The Lost Diary

I used to be super excited for "Lost" every week, but this season hasn't left me with that "Oh my God 'Lost' is on tonight!" feeling like it used to. But after last week's great episode -- and knowing that we're down the wire here -- has me back to my old level of excitement about tonight's episode.

Forget the preamble -- let's roll:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted by Daniel at 06:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (155) | TrackBacks (0)

**ARGH!!!! Site has been down all morning. I posted this as soon as I could. Damn you, Internet! 

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

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. For the third week in a row, I am flying solo tonight -- I just can't stay up late enough to watch with other people lately. Sucks, I know. Let's roll ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10:56 -- CLAIRE!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anyway, here is my question to you this week --are you like me in that the more an episode of "Lost
 delves into the mythology of the show, the better it is?

Posted by Daniel at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (431) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome to another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

For all you "Lost" Diary newbies, here's how it goes: I gather with a group of friends watching "Lost," writing what happens on the show as it happens, and throwing in my two cents along the way. Ari and Lauren are in Costa Rica, so I am flying solo tonight. Let's roll ...

10:00 -- Jack isn't looking so hot. I didn't see this coming at all. Oh wait, yes I did! Hey ABC -- stop airing "Lost" promos! We know it's on. All you're doing is ruining it for us. Does anyone really think that someone watching the NBA Finals is going to stumble on a promo for "Lost" and say, "Hey that show looks good. Maybe I should give it a try"? Really?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10:41 --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So my question to you this week is this -- as good as "Lost" has been this year, do you still feel robbed by it? I kinda do. 'Til next week ...

Posted by Daniel at 07:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (382) | TrackBacks (0)