The List
I'm pulling a bait and switch today -- no Diary (I'll post it tomorrow, so come back then). Instead, I am introducing what I am thinking will be my next regular column: The List.
I love lists. I love ranking things. I like saying "this thing here is better than the one before it, but not as good as the one to come." I especially love ranking things in pop culture. My favorite movie ("Fight Club"), my favorite musician ("Prince") or my favorite show about the survivors of a plane crash ("Two and a Half Men").
So that brings me back to The List. I don't know if it will be every week yet, but I definitely think it could be. And it's completely interactive and definitely liable to spark major debate. You have 3 things to do with every List:
1) Read my List.
2) Post your own (if I do 10, don't feel you have to. If I only do five, feel free to post more).
3) Send me suggestions for the next one.
These won't all be "Lost" related and they don't all have to be television or even pop culture. Much like the L.D.Q.A. I hope to keep it loose and random and fun. So let's see if this works, shall we? Here I present to you the first List.
Top 10 "Lost" Quotes From Season 3
10. "Well, I know your name as well as I know that you that don't ask Penny to marry you. In fact, you break her heart. Well, breaking her heart is, of course, what drives you in a few short years from now to enter that sailing race, to prove her father wrong, which brings you to the island where you spend the next 3 years of your life entering numbers into the computer until you are forced to turn that failsafe key. And if you don't do those things, Desmond David Hume, every single one of us is dead. So give me that sodding ring!" -- Ms. Hawkins, "Flashes Before Your Eyes."
One of the better lines from the trippiest episode of "Lost" ever. I loved the whole pseudo-flashback thing.
I love lists. I love ranking things. I like saying "this thing here is better than the one before it, but not as good as the one to come." I especially love ranking things in pop culture. My favorite movie ("Fight Club"), my favorite musician ("Prince") or my favorite show about the survivors of a plane crash ("Two and a Half Men").
So that brings me back to The List. I don't know if it will be every week yet, but I definitely think it could be. And it's completely interactive and definitely liable to spark major debate. You have 3 things to do with every List:
1) Read my List.
2) Post your own (if I do 10, don't feel you have to. If I only do five, feel free to post more).
3) Send me suggestions for the next one.
These won't all be "Lost" related and they don't all have to be television or even pop culture. Much like the L.D.Q.A. I hope to keep it loose and random and fun. So let's see if this works, shall we? Here I present to you the first List.
Top 10 "Lost" Quotes From Season 3
10. "Well, I know your name as well as I know that you that don't ask Penny to marry you. In fact, you break her heart. Well, breaking her heart is, of course, what drives you in a few short years from now to enter that sailing race, to prove her father wrong, which brings you to the island where you spend the next 3 years of your life entering numbers into the computer until you are forced to turn that failsafe key. And if you don't do those things, Desmond David Hume, every single one of us is dead. So give me that sodding ring!" -- Ms. Hawkins, "Flashes Before Your Eyes."
One of the better lines from the trippiest episode of "Lost" ever. I loved the whole pseudo-flashback thing.
9. "Shephard wasn't even on Jacob's list." -- Pickett, "I Do"
A great throwaway line that means so much.
8. "No, I think you misunderstood me. I didn't say I was going to do it, I was just wanted you to understand how you were going to die." -- Jack, "I Do"
Jack so rarely grows a pair, it's an occasion when he does.
7. "Two days after I found out I had a fatal tumor on my spine, a spinal surgeon fell out of the sky... and if that's not proof of God, I don't know what is." -- Henry Gale, "The Cost of Living"
Honestly, this whole List could have been Henry Gale quotes. I like to think I am showing some restraint here.
6. "Because I want it to crash, Kate. I don't care about anyone else on board. Every little bump we hit, turbulence... I actually close my eyes, and I pray... I pray that I can go back." -- Jack, "Through the Looking Glass"
The line itself is only good, but I love the foreshadowing of it.
5. "You know, the last Other that we came in contact with, he kidnapped Claire. Some of us chased him into the jungle. Charlie got mad, we buried him over there." -- Hurley, "One of Us."
By far the best line Hurley has had that wasn't completely predictable and self-depricating.
4. "Actually, we're not quite in Portland." -- Richard, "Not in Portland"
I freakin' love this line. The delivery was just spot on.
3. "When I saw the light hit the roof, you were electrocuted. And when Claire was in the water, you drowned trying to save her. I dove in myself so you never went in. I tried, brutha, I've tried twice to save you, but the universe has a way of cause-correcting and I can't stop it forever. I'm sorry - I'm sorry because, no matter what I try to do... you're gonna die, Charlie." -- Desmond, "Flashes Before Your Eyes."
This line wouldn't have made the List if Charlie hadn't actually died.
2. "Your flight crashed on September 22, 2004. Today is November 29th. That means that you have been on our island for sixty-nine days. And yes we do have contact with the outside world Jack. That's how we know that during those sixty-nine days, your fellow Americans re-elected George W. Bush, Christopher Reeve has passed away, Boston Red Sox won the World Series." -- Henry Gale, The Glass "Ballerina"
Perhaps the greatest five minutes in "Lost" history was highlighted by this explanation. The Others had communication with the outside world -- one of the biggest revelations of season 3.
1b. "Let me put it so you'll understand: 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 open that box, there it would be. What would you say about that John?" -- Henry Gale, "The Man From Tallahassee"
1a. "I'd say that I hope that box is big enough for you to imagine up a new submarine." -- Locke, "The Man From Tallahassee"
This needs no explanation.
A great throwaway line that means so much.
8. "No, I think you misunderstood me. I didn't say I was going to do it, I was just wanted you to understand how you were going to die." -- Jack, "I Do"
Jack so rarely grows a pair, it's an occasion when he does.
7. "Two days after I found out I had a fatal tumor on my spine, a spinal surgeon fell out of the sky... and if that's not proof of God, I don't know what is." -- Henry Gale, "The Cost of Living"
Honestly, this whole List could have been Henry Gale quotes. I like to think I am showing some restraint here.
6. "Because I want it to crash, Kate. I don't care about anyone else on board. Every little bump we hit, turbulence... I actually close my eyes, and I pray... I pray that I can go back." -- Jack, "Through the Looking Glass"
The line itself is only good, but I love the foreshadowing of it.
5. "You know, the last Other that we came in contact with, he kidnapped Claire. Some of us chased him into the jungle. Charlie got mad, we buried him over there." -- Hurley, "One of Us."
By far the best line Hurley has had that wasn't completely predictable and self-depricating.
4. "Actually, we're not quite in Portland." -- Richard, "Not in Portland"
I freakin' love this line. The delivery was just spot on.
3. "When I saw the light hit the roof, you were electrocuted. And when Claire was in the water, you drowned trying to save her. I dove in myself so you never went in. I tried, brutha, I've tried twice to save you, but the universe has a way of cause-correcting and I can't stop it forever. I'm sorry - I'm sorry because, no matter what I try to do... you're gonna die, Charlie." -- Desmond, "Flashes Before Your Eyes."
This line wouldn't have made the List if Charlie hadn't actually died.
2. "Your flight crashed on September 22, 2004. Today is November 29th. That means that you have been on our island for sixty-nine days. And yes we do have contact with the outside world Jack. That's how we know that during those sixty-nine days, your fellow Americans re-elected George W. Bush, Christopher Reeve has passed away, Boston Red Sox won the World Series." -- Henry Gale, The Glass "Ballerina"
Perhaps the greatest five minutes in "Lost" history was highlighted by this explanation. The Others had communication with the outside world -- one of the biggest revelations of season 3.
1b. "Let me put it so you'll understand: 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 open that box, there it would be. What would you say about that John?" -- Henry Gale, "The Man From Tallahassee"
1a. "I'd say that I hope that box is big enough for you to imagine up a new submarine." -- Locke, "The Man From Tallahassee"
This needs no explanation.
Comments
great list! i only wish that i were as tapped into Lost as you are so that i could make my own. suggestions for future lists which i can totally rock: best quotes from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Firefly". though my list could be lengthy.
Posted by: Dianna Hosley | August 15, 2007 10:30 PM
My list idea is your 10 (or however many you have) top actresses and actors. This can even be 2 lists - one male, one female.
Posted by: Jenn | August 16, 2007 04:27 AM
Love the list idea! This was a great list of quotes and I enjoyed reading them. I'm not sure that I have the time to dig out my own favorite quotes. Let me just say that Jack's quote (#6) was depressing to me because I sure hope the show doesn't end that way. And Desmond's quote (#3), and anything else he says for that matter, is great because I love his accent brutha!
Posted by: Sus | August 16, 2007 06:05 AM
I'd love to see a list of the most annoying people who comment on Daniel's blog. Ana (The Original), Tristan and Rich DeBerg would have to be in the Top 5!
Posted by: Jim | August 16, 2007 06:38 AM
That's a good list. My #1 would have to be your #8, only because of my reaction to it: my jaw dropped and my husband stopped dead in his tracks and said "You have to rewind that!"
Posted by: Janice | August 16, 2007 07:37 AM
Fabulous list, Daniel. I think I will seize on your idea of a Henry Gale list and pick my favorite 10 Henry Gale lines of Season 3. I will note that I would like to pick the whole episode of "The Man From Tallahassee" for best episode lines of the season because it just doesn't get better than that Henry-Locke showdown. Here are the particular lines of the season from Henry that I liked:
10. "The cavalry has arrived at last." -- Henry Gale, Stranger in a Strange Land
Heh heh heh. Henry is so funny.
9. "You're pretty good Sawyer. We're a lot better," --Henry Gale, Every Man for Himself
Love Henry's cockiness on this line. He can take Sawyer on the cockiness factor any day.
8. "We have two giant hamsters running in a massive wheel at our secret underground lair." -- Henry Gale, The Man from Tallahassee
Gotta laugh at this one. He is as snarky as they come. Always great with the comeback.
7. "Two days after I found out I had a fatal tumor on my spine, a spinal surgeon fell out of the sky... and if that's not proof of God, I don't know what is." -- Henry Gale, The Cost of Living
Agree with Daniel on this one. Great line.
6. "I'm going to talk them out of it." -- Henry Gale, Through the Looking Glass
Again, Henry is so damn sure of himself. His ego amazes me.
5. "Tell me John, did it hurt?" -- Henry Gale, The Man from Tallahassee
He can cut right to the bone, can't he. Creeps me out! Again, high snarkiness factor.
4. "Hello, Jack. We need to talk." -- Henry Gale, Through the Looking Glass
So creepy, and so serious. Too bad Jack didn't listen, because you know he will wish he had.
3. "No John, unfortunately we don't have a code for 'There's a man in my closet with a gun to my daughter's head. Although, we obviously should." – Henry Gale, The Man from Tallahassee
Another classic funny one from Henry. I remember letting out a huge guffaw at this one.
2. "Same way I get anyone to do anything. I find out what he's emotionally invested it and then I exploit it." -- Henry Gale, Exposé
Ladies and gentleman, The King of Creepiness. How many times did we think about this line after he said it?
1. "Let me put it so you'll understand: 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 open that box, there it would be. What would you say about that John?" -- Henry Gale, The Man From Tallahassee
Oh Daniel, I so agree. Doesn't get better than this from Henry. It's so creepy and scary, but you want to know, don't you?
Posted by: cathead67 | August 16, 2007 07:51 AM
I can't find quotes anywhere so I decided to do my own list...
How about Top 5 Sawyer Nicknames?!
5. Our Resident Iraqi
4. Chachi
3. Bug-Eyed Freak
2. Stay-Puft or Rerun or Jumbotron (tie)
1. Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon
Posted by: Janice | August 16, 2007 08:02 AM
Hee hee! I loved the Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon line as well. You might want to check Daniel's blog archive for quotes -- he frequently uses them in his recaps.
Posted by: cathead67 | August 16, 2007 08:14 AM
Great idea Daniel...I really love lists. I think it has something to do with the fact that if I don't write things down, and in order, I forget them. How about favorite songs or crappy movies that you love to watch? (Armageddon anyone?)
Since I don't have time to look up quotes, here are a few lists that I have come across recently (I am a such a nerd) that I think you might get a kick out of...
http://joblo.com/index.php?id=16813
and
http://www.cracked.com/index.php?name=News&sid=1990
Have a great day!
Amber
Posted by: Amber | August 16, 2007 09:43 AM
I l;ove the favorite crappy movies that you love to watch idea. "The Allnighter" anyone?
Posted by: cathead67 | August 16, 2007 10:46 AM
Hehe Janice, loved your favorite Sawyer nicknames. Also loved everyone's favorite quotes. Didn't love Jim's most annoying people who comment on Daniel's blog list- NOT NICE.
Posted by: ♥ Susan ♥ | August 16, 2007 12:13 PM
Yeah, Jim, be nice.
Oh, god, I need more advanced warning on a change of topic. Love the list, but I think most of my favorite quotes would be from Sawyer or Hurley.
As far as other lists, I will have to think on this one for awhile ... Best Prince Songs, Best Songs that should have been recorded by Prince, Top 10 shows I still wish were on, best Buffy and Angel one liners ...
Which reminds me, I need to find a discussion board for Supernatural ... their lines are almost as good as Buffy's!
Posted by: Janelle | August 16, 2007 12:25 PM
I like the list idea.
One of my favorite quotes is from "In Translation"
Locke to Shannon "Everyone gets a new life on this island Shannon, maybe it's time you start getting yours".
I like this quote because it seems like it is the theme that runs true through out this whole island experience. Many of the characters have figured it out and taken full advantage of it. Others are a little slow coming to the party. Everyone gets a chance to start over, begin a new life.....
kind of cool...
Posted by: TeresaLynn | August 16, 2007 07:07 PM
Thank Jim. I would rather be on a list for being annoying than be on a list for being extremely rude, like you.
Daniel, excellent idea on the list making. I should buy stock in Post-its with the amount of them I use, especially for list making.
If I made a list it would be to recount all the amazing times Jin "spoke" but used only his expressions. Everyone on the show has their share of sweet quotes (ok, except Shannon and Nicki and Paulo), but Jin takes it to a new level with his facial expressions.
Jannelle, LOVE the list of Sawyer-isms.
Have a good day everyone! Even Jim!
Posted by: Tristan | August 17, 2007 07:04 AM
Tristan, so appreciate the compliment, but the Sawyer-isms were Janice's!
Janice, do you have the same problem with people getting all J-names confused with each other :)
The best non-verbal moment, other than Jin's facial expressions, is when Danielle walked in on Locke sitting in the Black Rock, waiting for Sawyer to kill The Man from Tallahassee
Posted by: Janelle | August 17, 2007 07:58 AM
Janelle,
Thanks for clearing the mix-up. Sorry Janice! Sawyer-isms were excellent! People call me Kristan all the time and it drives me nuts, so I apologize!
I concur on the non-verbal Danielle moment. She really conveys it well and has to, I mean who has she really talked to in 16 years? Poor woman.
Posted by: Tristan | August 17, 2007 08:03 AM
I've been called: Janet, James, Jason, Joanne...and these are coworkers!!
Posted by: Janice | August 17, 2007 08:55 AM
Now that I think about it...I'd love to be called Freckles!!
Posted by: Janice | August 17, 2007 09:12 AM
Okay, so I'm partial to Juliet, but I can't believe this one wasn't included:
"You know what's interesting? That you two are now the camp's moral police. I'm curious, Sayid, how long was it before you told everyone on that beach exactly how many people you've tortured in your life? Do they know about Basra? And I'm sure the first thing you did when you got here, James, was put everyone in a circle and tell them about the man you shot in cold blood the night before you got on the plane. So why don't we just skip the part where you two pretend to be righteous. I'm taking that medication back to Claire! And you're going to let me. Because if she doesn't get it, she's going to die. And the last thing that either of you need right now is more blood on your hands."
Posted by: Ryan | August 17, 2007 11:04 AM
Ryan: You're right, that quote has got to be one of the best, and very well delivered, by the way.
Posted by: Janice | August 17, 2007 12:33 PM
You know now that I think about that comment by Juliet, how did the Others find that detail out about Sawyer, I mean he didn't get caught by the police for it, (not for murder anyway) in Australia and supposedly no one saw him at all, at least no human...so did Jacob tell them?? Creepy.
Love the lists, always have a top 5 in my head, especially songs or movies! Where's the show blog, huh Daniel? :)
Posted by: Carly | August 17, 2007 02:19 PM
Good point, Carly!
Am I the only one, refreshing the page every half hour?! Daniel! Yoooo-Whoooo...where are you?
Posted by: Janice | August 17, 2007 02:42 PM
New topic:
TOP 3 THINGS DANIEL COULD BE DOING RIGHT NOW INSTEAD OF HIS BLOG
Posted by: Janice | August 17, 2007 03:06 PM
I stand corrected!!
Thank gawd your back!
Posted by: Janice | August 17, 2007 03:08 PM
I love reading the top tens I don't care for listing any, but keep them coming Daniel.
Posted by: Maria | August 18, 2007 04:33 PM
Awesome list! It is really hard not to fill it with Locke and Henry quotes though.
Some other faves: Juliet's little lecture to Sayid and Sawyer in "One of Us." Juliet running through Henry's cunning plan at the end of that same episode.
Oh, and also:
"This is a 60 year MacCutcheon. Named after Anderson MacCutcheon, esteemed Admiral from the Royal Navy. He retired with more medals than any man before or since. Moved to the highlands to see out his remaining years. Admiral MacCutcheon was a great man, Hume. This was his crowning achievement.
This swallow is worth more than you could make in a month. And to share it with you would be a waste. And a disgrace to the great man who made it. Because you, Hume, will never be a great man." - Charles Widmore, to Desmond.
What an evil, evil man.
Heh. And "RAZZLE DAZZLE" was pretty funny too! :)
Posted by: Jay | August 23, 2007 12:55 PM
Can do a list of the most annoying times for a song in the show? I remember a couple times you have commented about a song in a show.
Here is a better one though for us Sawyer fans... Top 10 reasons why Sawyer should not have a shirt on!
1. He looks so sexy with out it
2. Well crap...thats it only one reason I can think of!
I like the one list for Sawyers nickname for people.
Can also do top 10 all time favorite quotes for Lost!
Posted by: Daddys Girl | August 30, 2007 07:39 AM
Ok, several GREAT quotes, love the list idea. My 2 favorites:
2. "No John, unfortunately we don't have a code for 'There's a man in my closet with a gun to my daughter's head. Although, we obviously should." – Henry Gale, The Man from Tallahassee
1. "OOPS." - Hurley.
Posted by: Susie | September 4, 2007 04:38 PM
Season 4's best line list MUST MUST MUST include:
About Sayid...
Frank: "Is he a diplomat?"
Jack: "No, he's a torturer."
I've never laughed so hard. Plus, its just about the only thing Jack's ever said that's stuck in my mind.
Posted by: Samantha | March 13, 2008 09:33 PM