this episode a D, even though I am really having a hard time finding anything I liked about it.

One last quick point -- Jin's grave. Is he actually buried there? If so, he could be one of the two people that makes up the difference between Jack's story that eight people survived the plane crash, but then we are left with the Oceanic 6. If he isn't, and he died on the island and the body in that grave is one of the 324 bodies the captain talked about, then I find it a little odd that Sun would visit him -- but a grave is a grave, I guess.

One last, last quick point -- If Jin is actually still alive and on the island, they better have a damn good reason for it. Already, I am getting worried about too many "not really dead" moments on "Lost" in seasons to come.

I get the feeling as I write this (and talk to a person or two about it) that I am a bit on my own in not liking this episode (to be read: hated it). So here is my task to you: Can you give me a good, concise reason why this episode was good? I am flexible here.

I do a question-and-answer column every week. I had to skip this week (again) but I just got my laptop back from the shop, so I have all the emails and I am ready to roll. Don't feel like you have to ask a straightforward "Lost" question. Have fun with it. Click here to send me a question (and make sure the subject says LDQA -- I get so much spam on that account it's insane).]]> Another Woman tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.114 2008-03-07T15:57:06Z 2008-03-07T16:00:28Z Daniel "So because last week's 'Lost' was so good, does that automatically mean that this week's has to suck?"

That was the IM I got from my friend Chris on Thursday morning and now I have the fear of God in me. Is it possible? Can "Lost" be that good last week and this week too? One can only hope ...

]]> For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. I am watching tonight's episode of "Lost" alone as Ari and Lauren are in Las Vegas. How is it I get emails from total strangers wanting to watch "Lost" with me and my own friends bail on my constantly? Let's roll:

9:00 -- Time for my new favorite game: flashback or flashforward? Now, I know all we have had so far this season are flashforwards, but I don't think we're done with flashbacks just yet -- at least I hope. I'm going flashback, but I know I'm probably wrong.

9:01 -- Hang on a sec, isn't Tom dead? Has to be a flashback.

9:02 -- "Welcome to the island." -- Harper to Juliet. Winner!!!

9:03 -- "We want you to feel at home." Ben to Juliet. As always, even the most gracious words sound ultra-creepy when Ben says them.

9:04 -- Faraday and Charlotte have gone missing, and on cue it begins raining, the island starts whispering and Harper appears out of nowhere. I'm assuming she's real, but you never know with "Lost."

9:07 -- Ok, so Faraday and Charlotte are headed to the tempest (whatever that is) to release the gas and kill everyone -- or at least that's what Ben thinks.

9:08 -- "Ben is exactly where he wants to be." -- Harper. Didn't Miles say the same thing when Kate had him tied up in that shed?

9:09 -- Under the cover of whispers (yes, I said whispers), Harper disappears. Seriously, WTF?!!?!??

9:10 -- All our favorite dead Others are back this week. Good times.

9:11 -- Apparently Harper is Goodwin's wife. Now, we know Harper is still alive and we know Goodwin and Juliet got it on -- so I guess that means Juliet is a slut.

9:12 -- Once again, Jack asks someone a really, REALLY important question -- but when they don't answer, he just let's it go. Jack might be a great doctor, but he'd make a shitty cop.

9:13 -- Based on their conversation, it sure seems like Faraday and Charlotte are planning on doing what Ben thinks they are planning on doing. Ben's never really wrong.

9:17 -- Kate, for a change, is not acting like an idiot and asking all the right questions.

9:18 -- Wait, scratch that.

9:19 -- "It's very stressful being an Other, Jack." -- Juliet

9:20 -- Goodwin busts in on Ben and Juliet with the offer of an egg salad sandwich -- that sly dog!

9:21 -- Harper knows Juliet has been sleeping with her husband and apparently Harper is afraid of what Ben would do. And did you catch Harper's "You look just like her comment"? Has to be Annie, right?

9:22 -- Claire wants to interrogate Miles to find out why he and his crew are really on the island -- and she's actually making sense, which confuses me. Charlie dying has done wonders for her.

9:23 -- "Don't you want to know whose boat it is?" -- Claire

9:24 -- Ben and Locke are throwing out so many good quotes, I can't even keep up.

9:26 -- Another fantastic Ben/Locke scene. First off, why doesn't Locke see that Ben is right? They are on the same side in this. And secondly, the man the freighter people work for has to be Penny's dad, right?

9:30 -- Juliet in a bikini. Not bad. Not bad at all.

9:31 -- "What's Ben gonna do?" -- Goodwin. Hmmm, something tells me we are about to find out.

9:32 -- Apparently what he can do is send Goodwin off to die.

9:33 -- Jack and Juliet find Kate passed out in the bushes -- and Juliet uses that as an opportunity to leave Jack behind.

9:34 -- I need silence please -- Locke and Ben scene, Locke and Ben scene, Locke and Ben scene!!!

9:35 -- "I taped over the game." -- Ben. Has the playing of any tape on "Lost" ever not been completely awesome? I am downright giddy right now.

9:36 -- Ladies and gentlemen, Charles Widmore.

9:37 -- "If 5,000 people came out to see a piece of mold, how many people do you think would come here to see you?" -- Ben to Locke

9:38 -- Ben just told Locke that the Widmore file is "the last bargaining chip" he has left. Now that I don't believe.

9:39 -- Last chance -- who is Ben's man on the boat?

9:43 -- Hold the phone -- Jack just got a straight answer out of Kate!!! First time for everything.

9:44 -- Out of all the creepy things Ben has said and done, where does cooking a ham rank? It's got to be up there.

9:45 -- Zach and Emma are on the list, apparently. I love all the "list" talk, but when do we actually get to find out something about it?

9:46 -- WARNING: MANUAL ENTRY OVERRIDE DENIED

9:52 -- Faraday is trying to say that he's trying to make the gas inert. He'd be more convincing if he weren't wearing a GAS MASK!!!

9:52 -- Cat fight.

9:54 -- Ok, so Faraday succeeded in making the gas inert so that Ben couldn't use it against them later. I'm having some problem figuring out what to make of all this.

9:56 -- Ben couldn't just tell Juliet that Goodwin was dead, he had to show her his rotting, decaying corpse.

9:57 -- "How could you possibly not understand that you're mine?" -- Ben to Juliet. That's not creepy, it's just kinda sad (with a touch of crazy thrown in).

9:59 -- Jack and Juliet finally kiss. I don't have Lauren hear to gauge the female reaction, but let me try. "That slut!"

10:00 -- "See you guys at dinner." -- Ben

"So because last week's 'Lost' was so good, does that automatically mean that this week's has to suck?"

Eh, guess so.

Look I can't flat out declare this episode a clunker, but it really did only one thing for me and that's question my undying love for Ben. I know he wants to protect the island at all costs, but I am starting to doubt how pure his intentions really are. Is he really all about the island -- or is he all about himself?

The rest of this episode (I think we all suspected the freighter was Widmore's) I could have done without. I give it a C+. The Ben/Locke scenes were great and Juliet in a bikini did not disappoint. Hey, I'm still a guy here!

Here's my question to you this week: Even though "Lost" has cut its season down to 16 eps (and even less after the strike) we're still getting dud episodes. Is "Lost" better served with even fewer eps, say 12? Works for HBO, Showtime and FX. Just a thought.

I had to skip the LDQA this because my laptop is in the shop and I can't get to all the email. Don't feel like you have to ask a straightforward "Lost" question. Have fun with it. Click here to send me a question.

]]> The Constant tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.113 2008-02-29T15:37:41Z 2008-02-29T17:11:02Z Daniel
To battle through the doldrums of the week, several TMZ staffers compete in a weekly tournament of a game we invented called Dartball. I had never won a Dartball tournament until February 1 -- the day after "Lost" premiered. I have now won four in a row, meaning I am undefeated for as long as "Lost" has been on this year. Coincidence?]]>
9:00 -- Whoa, no previously on "'Lost'" -- that's weird.

9:02 -- It's Desmond flashback time (you can tell by the hair). It's interesting to see we're back to doing flashbacks again.

9:03 -- Wait, Desmond is dreaming about being on the island? Um ...

9:04 -- "Who are you? How do you know my name?" -- Desmond

9:08 -- "Your perception of how long your friends have been gone, it's not necessarily how long they've actually been gone." -- Faraday. How could Jack not press him more on this?

9:10 -- Desmond is clearly suffering from the "side effects" that Faraday spoke of.

9:11 -- Great, are we in for another trippy Desmond flashback? I don't think my brain can handle it.

9:12 -- Desmond is back in the military and having flashes about being on the boat -- which he is currently on. Does anybody have any Advil?

9:13 -- Now he's back on the freighter. Side note: tonight's episode was written by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse -- so you know it's going to be a doozy.

9:14 -- "It's happening to you too, isn't it?" -- guy who looks like Tom Hanks in "Philadelphia" but towards the end when it got really bad.

9:18 -- Could you imagine if it were Sayid that went nuts? They'd all be screwed.

9:19 -- Sayid finally calls Jack on the phone, tells everyone Desmond's "condition" and now Faraday is explaining that people can get "confused" going to and from the island. Am I going to need my scientific calculator for this episode?

9:20 -- Desmond's new friend was "just on a ferris wheel."

9:22 -- Back in the Army again, Desmond is calling Penny and she wants nothing to do with him.

9:23 -- Sayid and the Lawnmower man break into the sick bay so that Desmond can talk to Faraday -- and the doc rang the alarm. Causing a ruckus on the boat is not a good idea. Just a guess.

9:24 -- Desmond thinks it's 1996. I was a freshman in college that year, so if it were 1996 I would be totally fine with that.

9:25 -- Faraday just instructed Desmond to, in 1996 mind you, come and find him. After 25 minutes, this episode is an A for sure. WTF is going on? Although, what Desmond is going through does suggest why Faraday is on the mission in the first place.

9:29 -- Faraday is giving Desmond things to say to his past himself so he will believe him when he finds him. More Advil, please.

9:31 -- 1996 Desmond has found 1996 Daniel Faraday and spit back to him all the things he was supposed to say. If anyone is curious, "Back to the Future II" is on HBO on 3/8 at 12:30 PM ET. Just saying ...

9:33 -- Faraday's lab is only like a 5 on the Creepy Lab scale.

9:35 -- Faraday's rat experiment is somehow linked to what is going on with Desmond, since Faraday's rat just ran a maze he hasn't learned how to run yet.

9:37 -- So Tom Hanks in "Philadelphia" guy is Minkowski, the Communications Officer, who tells Desmond that Penelope has been calling the boat. I am starting to realize that I will be of no help as this episode goes on -- I can only ride it as best I can and hope to make some sense of it when it is over.

9:44 -- After a lot of explaining, and some science and what have you, Faraday basically tells Desmond to find Penelope. Did Desmond really need him for that?

9:45 -- Desmond and Sayid are going to break into the communications room, with Minkowski, to call Penny.

9:46 -- "Looks like you guys have a friend on this boat." -- Minkowski. Michael, perhaps?

9:47 -- A journal belonging to the first mate aboard the Black Rock, which was lost at sea, is up for auction. Really? On top of all that I am trying to figure out here you throw the Black Rock at me too? Come on!!! And it belonged to Tovard Hanso!!! Seriously? I can't handle this anymore!!! Make it stop!!! And it's lot 2342!!! Why can't I stop using exclamation marks!!!???

9:48 -- And Penny's dad just bought it.

9:49 -- Penny's dad is back to belittling Desmond, and I kinda find it funny.

9:50 -- I wonder who Penny is with in 1996?

9:51 -- Minkowski is out like a light, bleeding from the nose and grunting, "I can't get back." Not a pretty picture for Desmond, is it?

9:52 --- RIP Minkowski.

9:55 -- 1996 Desmond is out like a light on the floor of a bathroom. It sure seems like the point of this episode is for 1996 Desmond to find 1996 Penny -- but what will he really find when he does? Or better yet, who?

9:56 -- 1996 Desmond is begging 1996 Penny for her number so 2004 Desmond can call 2004 Penny. Easily the most ridiculous sentence I have ever written.

9:57 -- 1996 Desmond just told 1996 Penny that he will call her on December 24, 2004. No joke -- the hairs on the back of my neck just stood up.

9:58 -- Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring ...

9:59 -- "Penny?" -- Desmond

10:00 -- If you're not choked up right now, I'm sorry -- we can't ever be friends.

10:01 -- "If anything goes wrong, Desmond Hume will be my constant." -- Faraday's journal

Let's get the easy stuff out of the way. This episode gets an A+. It was one of the pantheon, other level, top notch "Lost" episodes of all-time. I will be floored if I get even one email or IM from a friend of mine who didn't flat out love it.

But that's not what this is about. I could sit here and try to decipher what went down in tonight's episode -- and I would fail miserably. I don't think I could come up with any theory that will help explain any of this. I'll leave that to you guys on the message boards.

What this episode is really about is television. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times -- I look down on people who look down on television. In the last year, have any of you seen a movie that topped tonight's episode? "No Country for Old Men" or "The Constant" -- what would you rather watch? Not even close, is it?

Tonight's episode of "Lost" was great, and it reminded me why I love the show -- but more than that it reaffirmed my love of television. It reminded me why I invest years of my life in certain shows. Anyone can sit in a theater for two hours, that's easy. Television is work and "Lost" is the kind of job that makes your wife leave you because you're always at the office and you never have time for her.

But it's all worth it, right?

I choked up at the end of this episode just like everyone who has a pulse who watched tonight's show did. But I'll be honest with you -- I am kind of choked up again right now when I think about the power of television. I always say that my dream job is to be a television critic, but I don't want to call it that. I am a television advocate -- and right now, at this exact moment as I write this (11:43 PM PT) I am reminded again of why.

You and I are going to spend the bulk of our Friday reading and posting comments on this site and asking everyone we know that watches the show, "Oh my God, did you see 'Lost' last night?"

Let's see the movies do that.

Here at thelostdiary.com, I do a question-and-answer column every week. I imagine this week will be good, since I have plenty to discuss this week. But don't feel like you have to ask a straightforward "Lost" question. Have fun with it. Click here to send me a question.]]> This Is Why We Watch tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.112 2008-02-29T08:08:28Z 2008-03-18T22:00:33Z This is an email I got tonight before I went to sleep. My full rewiew in the morning, obviously, but this is just something to hold you over, courtesy of Angie ...Hi Daniel,Just finished watching this week's episode of LOST... Daniel This is an email I got tonight before I went to sleep. My full rewiew in the morning, obviously, but this is just something to hold you over, courtesy of Angie ...

Hi Daniel,

Just finished watching this week's episode of LOST (2/28) and I HOPE you give it an A in tomorrow's recap.  I LOVED IT!!!! and not ashamed to say so. Any episode with Desmond has proved to be a memorable episode in my opinion.  My youngest daughter (12) and I are avid fans and I'm happy this show keeps us talking to each other (you know how teenagers can be - well I'm not THAT old but still). My oldest (15) joined us tonight and while trying to explain just a fraction of what was going on proved to be so confusing to her she said "Now I know why its called LOST".   *SIGH*

I won't speculate on anything that happened in this episode as apparently I'm not that smart (my only speculation is that Sayid is 'the man on the boat' that Ben/Henry Gale is talking about) all I can say is I was breathless, my skin was tingling throughout the episode and hearing my oldest daughter saying "this is scary" was good enough for me. Maybe its back to what LOST was all about - where you are on the edge of your seat waiting for what is going to happen next and then CURSING (okay in my brain, not outloud due to children in the room) that it was over for the week!

Thanks for your recaps, I really appreciate your wit.  My most favorite line you have ever written was "Red Rover, Red Rover, send John Locke over".  I still laugh when I think about it. 

Keep up the great writing and THANK YOU for the LOST Diary I LOVE IT!
Angie

]]> LDQA -- 2/28 tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.111 2008-02-28T20:01:33Z 2008-03-18T22:00:39Z Daniel
That's what my friend Chris told me earlier this week and he's right. I was in a bad mood when I watched "Lost" and I don't think it affected my opinion of the show (it wasn't that good no matter what mood I was in) but it did affect my ability to write about it. I left things out I probably should have mentioned and didn't really bring much to the table -- though, as you'll see now, I had a lot to offer.

So that was my bad. Let's forget about it and move on ...

Q: Does anyone remember that Claire is Jack’s half sister??? So that would make Aaron Jack’s nephew. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t want to see him? Or wouldn’t he want to see him if he was family? -- Rebecca

A: Among my regrets from last week's Diary is not making some mention of this. Yes, obviously we know that Jack and Claire are half-siblings. And yes, it is conceivable, maybe even probable, that Jack has learned that by the time last week's flashforward takes place. I didn't mention it because we don't know what Jack has learned at that point, so it felt fruitless to guess. Here is what feels important to me ...

]]>
A: This question touches on the two big points for me from last week's episode -- and I think one helps us explain the other. So here goes ...

On the witness stand, Jack explains that eight people survived the crash. For reasons we do not know yet, that is the story him and the rest of the Oceanic 6 are telling. Now, since we know they are the Oceanic 6, and he says eight survived, that means two people survived the crash, but didn't make it off the island (Remember, this is Jack's cover story, not what really happened -- obviously). The question is, if six people got off the island, why make up a cover story that says eight survived? What happened to create the need for the extra two people to be involved at all?

And this is where Aaron comes in. I am of the belief that Kate is not passing off Aaron as her own -- but as Claire's child. There are several reasons why I think this:

1. Claire could easily be one of the two "extra people" in the cover story. You have to explain Aaron somehow. You say Claire survived the crash, but barely and gave birth to Aaron, dying in childbirth. Not saying this is the best story ever, but it is a good explanation for one of the two "extra people."

2. I think this story also explains why Kate's lawyer would want to bring in Aaron as a witness. Sure, she has a son -- whoopty doo. But, if Kate adopted an orphan child whose mom died in the most famous plane crash survival story of all-time (and she is also one of those survivors) doesn't that paint Kate in an extraordinary light? Now granted, would they really give a child to a woman up on all those criminal charges? But she got off so easily, I would think they could explain that away too.

3. Kate referred to Aaron as her son, and Kate's mom referred to him as his grandson --- proof, to some, that Kate is passing Aaron off as hers. Please. Was she supposed to call him "my adopted son"? This isn't "The Royal Tenenbaums" we're talking about here. No one talks like that.

4. Now, skewed timeline theories aside, how would Kate explain Aaron as being hers? She wasn't pregnant when the plane went down -- surely the Marshall would have noted in her file if she was. There are definitely ways you can explain she's passing off Aaron as hers, but it makes more sense to me, with what we know right now, that she tells people he's Claire's.

(Whew. Hope that all makes sense...)

Q: Will Michael be Ben's man on the boat? -- Ryan

A: Seems like a good way to re-introduce him, but I can't see why he would do it -- or how. My guess is it isn't him.

Q: You mentioned your belief that Angelina’s hotness did not outweigh her craziness and I just had to send you this (less than 1 minute) clip from "How I Met Your Mother." In it the character Barney explains the “hot-crazy scale”, complete with visual aids.  Thought you might like a point of reference for my LDQA query. Now for my question.  Where do the ladies of LOST fall on the hot-crazy scale?  Kate? Juliet? Sun? Danielle?  And do we need a separate scale for Claire, Shannon and Ana Lucia?  The hot-annoying scale, perhaps? -- Jill http://youtube.com/watch?v=kYrZSjpiIK4

A: Two things first -- 1) I never knew about this before I got this email and 2) I love that it came from a girl. Awesome. But seriously, I don't think any of these women's hotness overcome their craziness or annoyingness. Sun might come the closest and Danielle would certainly fail over the charts. But all of the ladies have issues. Though, who among us doesn't?

Q: Could it be possible that Miles is Ben's "man on the boat" and that the conversation Miles & Ben had together contained some secret coded messages?  Is something big going to happen in a week when Ben is supposed to pay Miles the 3.2 mill? -- Susan

A: I love this idea, but they already used the "speaking in code" bit once already. Twice would be a bit lame.

Q: This you may not have the answer to. It's more to vent really... I want to know why it is that I can sit at work for hours with nothing to do, but the SECOND I go on line to read your diary is when people won't stop calling or asking me to do stuff. It's just not right I tell you! -- Hannah

A: Those bastards.

Q: Do you read all the comments that are posted after you post the episode blog? How do you feel about people posting SPOILERS in the comment section? -- Jodie

A: I do read all the comments usually, but I have to admit this is the first week I ever fell behind. Usually most of the comments go to TMZ, but this week thelostdiary.com blew up a bit and I couldn't keep up. Fine work by you guys, I say. Fine work.

Q: Any suggestions on how to explain LOST in a way that doesn't make me sound legally mad?  Every time I start telling someone about it who has never seen the show I have to keep stopping myself because I think I sound crazy!  Black killer smoke, polar bears in the jungle, Ben... -- Matt

A: I tried to come with a clever way to answer this question -- maybe some sort of "Lost" for newbies guide or something. But then I realized something when I read your question again -- why are you even talking to people who don't watch "Lost"?]]> Eggtown tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.110 2008-02-22T15:14:49Z 2008-03-18T22:00:41Z Daniel
I want to touch on two things I mentioned last week -- real quick. First, I like the flashforwards, but I don't think I want them to be an every week thing. I'd still like flashbacks on Danielle, Richard and Ben, at the least. Second, if "The Economist" scored a solid 9.5 on the Creepy Episode Title Scale, then "Eggtown" is 2.5. I almost hope this episode sucks so I don't ever have to say, "You know, 'Eggtown' is one of the best episodes of 'Lost' ever." Ugh, even typing that hurt a little.

]]> For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Ari and Lauren are here tonight with me tonight. Lauren almost bailed on us to "go out." Her commitment is lacking these days. Let's roll ...

9:00 -- The episode starts with Locke making eggs and bringing them down to Ben. The moment you realize you're about to witness a scene between Locke and Ben, don't you dig into your seat just a little bit? I do.

9:01 -- "So here we are, just like old times. Except I'm locked in a different room. And you're more lost than you ever were." -- Ben

9:02 -- Sawyer came by to wish Kate and Claire good morning, and Kate just flashed Sawyer this look like she just remembered the last time they had sex -- and that she's already planning the next time. Mark my words: they'll be back between the sheets tonight.

9:03 -- But she quickly brushed him off. Yet another example of how I know nothing about women.

9:04 -- It's Kate flashforward time and she's standing trial on all the terrible things we know she did. It appears that she is back, and out in the open, so she's probably one of the Oceanic 6. There goes that theory.

9:05 -- Is it weird that I prefer dirty, sweaty Kate to clean and showered Kate?

9:08 -- I'm sorry, who are these nice looking Korean people that are talking? They look familiar, but I just can't place them.

9:10 -- "You just totally Scooby-Dooed me, didn't you?" -- Hurley. Ruh-ro!

9:11 -- Kate is after Miles to find out what he knows about her. Everything isn't about you, Kate! Miles, of course, wants Ben. I used to have this theory that Angelina Jolie's hotness did not outweigh her craziness. Same theory applies for Kate, just substitute stupidity for craziness.

9:12 -- Kate, of course, refuses to cut a deal with the Da and would rather go to trial for a crime she confessed to. Yes, she's that dumb.

9:13 -- Apparently, Kate has a son. And I can't comment about it because I already know what happens. Just a side note to readers who want to e-mail me or post comments during the show: I live on the West Coast. Thus, when you talk about a show I haven't seen yet, you're ruining it for me. So thanks.

(I'm not happy right now, can you tell?)

9:16 -- "Maybe we should try another number other than the boat? Like 911." -- Juliet. Makes total sense to me.

9:17 -- Kate really wants to break Ben out of Locke's impromptu prison just to find out what Miles knows about her? I can't believe how many different ways this is stupid.

9:18 -- Kate is reluctant to take care of Aaron for Claire. Foreshadow much?

9:19 -- "The defense calls Dr. Jack Shephard to the stand." -- Kate's lawyer.

9:20 -- Jack just lied under oath about the Marshall. Worth noting.

9:21 -- "Only eight of us survived the crash ..." -- Jack. Um, liar!

9:22 -- Kate's going to try use Sawyer to get to Ben, but he's on to her. She's almost making me miss Charlie.

9:23 -- "I want you to help me break him out." I am hating this episode so much, the only thing that can save it now is if Locke kills Kate, but I know that can't happen. I need to snap out of this.

9:28 -- Locke and Sawyer are setting up a game of backgammon -- mildly reminiscent of the scene in season one when Locke and Walt play, except for one small thing: I find it hard to believe Sawyer knows how to play.

9:29 -- "Whatever Miles has to say to Ben, he can say to me." -- Locke

9:30 -- Instead of bringing Ben to Miles, she's bringing Miles to Ben. Whenever Kate turns into Bad Fugitive Kate, I just never buy it.

9:31 -- The scene between Miles and Ben is phenomenal. I am sure there is plenty we can talk about from it, but I'll focus on this for now: Is Ben rich somehow? Miles is gaining that Ben factor of believability with me, so I tend to listen to what he says. Also, is the "him" that Miles works for Abbadon?

9:32 -- "It's extortion, if you want to get technical." -- Miles

9:34 -- Miles tries to talk some common sense into Kate -- that she'd be better off on the island. Of course, she'll have none of that crazy talk.

9:40 -- "You're not welcome here anymore. I want you gone by morning." -- Locke. Oooooh, dad is mad!

9:43 -- The whole scene with Kate and her mom ... eh. Does nothing for me.

9:44 -- Sawyer and Kate are about to get it on. I have to stop typing now, so the sound of my keystrokes doesn't ruin the mood for Lauren.

9:45 -- What the hell was that card guessing game with Charlotte and Daniel? Why are 2 out of 3 "progress"?

9:47 -- The helicopter is missing -- and I am reminded of this exchange from "Kill Bill":

O-Ren Ishii: You didn't think it was gonna be that easy, did you?
The Bride: You know, for a second there, yeah, I kinda did.

9:51 -- "No use having rules, if there is no punishment for breaking them." -- Locke. Reason #763 why Locke is the man.

9:52 -- Guess Sawyer and Kate didn't do it the night before. Never thought Sawyer was the kind of guy to settle for cuddling.

9:53 -- Sawyer gave Kate the speech I wish I could have given her myself -- and it got him slapped.

9:55 -- Kate gets off on the 7,000 charges she was facing -- but she CANNOT LEAVE THE STATE. That lawyer seemed a bit emphatic on that, no?

9:58 -- Great scene between Jack and Kate, though I am left with one question (since I know how it ends anyway). What happened to Claire that would make Jack feel so guilty about seeing Aaron? Her death must be on his hands somehow.

10:00 -- Blah, blah, blah Aaron. I guess he's being "raised by another."

Let me see if I have this straight ...

Who is Miles working for? Why does he want exactly $3.2 mil and how does he know Ben has it? What the hell was up with Daniel, Charlotte and that card trick? What happened to the helicopter? Who came up with that stupid story Jack has to keep telling, who is making them tell it and why would they agree to it? How did eight survivors become the Oceanic 6? What happened to Claire? Is Kate telling people Aaron is hers? Why doesn't Jack want to see him? Why did the DA want to make sure Kate stayed in California so bad?

Did I miss anything?

For the second week in a row we get a big reveal ending that fell a little flat. Aaron being Kate's "him" had been tossed around for a bit, so I don't think too many people were completely blown away.

I give this episode a D. Besides having the unsurprising ending spoiled for me, this episode didn't really do much for me. We had the two scenes with Ben and the scene with Locke and the grenade -- other than that, not a lot to really work with.

Ari and I argued afterward whether Kate is passing off Aaron as her son. I think they very easily could have said that Claire survived the crash, but died in childbirth. Since Kate is such a big hero and all (hang on for a sec while I vomit) and Claire didn't have any family, it's very conceivable that Kate now has custody. Ari thinks they simply said Kate was preggers and it's hers. What do you think?

Click here to send me a question for next week's LDQA.

]]> LDQA -- 2/21 tag:thelostdiary.com,2008://1.109 2008-02-21T16:06:40Z 2008-03-18T22:00:48Z Daniel
Q: I love the blog but....since it doesn't appear until the next day...how do we know you typed it as  you watched it, and that all your predictions are not cooked up after the fact? Still think its really clever but... I do wonder.... -- ElChe

A: How dare you?!?!?!?! Just kidding. Ok, here is how it all goes down -- and not even Lauren knows this.

]]>
Once I started doing the "Lost" Diary, I would watch the show the crew, then go back and watch it again at home. I'd be up til 2:00 AM. So at some point I decided to start watching the show by myself beforehand, and knocking out the bulk of the writing before I watched it again with Ari, Lauren and company.

Basically now when I watch the show, I pause it roughly 50 times or so. This allows me to write what I am thinking, as I am thinking it, and I don't have to miss anything. I can jot down the times, go back and get the quotes I want exactly right and not have to worry about ruining anyone else's viewing experience.

As for going back and adding things or taking things out -- I never do it. I might get a better theory about something on a second viewing, but I never change a prediction that gets proven wrong or add one that I know is right to make myself seem smarter. What I have done, last season's finale being a good example, is expound upon something I was thinking about during the show, but didn't know where to fit it in.

During the finale last year, I felt the flashback was really a flashforward pretty much the entire time. I wrote one, maybe two things to that effect on first viewing. But when I watched it later, with 6 other people, they all kept saying the same thing throughout the show -- with no prompting by me. So I added that to the Diary, with a little more thought about it.

Also, go back to the episode "Not in Portland." I totally missed the whole "Juliet's ex run over by a bus by Richard and his people" thing. Swing and a miss.

Given the unique nature of this, I feel like you and I have an implied covenant of good faith. I've never tried to make myself out to be some kind of "Lost" expert, though that has kind of happened. I'm just a wise ass who works at TMZ with an unnatural love of television. And Ben. Speaking of ...

Q: First of all are you really Daniel?  Calling Henry Gale Ben really makes me think that some Dharma people took over the Lost Diary to spread their own propaganda. That being said an idea or question that popped in my mind was that Dharma was still dropping supplies on the island after the losties got there. Does Dharma still think that it has the island and is just now getting suspicious of HENRY, therefore sending the team (I think that team has to be Dharma)?  Also I don't think Jack should give over HENRY until he can bargain for something but he definitely will mess that up.  Finally I think a  Thur. 8:30 timeslot  for Leave it to Sayid would be perfect with Danille starring as Wally,Hurley as Eddie Haskell  and the moral abiding and lecturing Jack as Ward. Good to have you back. -- Katie

A: So I decided to give up my crusade of calling Ben by his original name of Henry Gale. I still think it's cooler, but I didn't want to confuse new people to the Diary. Clarity is key sometimes. As for the Dharma supply drop, that is definitely one of the biggest unanswered questions for me. That one is right up there with this one -- did Ben get captured in season two on purpose? I still think he did.

Q: This question is about "The Economist." Based on what Ben said to Sayid don't you think that he was blackmailing him into killing these people? He said don't you want to protect your friends. What does this mean? Is he protecting friends on the Island still, the Oceanic Six, or both? What power does Ben still have? -- Kellie

A: That's the big question, isn't it? What did Sayid screw up so badly that he could be guilted into working for Ben after he gets off the island? I don't think it's blackmail, per se -- I think Sayid made some kind of mistake and Ben is "helping" him make up for it.

Q: Did you notice Elsa's bracelet?  It looked like the same one Naomi wore. Double check the scene where Sayid shoots Elsa then checks her pulse to see if she's dead.  You'll see the bracelet. -- Dorothy

A: Yeah, I didn't mention it last week, but it certainly was obvious they were making some reference to it. And didn't Sayid seem a little too drawn to Naomi? Not sure what to make of it, but certainly worth keeping in mind.

Q: This probably isn’t the first time for this question but after last night’s revelation of Sayid working for Ben, could the “him” Kate refers to be Ben? -- Danielle

A: Along with "WHO IS IN THE COFFIN?!?!?!?" these are the two questions still on everyone's mind. I don't think we have all the info we need to answer these questions yet, but I still like Michael for the coffin and someone we don't know for the "him" (though Sawyer is probably the safer bet).

Q: Daniel, I think that Ben leaves the Island frequently and I believe he hand picked people who were on the flight.  That's why there is a "list" of people the others came for. The one thing I've gathered that all of these chosen people have in common, is that the Island would provide a better life for them if they woulld just let it.  Kate-murdered, Jack-drugs/drunk, Sayid-murderer, Sawyer-con/murderer, Hurley-the lotto and bad luck, Locke-parylized and alone, Charlie-has been,Rose-cancer. her husband-life without Rose because she will die off the island etc....What are thoughts on that this. -- Eric and Michelle

A: One problem with that: we know why the plane crashed. It was Desmond not pushing the numbers, which Ben had nothing to do with. I believe the plane crash was all concidence.

Q: More of a comment...I am not sure why you are so pleased with this seasons episodes and even consider giving this last episode a "B".  I, on the other hand, am not as pleased.  I used to be scared and on edge while watching.  I am now none of those things. Ben used to be frightening now he is a bit sad and pathetic. Ever since they exposed that "The Others" have "Others" (otherwise known as "The Other's Others").  I really feel that they have "jumped the Shark".  What happened to the black death smoke, the jungle polar bears, the fear of the real unknown?  I really think that the writers are trying way too hard to be clever this season and I, for one, am not impressed.  Bring back the basics.  Thanks for listening. -- Jill

A: Television has a certain luxury that movies does not (really only novels can match it), and that is the opportunity to take its time to set the table. "Lost" is a very patient show. It has a certain path it wants to take and it's in no hurry to get there. This, to me, can best be shown in the character of Locke. Kicks ass in season 1, sniveling button-pusher in season 2, mystical warrior in season 3. Locke, like the show, grew.

I think these first three episodes have been table setters, if you will. The show is transitioning a bit, introducing new people and building more storylines. I would hate to see this done in haste.

Q: Do you think that the writers have gotten off the beaten track?  There are still so many holes that haven’t been answered- where are the kids?  And where have the rest of Ben’s crew gone?  Remember, he went off with Locke and then got himself captured, so his people are wandering around too. And when will they explain more about Dharma?  I am really digging this season so far, much better than 3, but I just wanted your opinion on whether the writers have gotten too into answering the “now’” questions rather than going back and answering some old mysteries. -- Kaylen

A: It does feel like "Lost" raises more questions than it answers, doesn't it? That said, all I can say is have faith. What fun would it be if they answered all the big questions so quickly? Enjoy the ride, I say.

Q: What is the deal with the 4 toed statue??? It's killing me! -- Vinny

A: I am on record saying I never want that one answered. It's just so random, I like it that way.

Q: There is so much happening on LOST. Past, present and now future. How the hell do you keep track of it all? When we watch LOST, I am constantly asking my fiancé to explain things because I don't remember. He gets pretty annoyed. Any tips for how to store all of this information? Thanks, AS, Boston

A: Lostpedia.com. It's the best site there is.

Q: In a very brief flashback from last season Ben was one of the  airport security screeners in Australia for the passengers on the Lost Flight. This was always perplexing to me as Ben was also on the island as the plane crashed, so maybe there is a time warp? From last night’s episode, the photo of Ben in the vest is from when he was a airport security screener. Your thoughts? -- peter

A: That wasn't a flashback last season, that was Locke tripping on some island concoction and seeing Boone. That pic did look it could have come from something like airport security, but I think that's just a coincidence. Though, on this show, there is really no such thing.

Q: In last season’s finale, Jack’s flash forward hospital scene contained a reference to Jack’s father.  It was something like “You go up there and check if I’m drunker than my father.”  I think this is a clue that the “when” of the flash-forwards is not what we think it is.  My colleague thinks that it’s just a sign that Jack’s lost it.  What do you think? -- Barbara

A: I agree with your colleague. I think, much like hiding Ben's voice last week, it was just a device used to throw us off.

Q: This is more of a statement than a question. I would very much like to recieve your feed-back. My boyfriend and I could not be 'larger than life' LOST fans! We have never missed an episode. The writing, characters and mystery plot are all brillant. However, for the first time, in the first new episode of the fourth season, there was a line that we felt was ridiculous!  Jack was on the transmitter with the 'would-be' rescuers and he says at one point: "Can you hold on a second", while he is checking on the whearabouts of the girl Naomi. We could only burst out laughing! It was so stupid! After everything /all they had been through, and they finally have contact with the outside world, and their entire mission is to be rescued, and they finally have contact--who in the world/in their right mind would say "can you hold on a second" and put the phone down for awhile!!!! That would be like calling 911 in ANY emergency (house fire/tornado/burglary/assault etc..) and while talking with the dispatcher saying "can you hold please". We just couldn't believe that the writers and actors kept that ridiculous line in the script. Of course, the whole plot is a mystery/ fantasy, but that one line brought us down a notch. I would really appreciate your view. Thank you!

A: This touches on something that bothered me in season 3. When Juliet told Jack she had a file about everything in his life, his first question was, "Is my ex happy?" That one annoyed me to no end. It's amazing how the littlest things on this show can upset me, but a black smoke monster and a polar bear seem totally reasonable.

Q: My first thought upon seeing the so-called "flashbacks" of the new characters was that they are likely not to be flashBACKS at all.  My feeling is that these are flashforwards - in a timeline AFTER the supposed rescue that is happening on the island "right now."  Care to weigh in?  Anyone?  Anyone? -- Michelle

A: Heard this one from a few people and I just don't buy it.

Q: We enjoy your commentaries but have one great concern about the present & future of the show.  We would like to know your thoughts:  The producers are the same as for the show "Alias".  Need I say more? -- Monte

A: I have to say, this has occurred to me. For those of you that don't know, "Alias" was pretty much the best show ever for the first two season, then shit the bed for the last three. But Damon and Carlton, who pretty much run "Lost," had nothing to do with "Alias" -- just JJ. So hopefully we're ok. Hopefully.

Q: I like the way the new characters (Charlotte, Daniel, Frank and Miles) were introduced last week.  Which one do you find most interesting and why? - Liz

A: I liked Charlotte, but in all honesty I thought they did a fantastic job of introducing all four of them. The pilot is probably the least interesting of the bunch.

Q: You need to pay more attention. -- jm

A: Ok.

Q: Hey.  Enjoyed your column.  I am WAY behind on the LOST thing, but everyone keeps talking about it.  So, I watched the season Finale on Wednesday and the Premiere last night (all 2 hours).  I am really hooked, I love it.  But, at the same time, I am lost too, just because I am new to it.  To me, it’s just a remote island some strangers got “planewrecked” on (Until the whole cabin thing.  Weird!)  What is the whole “mystique” they have going on with the island??  Who are the others, who the crap is Ben and who is the Darwin Project(sorry if I got the company name wrong).  If you could just give me a general overview that may help me follow along while I am new to it, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!! -- Nancy

A: Sorry, Nancy -- you're fucked.]]>