The Lost Diary

yes I was getting sick of flasbacks,te flasforwards add more to it

He's back !! Looking good Charlie.
The flash forwards are fantastic, and Danielle is my new hero

Absolutely! I am loving the flash forwards.

We know that some get off the island...how long do you think that will take? By the end of this season or next? And...I was thinking. Series Finale...will it be them going back? Will the last thing we see from Lost be Jack and Hurley rowing to shore?

I loved it. I thought the flash forwards were good teasers. And now we know that who ever is in that coffin, is one of the Oceanic 6. TMZ better bring you back!!! HEY to Lauren the Lost Nazi!!! (It's Kelly :)
And I was in tears when Hurley told Claire, Charlie was dead. That was a sad moment, despite the fact that you hate Charlie, brutha!

So glad i was able to find your blog Daniel....I was waiting for it this morning on TMZ....couldn't find it...so i went into the archives and found your link!! Glad to have you back.

Flash forwards are very cool. Trying to piece this all together from that perspective is interesting. I got the feeling that someone is keeping tabs on the "6" that are off the island though. Why?
I am hoping however that the black mist and polar bears are someday explained....

WOW! great episode! I totally did not see jack's dad in the cabin....FREAKY! I like the flash forwards - especially if you don't know how forward you are!

I am SO down with the flash forwards! I also give this episode an A. Now, if only the Giants win on Sunday, this will be the Best.Week.Ever.

hi Daniel. I gotta say that after viewing a brand-new Lost episode, reading your diary the next day is the best.

I'm very happy with flash forwards - it adds a different dimension to this show and allows the story to keep going. I think that there will always be a gap between island time and FFs, which will keep us guessing.

Ben? Who is this Ben? I know only Henry Gale in these Lost Diaries. ;)

The Flash Forwards are fantastic. I find myself actually looking forward to a Kate-centric episode. The Christian Shepherd tidbit was cool, but the real question is whose eye was that? Everyone seems to think it was Locke, but looking at the screen cap next to John's (it's posted on my blog) I'm really not so sure.

I love the way Jack's slowly starting to become his father. It always starts with a small screwdriver with breakfast... :)

Flash-forwards aren't so bad as long as they keep the remaining 3 of the Oceanic 6 a secret, I don't want to know who survives the island well before the series is over, that would just be cruel. I as well revel in the death of the fictional, but want no part of foresight, I want to be surprised as I watch them die. So of course, it wasn't your morbid comment that made me lose respect for you, what was it? Could it have been the heartless Emile de Raven comment. Really???

Furthermore, I could have completely forgot what happened last season as I did not watch Wednesday night's recap, but was it ever explained how Locke got out of the pit with the rest of the Dharma 60?

Hurley says "I'm one of the Oceanic 6" .. but that doesn't mean that they are the only 6 to leave the island, just that they are the only 6 CRASH SURVIVORS to leave the island. It opens up the possibility for Juliet and Desmond to leave. They weren't on the plane. Am I reaching?

Also, that facial gesture that Ben gave Jack when he's asked where Naomi was was PRICELESS. Made me literally laugh out loud.

Love the flash forwards ... we pretty much learned what we needed to with the flashbacks about each character (not all, but enough) and this broadens the storylines tremendously.

Yay, I'm so happy to be reading these new diaries, Daniel!

Great episode! What happened to Desmond? Looks like he lost 20 lbs. while he was down in the Looking Glass. Anyway, still love him.

Can't really add any theories, because the episode was way to confusing for me, which is just the way I like it. Did anyone watch the show after for the "clue"? Kind of lame; takes you to a Web site where there's some game you can play about characters who aren't on the show. Ho hum.

Anyway...LOVE the flash forwards! So happy Lost is back!!

Meg

love the ffs, and i didn't last season (maybe i just hated jack's beard). and mo, your right-danielle rocks!! loved it when she smacked henry in the head.

daniel, im so happy your back! i feel like your the first person i can "talk" about LOST to. holy crap- i cant believe jack's dad was in the cabin. what about the white shoes LOL. i was thinking- is this john travolta in saturday night fever? i loved every minute of LOST. i want moreeee.

I don't think that is Jack's dad in the cabin - but I can't really see the pic very well. While watching the show I thought it was Jacob sitting in the chair and then Locke's eye that you see inside the cabin. The very next second we see Locke for sure and it solidified it for me. Locke and Jacob are buddies now.

Abbadon is an anagram for "maker of death."

It was as hard waiting for The Lost Diary as it was the actual Lost episode. Loved the "Charlie goes to see Hurley in the mental institution. Wait, what?" I like the flash forwards and I want to find out now who the other 3 are, but I don't want to read the spoilers. I think it will be interesting to see how they deal with not everyone making it home. Michelle I hope you are right about your Oceanic 6 theory. I really want Desmond to get off the island. I think it would be interesting if the Oceanic 6 got together to try to get back to the island before the end of the series.

Daniel! I've waited so LONG to read your blog again!! YAY!

OK.. Why Why WHY didn't you mention the fact that when Jack called the "rescue team" on the satilite phone the FIRST time.. he said "I'm one of the Survivoirs of Oceanic Flight 815"

but when they called HIM back.... They said "Is this Jack?"

Jack never caught on that they knew his name already!

Is it just me, or does everything seem right with the world now that Lost is back and Daniel is recapping again?

I'm with you on the flash forwards, its a new twist on the old formula and I dig it. Plus, I think its safe to say that this "future" we're seeing isn't completely set in stone, but maybe I'm way off on that one.

Didn't Jack tell them on the 2nd call who he was when they first brought up the coordinates problem?
I'm still reeling from the episode. So much going on in such a short time frame. I told my husband half way through that it felt like a 2 hr episode because of how many times I said "WTF" and "Holy Shit!" so far at that point.
Loved Danielle backhanding Henry. and all of Henry's subtle looks and reactions to what was going on. I'm gleeful at the thought of him and Locke buddies hiding out in the barracks. They could have their own show. Go Team Locke!

did anyone notice when hurley was sitting outside at the hospital, i swear the woman in the background with her back to the camera was juliet.

Im not a fan of the flashforwards. Here's why... Im not sure if thats the future set in stone or if it can be changed? Because otherwise we already know the outcome, which would upset me, and all these damn flashforwards are so f-ing depressing. I dont want my Losties ending up like that!! If they can change the out come then Im down with them, otherwise they make me sad.

I'm so happy the diaries have started again. They add so much to my lost viewing experience. I have one comment to add and that is.. I don't think that these are flash forwards anymore. They seemed to me that they are currently what is happening and we are now seeing a flash back when we are watching what is happening on the island and I think that adds a great dynamic to the show!!

OK- first, flash forwards aren't my favorites, but I think its because I need to get used to them. I seem to need to think 'forward' instead of 'backward' and maybe once I get in the groove, it won't be a big deal.

Here's one thing no one has noticed, but I HAVE!!!!! Remember the flash forward to end last season, Jack went to a funeral and no one else was there? IT WAS HURLEY's. STAY WITH ME HERE...

Last night, Hurley stood on the beach and said to Bernard, "did you know I won the Lotto? Worst thing to ever happen to me. But now, I can go back and everyone will think I'm already dead"... so, no one from his former life will attend his funeral, they think he's already dead.

So... FF to the funeral. Jack shows up alone, Kate didn't want to go... no one else is there. We've only see 3 of the Oceanic 6, I think its Hurley. He's the only other person it could, considering they offered up a funeral, but have only offered up 3 people surviving and we know 2 people that can't be in the casket, Kate or Jack.

That being said, Kate's "he's gonna wonder where I am" from the season finale, has got to be her baby. She is pregnant (which we all thought last season anyway), gets rescued and has Sawyer's son... another boy growing up without his father (the disfunctional father theme again)...

Another thing I think is worth mentioning: I am still committed to my Santa Rosa Mental Hospital Theory for the Series Finale. For those of you too young to remember the 'Dallas' primetime soap (Bobby Ewing 'dream' that lasted several seasons) maybe you've seen the movie 'Click' with Adam Sandler? My only change in theory MIGHT be that Hurley is the one dreaming, not Locke...

Also: caught 'Jacob' in the chair, but didn't slow down to see it was Christian Shephard. How interesting... interesting name too... Christian, Shephard, Jacob... bring this together for me someone, PLEASE!

The credits and imdb.com list Harold Perrineau (Michael) as being present in this episode... Anyone see him???

Also, Fisher Stevens was listed on the credits (not on imdb.com) as being in the episode... Anyone see him???

I was surprised that Sawyer was trying to be helpful to Hurley but then Sawyer acted like himself later when he told Kate he was doing what he always does - survives.

The episode reminded me of what I thought when I first watched LOST - how strange it would be to be forced to live with strangers and encounter so many unexplainable things together; to learn how to live together so you can all survive.

THATS WHY I LOVE THIS BLOG- just read Emily's post and I agree! Jack didn't give his name to them- ever!!!! Yet they called back, "is this Jack?" BRILLIANT!

Good catch-

So glad you're still doing this!

I'm totally digging the flash forwards, the flashbacks were boring after a while, except when it revealed the links between the people on the plane prior to the flight, I'm still a bit curious about that.

I do love the fast forwards! When the show ends (not this year, but next year, right?), we won't have to worry about what happened to make them want to go back. We'll be cheering their boat sailing onto the island.

No comments on why Hurly told Jack he was sorry he joined with Locke? Was he even referring to them leaving to stay away from the boat guys or something else we haven't seen yet?

WTF is up with you and the "Ben" quotes/comments? I've always agreed with you on the whole Henry Gale name thing! Don't sell out now, Brutha!

Tell TMZ the only reason I even started reading their web site was because of the Lost Diary. You got over 500 posts a week on TMZ, how can they drop the Diary?

wow! great episode...i'm also SO glad you're back daniel! looked for you this morning as soon as i got into work on tmz - glad i bookmarked your diary!

about the locke getting out of the pit thing...i thought i had seen some clips or something long time ago about walt telling him to get up....am i totally off here?

i love ben/henry gale's one liners....classic!

i like ff's....it helps me piece things together....i tend to get lost when watching lost....so many things going on...

and who's in the cabin....i can't really tell....

Lost in Texas....I hate to contradict you, but I just checked out the clip on YouTube and when they answer the phone, Jack says "Who is this?", the guy on the other end says "Who is this?". Then Jack says "My name is Jack Shepard. Are you, are you on the boat, the freighter?" The guy then asks how he got the channel, Jack tells him about Naomi and then says he's one of the survivors....

I don't think it's Hurley in the casket. Why wouldn't Kate go to Hurley's funeral. In the season finale when Jack said he thought she would go, she acted like she hated the person who had died and unless Hurley does something really bad that we haven't seen yet, I can't think of a reason Kate would hate him.

Ok, referring to the whole dream sequence thing, I have tought from the beginning of Lost that Walt was the one dreaming this up. The only reason I think that is because he could make things happen with his mind, like the bird dying and then his mom. He also dreamed up the polar bears, right? I don't know, I could be way off. I've just always felt it was Walt's world, even though he's on hiatus from the show.

i am with Stacey on this one. the flashforwards can only take us so far this season before it ruins something. if there are only six people from Oceanic that get off the island, and we have seen two ff so far, how many more can we see before the mystery is gone? we still have two more seasons left... they have to mix it up. i am still waiting on a Danielle flashback.

also, i loved this episode. i would give it an A, but im not so sure that i liked it as the season opener. only one real Easter Egg (Hurley, like Locke and Ben, can see Jacob), but i dont think it was appropriate as the season premiere.

Want to give you a heads up....I found this at jezebel.com...they clearly jacked your format and idea for this blog! Imitation is the sincerist form of flattery. I just want to make sure they aren't plagerizing.

http://jezebel.com/351412/live-together-die-alone-live-blogging-lost

Glad someone checked me on YouTube. I couldn't Tivo it last night, so thanks- so Jack DID give his name, huh!?

Also, in response to why Kate doesn't go to the funeral, I think has something to do with last night... Hurley sided with Locke and went with him. Then in the FF he says to Jack, "I'm sorry I didn't go with you dude." Well, Kate and Jack obviously stayed together. That has something to do with why Kate didn't go to the funeral is my guess...

I agree with Sarah, a good episode, but not an A season premier. I also don't think its Hurly in the coffin. How about Michael? Any discussion on Walt being Jacob?

i'm thinking that juliet must be part of the 6 since she and jack are working together and then didn't desmond say he had a vision of claire and aaron getting into a helicopter? so thats my guess on who the 6 are. jack, kate, hurley, juliet, claire and aaron. but then who's in the casket? i was thinking juliet since jack was so upset and kate didn't seem to care, but the article said it was a man right? i'm so confused.

We HEART Daniel!
Has anyone noticed that when the title image of LOST is shown on a commercial, with the letters kind of towering over the island with the water below, if you look at the reflection of the mountains in the water, it almost looks like the mirror image of a city scape, with buildings and a skyline? Am i just imagining things? Is it a hint that somehow life on the island is mirroring life once they get off the island?

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!"

9:12 and 45 seconds...Tsunami hits Fiji!

Daniel, so glad to have you back! I missed this all so much...

Is is possible that Naomi's saying "tell my sister I love her" is code for "danger danger danger"? Maybe a stretch, but possible....

Hey, it's your new neighbor (think license plates). I clicked the link from TMZ and thought I'd say hi. So, hi!

Not to be insensitive to the awesome Jorge Garcia, but it couldn't possibly be Hurley in the casket unless he'd lost a whole lot of weight....

i don't think it is hurley in the casket. did you see the size of the casket-looked normal to me, and i think hurley would need a little more room. and i also think that there would be more people at his viewing. he's a nice, likable guy.

BTW: Daniel, as soon as I saw Charlie at the mental hospital, I instantly thought of you and you throwing things at the TV!

Karen - Good theory about Naomi possibly sending a warning to George. That's very interesting. I also can't figure out why Desmond was so intent in telling Jack the people on the boat were bad, but then he stayed with Jack when everyone split up. I'm hoping he just stayed to try to convince Jack of danger or to possibly help them out of danger later on. In the season finale the obituary did say it was a man and didn't it say his name was Jeremy Latham or something like that.

Hi Daniel! I have missed your diary so much. It is good to have you back.
Last nights LOST was better than christmas! It was so good. I love the flash forwards.

Creepy creepy about jacks dad in the chair. I didnt even notice.

Ben was great last night. He is just plain perfect.

WTF? Jack's dad? Didn't Jack see him on one point on the island? Wasn't his body on the plane? Could that have anything to do with it?

Jenz~ Yes, I think it was Juliet too. I'm glad to know there are other people out there who are watching as carefuly as I am. It makes me feel a bit less crazy.

I like the ff, they usually give a bit of info that helps you figure out something, or just leaves you more confused.

Thanks Daniel, I'm missed this so much. I really look forward to watching then reading your fantastic blog.

AZRey... I totally caught the city skyline in the water reflection (at the end of the show) I thought I was crazy too, going to look for a screenshot on that now.

Welcome back Daniel! How we have missed LOST and your diaries.

I agree that ffs are awesome, but am also worried they will give too much away. Unless, that's just what the writers WANTED us to think and they can change the future. Wouldn't surprise me.

Did anyone bother with Eli Stone to see the Oceanic message? I sure didn't.

Soooo relieved to back onboard with the Lost Diary.

Such a great episode... I laughed (at 9:55pm), I cried (with Hurley and Claire) and I yelled out profanities at Jack (everywhere else)!

LIT: Wonderful to see you back here! I'm starting to see your point on the mental institute thing. I want to see a screencap of the pic on the chalkboard behind Hurley.

Loving the Flash Forwards! Although I think that we may only see 6 episodes of the flash forwards since there are only 6 'survivors'. I wonder if they would ever consider a flash FAST forward, if and when Jack can get back to the island.

Interesting to see Christian Shepard, as Jacob, in the shack, especially since his body was never found after they crashed.

Jack's dad is bothering me. Are we missing something here?

Gotta be Michael in the coffin. Not trying to be too racial, but they made a point of showing the black guys on the street, and then the funeral home attendant was black. Also, he could be a guy that does something to make everyone hate him. Might be nothing, might be something.

That being said, I try not to figure out LOST. I just am gonna enjoy everything as it comes. Also, was I the only one that was a little sad that now there's only 6 shows left this season? It's bittersweet; the shows being so good, but over so quickly....

There's acutally 7 shows left.

Does anyone find it odd that Jack wasn't concerned about Naomi after she got knifed? I mean, he's a doctor! Even after the satellite phone call was finished, he didn't go check on her to see if she was alive at all. It also makes sense to me that Juliette would have gone with Jack and gotten off the island too. He was in touch with Kate and his ex, but not Juliette? Could she be the one in the casket?
I really don't care for the flash forwards at this point.

I think Locke is the one in the coffin. He so doesn't want to leave that island that I could see some cruel twist that forces him to have to leave. And when he gets back, he goes back to being in a wheelchair or his health deteriorates or he does himself in. Remember Locke had no family or friends and was living in poor conditions before he got on the plane? That would fit with the empty funeral home in what looked like a poor neighborhood. But I guess we'll have to wait and see!

I have three questions I hope someone can answer for me: Do you think that Hurley really saw Charlie or was it a dream?

How many names does Hurley have? My sister says that last night she thought she heard someone (maybe the cop)call Hurley a name other than Hurley or Hugo.

Last Q:Is this the final season? :(

He did check on Naomi, he went over to her and it looked like he was checking her pulse.

Ger, Hurley's "official" name is Hugo "Hurley" Reyes. And, no there are to more seasons after this one.

Thanks for the welcome back Janice!

I will post my Santa Rose Mental hospital theory again sometime soon, after I get all geared up again with my facts (might require ordering previous seasons from Netflix again as a refresher).

But just to get your mind thinking in my direction, some obvious problems with the show would be explained by the 'show' being a whole dream:
-Hurley never loses any weight in 80 days on a deserted island
-despite being on an island that is not on any map and has no communication, food is dropped off by somebody, somewhere...
-despite being from everywhere in the world, all the survivors have entertwining lives yet don't know each other on the plane
-polar bears can't live in the tropics
-Richard never ages
-oh hell, I could go on and on... just sitting here thinking about it gets me all excited about my theory once again!

Ok, I don't know why it made me anonymous, and that's supposed to be "two" not "to".

LiT - Your theory makes sense, but I really hope that is not what is going on. I think I would be disappointed to find out it has all been in Hurley's mind. Also, my husband never fails to point out in every episode that Hurley doesn't look like he's lost any weight, so your reference to that made me smile.

The Jacob from season 3 and the one in the cabin last night don't look like the same guy..In season 3, he looks really scruffy and last night he looked clean cut..Anyone else notice that? When Jack was at the funeral parlor and the guy asked him if he was friend or family and Jack said "neither"...I don't think he wanted to commit suicide because he was tore up about the person in the casket..I think that everything maybe finally just became too much for him to handle..I don't think it was Michael in the casket or Hurley...I think Sawyer survived and is with Kate and that's why she was concerned about getting back to him because he would wonder where she was..She doesn't want him to know she went to see Jack for whatever reason..

They are no longer FLASHES FORWARD, guys...don't you see? Post-rescue scenes are now in the PRESENT,and all island scenes are now FLASHBACKS.

Why do you think Hurley said "I should have gone with you, Jack." ?
Also, I think that Saywer stays on the island, and the "he" in "he's waiting for me" or whatever Kate said to Jack in the future (present?) is her SON! If 6 survived, Jack, Kate, Hurley-we have all seen, but of course Sun has to for the baby, Clair (as per Desmond) and Aaron. That's six folks. What do you think?

Even though he isn't Oceanic, I reckon Desmond gets off the Island. He HAS to get with Penny!

But I knew it wasn't a flashback when it switched to Jack, because flashbacks don't have two things going on at once. Flashforwards are definitely awesome and about 10 times better than the flashbacks we were getting last season- remember Stranger In A Strange Land? Uuuh.

I'm not sure they would count Aaron as one of the "6" since he is obviously going with Claire. The way Hurley was saying I'm one of the Oceanic 6, it sounds like they did a lot of press with them after their return, so I think it would be 6 adults.

They are no longer FLASH FORWARDS!!!...don't you see?

Post-rescue scenes are now in the PRESENT,and all island scenes are now FLASHBACKS.

Glad everyone is back! I must say there were a lot of WTF moments last night, and some good laughs too. When Henry (not Ben, Daniel!) said he was asking Danielle for a favor, I was surprised she didn't deck him right then instead of waiting to see what he would ask. Too funny! I'm really starting to like her, especially her interaction with Henry. And his asking Jack permission to go with Locke? Fantastic. Can't wait to see he and Locke hanging out together again. That's good tv. And I officially hate Jack. Period. End of story. I will never like him again. He doesn't give a crap about anyone but himself, and we saw in the future how well he turned out, didn't we? That smug son of a bitch actually tried to kill Locke!? WTF?! And when I saw Charlie I, like everyone else, thought of you, Daniel. They just can't get rid of that little hobbit, can they? And for the person who wanted to know where Fisher Stevens was, he was the voice on the radio. Still don't know how I feel about Christian being in the cabin. That guy creeps me out worse than Henry ever did. I do like the flash forwards, but now that we know they are flash forwards, they don't have quite the same punch. And I also don't want them to reveal too much.

Ok . . . if what we thought were flash forwards are the present, then why have we already seen Jack's future past the point of last night's supposed "flash forward"? Wouldn't that make last night's scenes all flashbacks because the present would be futher in the future than any of the scenes we saw? Or is everything a flashback because they all went back to the island already? AAAAAAHHHHH!

I like the idea that ff scenes are the present and the rescue is the flash back. I think they can get at least 8 people off the island: the Oceanic 6 plus Desmond and Juilette. I think Michael is in the coffin. He did piss off Jack, Kate & Sawyer when he sold them out to the Others in exchange for Walt two seasons ago. I also hope this won't turn out to be a dream. Kirstie, I agree Jacob looked totally different last season. From the finale, did anyone catch the fact that the woman in Jack's ff (who hit his car) had the same last name as Bernard?

Didn't all the producers or writers say something at the very beginning about how they wouldn't use the whole "it was all a dream" thing for the ending? I thought there was something about that in the extras on the 1st Season DVD's. I honestly think these writers have too much talent to cop-out on us like that. Then again, if everyone guessed the ending of my show 6 seasons before it was actually supposed to end, I guess I'd lie about it too.

They said it wouldn't be a dream, but I have heard that time travel will be a factor.

I just watched both shows online because I also noticed that Jack never said his name when he got on the phone for the 1st time, he just said he was a "survivor". The 2nd time the phone rang Jack answers and the guy says "Hey Jack this is..."...I haven't seen the YouTube footage someone posted about but both the episodes are on the Lost website!! Also, I agree with the people about who died...it was in a bad neighborhood, black and no one came to the funeral. It has to be Michael. There aren't many black characters on the show and Michael didn't really have anyone left but Walt (his ex died which is why he got Walt). Remember Michael was already suppose to have been sent "home". I don't think he was part of the 6 "Survivors" that came home. I think Jack read about the death in the paper and was freaked out about the death because now he found out Michael DID make it home.

Skittle, Ana (the original) - if those are your real names. (it's strange to see the same exact post, no?)

ANYHOO - if it is a Flash Present - can anyone explain Jack's beard in the season finale VS no bread in the season opener?
Wouldn't his look be consistent throughout the "Flash PRESENT"? hence the word, present.

Also, the anagram (Funeral Parlor name) in the finale spelling out Flash Forward....was done why???

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Ben/Locke situation? I mean last season Ben SHOT locke in the stomach, now Locke is back and Ben wants to go with him????? No reaction that he's alive and out of the ditch?

Spell check on previous post..."VS no beard (not bread) in the season opener"...discuss

Hi! My name is Lonely Douche Bag, I like posting comments under other people's names. It makes me feel important and powerful...mostly because I lost my penis in tragic zipper accident. Although I may anger you, I really just want you guys to love me....

I am afraid of the flashforwards. I wanted somewhat of a happy ending after all the hell they are enduring on the island. I don't know. I just don't want the end to be...damn, we should've stayed on the island, let's go back, and all go crazy. I don't know. I just don't want it to go down like that. Like, what if Jack & Kate's conversation from last season finale is the last thing that happens? Since this is the beginning of the end, was the end already shown??

Jack without beard is a ff BEFORE the ff when he meets Kate at the airport. He sees Hurley, who yells at him, "we have to go back!" and Jack's downward spiral begins. Stealing Oxycontin etc... this is how I see it, am I right or confused? I think Jack came back an was ok at first, then things fell apart.

This show stresses me out. I have trouble sleeping after it. I think I need to drink more wine next week.

So I was going to rewatch last night's episode on ABC.com and I noticed there are videos of "Sam's Diaries"..Does anyone else know what this is about? After watching them, this is what I got out of it..Sam Thomas used to work for Oceanic and so did his "Sonya"..She was a flight attendant on 815..He says Oceanic was giving up its search for 815..but he doesn't want to give up...Apparently he is on a boat, the "Christian 1" from Jakarta with someone named "Talbert" who seems to be the captain/leader and some other people..He's been getting cryptic messages from the "Maxwell Group" that consist of numbers/coordinates..Those apparently end up leading them to "Black Rock"..He says he wants to go "down" and explore..it's raining so he has to wait...Anyway..there's a few more things I am trying to figure out..Could it be that this is the group that has just arrived on the island that everyone is afraid of? I don't know..Somebody go watch them and HELP!!

In response to the question "Also, Fisher Stevens was listed on the credits (not on imdb.com) as being in the episode... Anyone see him???" - Fisher Stevens will play Minkowski, the guy on the other end of the satellite phone who tells the survivors they will be rescued.

Amy - I agree, I think at first Jack was ok. I think something bad happened on the island and at first Jack could put it out of his mind. Or something happens after they get home, like the guy that visited Hurley at SRMHI, that pushes Jack over the edge.

Cathead - I'm with you. The events in Jack's FF (last season's finale) occurred *after* those in Hurley's FF...anyone remember Jack saying "I'm thinking of growing a beard."??? So the FF can't be the present...

I've heard like everyone else that they have 8 episodes in the can this season...anyone know whether the remaining 8 originally planned for this season may air at a later date if the writer's strike is resolved? Or will we have to wait till NEXT January for more?!? *tear*

I don't know why everyone assumes that Michael is in the coffin .. something he did a season or two ago, all the stuff that's happened since then, and you all think Jack (and Kate, for that matter) would hate him so much that it would still be bothering them? Uh, no.

We have no clue how much time passes between them contacting people outside, and them being at that funeral. Anything could happen between then and "now", it could be ANYONE. I wouldn't assume that just because it's a "black" neighborhood that it has to be Michael.

Tracy~ Jack has a one-track-mind, GET THE F**K OFF THE ISLAND! This is clear when he is willing to KILL Locke. Locke has almost screwed things up twice. Jack was not going to risk that again. Once Jack gets back I think the guilt sets in and he goes nuts. Maybe he should have shared a room with Hurley.

How creepy was the guy who came to see Hurley? And no, I'm not talking about Charlie.

I think the person in the coffin is someone that hasn't been seen on the show yet.

I think it is Locke in the coffin, just a gut feeling.

The Oceanic 6 is also bothering me, which 6?

i am with Mich. Jack seemed so distraught over whomever was in the coffin that he tried to commit suicide. i dont think, after everything that went down, that Jack would be that distraught over Michael. i think it is Locke. realizing that Locke may have been right about them staying on the island, returning to a shitty life where you ex is pregnant, and not having Kate or Juliet is grounds for jumping off a bridge. plus Locke has no family or friends, which would explain the empty funeral.

i also got an Easter Egg from the podcast, saying that when Hurley was in the police station and sees Charlie swimming and touching the glass, breaking it, on Charlie's hand is written, "THEY NEED YOU" same thing he said to Hurley in SRMHI.

I just can't see Locke leaving the island. DarkUFO site has a picture of Charlie swimming and his hand right before the glass breaks.

I thought the episode was great. WOW, Jack's dad in the cabin. That was shocking! Seems like the old crew is reorganizing here from Daniel's blog at TMZ and that's cool. Can't wait until next week. I sort of like the Flash Forwards now. So many questions need to be answered though and I hope we get them all, but I doubt it- which will make me go GRRRRRR! haha!

Just read Jeff Jensen's take on the episode over at EW.com and love how he calls Jack "Doc Messiah Complex" and noted how the "French Lady dragged a hilariously snarky Ben around the jungle." He, like me, also loved "all things Ben-on-a-leash." I love how this show has such a serious plot but still manages to evoke humor too. Good freakin' tv, how we've missed thee.

I believe charlie's slap to Hugo's enormous head had significant meaning. The fact that Hurley felt it implies that anyone or everyone on the island could already be dead. Discuss.

No, I refuse to believe they're all dead. I thought the producers settled that one. Time travel, however, could explain why people keep getting caught up with one another at odd times. Or lunacy, as has already been pointed out.

Cat - I went to read the EW article, but the title "Who else escapes?" scared me. Does it give away any spoilers?

Okay-I have a theory. In the cheezy commerical for Oceanic airlines that aired after the show..the teaser said something like 'take a trip on Oceanic Airlines to your ultimate destination'. I infer that ultimate destination is death, right? So, maybe the show is something similar to the concept in the Sixth Sense? Maybe they are in some in between life and death place on the island where anything (i.e. polar bear in the tropics) can happen? Some go back to life (the 6) while the other folks go onto oblivion. But, not sure why they would have to go back to the island...okay my theory has holes...but just wanted to put it out there. I know it is WAY out there....

Tracy, Doc Jensen's another one of my bookmarks in addition to Daniel and if he's going to give stuff away, he'll tell you. I read his article earlier and it doesn't give anything away.

What if it was Christian Shepard in Jacob's house, but as his captive? The eye in the window could've been Jacob? I don't think Jack's dad is Jacob.
Henry Gale tried to kill Locke b/c he was special enough to hear Jacob, so that means Hurley is special too?

Maybe someone already mentioned this, but the guy in Jacob's cabin looks alot like Jack's father.......could it be...........

OOOO! I just thought of something else that brought a dumb-founded look upon my face.

Why is it that the other guy in the Mental Institution with Hurley was able to see Charlie? He was the one who told Hurley that there was a guy staring at him. That's odd.

I'm re-watching it right now.

Can anyone tell me what the whispers said, right at the moment that Hurley found the cabin.

And I went back to the scene when the "Oceanic attorney" went to visit Hurley... when he left, all you see is a black shadow. Smokie perhaps?

I like the flash-forwards :) Wouldn't it be wild if actually some of the past episodes we thought were flashbacks were actually flash-forwards? Someone in my MySpace friends seems to think that Season 2 Ep. 18 specifically is a flash-forward..going to have to go back and watch.

Now, I don't see it mentioned anywhere here..doesn't anyone find it strange that Nathan (I think), that guy at the mental facility with Hurley, told Hurley to be careful, that man has been standing over there staring at you?? How could Nathan SEE Charlie? You're not supposed to be able to see other people's imaginary friends are you???

Did anyone see the Mobisode 13 with Christian and Vincent??? Obviously, it has to tie into Christian being in Jacob's cabin.

WOW. Lost is back!!!!

Guys, I just thought of something! Why is it that the other guy in the Mental Institution with Hurley was able to see Charlie? He was the one who told Hurley that there was a guy staring at him. Isn't that odd?

Jen~ I thought it was odd too. I don't think it means much, they are just doing it to screw with us more.

Did Jacob use Chris Shepard's body because he dosen't actually have one?

I like crazy Hurley.

RE The Hurley's friend "seeing" Charlie:

It is enirely posible that he was talking about the strange person standing just behind Charlie.
ScreenCap below
http://bp3.blogger.com/_8HhjIy50yEY/R6KjUaLiPJI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/sLKVuW3imBc/s1600-h/charlie.png

Ooo . . . using other people's bodies. I like it! Could explain why Christian was not in the coffin.

Mich: I was not trying to imply that it could only be Michael because it was a poor, black neighborhood. There aren't that many black people left that would affect Jack so much that were black - if they show a black neighborhood, black funeral director what would make you think it wasn't a black person in the casket? Also, on the recap of season 3, final episode with subtitles it says that no one knows what the article says but many believe it was a story about a man from New York who died in Los Angeles. Michael was from New York. My gut tells me it has something to do with Michael because we never knew what happened to him. Ben said he sent him and Walt home but Walt keeps appearing - never Michael. And when he read the blurb in the newspaper he called someone (we don't know it was Kate) and says "Hey...I just read that..." and he hangs up. He is in a funk, about to jump...who knows why but I think it's because he wants to get back and he can't. He's been taking flights every week and it's not happening...but anyway I think they are going to tie Michael back into things some how. I don't think it's the death so much that affected Jack as it's just that he knows they have to go back to the island.

Yeah, I didn't see Vincent the dog in the episode last night. Is the dog still alive?

Just viewed the pic of Jacob and I don't agree that it is Christian Shepard. Looks vaguely like him but not quite.

Ben: "Better call the boat ... tell them she's getting a really big bundle of firewood"

... Priceless!

OK, another possible theory: Lets say that Smokie is trying to get the 6 to come back to the island by forming itself into someone in their lives. For example, it turned into that Oceanic atty and it turned itself into Charlie, so that it can convince Hurley to go back. When Jack went to visit Hurley at the gym, H said "It wants us to go back." He never said, Charlie or the Smoke Monster.

We know from the S3 finale that it somehow was able to convince Jack that he had to go back.

Why would Smokie torment them this way? And make them question whether anyone was still alive?

going back to the flash-forwards as present, island scenes as flashbacks theory...

in a flashback, you only see the story from one perspective - the character having the flashback. This episode was Hurley-centric; yet we saw many island scenes where Hurley was NOT present, therefore he could not have remembered those occurences, and therefore could not have been his flashbacks.

hey guys, pinkisthenewblog.com has a screen cap of the eye that was looking at hurley at jacob's shack and it doesn't look like its locke. actually, it looks like mikhail and the fact that the other eye is in shadows really makes me think its him. check it out.

No! Please tell me that Russian nut is not still alive! Or does Jacob use his body too?

All this talk about "the 6", I don't think it means 6 survivors, maybe just 6 people who chose to get off the island. The rest wanted to stay. This would also explain what the secret is.

Way, way back in the comments, someone mentioned that Harold Perrineau was listed in the credits for the opener as well as on the IMDB listing for the episode.

I also saw his name in the opening credits last night, so I was looking for him at first. I think he may have been in the store surveillance video that the cop wanted Hurley to watch. I saw what I thought was Michael in the background and at first I thought Hurley must have freaked because he saw him. Then all hell broke loose in the interrogation room and I completely forgot about the possible "Michael sighting" and got so engrossed in the show I forgot about him altogether. Will have to go back and watch my tape more closely.

Didn't catch Christian Shephard in the cabin, though. Holy Moses!

LOST is back, baybee!!!!!

So re-watching last night's episode, it looks an awful lot like Mikail (aka Cyclops) that was in Jacob's cabin..Also, when Hurley walks up to the cabin, along with all the whispers is the rustling/windiness of the bushes..Hasn't this type of thing happened before? I'm not saying it's anything significant, just an observation..I also think that Sam's video diaries are telling..In the Oceanic commercial, it is interrupted by him saying that he can't trust "these people" and that they found the wreckage..I think maybe Sam is a good guy on the freighter with some shady people..From the diaries, "Talbert" knows something..It's going to be interesting to see how this plays into the upcoming episodes..Does anyone else have theories about Sam?

I don't see how it could be Michael in the coffin since nobody else showed up for the funeral. It would make sense that if Michael got off the island, Walt also got off the island. Walt would have been at the funeral.

I am with those who think it is someone we haven't met yet.

How about this: It was Hurley in the coffin because he did something on the island that killed Sawyer. That's why Kate said "Why would I go to that funeral?" (with the emphasis on "I") in the Season 3 finale. And that's also why Jack said he was neither a friend nor family. Obviously he didn't go see Hurley out of friendship, he only wanted to be sure Hurley didn't spill the beans about them being trapped on an island for however long. It makes sense.... right? lol

Does anyone have any thoughts about the chalk board picture behind Hurley and sketchy dude...kinda cool, check it out.

http://gallery.lost-media.com/displayimage-1364-344.html

Thoughts??

I think he would have considered Hurley a friend. He certainly seems to think he was in last night's episode once they got off the island. I know he was trying to find out if Hurley told anybody anything, but I still think he considers Hurley a friend.

I love this show. I will watch every episode, then watch it again. I think it's the best show ever on tv. My only problem with it is the smoke monster. I can buy the fact that there was a group of idealistic hippies backed by a super-rich corporation that wanted to start a commune on a distant island, but c'mon...a smoke monster?? I think all the mysteries will be have a rational explanation, but this storyline is one that i cringe at every time I see it, or a non-LOST viewer asks about.

How 'bout an insta-poll.....LOST the greatest tv show ever??

1 vote for yes

Ok, I agree flash forwards are great, but Dan you forgot to point out how Sawyer leaves Kate behind when he decides to go with Locke! Kate gets pissed! I just love how cool Sawyer is!

I'm totally down with the flash forwards. They'll raise questions, add mystery, yada yada yada yada.

Good to see the Lost Diary back on tmz, and good to have the Lost Diary (and Lost itself) back, brutha!

40 seconds into the episode our Emergency Alert System test started. I couldn't even scream I was so upset.

Has anyone considered the person in the coffin might be Ben. I am sure people would determine he was not on the plane via a flight list but it certainly would explain why Kate wouldn't go. Somehow he gets off the island with the other 5?
If you look at the size of the coffin it seems a bit small for Hurley or Michael...

and he is dying too!!

I love the flashforwards....its like Pulp Fiction's beginning/end timeline. Makes the middle of the story more interesting.

That was a great start for the season! I agree with you Daniel, at first I didn't like the flash forwards at all. Now I think they are more important, the flashbacks served thier purpose.

Food for thought: "The Oceanic Six" doesn't necessarily mean that there were only six survivors. It could be that only six left the island.

Hey Daniel,
I'm so happy you and the crew are back!
Was last night's episode awesome or what? So many questions now....I can't wait to watch it all unfold. I agree with the "others" that feel we are now in present time and the island scenes are flashbacks. Things that now have me curiously freaked out:
-Hurley being able to see Jacob
-Naomi's last words, " Just tell my sister I love her"
Of course, there were many more WTF moments, but these two have my interest peaked. I too wonder if Hurley's ability to see Jacob means he's "special" like Ben and Locke. And, who is Naomi's sister? I don't think that message was some kind of code. I think there is a lot more to Naomi's story than we know, brutha.

I love the fact that we got more questions than we did answers last night.

I have always thought Christian Shepard has been involved with the mystery of the island. I'm not sure if he is a ghost or it's some time continuum, but my hunch tells me he is at the center of all this. We've seen him strolling around the island and in Jacobs house before. Also, he is connected to so many Losties. Are Jacob and Christian one and the same????

I Love, Love, Love how Jack is falling apart. I really want to see him cry again...what a baby!!! Ben is such a perfect antithesis, calm, cool and collected and even witty.... even though he has gotten the shit kicked out of him more than once. I love it that he gets knocked around every time he opens his mouth.

The black dude that shows up at the nut house to visit Hurley is freaky.... can't wait to learn more.

OKAY - I don't think anyone bought this up (and if you did, I'm sorry) but as I'm watching my TIVO; that guy that floated up to the window in the police station when Hurley was going crazy (I'm assuming it's Charlie) had something written on his hand. I paused it and I can only make out the last word. "You". I thought it was going to say "Not Penny's Boat" but it says something else, clearly... can anyone else make it out??

They Need You

This is the first season I'm watching LOST as it airs - I picked it up last year and watched all of it on DVD.

I was hoping to find a good blog to follow this season.

"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."

That line secured your place on my browser's toolbar! I'm psyched to check out your blog every week!! And flashforwards truly are the new black - LOVE IT!

And person above me - his hand says "They Need You"

If the island wants the 6 back and Jack has been flying every weekend in hopes of crashing there again, then maybe all 6 have to be together for that to happen. Love the fast fowards. It was great to watch good tv again. Been along time since I've uttered so many WTF's in one hour. i'm also thinking about last season when Henry (there, you all happy now) said every LIVING person would be killed. Makes sense now that Charlie and Jack's dad have been seen. What's up with Richard...did Cane let him come back? Lets not forget the Others are at the "temple". God I love this show.

That's right... all the rest of the Others are somewhere else.

I need me some "Mr. Eyeliner" !!

I hope that Cane lets him do at least a little cameo.

I think that the guy in the mental institution with Hurley can see Charlie because he's a figment of Hurley's imagination as well. Just a thought.

Cathead~ Are you making fun of me?! I know the body thing seems crazy. But why didn't they ever find C. Shep's body? Jack saw his dad on the island. Is Jacob the smoke and he took over C. Shep?

Rene~ All on the plane is very interesting! But if one died, we assume Locke is in the casket, is it too late?

I'm sooooo glad LOST is back and better then ever brutha!

Oh - i think that the visions of dead people are the smoke monster taking on their image = maybe? as ways of directing the people on the island to do stuff.

Janice - I would like to know what the whispers said too; and I didn't notice until I watched the second time last night that there WAS black smoke as Hurley's visitor (the supposed Oceanic rep) left the room.

And for whoever brought it up, that is TRUE - why did the other dude in the institution tell Hurley that Charlie was staring at him; how could he see him?

Daniel - I was opposed to the flash forwards at first but I am into it now as simply part of the clues that we are given as to what is going on...

I am SO happy LOST is back - and the Diary - no one I know is into it as much as I am...

Just watched it again, and I found it verrry interesting that Rose was adamant about not going with Locke. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but, isn't Rose the only person other than Locke that knows that the island has curative powers? Rose knew that the island cured Locke of his paralysis, because it also cured her of cancer, right?
I'm still getting a "Mother Abigail" vibe from Rose. Stephen King fans, discuss. :)

I am so mad at myself right now... but I couldn't help it, I had to read a spoiler to see who the Oceanic 6 are! I wish I hadn't and I am kicking myself. But yes for those of you that asked they are all adults. I am happy with Hurley, Kate, and Jack.. but the other three WOW!! Some of you might disagree with me when you find out who they are, but I am really deeply saddened. I guess all I can hope now is that there is some twist on what I think the 6 means: like maybe some of them will stay on the island ALIVE! So I guess I am warning all you who are dying to find out who they are... MAKE SURE YOU WANT TO KNOW FIRST!!
Personally, I am still on the fence about the flashforwards... I kinda miss the flashbacks, but then again it is time to get on with the story.
Daniel I find it very funny that Charlie is all over the place after you thought you got rid of him... he isn't gone long. But I like him it makes me happy!!
Oh and to Lauren: I am 110% with you on the Sawyer situation! When Daniel types your comments... all I have to say is you took the words right out of my mouth!

I believe there are only 6 episodes left because episode 8 has not been completed yet.

Love the flashforwards. I don't think they would give away too much. It might seem like it to us but I'm sure the writers are keeping plenty a secret.

I think the Oceanic 6 means that Jack, Kate and Hurley plus the other 3 have said when rescued that they were the only 6 who survived the plane crash. They are keeping the other Losties secret that they are still on the island. For what reason I have no idea. Thoughts?

In the scene with the cabin, where we see Jack's father in the rocking chair and then someones eye in the window...I don't think its Locke, I think it was the "one-eyed man". Did anybody else get that?? I don't know what the significance of either of those characters being in that cabin would be, but I think it makes more sense that it WASN'T Locke....

Can I just say I LOVE this show! And Daniel, I look forward to your diary after every episode!

and PS. Sawyer is soooooooo HOT!

Hurley deserves a special mention for his acting, the show was an but Hurley was A+

I liked the flash forwards, I expect there will be parallel mystery story lines that get answered all at once in the final show. I hope so because I like this idea. Something bad went down for Hurley to be this crazy and Jack to lie to the world. They must have been put to a decision of who lives and who dies before they got off the island. This first episode made mention of that decision making.

Just my two cents

I totally agree with your comments about ben's line. "Jack, with your permission I'd like to go with John." HOW PERFECT IS THAT!!! the best line in the show EVER.

Loved the episode. I was mad that they told us that there were 6 who got back...like I read part of the last chapter of a book. But then I realized it might not be that at all. In the flash forwards, Hurley feels as guilty as hell, then later Jack can't deal and goes to hell and wants to go back... the only one so far who doesn't is the cold Kate (no surprise). So, they feel guilty and are keeping quiet about something nasty that they did. I"m guessing that the six got off the island, but . . . its not that the rest are dead, necessarily. Maybe these flash forwards are not the END of the story, but the middle. The six got off and left a bunch behind and, for some reason, didn't tell the world... so, maybe the flash forward is to season six and then they go back to the island for the rest. Ok, far fetched but. . . so was having a Black and a Woman as the lead candidates for president . . .

I agree with everyone on this...the Oceanic 6 are the six that get off the island, but they left survivors on the island...and they obviously LIED to the authorities that there weren't any survivors other than them! That's why Jack said he's "tired of lying" and that's why Jack asked Hurley if he was going to tell. Also, I've heard that someone else gets off the island but isn't considered a part of the Oceanic 6...but that person is also supposed to be a Lostie, not an Other. Boy, this is going to be an interesting season!!!!

I never would have believed that there was actually someone/something that Ben and the Others were genuinely afraid of.

So what are we supposed to call the folks on the boat?

It is great to be back, I cannot believe LOST is back! This writers strike is going to be painful though, just 8 episodes. Anyway. We just watched the season finale again, and with the shot of Jack's father in the cabin last night, I am wondering if he isn't perhaps one of the Oceanic 6. In the finale, Jack tells the new chief of staff to "get my father down here and see how drunk he is".
So, I am just wondering if somehow he is alive and does return with the group. Just a thought.
I am also interested in why Rose was so adament about going with Jack and not John last night, and why Hurley was so sorry that he didn't go with Jack. Something really bad must go down on the island.
My last thought is what is turning everyone into cold blooded killers? John was always so peaceful, he couldn't even hurt his god awful father. Then, he throws a knife in the back of a girl he barely knows? It doesn't fit. Then Jack, Mr. Ethical, goes and tries to shoot John? And lastly, Sawyer kills Tom, who is unarmed and surrendering. Just another thought, what do you guys think?

Mekjek, yeah I was so surprised at Jack pulling the trigger in Locke's face. It was shocking! Sawyer and Locke killing those other people was surprising but not as much as what Jack did. WOW!

Okay, I posted earlier that Michael could have been the one in the coffin, but isn't he from New York? I guess he could have relocated, when I watched it, I thought it was Henry.

I'm also starting to be sorry that we know Jack survives, I can't stand him. Trying to shoot Locke in the face? Uncalled for and tells us who Jack is.

OMG, I am so excited about LOST and this blog being back. It has been a long 8 months! Great to have you back Daniel.

I loved this episode and I so wish it was next Thursday already, lol.

I'm going to rewatch the show after I read about all the things to look out for. I did go back last night to the Hurley/Jack bball scene, because I thought the "HO" was weird (turns out they were playing horse i.e. 5pts), but then I read somewhere that there two other references to "ho" in the show, and now I'm really curious. Is that supposed to mean something? Or am I just reaching, lol? (Pretty soon I'll end up in a looney bin)

I'm hesitant about Jack's dad being in the chair. It's definitely him in the picture Daniel liked to, but that shot has been photoshopped to enhance it, and I wonder if someone is just screwing with the fans. I remember it being quite dark. I'll definitely watch that scene carefully again.

As for them going kinda crazy in ff (jack season finale, Hurley now), I can't remember which season it was (1st?) in Hurley flashback, when he got the numbers from a guy at the mental institution, didn't Hurley, later on, go find another guy (the first guys partner/friend?) living somewhere remote hiding and kinda going crazy? Is it possible that those guys have escaped the island? Could everyone who leaves go crazy in the real world (haunted by the island)? I don't remember much about that episode, any one can tell me what season it was?

I think Michael is on the freighter. I think he was instrumental in helping them find the island.

As for the flash forwards, I don't think "the present" has yet to happen. I think end of the series will be about the Oceanic 6 seeking repdemption by going back to the island. I think THAT will be the present. It's almost like time can be put into 4 categories: pre-crash, on-island, post-rescue and thepresent/revisting the island.

My husband just called me a nerd.

To me it's all like a jigsaw puzzle. We know basically a portion for how it will work out (picture on the box/Hugo see dead Charlie, Jack with beard), but we're getting more all the time. That and finding piece under the couch so the puzzle is looking better too. Basically I like these flash forwards.

I don't remember all the details, but we had a "flashback" two seasons ago or last season, with Hurley in the mental hospital. Met the girl who was also on the island...

And now he's in a mental hospital in this "flash forward".

Are these two separate times in his life when he's been committed, or are these the same and there's a clue here as to what's going on?

I can't read these comments anymore. You people are dumb.

Hello? The flash forwards don't mean that's how it ends. It's obviously going to even out. Some or all of the 6 are going back to the island. Of course they're not the only ones alive. You people are really mind boggling. You didn't read the last page of a book.

The story ends when Jack gets everyone off the island. He's the leader, he's the main character, and that's what he lives for. His job since day 1 season 1 is getting EVERYONE off the island.

He'll make it back and whoever is still alive will make it back with him.

It's NOT Hurley's dream. They said forever that it's not purgatory, it's not a dream. This is really happening.

When Hurley said "it wants us to go back" "It" meant the island.

Charlie slapping Hurley didn't mean squat. Remember when Hurley imagined Dave? Dave slapped him to prove he was "real"

The cop called Hurley "Reyes" his last name.

THE OTHER THING YOU MORONS ARE TALKING ABOUT...who cares if its present time or a flash forward. The timing doesn't mean anything except to know what happens before or after something else. Get a grip.

We've already seen them deeper in the future, so obviously it's not present, but even if it was. It wouldn't matter.

Also, the "flashbacks" aren't necessarily the character remembering that moment of their life. It's just the TV show explaining to us why they're acting the way they currently are.

I never read these comments but I did because I wanted to know what the people thought about the first episode. I'll never do that again. Wow. Not exactly brainiacs around here.

Wow section1guy, I think you need a drink. Chill man. It's just a bunch of people talking. No impact on your life whatsoever.

Section guy (who I am sure will read this despite his promises to the contrary), please calm down. NONE OF THIS IS REAL. ITS A TV SHOW. Shhhhh. Eeeaaasssy.

OK, Section 1 Guy needs to go sit in a 'section' by himself and not come back here- ever.

I will agree that some of the ideas are far-fetched, but call me a nerd, I like reading them... its entertaining! HA!

That being said, *Karen* says that she thinks the 'present is yet to happen', and I agree.... drumroll please... the present will reveal that every important character is sitting in a round circle, discussing their past and their bad luck (hurley)(ana lucia), bad relationships (jack), addictions (charlie), regrets (sayid,sun,jin), father problems (hurley,locke,sun,ben,sawyer)mother problems (claire, kate, jin, ben)...Sayid, like many soldiers has problems returning from war, not to mention losing the girl... Desmond obviously has 'issues' with Penny's father and not feeling worthy enough, not to mention I think he has obsessive compulsive disorder (the pushing of the button), as did the guy before him that pushed the button then died (remember, he was the sergeant in the war with Sayid!?)... and there's more but its mind boggling... at the Santa Rosa Mental Hospital where Hurley has always been. The girl who died, Hurley's love? What was her name? She was seen at the hospital in a flashback,there after her husband died... and the doctors office at the hospital (way back, I think season 2) had a beautiful deserted island picture hanging behind the desk.

I agree wholeheartedly with the poster that said that its all extremely intriguing until you bring the smoke monster into it. This show is too complex on too many levels to have something as silly as a 'smoke monster'. That being said, its also silly to think that there is some 'time-travel', 'worm hole', 'purgatory' explanation. True, the writers said it wasn't purgatory, but they never said it wasn't a dream...AND, the 'dream' has truth to it. I think he draws from the real stories and past problems of each of the other 'patients'. The truth of each person is sensationalized in his dream, woven into a crazy plot of polar bears, smoke, intrigue and drama!

I believe the whole, entire show...its interconnecting of lives, numbers, places, voices, whispers, monsters, one-footed statues, and everything else... is the strange subconscious mind of Hurley's having a sensational dream at the Santa Rose Mental Hospital after a group psych session where the other patients just happen to be 'players' in his dream.

There's nothing else that can bring together monsters, voices, whispers, magnetic forces, buttons to push and save the world, numbers, deserted islands, jammed signals, all the grief/regret/heart wrenching pasts of so many people who's lives are supposedly intertwined and they don't know it.

I believe as they are in their group counseling session, the news plays overhead on the tv and hurley just happens to hear the tail end of a report of a plane crashing... he takes a nap and his subconscious goes wild...

OK, unless I skipped over it I feel like I me stating the obvious. 6 from the place were rescued. We have seen Jack, Hurley and Kate. We have not seen him, but wasn't Jack's dad on the plane, in a coffin? If he is back, would he not count?

The funny thing about SECTION 1 GUY is that he's throwing around names like Moron when if he read the actual diary we are all commenting on... then he would realize us "morons" are commenting on flash-forwards and backs because that was the question Daniel asked us! So maybe he should double-check his a$$ and see if that diploma up there is really from brain surgeon university or acctually clown college!

Lost in Texas: You might be on to something. Sort of like that movie "The Usual Suspects" when Kevin Spacey's character made up the whole story using items on the wall behind Chazz Palminteri. And HE was Keyser Soze the whole time.

Maybe all the characters on Lost are actual patients in the hospital with Hurley. We've seen Jack and Charlie and Hurley's love interest at the hospital already. Who knows?

LIT: Far-fetched but I love it!

LIT-

I'm still with you on that theory...I thought I was seeing things when I thought I saw Juliette's back to us at the hospital with Hurley...and then other people started mentioning it too...

The producers could be lying about anything and we wouldn't know until the last episode! It only makes me want to watch more to see what they can add in to keep me glued to the screen.

I'm not big on the flashbacks or flashforwards. I prefer to live in the present.

LIT -

That's a really interesting idea, although I think I'd be disappointed if that was it. I think there is definitely some kind of conspiracy with all the big companies like hanso and widmore and paik, etc.... and there has been so much going on with that, that i think they couldn't just dismiss it.

BUT, that being said, your idea makes SO much sense. It explains why all the people are connected in some way, why the same images and such keep appearing in different places, and why the numbers (which were first heard at Santa Rosa) pop up all over the place.

I hesitate to think it could just be a dream though because that would be too much like the season finale of the Bob Newhart Show, when he woke up and it had all been a dream.

one question Daniel- WHO IS BEN AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HENRY GALE?

Let's get back to Naomi for a second, her last words being "Tell my sister I love her", I think this could either have been a distress signal to those above the freighter IF she didn't really know who she was working for. OR she may actually saying her final goodbye before she dies. I know this is far-fetched (BUT so much of all of this is) somehow I think that Naomi's sister that she mentioned is Walt's mother, they look very similar and also Walt's mother took him to Europe and for a spell to London while she worked as a lawyer. I always felt Walt's mother knew something about the others, and that Walt was special because she made sure to get as far away from Michael as possible.

And she supposedly died in Australia of some illness....but this is Lost....and those who died aren't really necessarily dead...just a thought. Discuss

P.S. I am glad the Lost Diaries and LOST is back! Daniel you're pretty damn genius! :-)

Let's get back to Naomi for a second, her last words being "Tell my sister I love her", I think this could either have been a distress signal to those above the freighter IF she didn't really know who she was working for. OR she may actually saying her final goodbye before she dies. I know this is far-fetched (BUT so much of all of this is) somehow I think that Naomi's sister that she mentioned is Walt's mother, they look very similar and also Walt's mother took him to Europe and for a spell to London while she worked as a lawyer. I always felt Walt's mother knew something about the others, and that Walt was special because she made sure to get as far away from Michael as possible.

And she supposedly died in Australia of some illness....but this is Lost....and those who died aren't really necessarily dead...just a thought. Discuss

P.S. I am glad the Lost Diaries and LOST is back! Daniel you're pretty damn genius! :-)

Just had a chance to watch the season opener on Tivo...wow!!!
Few comments/observations:
-I think its pretty clear that the "Oceanic 6" got off the island and have gotten the full People Magazine treatment since their rescue, but that there are survivors left on the island ~ this is what Jack was referring to when he asked Hurley whether he was "going to tell".
-Jack's dad as Jacob? Seems a bit of a stretch. I think there's a deeper mystery here.
-Flash forwards - pretty sad. I hope Jack, Hurley, and Kate's (being estranged from Jack) fates aren't set in stone.
-The idea of the show being set in Hurley's imagination, and/or being the product of some group therapy session amongst the lead characters? Hopefully not ~ it'd be awfully similar to the ending of St. Elsewhere, where it turned out that the entire show had been set in the imagination of an autistic boy. I don't think the Lost writers are that lazy, or that derivative.
Anyhow, this was a fantastic roller coaster of an episode, and it's great to have Lost back!

I just hope it's not all a dream or Hurley's wild imagination. I, like others, started thinking that way back when during Hurley's FB's. It does explain a lot ie: Hurley not losing weight, etc. but man, I hope there's more to this then a dream!! Lost would be very disappointing if it turns out like that. Can't wait til next week!!

I am thinking along with Sus....the Oceanic 6 are 6 who were actually rescued and not necessarily the only 6 alive. Maybe only 6 were allowed (thinking back to that submarine and how tight the quarters were, etc. and perhaps the mode of rescue is yet another sub since Sir Locke blew up the other one). The 6 that do get to come back possibly lie and say they are the only survivors...hence the secret and Jack wondering if Hurley is 'gonna tell.' Also, going back to the FF from Season 3 finale, Jack's desire to go back. The Oceanic 6 are definitely hiding something...and I cannot wait for this to all play out!

I've been spending some time at find815.com and it is very interesting. Lots of talk of volcanoes, trenches, lost boats, missing planes, the Maxwell Group. Even Amelia Earhart made an appearance. I'm convinced now that Lost has nothing to do with a dream, a crazy person's visions, time travel, or heaven. It's just a freaking island that is hard to get to. Jacob is still a mystery though.

Paradise_Lost: Great theory regarding Naomi and Walt's Mother. I think you have something there.

I read somewhere that find815.com was some additional information for S4. I can't remember where I read that, but can someone verify that for me?

is it just me or didnt ben try and kill locke in the finale? you know with the whole shooting and falling in a pit of dead people. and then locke shows up to knife naomi and i think he was still bleeding in that scene, but no one seemed to notice. jack isn't running over with a tourniquet. no cut to shot of ben's shocked face. Then later in the day lock is no longer bleeding and also walking around like he was never injured. is that what he was doing in jacob's cabin? was he healing him? and lastly now ben wants to go with locke and follow him around in the jungle? does this not seem strange to anyone???

Last night, Hurley gets lost (fancy that) and stumbles on a dilapidated place, where several episodes ago a mysterious entity named Jacob was seen - for a flash - sitting in a chair.

Through a window, again we suddenly see a man in a chair. But this time he looks like Jack's dad, down to the pinstriped burial suit.

Or so fans say.

Screen captures posted on the Web last night seem to support the idea. (View one here:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a216/cupcakesaysmeow/facecabin.png.)

I don't buy it being a dream. Why build all of this up for such a cop out ending? I'd feel betrayed to have invested the time if that were the case.

Some observations:

Seems the Oceanic 6 can't include those who weren't on the Oceanic flight. So, no Desmond or Juliet (although I suppose they could have quietly been allowed to leave.)

TV Guide had a simple explanation of why Kate isn't in prison in the FF. Is it possible the people on the island have enough power in the real world to work Kate's little problem out for her?

Just a quick note: the man who visits Hurley in the hospital is named "Matthew Abaddon," a name which any of you who also watch the BBC's "Torchwood" will recognize. "Abaddon" is a Biblical devil figure who feeds on life, aka "The Destroyer". He's also known (in Greek) as "Apollyon". You can look it up in Revelations (or, er, on Wikipedia, of course). A little freaky.

Loving that Lost is back...My first thoughts of the episode was it was spot on - def think it is Locke's funeral Jack went to in the finale of last season - Jack feels guilty now he knows Locke was right.. Love the flash forwards - I don't feel that they reveal anything major just more questions..

One thing I instantly thought tho - the guy at the end who parachuted on the island - my 1st thought was OMG it's Charlie! I still see him when I look at the piccy above !!? yeah he's weather beaten and with a dark beard & hair but I can't stop thinking it's him...

Jay I TOTALLY thought the same as you...when I saw that guy who parachuted at the end of the show. And the first thing I thought was Damn! That Charlie won't die! I think its Charlie reincarnated, I know Daniel doesn't want that...but I believe we haven't seen the last of Charlie!

FF or FB doesn't matter to me. I love Pulp Fiction (especially the sound track) and never thought about how it's format is similar. Does make it fun to see how interconnected they are/will be through the FBs and FFs.

The Keyser Soze theory is interesting, but I think I would be disappointed if that's all its is. I just think there is too much detail re: corporations that would warrant this. Speaking of which, I would like to know more about the Dharma/Hanso/Widmore connections. Is it possible that the island's unique properties were they created by the experiments held here?

I am so happy you are back! Your diary is what completes the LOST seaon for my friend Erin and I. We die laughing at your comments. I LOVE the flash forwards, and I agree with you that Jack and Hurley are the ones to watch - more Hurley. BTW - In the flash forward, the cop asked Hurley if he has met Anna Lucia BEFORE they got on the plane - Hurley didnt - BUT JACK DID, AND THEY GOT DRUNK TOGETHER!!!

Here is my theory and I am very proud of it (unless it proves to be wrong)- the reason the Oceanic 6 can't/don't tell anyone about their time on the island (i.e. meeting Ana Lucia) is because in real time, our time, they weren't missing for days, weeks, months, they were missing for a day or even rescued right away. Therefore telling anyone about the weeks worth of events on the island would leave you locked forever in the loony bin. Did I explain that well? Hope it made sense. Hope there are people still reading this besides me!

A few thoughts...

1. Man in coffin, based on Kate's reaction in the finale, would be Ben, Michael, Locke or potentially Sawyer (though she would still probably go to his funeral even if he does something reeeallllyyy bad). The recap episode brought up the point that the newspaper obituary said something about a man from New York being found dead in LA, so who would that be?

2. FFs, a little disappointing knowing that some people get off the island. But good info gathering tools. Also, as far as who the "Oceanic 6" are, could be just that Hurley and five others got off as a group, making them the six, but Jack and Kate got off seperately. Could be Sawyer waiting for Kate at home, or depending on how far forward I supposed it could be her son, but it sounded like she shouldn't have been meeting up with Jack, like whoever was waiting would be mad. Also, at least 5 others could potentially be off the island, including Michael and Walt, Juliet, Desmond, and Ben, that may not (or would not) be inlcuded in the "6".

3. How are they EVER gonna tie up all the loose ends in 47 more episodes? So many open questions/tidbits, i.e. - black smoke thing, Claire/Jack are related, why can Locke walk, Claire's psychic told her not to raise Aaron, Hurley/Libby connection?, the two buried alive people with the jewels?, and on and on and on. Just doesn't seem like enough time to clear all this up, especially with new plot and characters being introduced all the time. Crazy!

I'm a little surprised that I haven't read this theory anywhere else but...I don't think that the person in the coffin is part of the Oceanic 6. Hurley and Jack have admitted that they are basically celebrities now, but NO-ONE showed up at the funeral. Very unlikely that not one person (even a stranger) would show up at a funeral for a "celebrity". Just a thought!

I honestly think the person in the coffen has to be Ben / Henry Gale...

^^^^
I always thought it was Sawyer...
And fuck the Patriots.. 18 wins & one Giant loss!!!

Kelly - That's a really interesting thought. I think it might be Ben.

OK, so this is something that I've wanted to discuss for a while. You all know the episode with the spiders that attacked Nicky and Paolo. Everyone was so mad after that episode because it didn't seem to move the plot forward, but the Lost team doesn't seem like the type to "waste" an episode.

What we know because of that episode is that there is a way to make people look dead even though they're not. Could this apply to Jack's dad? We never saw him die, we only saw him in the morgue when Jack identified him. What if he was never really dead? That would explain why the body wasn't found but we have seen him around the island... it's because he's still alive!

This opens lots of doors as far as character connections, etc as well (claire, jack, all the people who were patients at jack's hospital....). Another side note, I remember one time that ABC ran a Hanso Foundation ad with a man standing the the shadows. I thought (and so did some people on blogs) that it looked like jack's dad.

What do you all think? Of course, if the jacob photo was photoshopped then none of this really matters that much.

I think that Jen 2 has a point. *My* theory, in its infantile stage, is that there are two paths of reality. In one, the wreckage of the flight was immediately discovered, with only 6 survivors. In the alternate path, they're on the island.

Somehow, some way, in the future, the Island Jack/Hurley meet the survivor ones, creating havoc. Or at least creating people who are aware of the alternate reality. Something like that. Think about the Dharma film with the rabbit, where the guy starts freaking out because the present rabbit and the time travel rabbit are together.

Or maybe they traveled in time the way that Desmond did but, unlike Desmond, they're not able to find their way back. *They need you* is reminding Hurley that he needs to go back.

And the guy in the coffin? Dharma Dude.

Thank god you are calling Ben by the right name now. Any more Henry Gale nonsense and I'd have to permanently stop reading your blogs, which is a shame because I really enjoy them.

re: lost fan 4-eva
checked out the chalkboard picture!
is that a shark jumping a tropical island?

I was thinking that maybe it's a joke referring to the show "jumping the shark"
who knows...but I think these pics do have some sort of signifignance

Jumping the shark!! They are soooooo fu*king with us. That was put there for a reason. I'm surprised Fonzie isn't swimming in the water. Are they expecting people to hate this season because it is going to get really crazy or just too far-fetched?

Still love Lost and I will start obsessing all over again tomorrow! I could use a bit more Sawyer in the next episodes, shirtless please...

I agree with something someone mentioned earlier about this episode: I think that Michael and Walt have lots to do with that freighter...

Someone said to me as far as we know, the two of them could actually be back on the island, and that could explain random Walt sightings. However, maybe Walt was killed or something and his sightings are his spirit self, and Michael's alone on that freighter. We've had plenty of supposedly dead people sightings on there anyways, so that couldn't be totally far fetched. I mean, I'm not alone on this idea that the two of them will make a major comeback, right??!!

But still, it makes more sense that Michael at least is on that freighter. Plus, remember when the guy on the other end of the phone asked Jack "Is this Jack?" Well, Jack hadn't ever told him his name, neither did Naomie (sp?).

BTW, for the record, I'll always be a fan of the "Henry Gale" reference instead of Ben!!

Jack totally told that person his name was Jack during the 1st phone call. I believe it went something like this;
Jack says "Who is this?", the guy on the other end says "Who is this?". Then Jack says "My name is Jack Shepard. Are you, are you on the boat, the freighter?" The guy then asks how he got the channel, Jack tells him about Naomi and then says he's one of the survivors....
etc...

This is random, but what was the point of Paulo and Nikki?

to a. bunnie:

Remember when they found the blue Volkswagon van and went for the joy ride? Lot's of people thought it was a waste of time, oh big deal an old van and some beer, yet it proved to be an intregal part of the story, not once, but twice (Ben's Dad being the skeleton and then Hurley saving the hostages on the beach).

I think the same thing is going to happen with Nikki and Paolo...A while back someone theorized that Adam and Eve in the cave with the jewels may actually be them. Only time will tell.

Danielle you are right, Jack did say his name before the guy on the other end. If you Tivo'ed, check it out.

I'm not sold on the Walt/Michael thing. But I do know that they will be part of the story. Our morning show here in Detroit spoke to "Walt" and he indicated that the fact that he is aging on the show is a bit of a problem that "maybe" will be written in the story. He was 14 when the show started and is now 17, 3 years at that age can be dramatic. Our dj's tried to get some info out of him, but of course, nothing other than "maybe" it (the aging) will be written in.

Is anyone excited to watch tonight, or am I just crazy...?

By the way, thanks to all of you for your great ideas and for feeding my addiction. I love to see all of the different ideas and theories after the show.

Question. If Jack was coming back from his father's funeral on Oceanic 815, how did he ask his supervisor to go get his father and if he's as drunk as him he could fire him in the first flash-forward? Doesn't add up??

That last post may have been too confusing, so let me try again. In the season finale last year, Jack is drunk at the hospital in the first flash-forward. He makes reference to his dad being upstairs. Isn't his dad supposed to be dead? Wasn't he coming back from his dad's funeral?

Flash forward was a genius idea. I want to have all the Lost writers babies!

I think we're missing a main point. Just because Hurley says "I'm one of the Oceanic 6" doesn't mean there were only 6 that get off the island. That's just an assumption.

What if everyone gets off, but only 6 survive? Remember WAY back in the day when Desmond was told to inject himself with that syringe? We assumed it was useless because we saw his leader take his contamination suit off. But, that doesn't mean there isn't something in the air still that's contageous. Maybe it just doesn't contaminate you until you're off the island. The island has healed before...

Also, we have to think that Claire is one of the 6 because Desmond says "I see her getting on the helicopter...being saved" but only if Charlie dies in the Looking Glass. So, we have to include her because Desmond's visions haven't lied to us yet.

With those two things taken, we know that Claire was given the shot (like Desmond was) and so were a few more of the survivors. What if that shot saves their life later, when they are rescued from the island?

Also, as for the coffin, it can't be Hurley because he still has family so people would come. It has to be someone that Kate doesn't want anything to do with, hence her disgust with Jack wondering why she wasn't there. Sawyer's a good guess because no one knows his true name in his con life.

Also, what if "he" that Kate is referring to is that cop she married forever ago? The one she left? She didn't kill him, just drugged him. He might still love her enough to not report her and move away from his job so she wouldn't get caught.

I am so enjoying reading all of these posts. I am a new watcher of Lost, so I appreciate all of the back stories and theories I am getting from this. You guys rock!
P.S: Sawyer is my baby's daddy

I agree with the "alternate reality" theory. It would explain a lot (well, some stuff). Jack's father is supposed to be dead, but then again so is Jack...
I think in one reality Jack is dead and in one his father is also. The issue is these "realities" merge when the 6 get off the island. The government (NTSB) knows this can happen and it will cause havoc. That's why Ben says they will kill them all, they just can't have that happen.
If this is true then I still can't put all the pieces together. What is the black smoke? How can (it) not know if "they" are still alive?
The Island is the nexus of all these realities??
That's it, I am vaclempt...discuss!!!

Well, I am posting WAY late for this ep, but I did want to say that Lost In Texas has an intriguing idea - what if the "Survivors" are the inmates, and the "Others" are the doctors and nurses who care for them, and everyone who "escapes" the "island" are actually those who are well enough to leave the institution? Just like Hurley, they would face readjustment issues, and maybe even want to return to the comfort of the known. That being said, I would be very disappointed - I want it to be so much more spectacular than that. But it is an interesting idea! Welcome back, Lost and Daniel!

Just a comment on Michael being in the cofin. I think the fact the funeral home was in a bad black neighborhood resided over by a black funeral director simply means that whoever was in the cofin was someone marginalized on the Island. That could be just about anyone on the show. given Jack's ambivelance I believe that it is Locke. That would explain Kate's "Why would I go" response.
Also remember that Locke was another character who had no real ties to anyone not on the flight after Peggy from married with children dumped him b/c of his obsession with getting revenge on his father.
No ties, hated on the Island by both Kate and Jack- ostricized from everyone.
Definitely Locke in the coffin.

Where did all the comments go??!! So I think last night's (2-14) episode blows away the Hurley theory. We found the payload that was fired from the ship took 1/2 longer to get to Island than expected (do I have that right?). Thats why at the end Daniel said to the copter pilot "no matter what stay your course" (or something like that). What I get out of yesterdays episode is that people in the real world KNOW the island exists, they are trying to get to it but you can know exactly where it is but somehow the path to it lengthens (it's just plain hard to find). Once on the Island what? You get to revisit with the dead, get cured of diseases... I am thinking now we are looking at the Bermuda Triangle. A mystical island where almost anything is possible. How can the black smoke itself not know how to get to it though? How is it that they all need Hurley. My head hurts!! and I want answers!!!
(I knew Henry Gayle made it off, it was the only no brainer the writers have afforded us)
PS ben is still pulling the strings...sigh