The Lost Diary: L.D.Q.A. -- 5/21

Welcome to week two of the Monday Q&A column. I thought last week's went pretty well, so hopefully we can keep things going.

Two notes before we continue:

1) I started a MySpace page for The Lost Diary. Here is the link: www.myspace.com/lost_diary. I haven't done anything with it yet, but I figure if you want to, you can subscribe to the blog, this way I can tell you when I post new stuff once the finale airs.

2) Here is my preliminary plan for the summer, let me know what you think: I am going to re-watch season one and write Diary entries from the beginning. I don't think I have seen a single season one episode since they aired the first time, so I thought this could be kind of fun -- maybe I'll catch things I didn't notice the first time around. What do you think?

These are all taken from actual questions emailed to me, or comments made on TMZ or here on this site. Let's roll:

Q: This "Charlie must die!" crap is getting tremendously old. Yes, we're aware you hate the character. Yes, we know you want a fictional character to perish. Is there any way you could, you know, try watching this episode without letting you hatred for both a character and the fact that the actor is dating a reasonably attractive woman not taint your inane blog? ... This entire diary minute-by-minute format is a pretty intriguing way of blogging about a show that I think people find interesting, and it's sullied by the infantile whining of the writer who dislikes a character and sees fit to write about it in nearly EVERY SINGLE BLOG POST. -- Tony

A: Well you couldn't read the comments about last week's Diary without reading about Tony. His comments (I pasted two together for the sake of this Q&A) ignited a firestore on the message boards. Many, many people came rushing to my defense and quickly attacked Tony mercilessly.

Only problem though ... it was a great comment!

Here's the thing about TV critics (and most critics in general): They often write about and review shows they just don't like. Why would I want to read the opinion of someone who hates what they're writing about? Would an "American Idol" fan want to read a blog I wrote about the show? Of course not! I hate "American Idol." I think the best criticism comes from fans, true fans. A show should only try and please it's fans, and when it doesn't, who better to call them on it but the fans themselves?

Same thing goes here. Tony obviously reads the Diary and enjoys it. So when he sees me, in his opinion, ruining it by constantly bitching about Charlie, he voiced his opinion. I loved his comment so much that I wrote him to say so. If someone who hated my blog, or never read it before, posted that same comment I wouldn't have cared. I'm not above criticism either. Except for the Henry Gale thing.

And on the bright side, everyone calmed down after awhile and Tony fit right in with the rest of the gang. Good times.

Q: I believe I have come up with the "ultimate Lost question", tailored for you. But before I ask, I just wanted to say that my fiancee and I absolutely love the column, because for a true Lost fan, the show goes far beyond the 1 hours it's on television. It consumes you for the next six days and twenty-three hours. And your column is the creme of that which consumes. Anyway, so here is the "ultimate Lost question"... If the writers of the show gave you the chance to have Charlie die in whatever manner you desired in the next episode, but you could never see another John Locke and Henry Gale scene ever again, would you take the opportunity to kill off your most hated character? In other words, would you sacrifice your most favorite thing for the joy that comes with choosing how to destroy your most hated? -- Jeff (Methuen, MA)

A: This is the type of question I love. Obviously I agonized over this one for days. Not only would this guarantee Charlie's death, but it would allow me to make it slow and painful. Actually, I wouldn't even take that route -- I wouldn't even show his death. It would happen off-camera somewhere and then someone would go, "Hey, what happened to Charlie?" And someone else would say, "Oh, him? He's dead." And then everyone would carry on like nothing happened.

But to answer your question, I'd let him live. I couldn't imagine life without Locke and Henry Gale in it. Curses to Jeff from Methuen, MA!

Q: Does it ever aggravate you that people don’t actually watch or maybe listen to the show? There are so many questions that people ask in the blog that they’d know the answer to if they just paid attention! I want to b---- slap those people. Or, even better, they could read responses that TELL them the answer instead of just posting the same darn question two pages later …. It would drive me nuts to do what you do. -- Janelle

A: "Lost" is a confusing show and there is a lot of shit going on and you can't expect everyone to remember every little thing that happens. Sometimes people are doing other things when they watch, maybe the kids are yelling, maybe they don't have TiVo. It's not like an episode of "The Ghost Whisperer" or something (sorry JLH!). There is only one question that annoys me ...

Q: What happened to Mike and Walt? -- Tons of people.

A: I have no idea. None. Zero. Zilch. Nada.

Q: Really now.................what is this show all about ?? Dying to know. -- Maureen

A: (Sigh)

Q: Rose, Kate or Juliet? I can't decide. Who would be the best companion on a cold, rainy island night. Rose obviously has experience and could keep a man warm...., kate's feisty and substitutes self realization and dealing with problems with bumping uglies (every time you wanted to get it on you could just remind her that her father never loved her), and juliet has all that doctor knowledge that could be used for the sexification. It's a tough choice. -- Clint.

A: I had to email Clint back right away. How could you leave off Sun? She's completely underrated. But let's leave her out of it since she's pregnant and I don't get down like that. Let's drop Rose, because I would never do that to Bernard. That leaves Kate and Juliet. Both incredibly attracted women, both have issues. As much as I love Juliet, I can't trust her. Gotta go with Kate, if for no other reason than to shut her up sometimes.

Q: Do you think Juliet lied about not knowing that there were people in The Looking Glass? I still don't trust her. Once a mole, always a mole. What do you think? -- Jessica in Brooklyn

A: No, I think Henry Gale lied to her (and probably everyone) about the Looking Glass and what goes on down there. Why? I am guessing we'll find out this week.

Q: Would you agree on the following airplane seat assignments?

Locke– Aisle
Hurley – Aisle and middle
Jack – Business class window
Sawyer – Aisle
Claire – Aisle
Jin – Middle
Sun – Window
Charlie – middle
Kate – Window
Sayid – middle

A: I like most of those answers. Without trying to remember back to what we saw on the show (like I don't think Jack was in business class or a window because he said something to Rose from across the aisle as the plane was going down), those all seem to make sense. Charlie seems like the type to book some kind of late, super saver fare that would put him in a middle seat.

Q: Did you happen to go back and watch Charlie’s entrance into the looking glass hatch? The brunette woman that came in second, was that Sawyers girlfriend that he conned and that later took up with Kate? It looked like her…wouldn’t that be weird?
-Tristan

A: A lot of people said this and I don't buy it. What I do like, however, is that maybe Henry Gale girlfriend Annie is down there somewhere. We never heard anything about her during the purge. I don't think Henry would have killed her.

Q: Hey Daniel - do you read internet spoilers? My advice? DON'T. Theories I love. Theories are fun. Guessing the mystery is fun. Knowing the plot before it airs? Not so fun. I regret having read that spoiler. Look away! Look away! -- Michelle

A: Well said, Michelle. Do you read the last chapter of a book first to find out what happened? Do you sneak into the end of the movie you're going to see so you find out how it ends? Why read spoilers? What is the point? I will never, ever understand that. In that vain ...

Q: Dearest Daniel,

I am weak....I am a sad, weak little girl that broke under the pressure of temptation *weeping*...I have "spoiled" myself!! I broke down and read the rumored synopsis of the upcoming episode and the Season finale!!! What was I thinking!!!! Now I want to shoot myself at the thought of how utterly disappointed you would be at my blatant display of weakness **hands buried in face with shame** Don't get me wrong, they were out-of-this-world-great, shocking, fantastic but now I wont be surprised ...i....i....i think I will commit self-flagellation now....If Sun's dad were here he would say the following, "You have shamed me and brought dishonor to our family" :)

Self banishment from the LOST-community is the honorable thing to do. :) -- Ana

A: See what happens when you read spoilers, children? Ana and I talked it out and she's fine now, but it was touch and go there for awhile.

Q: I hope that you discuss the Lost Writers Show that aired on Thursday night. I found it very interesting to compare what we as viewers want answers to, and where they are trying to lead us. I felt like they didn't give us any new information, but it did open my eyes to where I was completely 'off', or things that had been pushed to the back of my mind. -- Elle

A: I thought it was ok. The one thing I did like was that they said definitively that the plane crashed because Desmond didn't punch in the numbers in time. Even though the show clearly showed this, people still seemed to believe something else was up.

Q: I want to say I really love your blog; it's the highlight of my mornings on Thursdays, and I look forward to it from the minute "Lost" ends Wednesday nights. I think you're funny and I like that, rather than trying to dissect everything that happens (which I think is really cool and fun, but there's a lot of it that goes on on other sites), you're just a fan like the rest of us, freaking out when something awesome or unbelievable happens, and getting just as excited. -- Kim

A: This is my favorite comment ever. I started writing this column as a way to have fun with the most fun show on television. The motto I have for "Lost" is, "It isn't my favorite show, but it is my favorite show to watch."

I am glad everyone has fun reading it and I love the amazing community we have here. My friends like to say I have a loyal following of fans, but honestly I feel like we're all in this together -- I just happen to be the guy who works at TMZ.

Only one more to go. Where has the time gone?

Comments

I really like the idea of you going through season one over the summer. I really enjoy the humor and outlook that you add to the show as you watch. Plus, then I can get really great, funny recaps without having the watch the whole season again, OR having to read someone's boring 12 page recap.
Whatever you decide -- keep up the great work. It's been fun watching Lost "with" you!

Posted by: Dianna | May 21, 2007 04:33 AM

why stop at season one? there's no 'one a week' rule for the summer, so go ahead and do season two as well! don't pretend like you don't want to...

Posted by: Oly | May 21, 2007 11:33 AM

I think that going back over season one is a great idea! Last summer, while getting ready for season three, my daughter and I watched all of season one and season two, and yes, there were things I missed! I was really surprised!

Oh, and I clicked to add you on my friends list at MySpace :)

Posted by: ssmcbroom | May 21, 2007 01:13 PM

i love what you do. keep the insight and the funny coming.

Posted by: lindsay | May 21, 2007 01:35 PM

Yes!! Please Please re-cap season one over the summer. I am going to be watching it too. That would make a great way to get through til January!! Thanks again for making Lost so much more fun to watch!

Posted by: Candice | May 21, 2007 02:08 PM

Thanks Daniel for the Monday morning blog. For this summer I think it is a great idea for you to recap season one. I do not have it on dvd but it will be fun to read your take on it every week. Sheesh! Only one more episode to go! Can't wait!

Posted by: ♥Susan♥ | May 21, 2007 02:17 PM

i kind of feel like charlie isnt going to die, at least not the way desmond said so. but if he does die, it needs to happen at the beginning and ironically. thats how i knew he was going to die last week. the writers arent going to be so obvious as to have a whole show as his swan song.

also, the two women in the Looking Glass are characters we havent seen before.

can't wait for the season finale. two hours of Lost!

Posted by: sarah | May 21, 2007 02:29 PM

Watching "Lost" season 1 and putting your spin on it would rule! Maybe you can post a schedule on when you plan to watch the episodes, and those of us who want can follow along at home and keep up. I would hate for our virtual living room to empty just cause the season is over.
This Wednesday night will be awesome...I can't wait!
Until Thursday AM, brutha!

Posted by: Locke's Daddy(from the grave) | May 21, 2007 02:55 PM

Hi Daniel,

Love the blog, and would love for you to recap Season 1 this summer. However, one catch ------ you need to tell us when you will be watching and posting, so we all can watch the episodes as well before you post your comments. That'll make reading your blog better.

PS - I wonder if I'll still want to take a dump on Jack's forehead after rewatching Season 1 - my guess is 'Yes'.

Posted by: Rich DeBerg | May 21, 2007 02:57 PM

I can think of no better way to spend the rest of this year than watching seasons 1 & 2 and hearing what you have to say about them...please do! I missed all of season 1, so I really want to buy the dvd and you would be a nice complement to my catching up!

Posted by: Whitney | May 21, 2007 03:03 PM

Yes – Great idea to review season one. I bet we will all pick up on a lot of things we missed the first time around. I’ll have to figure out the whole my space thing. I’m going to watch season two again right before season three starts up. Thanks Again. Counting down till the finale. I can’t wait!!! Teresa Lynn

Posted by: Teresa Lynn | May 21, 2007 03:16 PM

OK I love the idea of season one redone BUT now I feel the need to go out and buy it. I TIVO Lost and I have since season one but I have kids and my shows seem to get knocked off Tivo and replaced by air bending cartoons and Dora. GRRRR

Posted by: Laura | May 21, 2007 03:34 PM

Hi Whitney (from three posts above),

No offense, but if you missed all of Season 1, then you really aren't a TRUE Lost fan. I'm glad you caught on and are watching now (better late than never I guess), but without having the knowledge of what went on in Season 1, you really don't know half of the drama. A REAL Lost fan is one who has been there from the beginning. (And if you didn't start from the beginning, then there is no excuse that you didn't go out and buy Season 1 on DVD and watched it already).

I'm sorry to scold this newbie, but I feel strongly that anyone who hasn't watched Season 1 just doesn't officially belong to this Lost family of ours.

What do other Lost veterans think? Am I being too harsh to Whitney? Or am I right in thinking she should have ponied up the 30 bucks to buy Season 1 and catch up?

Rich

Posted by: Rich DeBerg | May 21, 2007 04:00 PM

I'm with you 100% on the recap of as many of the episodes as you can get through before season 4 starts.

Just tell us when!

Posted by: Janice | May 21, 2007 04:10 PM

I can't take that there's only one more show left for the season!! I'm totally into the recap of season 1...I love this site, your blogs and all the people who comment...this LOST community is great.

Posted by: kerin | May 21, 2007 04:19 PM

Dear lost snob, I mean Rich, deal with it.

Daniel,
Please do re-cap, man I can't believe you haven't re-watched one or two. I was the one who wanted your archives, but this will be better, by far! It will fill up the drought.

I agree with the post above that we need to know when/how to read it. Maybe you already posted that, we have to get automatic updates from your myspace place?

Inquiring minds,
Carla

Posted by: Carla | May 21, 2007 04:19 PM

To Rich - To answer you're question, yes you're being too harsh on Whitney...one of the things that seperates this blog from others is the friendly nature in which we all keep it..who are we to judge why she didn't watch season 1 or buy it yet? The fact is she's a fan now, she enjoys Daniel's blogs and she wants to revisit Season 1 with us, I think ANYONE who watches the show and wants to be a part of this community should be able to do so..REAL fan or newbie, as long as they are polite, don't post spoilers or ridiculous questions like - where are Michael and Walt? (HA HA)

Hugs to all!!!

Posted by: kerin | May 21, 2007 04:53 PM

Daniel,
I LOVE the idea of recapping the seasons. I will miss LOST until next season, but I need your humor to get me through my work week. Please do figure out a way to let us know what and when you are watching so we can keep track. It will make summer pass by a bit smoother knowing we are still feeding our LOST addiction in one form or another.

On to the post from Rich. Since you asked, YES you were more than harsh to Whitney. Does it truly matter if she doesn't own the first season? Maybe she has had the time to go out and buy it? Or maybe she is lacking the funds. I know as a single mother of two kids, it is easier to Netflixs it instead of putting $30-50 into a DVD (even if it is one of the best shows ever). I think that our LOST family does a great job of embracing everyone, even those that make ridiculous posts that make no sense. It is the quirkiness that allows us to have the "Uncle Rico's" in our family. I think you owe Whitney an apology. She clearly takes time to watch the show and read the posts. It is unfair of you to verbally attack her for not being a "real LOST fan"...by the way, what is the definition of that? I suppose if you are a "real LOST fan," that you sleep with the DVD's of all the seasons?

Tristan

Posted by: Tristan | May 21, 2007 04:55 PM

I think going over season one would be great, think we could squeeze season two too? LOL. I've seen season one, have it on DVD and have not cracked it opened once to view it. Shame on me. I think I'll watch it over the break and read your comments, yay for the housewife with no life, :-)

Posted by: Yvette P. | May 21, 2007 05:07 PM

Hi Daniel LOVE your posts and the fact that you are going to go over the Season 1. I also would like to be able to watch the show before you post but I don't belong to myspace and really don't want to have to go there unless I absolutely have to. If you could post your comments etc on a page like this and we tune in on Monday morning to read about the episode before that would be great! What do you think?

Posted by: Julie | May 21, 2007 05:29 PM

Daniel, since no one has mentioned it yet, the link to your myspace is bad. Love the profile picture!!!

My vote is YES to recapping Season 1! I will rent it and rewatch it with you, well, vicariously, unless you want to get together, which would totally be cool....... let me ask my husband first. ;)

Posted by: Betsy | May 21, 2007 05:31 PM

I think it is a great idea to rewatch season 1. I haven't rewatched it but have been thinking about it. It's going to be great to see your recaps and knowing what we know now, we can all catch things we may have missed the first time around together. I was thinking last week while reading your blog "what am I going to on Thursday mornings with out Daniels blogs". So this should be good. I'm looking forward to it.

Posted by: Heather | May 21, 2007 06:13 PM

I can not find the Lost Diary page on Myspace to save my life! Please help me.

Whitney, catch up when you can. You've missed a bunch but that doesn't make you any less of a Lost fan.

I totally agree that there should be a schedule up of which episodes you will be reviewing every week. We ask so much...don't we!?

Posted by: JennyC | May 21, 2007 06:25 PM

Someone may have already asked this but there are too many comments to read to catch up so here i ask...

In many episodes when folks are running throught the jungle, etc, we hear "whispering". Is that Jacob?!? Can more people than just Ben and Locke hear him?

Uh Oh...wait until Ben finds out...

Posted by: So Lost | May 21, 2007 06:33 PM

I think it's a great idea for you to re-watch Season One. How about re-watching Season Two while you're at it? I know someone else already said it, but I second that motion.

I mostly appreciate your column (except for typing "brutha" when Desmond clearly pronounces his "r"s and your severely annoying Charlie obsession), but I have been complaining to my husband since you started this column about how at least once per column you write something completely ignorant...as if you'd only watched Season One as it aired...

Husband and I watched one disk per night. Do that. Watch one disk per night, then go back and watch again and then write your diary entries. Even if you don't do diary entries for Season Two, watch it at least once. You are in serious need of a history lesson, my dear.

Posted by: tlatzoteotl | May 21, 2007 06:42 PM

Tristan said " I suppose if you are a "real LOST fan," that you sleep with the DVD's of all the seasons? "

LMAO

Hey Rich, Lighten up people that just found Lost can be fans. I even envy them that they can go back and watch past seasons like new shows while we all know whats going on. Wish I had a season or two that I missed to watch during the down time.

Posted by: Laura | May 21, 2007 06:53 PM

Yes, please do review Season 1 (and 2, if you can - though maybe you are planning that for the hiatus between Season 4-5?)! My husband scored mega-points when he bought me Season 1 for Christmas (neither one of us had watched it before) and we ordered Season 2 the morning after we watched the first three episodes of Season 1. We watched at least one episode of Lost every night (including the Season 3a episodes on ABC), and were caught up by the time Season 3b started. I have already planned on starting over and re-watching at a more leisurely pace once this season is done, and I would love to follow your blog.

BTW, I was one of your "defenders" from Tony and a few others - though my point was that slamming a blogger because the blogger doesn't write his blog exactly the way you want him to seems pretty silly. Most of us read your blog *because* of the way you write, not in spite of it. I like your use of humor, the Charlie-bashing, and the long life of Henry Gales, brutha. Please don't tinker with it too much.

Posted by: Nan | May 21, 2007 07:06 PM

LOVE your blog and now mondays are great too! I love the idea of wactching season 1 again, just PLEASE let us know when you are doing it so we can watch with you. Thanks for doing this!!!!!!

Posted by: Claire | May 21, 2007 07:30 PM

Hey Daniel:
It took me a few days to come back to you all because Tony really annoyed me and I had no interest in participating in a discussion that he was controlling. You may have liked his question but he was kinda nasty to me when I took up for you.

Anyway, I can't find you on myspace? what's up with that? Also, as I have already planned to rewatch Seasons 1 and 2 this summer, your recaps will make it even better. Great idea.

alison

Posted by: alison | May 21, 2007 07:37 PM

Wow, I must admit I am shocked at the comments.... I thought for sure more people would be on my side and bash Whitney for jumping on the bandwagon and arriving too late to the Lost party. Like I said, I don't mind that she now likes the show, but how can you think you are a REAL fan if you weren't intrigued enough to go and buy Season 1 to see what happened to these characters??? It boggles my mind.

As for Tristan, I think it's very hypocritical of you to say I owe someone an apology, and then make a horrible comment about me sleeping with DVD's. I hope Daniel bans you from the blog you mental midget.

Posted by: Rich DeBerg | May 21, 2007 07:48 PM

Definitely agree that you should post a schedule... I would re-watch them again and I'd be willing to bet that there are a few things we missed. I am assuming that the Answers show this Wednesday is a repeat of last Thursday's... Can anyone confirm that?Thanks Daniel! I love it!

Posted by: Rachel | May 21, 2007 07:49 PM

Rich, I agree with you. Everyone keeps saying that this blog is for the "Lost family", and then Tristan goes and makes a dispicable and distasteful joke. That was uncalled for, and he owes YOU an apology. If he doesn't, I too believe Daniel should ban him from this blog.

Posted by: Jim | May 21, 2007 08:01 PM

Daniel, I would love to rewatch Season 1 "with" you even though I just finished rewatching it!! Please post a schedule so I don't get behind the class. Love your blog!

Posted by: Angela | May 21, 2007 08:22 PM

In response to the next to last question, I have a question of my own. On "Lost Secrets" with the writers/producers that aired on Thursday, I was very interested to hear them talk about Jacob. Of course, Jacob is an interesting topic but I was more interested in the way they spoke about him. There are the theories that Jacob isn't real (which I was kind of convinced of myself) but the way they talked about him makes me question that. Any thoughts?

Posted by: Kelly | May 21, 2007 08:29 PM

Just so that I may clear a few things up, the comment was a joke, that was all. If you are willing to put yourself out there to have someone comment on your comment, realize that there may be a joke on it. Also, if you thought that is was so wrong and cruel of me, then you shouldn't have made a rude comment by calling me a mental midget. Which I am short, so I'll take that into account, but am relatively intelligent. But I get your joke!
As for Jim, it was a joke, again and other bloggers have gone before me and made other jokes that are similar in taste and yet weren't bad-mouthed. Clearly no one sleeps with their LOST collection, and if someone should then more power to them as they have way more of a love for LOST than I do.
I didn't intend on hurting anyones feelings, though Rich I do feel like you were harsh to Whitney (you said so yourself that you "scolded" her) and if you don't want anyone's opinion then don't ask for it, as you might not like what you get. All in all, I do apologize for hurting your feelings.
For the record Jim, I am a woman. Not a man, so should you chose to write about me any further negative or positive, please use my correct gender.
Thanks and have a great day!
Tristan

Posted by: Tristan | May 21, 2007 08:52 PM

Daniel - you read my mind. I was totally thinking last week that you should go back to the eps before you started the blog to get us through the hiatus. Great minds must think alike! ;-)

Also, I almost never go to TMZ now. This little virtual living room is much more my speed. Hope it continues to be the fun and accepting place that it is - for EVERYONE. Even people that missed season 1 or choose to sleep with their DVDs. Hey, to each their own, brutha!

widsl

Posted by: widsl | May 21, 2007 09:16 PM

Holy shit! I'm famous! Thanks for the shout-out, Daniel, and for looking past the profanities and vitriol in my initial post. It was kind of hypocritical for me to call your blog inane in one breath and to praise it in the next, but I'll just say that stemmed from my frustration that most forums -- not just your blog -- light up at the prospect of Charlie's untimely demise, and I kind of reached critical mass and spewed my comments in your direction. And you didn't deserve that. Your blog rocks, and the fact that you've got this legion of fans (and apparently people hunting down your picture on the Internet -- jeez) kind of supports that. Keep doing what you do, and if people dig your style, then you certainly shouldn't modify it based on one dude's comments. For what it's worth, there's still an episode left, and Charlie still hasn't flicked that little yellow switch, so he still might be doomed.

Nan, with respect, it seems to me that sometimes people don't post criticisms on various things -- blogs, message boards, whatever -- because they're worried their contrary opinion might piss people off. Just because I'm the only vocal one out there doesn't mean there are one, two, or three people who agree with me. And if it means Daniel can think of other ways to entertain us without falling back on hatin' on Charlie, then the end result is gonna be a richer blog for everybody. Just IMO.

Rich, don't mean to sound like a douche, but your view is a little messed up. You're not welcoming someone to your fold because they haven't had the time or money to invest in renting and/or purchasing the season-one DVDs? What? No offense, but if that's the mindset here, then I don't think you're going to have many people wanting to join your merry band. People can watch television on their own time -- and what, is there a requirement that only true fans can grace this comment section? Come on.

Recapping season one in Lost-diary style is a tremendously awesome idea, BTW.

Posted by: Tony | May 21, 2007 10:32 PM

Tristan, thanks for making me smile.
Rich I was intrigued enough to watch Lost since the first show but I understand that not everyone knew about the show and not everyone can afford to rent or buy it. It's cool to have a bunch of people to talk about the show with but judging someone is a little harsh. Take care and stop taking life to serious.

Posted by: Laura | May 21, 2007 10:42 PM

First, I love, love, LOVE the blog! Do you think you could let us know when you are going to start watching Season 1 so that we can try and watch "with" you like we do now? I had already planned on going back and re-watching everything from the beginning and I'd really like to watch with you. BTW, this one line was the funniest thing I have ever read in your blog: "10:57 -- Wait, I'm sorry, did Henry Gale just shoot Locke?" I spit soda all over my monitor because I laughed so hard! Keep it up!

Posted by: Angel | May 22, 2007 12:17 AM

Is it wrong to sleep with my DVD?

Posted by: color me shocked | May 22, 2007 12:52 AM

All I wanna say is that recaps of seasons 1 & 2 are a great idea. Like a couple of people have said, keep it here rather than myspace, I've seen the subscribe option here as well. But do name the schedule for the post ahead of time.
As a traveller I started late on Lost but wanted to see it from day one. I got the DVDs and watched S1 and S2 in a row over the last couple of years, in fact I had a long hiatus and wound up watching S2 in a weekend just before S3 commenced last year! As a result I saw the S3 connections with the earlier seasons with good memory. That said, a year later some of it is hazy so I will absolutely be watching the episodes too and not just reading the blogs!
I totally love your blog. Love your humour and look forward to Thursdays as much as I do Wednesdays. Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Bec | May 22, 2007 01:26 AM

keep up the great work!

fyi that first guy was a complete tool with his comments. its just a show and the ongoing stuff with charlie is funny to me. i find myself just like everyone else rooting for his untimely demise. sorry to tell you ben is so good bad but he just makes you love to hate him.

Posted by: marie | May 22, 2007 01:30 AM

FYI everyone -

http://www.myspace.com/lost_diary

I was able to find Daniel's myspace page - but the link he gave brought up two http://'s in my address line. Once I removed the middle http//, I got through fine. I reposted the link above, and it seems to work fine - you will know immediately that you found Daniel's space!

Posted by: Nan | May 22, 2007 03:51 AM

Daniel, I can't believe you haven't rewatched the 1st year! I actually never watched until the finale. I thought it was one of those "reality shows", until my mom explained it wasn't. After watching the finale, I got hooked and watched the reruns all summer. Then on a whim, I bought the dvd season 1 and watched over and again. For the past few weeks I've been watching season one again, just to see if I missed something. I'm still curious about the Rousseau thing with the black smoke and how she knew the others were coming for the child. Can't wait for wednesday. I've never been so excited about a show before. I just hope they don't kill off the ones I like. Oh well. See you in another life, brutha.

Posted by: rousseau | May 22, 2007 10:04 AM

Hey Daniel,
I think re-watching Season 1 and writing a diary is a PERFECT idea!!!! I am actually going to be re-watching seasons 1 and 2 during the summer otherwise I will suffer major Lost withdrawls. Tomorrow will be bittersweet. I really want to see the finale and am so excited about it, but then I won't see another new episode until January. What will I do?!?!

Posted by: Dana | May 22, 2007 01:10 PM

NAN!!!! Thank you so much.

Posted by: JennyC | May 22, 2007 01:26 PM

Tristan - You are great!! You made me laugh and you are so right. I agree with you 100%.

Posted by: Dana | May 22, 2007 01:38 PM

Hey Daniel,
You've just inspired me to go get season 1 on DVD. My family and I have watched every episode from the beginning, but the show is... how should we say... complicated, so a refresher sounds fun. Plus, it will help with the withdrawals this summer.

I wanted to make a comment about last week's blog. It did degenerate into some nasty name calling. While everyone is most definitely entitled to their opinions, people should really watch the personal insults. While I myself have to laugh whenever "No Longer a Lost Fan" posts (why post on a show you hate?), I think we need to get past vitrolic language we're hurling (get it?) at each other. It stops being fun. While I disagreed with Tony's initial comments, I got upset with some of the slams he was making on people. However, I think we (as a blog community) worked it out, and I too really appreciated Tony's comments as the discussion progressed. I got over my righteous idignation because there was no place for it.

My very long point is that we should really refrain from personal insults and keep focusing on the show. Of course we'll disagree on LOTS! But let's try to keep the personal attacks to a minimum; if we don't, they'll be a lot less posts, I'm thinking....

Posted by: Lyss | May 22, 2007 01:46 PM

Well-said, Lyss, and agreed on all counts. I tend to be a little harsh toward people I disagree with -- as to whether that's my rhetorical style or I just get easily rankled, I have no idea -- and I'm glad both that I calmed the hell down and that we worked things out. For what it's worth, I hope Daniel doesn't modify his blogging style based on what I said. Don't want to spoil everyone else's fun.

Posted by: Tony | May 22, 2007 02:21 PM

hey daniel,

re: spoilers

have you ever thought about moderating these comments before they go up? someone put a spoiler in here about the finale and I was none-too-happy to see it. naturally, i dont have to read all of the comments and i havent read the ones above, but i was just curious as to your thoughts. btw - i was one of the ones that said i wanted to know what happened to michael and walt. i know YOU don't know. I just want to find out. we will probably have to wait until the series ends. i thought the writer's episode was useless. i listen to their podcast weekly and find that much more intriguing than that show was.

Posted by: d | May 22, 2007 02:33 PM

Daniel,

People keep asking you where Mike and Walt are, I believe they are down in the looking glass, they were given the boat to leave the island, but I don't believe they were really let go since Henry won't let any off his people leave the island. I think we will see Mike and Walt on Wednesday nights season finale.

Mark

Posted by: Mark | May 22, 2007 03:18 PM

Posted by: Mark | May 22, 2007 03:19 PM

Daniel, Great idea! I am so excited . Last seasons long break was agonizing. I cant wait to rewatch season 1 with you.It will keep us all in the loop. Thanks so much for this blog. It so gives me something to look forward to.Keep up the good work Daniel.

Posted by: bobbi | May 22, 2007 03:29 PM

Daniel-

You're posts are BLOG-A-LICIOUS!

Posted by: Gracie | May 22, 2007 04:05 PM

Great idea!!! I was planning on watching season one to refresh my memory, but I'm twice as excited about now that I know that there will be a blog from you. Thanks Daniel!!

Posted by: Priscila | May 22, 2007 05:04 PM

Daniel..

do you think that anyone will figure out the connection between them all? I mean they have been there a while you would think something would come out. I cant imagine they would leave all of that un-addressed.
I guess only time will tell.

Posted by: Erica | May 22, 2007 06:32 PM

Do I have a severe case of Lost fever? I saw a Yahoo headline that said "Star clusters' chemical compostition may reveal Sun's origins" and my first thought was that it was going to be an article on Sun's father. I really do need to get a life.

Sigh. 29 hours and counting.

Posted by: Nan | May 22, 2007 08:06 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Season One Diaries sound awesome - especially since I have just gone through and watched them all, and it is an eye opening experience; I definitely find I am making connections that my fellow Losties who haven't gone back are missing. And perhaps, as a result, I am reading too much into things... Sigh!

Nevertheless, keep up the good work.

Posted by: Katey | May 22, 2007 08:58 PM

So, to recap, Professor Daniel:

The class would like to study Lost 1 & 2 over summer break. Please post a complete syllabus with dates for watching episodes so we don't fall behind in our homework. Since "summer" will extend deep into fall, with the new Lost 4 schedule, please pace the schedule so that nobody goes into Lost viewing/blogging withdrawal.

We love the time marks in your blog entries, so we're just going to have to get used to a 44 minute clock instead of an hour clock. (Remember that Lost aired at an earlier hour in previous seasons, so earlier time stamps would lend historical accuracy.) We also love the study questions posted at the end of each entry to prompt discussion. Hot-headed blog posters would do well to stick to the Professor's questions, or pose insightful queries of their own, rather than speculating on with what or with whom other class members are sleeping.

I'm looking forward to being an active student in this summer's University of Lost. I'm hoping Professor Daniel's class remains welcoming to veteran Losties and newbies to the Island, and fans young and old alike (including those who know more about operating the Hatch than using MySpace!).

By the way, I grew up on a Hawaiian island, and live on a Vermont one. Coincidence? In the Lost world, there are none...

Posted by: Vermonter | May 22, 2007 09:17 PM

Q: Rose, Kate or Juliet?

CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE CLAIRE

Posted by: bryan | May 22, 2007 10:15 PM

WOO HOO!! Tomorrow is the day! I can't wait!! Ugh I've been boycotting all the Lost site/articles due to the many spoilers people have been posting. BUT I couldn't resist Daniel's site :o)
Daniel I think recapping Season 1 this summer is an EXCELLENT idea!! I have rewatched season 1 once already and gained ALOT from it. I am anxious to rewatch both 1 and 2 this summer. When you watch them on DVD its SO easy to watch 4 episodes in one day. Great idea!

Oh and I have a feeling Charlie is NOT going to die tomorrow night. I just want to call it, ya' all can trash me on Thurs if I'm wrong.

(((((hugs 2 all the losties)))

Posted by: SarahZ | May 23, 2007 02:54 AM

I have been avoiding the spoilers all week ... which I am NOTORIOUS about looking for. yes, I read the end of a mystery novel. I wanted to know who died in the last Harry Potter book before I picked it up. Quite often, I will skip to the end of whatever book I am reading, because I need to KNOW WHERE IT IS GOING. I don't know why, it may just be a personality flaw.

However, this time around, both Daniel and my LOST watching friend convinced me not to look ... the suspense is killing me!

Posted by: Janelle | May 23, 2007 04:26 PM

Rich,
I'm glad you think I'm such a "newbie," even though I have been a devout Lost fan for two complete seasons now and probably am more aware of what has happened on the show than most people. Not only do I read Daniel's post, but I also check LostPedia all the time (HAVE done my homework), readup on ABC.com, and I am always on the lookout for others' thoughts on the show thru other websites.

Also, what was it about "so I really want to buy the dvd and you would be a nice complement to my catching up!" that made it sound like I had no interest/money/time to buy the dvd of season 1 to catch up?

So, to Rich, I've always heard about "weirdos" like you who have nothing better to do than bash other people that they don't know through a computer, but you really take the cake!

To everyone else, thanks for the props--you are what Daniel's blog is all about--true Lost fans who prove their devotion to the show by belonging to a close community that helps others understand what's going on with the show every week.

See everyone on Thursday--that is, if I even watch the show tonight--you know, I'm not such a big fan (:

Posted by: Whitney | May 23, 2007 05:29 PM

I'd like to take a dump on Rich DeBerg's forehead. I can't believe he really said someont "doesn't officially belong to this Lost family of ours."

Who died and put you in charge? If you are part of the family then you are my asshole eats all the food, drinks too much and makes an ass out of himself.

Posted by: me | May 23, 2007 09:33 PM

Who died and put you in charge? If you are part of the family then you are the black sheep jerkoff who eats all the food, drinks too much and makes an ass out of himself.

YES! You should totally watch season one again. Please tell us when you start watching....then we can watch along with you. :-)

Posted by: Teeny | May 24, 2007 12:53 AM

Dear Daniel,
Will you marry me?
Just kidding... no not really... Anyways, thanks for creating a community where I can allow my inner-nerd to run free. I have become much less productive at work since I discovered your column.

So many people don't like Juliet... personally I love her and feel that she is indespensible. I'll feel very sad if she's killed tonight. Here's why:

1) Has anyone gone to www.thehansofoundation.org today? I've never been before, but if you move your mouse around you hear music or someone talking saying "I have the virus...." what's up with that? Also, who is Dr. Thomas Werner Mittelwerk? Anyways, I digress...

Alvar Hanso mentions his daughter "Rachel Blake" in his letter that's on the site now... Juliet's sister is named Rachel. I know Juliet's last name is Burke, but that's her married name.

In "Not in Portland" Dr. Richard Alpert tells her he works for "Mittelos BioScience" (and how could she not tell those photos in his slideshow were photoshopped), so there was no connection to Hanso. Is Juliet related to Alvar Hanso, and is Rachel his daughter? Random and very unikely I know, but Juliet so clearly says her sister's name, RACHEL (another biblical name) and Lost doesn't reuse names.

2) While rewatching "Not in Portland" you can see a symbol on the building where Crazy Carl is being brainwashed. What is it? It looks like a hatch/station symbol. Also, the guard "Aldo" is reading a book called "A Brief History of Time" which I Googled and what I got was - "A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes By Stephen W. Hawking" with an introduction by CARL SAGAN and the keywords were- recollapse, matter particles, quarks, event horizon, antiquarks, anthropic principle, anthropic, early universe, antiparticle, million million, galaxies, light cone, penzias, thousand million, cosmologica, roger penrose, st. augustine, royal society, stephen hawking, principia mathematica --INTERESTING Visit this site to learn more:
http://www.univie.ac.at/Schroedinger/3_96/time09.htm

That's all for now.... I have to go watch some old episodes before the finale.

Posted by: leah | May 24, 2007 01:03 AM

So I kept watching and the symbol is probably the hydra (w/ 6 heads), which is where some people Jack was held while he was imprisoned. Comments?

Posted by: leah | May 24, 2007 01:16 AM

You know Whitney, you're right. And I apologize. I shouldn't have doubted your status as a Lost fan, and want to make it up to you. I'd love to have a discussion about some of the most important things that have happened so far during the show.

OK? Great!

Whitney, wasn't it amazing when we initially found out that Kate was actually a fugitive in Season on....... oh yeah - you didn't see that. Sorry.

OK, let me try again. Wasn't it unbelievable when we first found out Locke's father took his kidney?!?!? Uh, oh yeah, that was in Season 1 also.

Let me try again.... what did you think of the whole Shannon-Boone relationship??? Oh yeah, Boone was killed Season 1, so you wouldn't know!!!!!

See Whitney, you may THINK you are some big Lost fan, and I'm happy you found the show and read Lostpedia yada yada yada, but for you to CLAIM you are a big fan - and yet you haven't had the time or the inclination to go back and watch Season 1 - is a complete sham and a travesty.

So do me a favor, don't EVER question me again until you have actually seen every episode you POSER.

Posted by: Rich | May 24, 2007 12:44 PM

rich, dude, calm the hell down man! just because you think someone isnt a lost fan dosen't mean that they aren't! and so what if she's never seen season one, she obviously loves the show now so why not welcome her and catch her up instead of bash her? thats just stupid man.....

Posted by: beth | May 24, 2007 03:08 PM

O-M-G !!!! Can you say obsessive? Rich, take a pill already. Or do you just have a Henry Gale complex ( ;-) )? I can imagine those beady little eyes in front of your monitor pounding out your very strange thoughts and brow-beating an innocent stranger. Dude - Get a grip! (imagine Hurley saying that - from Season 1 even - if that will help at all). I enjoy this blog as it often points out things I missed or makes me think about the episode differently, but I will confess that I don't spend more than a few minutes with those thoughts after reading the blog. Okay Rich, come and get me now, I have confessed to not being obsessed with Lost to the point of distraction and attempting to destroy others in writing. Uh-oh - taking cover now......

Posted by: C'tine | May 24, 2007 03:14 PM

Okay, why is Henry/Ben not as interested in Rose as he is in Locke? The island is healing Rose's cancer (according to Rose), and Henry hasn't shown any interest in Rose so far, despite the fact that he has cancer also.

Also, the finale's flashback/futureback (futureforward? flashfuture? I don't know) was a total mindf****. Whose funeral do you think it was?

Also, and unrelated, what else do you write on TMZ? Or are you allowed to say.

Sorry for so many questions, but I love your blog!

Jessica

Posted by: Jessica | May 24, 2007 06:54 PM

I hate to say this because I'm a HUGE fan of LOST but, as sad as I was when it ended last night, i was more upset that I couldn't wake up on Thursday and check your website for your summary. I swear to you, by 10:30am Thursday mornings I had at least 8 coworkers all asking if I heard from Daniel yet. I had to print it out and pass it around and then during lunch or break we would talk about it. How happy was I to hear that you're going to rewatch season 1 and 2 and post on that too. Keep up the good work. I'm looking forward for more....

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