The Lost Diary

Hey, it's Daniel here, back with another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

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? 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 had plans, and I had to bail on my friend Stacy because my car wouldn't start after my basketball game tonight, so it's currently sitting outside a 76 gas station on Santa Monica Blvd. Good times. Let's roll ...

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.

Posted by Daniel at 07:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (674) | TrackBacks (0)

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

Posted by Daniel at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (93)

Friends don't let friends blog angry.

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 ...

Q: I truly enjoy reading your diary every week, and have to admit, I wasn't a fan of "Lost," well never really watched it, until about 2 months ago.  I rented all 3 seasons and sat in my house for a week catching up to be ready for season 4.  The only thing I am "Lost" about in this weeks' diary is when you talk about the eight survivors becoming the Oceanic 6???  I am a little confused by that, because when was it ever claimed there were only 8 survivors, when we know there were well over that #???  Just a question.  Keep up the great work, and me personally, I think Kate is passing off Aaron as her own, she's never been one for honesty, and something makes me think she never will be. -- Sean

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"?

Posted by Daniel at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (56)

Hey, it's Daniel here, back with another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

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.

Posted by Daniel at 07:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (457)

Welcome to the first LDQA for season four of "Lost." I think the first three episodes have been quite solid, but maybe not earth-shattering. But there is no denying they have left us with plenty of questions, so let's get to 'em.

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.

When I first moved out to LA and subscribed to DirecTV, I tried to get the East Coast versions of all the networks. For reasons I don't really know, all they would give me is ABC. This is incredibly handy during college football season -- and for watching "Lost."

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.

Posted by Daniel at 08:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (33)

Hey, it's Daniel here, back with another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

I believed in my heart of hearts that last night's episode of "Lost" was going to be epic. I even told someone at work as much. Now, mind you, this is based on nothing. I haven't seen one commercial, read one article, or heard one thing to make me believe this. But I had two "reasons" for believing it anyway. First, the first two episodes of the season were appetizers. They were good, but I am far from full. Second, tonight's episode is called "The Economist." WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?!? It's a perfect 10 on the creepy scale.


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 joining me on this special Valentine's Day edition -- they have each other and I have Ben.

Let's roll:

9:01 -- After a little introspection, Sayid examines Naomi's body and finds a bracelet with the inscription, "N, I'll always be with you. R.G."

9:02 -- "You bring Charlotte back safe, and I will take you off this island." -- Lawnmower Man, I mean Frank.

9:03 -- It's Sayid flash ... s**t, I don't know what it is. This has become my new favorite "Lost" game -- flashback or flashforward. Sayid looks clean, so I'll go flashforward.

9:04 -- "Actually, a plane crash." -- Sayid. Flashforward it is!

9:05 -- Sayid tells his new golfing pal that he is one of the Oceanic 6, and the guy seems a tad shaken. In my opinion, and I'll explain it later, I think Sayid is only the THIRD member of the Oceanic 6.

9:06 -- Sayid lost his golf bet, so he shot the guy. Sore loser if you ask me.

9:08 -- I can't speak for anyone else, but I hope future Sayid is with Nadia.

9:09 -- Sayid's new friend, Elsa, works for an economist -- or should I say, the economist. Every time I hear that word tonight, it will give me goosebumps. Lauren thinks Sayid looks good with his hair like that. Amazing what showering will do.

9:10 -- Future Sayid is quite the smooth talker, but it's not Elsa he's really after.

9:12 -- Locke and his group are walking through the jungle and Ben is looking, well ... beaten. I don't like seeing my Valentine all bloody and bruised.

9:13 -- Jacob's cabin isn't where Locke thought it was. And in episode one, Hurley saw the cabin somewhere completely different ... twice!

9:15 -- Kate jokes with Jack that it sucks not to be brought along on the mission. Who will fill the role of "person who gets held at gunpoint and ruins the plan"?

(Side note: I just got an e-mail from a Diary reader that just said, "OH MY GOD" ... and nothing else.)

9:16 -- Oh wait, Kate is going! Now we know the plan will fail.

9:20 -- Sayid and Miles have a spirited discussion as they walk through the jungle. I think Miles, as times goes on, will become an ally to the Losties. I can't remember where I read this prediction and I take no credit for it -- Miles is there to talk to Jacob.

9:21 -- Sayid and Elsa are headed to the opera, but Sayid is just biding his time 'til he gets to meet the economist.

9:22 -- "Everyone has a boss, Elsa." -- Sayid. I don't know why, but this line creeped the hell out of me. As a matter of fact, it's prediction time: I don't think the economist is all that important; it's who Sayid is working for that is.

9:23 -- Daniel the physicist is all worked up, perhaps over his whole "the light is weird here" thing from last week. The "if Minkowski gets on, you hang up" line from Frank is worth noting.

9:25 -- Daniel's "experiment" was "far more than weird," as he might say. I'll be curious to find out what he learns.

9:26 -- Watching Sayid, Kate and Miles look for Locke and company -- with guns drawn!!! -- is just weird.

9:27 -- I don't want to sound mean or anything, but how many people does it take to tie up Hurley and shove him in a locker? At least five, right?

9:31 -- "Dude, don't ask!" -- Hurley, after he explained to Sayid that Locke thinks Walt told him to kill Naomi.

9:32 -- I've been wondering how time is different on the island versus off for awhile now. Daniel's little "experiment" yielded two clocks that are 31 minutes apart. Mildly significant, no?

9:33 -- If Kate gets taken at gunpoint while searching this house, I swear I will lose my mind. I am almost rooting against it because I don't think I will stop laughing for at least 20 minutes after it happens.

9:34 -- Sayid has seemingly found Ben's secret bookcase room. Along with a panic room, it's one of the two things I want my first house to have.

9:35 -- Team Locke 1, Team Sayid 0.

9:36 -- "Sorry, dude." -- Hurley. I didn't think he had it in him.

9:41 -- "I bet John you wouldn't be stupid enough to fall for your friend as bait." -- Ben to Sayid

9:43 -- Two things about Sawyer's romantic, but uncharacteristic speech to Kate. First, people are FINALLY starting to realize they are better off on the island -- though Kate should have been one of the first to catch on, but wasn't. Shocker. And secondly, I don't think Kate is one of the Oceanic 6. Sure, she's off the island, but shouldn't she be in jail? I think the Oceanic 6 are only the six people that got off the island that the rest of the world knows about. Kate got off another way and she's with someone -- the "him" she mentioned in last season's finale -- that made that possible. Just a thought ...

9:44 -- I reiterate my theory to Lauren that there is no way Sawyer lives to make it off the island. She was as close to strangling me as anyone has ever come.

9:45 -- Sayid, Locke and Ben need to be alone in a room together more often. I have no idea what Sayid is planning, and if I had to pick whose plan I trust more ... ahhhhh! I'm torn. I've got to go with Locke, since, in a way, he is following Ben's word.

9:46 -- Sayid is back in bed with Elsa and she's in love with him. This probably won't end well for her.

9:47 -- THE ECONOMIST IS HERE!!! THE ECONOMIST IS HERE!!! THE ECONOMIST IS HERE!!!

9:48 -- Sayid is trying to get Elsa to leave before he kills the economist. Why do hitmen always fall in love with their targets and then try and save them? A little stereotypical for my tastes. If he cares about her, he should have just killed her quickly, twisted as that is.

9:49 -- See??!?!? What did I just say?!?!?!? Sayid should have shot her before SHE SHOT HIM!!! Idiot.

9:50 -- Now he had to shoot her anyway. Could have saved himself a gunshot wound.

9:54 -- Desmond is just a little pissed at Frank for not telling how about Penny. Still not sure how she factors into this.

9:55 -- Sayid returns ... with Charlotte. What did he offer Locke in exchange?

9:56 -- Daniel implores Frank to stay on the exact same heading back to the freighter -- no matter what.

9:57 -- Frank is gathering up everyone to get on the helicopter. Does anyone actually believe that helicopter is getting off the island tonight?

9:58 -- Well, there it goes ...

9:59 -- WHO IS SAYID WORKING FOR?!?!?!

10:00 -- Ben!!!!!!

All along I was more interested in finding who Sayid's boss was rather than Elsa's. The fact that it was Ben was a surprise of sorts, sure. But was it really surprising?

As soon as Sayid told his golf buddy, Mr. Avellino, that he was from the Oceanic 6, the man's expression changed immediately. And Mr. Avellino's quick exit was telling as well -- he knew he had to get away. He knew people were after him and he knew it had to do with Oceanic Flight 815. He acted more out of guilt than fear. Mr. Avellino and the economist did something and they are paying for it -- at the hands of Ben and Sayid. As Ben said, "Remember what happened last time you thought with your heart and not with your gun."

And who else but Ben would lead an attack against the people that did harm to the island and the Losties? Whatever happens on the island between "now" and Sayid's flashforward, one thing is clear -- not everything turns out peachy keen. Ben and Sayid (and maybe others) obviously feel someone has to pay for what they have done there.

I give this episode a B. Watching the Losties grow further and further apart is particularly interesting, and I am really digging the flashforwards. I love the idea of knowing a lot about what happens, but not knowing how they get there.

But here is my question to you this week: Are we learning too much about what happens off the island? Is it ruining some of the show for you?

I am now two weeks and over 200 questions behind, but I promise to to do the LDQA this week. Click here to send me a question.

Posted by Daniel at 07:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (329)

Hey, it's Daniel here, back with another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

In the week since the premiere aired, I think I've had about 1,500 conversations about "Lost." I don't understand how people watch the show on DVD and just plow through episode after episode. I need the full week to digest what just happened.

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. Tonight I am watching the show by myself -- time constraints prevented me from watching it with the whole crew.

Then there's this: I'm hosting "TMZ" tonight. Weird, right? Click here to find out when it's on in your area.

Let's roll:

6:01 -- With the title of this episode being "Confirmed Dead," I have a feeling this underwater camera we're looking it is looking for the survivors of the crash of Oceanic Flight 815. As Naomi said last season, everyone thinks they're dead -- and as I said, someone probably went through a lot of trouble to make that happen. This could be that story.

6:02 -- Yup, it's the plane. Wow, a major prediction of mine from last season has just been proven right. Hang on a sec while I pat myself on the back ... Ok, done.

6:03 -- Dan, the guy who parachuted onto the island at the end of last week, is crying over the news that Oceanic Flight 815 was found -- and he doesn't know why. So if this is Dan's flashback, and they are just finding the wreckage, I guess the question is this: will we learn something tonight about how much time has passed off the island and if it's any different than the amount of time that has passed on it?

6:04 -- "I'm Daniel Farraday, I'm here to rescue you." -- Daniel. Yes, because it's just that simple.

6:08 -- Daniel doesn't know where the rest of his crew is and lost his pack that has his phone. He is the worst rescuer ever. He also acts like a nervous meth addict, which is odd.

6:10 -- Locke just correctly predicted the weather -- reason #825 why he's the man.

6:11 -- Locke just told everyone that have go see Jacob (though he didn't put it that way) and he's getting his orders from Walt. Also, Ben looked like he picked up on the fact that Hurley let it slip that he saw Jacob's cabin.

6:12 -- "Because he's a liar and he's trying to scare us. Or because the people coming here intend to us harm." -- Juliet, talking about Ben. Like I said before, Ben is always telling the truth, except when he's lying.

6:13 -- "Rescuing you and your people ... can't really say it's our primary objective." -- Daniel. Like I said, worst rescuer ever. I wouldn't lend this guy a dollar, much less put my life in his hands. The gas masks aren't exactly a confidence builder either.

6:15 -- As a few readers theorized on the message boards last year, the gunshot went through Locke's body and didn't hit any major organs -- because he doesn't have a kidney there. And Locke thought there were no pluses to having his kidney stolen from him by his con artist dad.

6:16 -- Jack and Kate found Miles and he's, shall we say, not exactly friendly. Boggles my mind how Jack and Kate kept following Daniel without making him clarify the "not our primary objective" thing. Idiots.

6:21 -- Into Miles' backstory now, he appears to be some sort of shyster ghostbuster.

6:23 -- Um, I actually don't know what to make of what he just did.

6:24 -- "Tell my sister I love her" was in fact a code and Miles seems a little broken up over Naomi's death. Perhaps he and Naomi were more than just co-workers.

6:26 -- It took Ben all of about 10 seconds to get Sawyer to want to punch him, which he did.

6:27 -- "It's only a matter of time until he gets us, Johnny. And I bet he's already figured out how he's gonna do it." -- Sawyer about Ben.

6:28 -- After a few minutes of low-pitched babbling, Miles agrees that Naomi died like Kate said she did. Also, finally, Jack is figuring out that they need to get the hell out of there. Little late there, Jack. Little late.

6:30 --  "I don't know, Miles. How stupid are you?" -- Jack. Ok, Jack -- you're forgiven.

6:33 -- We're on our third rescuer flashback, and this one, Charlotte, is a female Indiana Jones of sorts who has just discovered a polar bear skeleton ... with a Dharma collar. Ok, this raises lots and lots of "WHEN THE HELL ARE WE?!?!?!?" questions.

6:35 -- Back on the island, Charlotte is introduced to the Locke group of Losties. It will be interesting to see what they do with her.

6:36 -- "Hi yourself." -- Locke

6:37 -- Leave it to Sayid to start asking Miles and Daniel the questions Jack and Kate should have been asking from the beginning. Actually, that would make a great show -- "Leave it to Sayid." Only instead of a precocious little boy getting into mischief, a hairy Iraqi guy tortures people every week. Tell me you wouldn't watch that?

6:39 -- "See there's your problem ... we don't want to be found." Locke to Charlotte. There's something about Charlotte, I can't put my finger on it. I kind of believe that she believes she's there for a good purpose -- and not to kill everyone.

6:40 -- What are the odds Charlotte's transmitter is attached to an animal -- like Vincent?

6:41 -- Ha! Too easy.

6:46 -- Our fourth rescuer looks like a surf bum -- and he claims he was supposed to fly Oceanic Flight 815 on the day it crashed. Seems a little strange to go from airline pilot to surf bum in that amount of time -- of course, we don't know how much time has passed. But something tells me that will be the big reveal tonight.

6:48 -- "Mooooo." -- random cow

6:49 -- "Who are we to argue with taller ghost Walt?" -- Sawyer

6:50 -- Ben shot Charlotte, but she was wearing a bulletproof vest. You have to ask yourself, what kind of rescuer wears a bulletproof vest?

6:51 -- Surf bum rescuer is named Frank and he landed the helicopter safe and sound on the island. Why are the lovable drunk pilots in TV and movies always the best pilots.

6:56 -- Matthew Abaddon and Naomi are plotting the "mission." Obviously Mr. Abaddon does not work for Oceanic -- and probably not for Penny, either.

6:57 -- "There were no survivors of Oceanic Flight 815." -- Abaddon. You sure about that one, Matt? But that does explain why Naomi seemed genuinely surprised to find Oceanic survivors on the island

6:58 -- "We're here for Benjamin Linus. Now where is he?" -- Miles

6:59 -- After playing "This Is Your Life" with Charlotte, Ben tells everyone he knows why the rescuers have come to the island -- they're looking for him.

7:00 -- "Because I have a man on their boat." -- Ben. Wouldn't it be great if it were Richard?

I give tonight's episode a B-. They did a solid job of setting up the rescuers, giving us a dash of mystery there at the end with Abaddon -- who is shaping up to be a legendary character after just two scenes.

The five-person flashbacks tonight gave us some interesting backstory for our rescuers. With the exception of Naomi, you have to wonder if any of the four remaining (living) ones really have the whole story as to why they're there. I believe they know most of it -- but Naomi knew more and now she's dead.

One of the things I like most about the start of the season is how balanced things are. Sun and Jin haven't been prevalent in the slightest (go back and watch the premiere -- Jin looks like he was edited in later for all scenes, I swear) but for the post part everyone else is involved equally. I hate it when sometimes we don't see Locke or Sayid for two weeks in a row. The balance of the cast has been on display in these first two episodes.

So imagine for a second that you're Jack. Your entire purpose in life right now is to get off this island. And then these people show up, pointing guns at you, carrying around gas masks and telling you that rescuing you isn't really their top priority.

On the other side of things, you have Ben. He has pretty much become the bane of your existence. You have said on numerous times that you want to kill him. Handing him over to the rescuers will (probably) improve your chances of being rescued yourself.

What do you do?

Now, I think we the viewers trust Ben more than Jack does, so let's try and think of this from Jack's point of view. As shady as these new rescuers appear to be, if you're him, don't you try and help them as much as you can? I am pretty sure Jack would hand them Ben's head on a stick if they asked. Has to be a no-brainer decision from his point of view, right? Right?

I didn't end up doing an LDQA this week -- I wanted to give us another episode to really get things going. Click here to send me a question.

Posted by Daniel at 07:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (181)

Hey it's Daniel here with the first edition of the "Lost" Diary for 2008 -- man, that felt good to write.

If you're like me -- a crazy TV fan with more season passes on his TiVo than you can keep track of -- 2008 is off to a terrible start. The writer's strike has basically grounded TV to a halt. "The Moment of Truth" and "American Gladiators" will never be shown on my TV, ever. So the premiere of a "Lost," an event unto itself, takes on extra meaning this year.

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. Since I've moved into a nice new place, complete with a brand new comfy couch, I am hosting tonight's festivities -- just Ari and Lauren (aka the "Lost" Nazi). I couldn't be any more excited. Let's roll:

9:00 -- Previously on "Lost" features Charlie's death (memories, like the corners of my mind) and Ben uttering the words "Making that call is the beginning of the end." Not only is that the title of tonight's episode, but given what Jack's flash forward showed us, it's also the theme of the season.

9:01 -- Once again, our season begins with an unseen character going about his business -- this time it's Jack, pouring a weak screwdriver and watching an L.A. car chase -- and he seems to know who the driver is. Another flash forward perhaps?

9:03 -- "I'm one of the Oceanic 6!" -- Hurley. Yeah, it's a flash forward. So not only do we know that Jack, Kate and now Hurley get off the island -- three other people do and ONLY three. Interesting. Side note: I've always wanted to be part of something with a number, like the TMZ 12 or something.

9:06 -- The cop interviewing Hurley says he knows Ana Lucia, but Hurley says he never met her. Why'd he lie? And who was Hurley running from?

9:08 -- Nice, Hurley is going crazy again ... and loving it.

9:09 -- Back on the island, everyone is happy to be "rescued" -- but I am loving the feeling of dread that hangs over everything. Play all the sappy music you want, "Lost" producers, it all goes to shit soon and I can't wait.

9:10 -- Rose just basically told Claire she better sleep with Charlie when she sees him. Unless Claire is freaky in a way I don't get down with, that isn't happening.

9:11 -- Ben is scared shitless of what's about to come and I have to say, it's adding to the whole craziness of it all.

9:12 -- Hurley is jumping into the ocean and all I can think of is this: "Ladies and gentlemen, can I please have your attention. I've just been handed an urgent and horrifying news story. I need all of you, to stop what you're doing and listen. Cannonball!"

9:13 -- "I'm sorry, brutha." -- Desmond telling Hurley that Charlie is dead. Awesome.

9:14 -- Jack lies to the satellite phone people about where Naomi is. I guess he figured "knifed in the back" wasn't the answer they were looking for.

9:18 -- Hurley throws the walkie-talkie into the ocean, ending the "call or don't call argument." Sigh ... had to be a better way to do that, right?

9:19 -- Jack is obsessed with finding Naomi, but yet doesn't seem to stop to ask, "Why would she run away?" Seems like a big red flag to me.

9:20 -- "You don't wait with warnings. You ... warn." -- Hurley

9:21 -- Hurley is back in the mental ward and playing Connect Four -- for my money the best board game ever. Just like "Press Your Luck" is the best game show ever. Discuss.

9:22 -- Hurley has a visitor and its the guy who plays Cedrick Daniels on "The Wire." Unless Vic Mackey and Dexter Morgan show up, this is the greatest TV crossover I can imagine.

9:23 -- "Are they still alive?" -- Matthew Abbadon. Yeah, no way this guy from Oceanic.

9:25 -- Hurley predictably gets lost in the forrest ... and finds Jacob's house?

9:28 -- Not only has Jack been following the wrong trail, like Kate told him he would, but she copped the satellite phone from him. He's probably pissed at her, but again -- why is Naomi doing this and why isn't Jack suspicious of that at all? I mean, I know that I know she's evil, but come on -- this is obvious shit here, Jack.

9:29 -- "But look on the bright side, at least someone around here knows what the hell they're doing." -- Ben

9:30 -- On the plus side, Kate following the right trail will probably lead to one of my favorite "Lost" moments: her being held at gunpoint. It's what she does best.

9:31 -- Ha! So close, this time it's knife point. That was too easy.

9:32 -- Naomi is lying to the people on the sat phone -- and that is telling. Is it possible Naomi doesn't know who she really works for?

9:33 -- Did Hurley just see Jacob (and some other guy) or was it all a figment of his crazy imagination? I say the first shack, and thus Jacob, was real. The second one was not. (Actually, after further review -- check out who was in Jacob's cabin)

9:34 -- "Hello Hugo." -- Locke. Much like the finale of last season, not enough Locke so far.

9:39 -- Locke and Hurley are going to convince Jack -- aka the most stubborn man alive -- that the people coming to "rescue" them are evil. Now, obviously Jack learns this at some point, but I think it might take him a bit.

9:41 -- I should warn you now, and I know you're going to think less of me and I don't care -- I am kind of looking forward to the moment Claire finds out Charlie is dead. Two reasons: 1) Emile de Ravin can't act and 2) I am terrible, terrible person who revels in the death of a fictional character.  I am already over it.

9:42 -- Wait for it ...

9:43 -- "He's dead. Charlie's dead." -- Hurley. It was all I thought it would be and more.

9:44 -- Back in the flash forward, Charlie goes to see Hurley in the mental institution. Wait, what?

9:45 -- I've said a million times, there is nothing "Lost" could do to lose me as a viewer. But I swear, if Charlie had been actually alive ... I don't know what I would have done. And it's not because it's Charlie, it just would have been plain stupid.

9:46 -- Oh my God -- what do you say about Jack trying to kill Locke? More importantly, what could Jack ever say to Locke again. Man of science, man of faith ... whatever! He just pointed a gun in his face and pulled the trigger. No coming back from that one.

9:51 -- Since he can't shoot him, Jack goes back to beating Locke.

9:52 -- "Well, technically he didn't kill her yet." -- Ben

9:54 -- Hurley gives an impassioned "Charlie died so we can live" speech and most everyone bails on Jack and follows Locke. Jack has to be feeling pretty unappreciated right about now.

9:55 -- "Jack, with your permission I'd like to go with John." -- Ben. Best line ever, period.

9:56 -- "You know where to find us, when you change your mind. If you aren't all dead." -- Locke. Ok, Locke didn't actually say that last part -- it was just inferred.

9:57 -- Jack goes to visit Hurley at the crazy house, but he really is one there to find out if Hurley "was gonna tell." We're also tipped off, via the beard comment, that this flash forward comes before Jack's flash forward from the finale.

9:58 -- "I think we did the wrong thing Jack. I think it wants us to come back." -- Hurley

10:00 -- Nice to meet you, guy who fell from the sky and is going to ruin everything for everyone.  

Perfection, plain and simple.

At the end of last season, I thought (and hoped) the flash forwards were a one-time thing. I didn't like the idea of knowing who made it off the island and what happened to them. Then, this morning actually, I realized something -- the flashbacks were really starting to suck. They served very little purpose anymore. Flash forwards are the new black!

I think, for now, we have to pay more attention to what we know about Jack and Hurley after they get off the island. Obviously they didn't tell anyone what really went on, that much we know. But what DID they tell people?

The cop asked Hurley if he knew Ana Lucia from before the flight -- not from when they were marooned on an island or anything. Jack said in the finale he was "tired of lying." They both told some kind of story when they got off the island and it didn't involve Others, polar bears or black smoke monsters. What was it? And if everyone knows only six people survived Oceanic Flight 815, then why did that creepy guy ask Hurley, "Are they still alive?"

Anyway, I give this episode an A. The tone of everything was right on and I really loved the way it set things up for this season -- which is the most important function of a premiere episode. No big reveals are necessary, just lay out the plan for the season and I'm fine -- and that's what they did.

So here is my question for you this week: Are you down with flash forwards?

Send in a question for Monday's LDQA by clicking here.

Posted by Daniel at 07:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (209)