'Lost': Jacob's not the only one making lists

Well, here we are: in the seemingly interminable weeks between new episodes of Lost. I know people say life is short, but they're wrong: like Chris Rock once pointed out, life is LONG. And I'd add my own corollary to that is that life without Lost is really, really long. But we have to make do as best we can. How? Glad you asked!

I'm going to try and spend each of the new few weeks dealing with one topic in-depth. What topics? Amazing question yet again. You and I are totally on the same wave lengths here. I don't know, to be honest. I mean, I have ideas, but I need your help and input. And if you've ever torn out your hair wondering why I talk about Topic A when you'd rather I talk about Topic B, well, here's you're chance. Also? If you have actual hair to pull out, don't. We prematurely balding types think you should hold onto that hair as long as you can.

Now, this isn't a COMPLETELY democratic process. I have to maintain a touch of authoritarianism here, after all. So I've compiled a list of the BIG topics, themes, and concerns of Season 4 to date, and based off reactions to these topics, I'll expand on one or more of them in the weeks to come. Like the writers of Lost, I reserve the right to change thematic discussion midstream if something new and exciting comes up during the discussion (I'll call this the "Ben Linus Rule"), but I'll strive to stay on point as possible once a particular topic has been announced.

So here are some potential Lost topics I can discuss in the following weeks.

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The world at war. What we saw in "The Beginning of the End" implied that the battle over the Island did not end with the emergence of the Oceanic 6. Why are Team Linus and Team Widmore at war? What are the stakes? And who have been the casualties?

The Oceanic 6. International celebrities. Basket cases. Occasional assassins. Diaper soilers. Given that the six currently are spread out among two camps and a freighter, how will these six come together before season's end? And how exactly do they leave?

Those left behind. Sure, six left the Island, and Ben seems to be alive and kickin', but where are everyone else? Still on the Island? Dead? For all intents and purposes unreachable? While Sun visited Jin's grave in "Ji Yeon," I don't think we can write off our Lostaways just yet.

The Others. Largely unseen this season, save the occasional appearance (Harper) or flashback (Mr. Friendly). But with Ben's mention of the Temple and a sneak attack at the end of "Meet Kevin Johnson," they might be poised for a comeback. What have Richard Alpert and Others been up to for the past week or so? Will they side with the Lostaways, find the impending war on their own, or choose to hide and defeat what few remain in the aftermath?

The sickness. Looks like hanging out near the Island's electromagnetic shield does a number on the noggin. Ben Linus and Mr. Friendly seemed to imply that Michael's disabling of the equipment would in and of itself kill the crew. Could what we are witnessing be the same sickness that felled Danielle's crew 16 + years ago?

Danielle herself. A lot of people have wondered how Danielle herself was the only person still alive from her crew. And a lot of people, myself included, have wondered why in the heck she's never taken the opportunity to declare that Ben is not Alex's biological father. Which makes me wonder: did Ben and Danielle make a deal 16 years ago in which Ben agreed to save Danielle's (and therefore Alex's) life in exchange for Alex? And what would Jacob have thought about this particular arrangement?

Jacob/The Island. Yes, Jacob. Barely seen, intensely felt. His absence actually informs all actions taken (or not taken, as the case may be) by Team Locke. I put the Island in here as well as their relationship is entwined yet muddled. Given Jacob's mysterious nature, odd cabin, and ability to appear/disappear, we can't straight up equate Jacob with the Island, but both exert their influences in a similar way, and both are in their own ways behind the actions of the majority of people on the Island.

Time travel. Is Jacob traveling through time, moving physically in the way Desmond moved mentally? Will the Orchid finally make its presence felt? And while the show has all but proven a 1-1 ratio between days on the Island and days off the Island (unless there's a whopper coming down the pipe), there's still the issue of what happens when one moves to and from the Island. Do the Oceanic 6 not only have to get back to a certain place, but a certain time as well? Is there a bearing that can help them?

The Chopperettes. And could these four take them? Daniel Faraday and his compatriots seem to hold a lot of answers to the mysteries of the Island. Miles could be helpful to unpack the Island's supernatural mysteries. Charlotte could offer insight into the unique cultural anthropology inherent in the Island. And Frank's a pilot who now knows something about traveling to and from the Island. Could these four help the Oceanic 6, or will they not even be alive by then to help them?

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OK, those are the topics I've been mulling since last week's episode. Rank which topics you'd like to see, in the form of a Top 3 list. Alternatively, you can suggest your own broad topic, with the only caveats that they either relate to Season 4 specifically or revolve around a topic currently dealt with by the show. I'm sure my list is incomplete, so I need your help in coming up with the most complete list possible.

We've got a long few weeks ahead of us, people. Let's get cracking! Leave your votes or suggestions below.

Ryan also posts every 108 minutes over at Boob Tube Dude.