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.

***

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?

***

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.

Comments

1) The world at war
2) The sickness
3) The Chopperettes

Kegboy | Mar 23, 2008 6:38:46 PM | #

---

Hey, Ryan, great how you have set this up... My top three are as follows:

1) Jacob/The Island
2) The World at War
3) The Chopperettes

I also wouldn't mind hearing more about this time travel bit, because you mentioned the Orchid in this one. Oh and these are in no particular order. ;)

Mark O. Estes | Mar 23, 2008 6:44:38 PM | #

---

1)The world at war
2) Jacob/the Island
3) The Chopperettes

Time travel is cool and all, but it's been talked to death and the show can't pick a single type of time travel to focus on, so why should we?

Other Sean | Mar 23, 2008 7:11:35 PM | #

---

1. Those Left Behind
2. The Sickness
3. The Others

Sara | Mar 23, 2008 7:17:32 PM | #

---

i'd love to discuss some theories on Danielle and how she missed the sickness that i now call "time rabies" (see how i combined 2 there?).

also, Those Left Behind and the Others.

mri | Mar 23, 2008 7:47:54 PM | #

---

I am all for the human interest story... I say the Oceanic 6, then Those Left Behind, and then The Others.

Morgan | Mar 23, 2008 8:30:28 PM | #

---

1) Danielle
2) The Others
3) Time Travel

Marino | Mar 23, 2008 9:00:16 PM | #

---

Jacob/the Island
The Others
The Sickness

I want to know:
(1) how there can be a "polar bear" skeleton in the desert with the collar is was found with.
(And, am I the only one who thought that the CGI "polar bear" looked *nothing* like a polar bear? It looked more like a manufactured facimille of a polar bear).
(2) Who are the Hostiles, what happened to Ben's mother's ghost, and what are Ben and his current batch of Others doing on the island? (And why don't they use birth control or abortion?)
(3) What's up with the statue with the incorrect number of toes and the other "ruins"?
It was obvious why Des got the sickness - the pilot asked if he had one of two pre-existing conditions: one of which is a recent exposure to electromagnetic radiation (when they failed to push the button).

Esgred | Mar 24, 2008 1:01:25 AM | #

---

Also: I remember one person saying that the black box will never be recovered because of the depth at which the wreckage was found. But, then the guy on the freighter claims to have the black box!

Esgred | Mar 24, 2008 1:04:13 AM | #

---

1.) The Sickness
2.) Danielle
3.) The Others

| Mar 24, 2008 3:32:21 AM | #

---

1) World at War
2) Oceanic 6
3) Those left behind

| Mar 24, 2008 5:58:35 AM | #

---

Anything but time travel, alternate realities, or Annie. :-)

Xannie | Mar 24, 2008 6:09:10 AM | #

---

1) Time Travel
2) The Others
3) Those Left Behind.

Blue Sean | Mar 24, 2008 7:13:25 AM | #

---

1) Chopperettes
2) The Others
3) Danielle

I think these topics hold clues to other topics you listed. We could get several background stories from each of them.

Looking forward to it.

MK46 | Mar 24, 2008 7:20:08 AM | #

---

What was the purpose of Danielle and the teenage boy (I can't remember his name) being killed? Who is shooting the arrows?

I would like to hear more of your ideas in regards to the time travel and how the Oceanic 6 get off the island

Thanks :)

bfearey | Mar 24, 2008 7:34:21 AM | #

---

Poor, poor Karl.

That is all :(

Jeff | Mar 24, 2008 7:35:32 AM | #

---

bfearey, Danielle ain't dead. And those were bullets, not arrows.

Jeff | Mar 24, 2008 7:36:17 AM | #

---

1) World at War
2) Oceanic Six
3) Those left behind

I sorta feel like those three will have the most immediate payoff this season, and will lead us closer to the series' endgame.

buffy | Mar 24, 2008 8:02:33 AM | #

---

I actually thought they were blow darts upon first viewing, and just rewatched. Now they seem like bullets from guns with silencers. Hmmm.

I don't think this changes the big picture of that scene, but I guess in my mind I just went into "Blow Dart Land." Take that bit of info as you will.

Ryan | Mar 24, 2008 8:07:04 AM | #

---

1) The Sickness
2) The Others
3) Danielle

Three things I'm not convinced the writers will get around to addressing before this season is over.

Thanks!

Brandon | Mar 24, 2008 8:27:30 AM | #

---

Definitely bullets. Those are snipers in the bushes, not Others with blow dart guns.

Jeff | Mar 24, 2008 8:38:59 AM | #

---

Maybe Kristy Lee Cook killed them and blow-darted them out of their socks!

Stupid American Idol joke, FTW!!!

Blue Sean | Mar 24, 2008 8:54:44 AM | #

---

1) The Oceanic 6
2) The World At War
3) Jacob/The Island

Ryan | Mar 24, 2008 9:02:01 AM | #

---

Bet you any money those are the freighter commandos, fresh off the chopper run Lapidus went on, sent in to capture Ben. Alex will be collateral.

Jeff | Mar 24, 2008 9:08:44 AM | #

---

In a slightly particular order,

1) The Chopperettes
2) Jacob/The Island
3) those left behind

Altho, I was torn between Danielle and Jacob.... Some of the topics we've hashed out quite a bit already and I'm not sure there is more to discuss until we see more episodes (e.g., the 06, time "issues"). But that's my opinion only. I'm always happy to read and enjoy....

djc | Mar 24, 2008 9:30:58 AM | #

---

I feel all the topics are worth discussing. I just can't pick 3, these 4 really stuck out for me.

1) Chopperettes (I believe they really hold the key to unlocking the mysteries/mythology of the Island.)

2) Time Travel (The timeline for Michael when he left the Island, especially Mr. Friendly off-Island, seems way too tight. Perhaps there is something in the 325 coordinates that were given)

3) Danielle Herself (There are so many un-answered questions in her story, and now as time has passed she seems to be more involved than we originally thought.)

4) The Sickness (there is definitely a connection, I believe, to the sickness on the boat and the sickness with Danielle's people)

Shaggysteve | Mar 24, 2008 9:33:43 AM | #

---

Quick question... Ryan says:
"Given that the (O) 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?"

I've never been under the impression that the Oceanic 6 are necessarily off island by the end of this season -- has that information been revealed somewhere and I just missed it? I've always assumed there was more to the tale of their rescue than the next handful of episodes that start up next month. But that's just me!

djc | Mar 24, 2008 9:36:59 AM | #

---

Those Left Behind
Danielle
Jacob/Island

Not Listed: WHO SAVES THE O6??

Those left behind can tie in with the O6. We all know Sayid is one of the O6. I still don't believe the frieghters actually take the O6 back to the real world. It could be Penny? Anway, Sayid has to get back to the island, so does this mean Michael goes back w/ him? And, will the people left behind become the "others" to any new people coming to the island?

Aaron | Mar 24, 2008 10:04:15 AM | #

---

djc- I don't know if it has been specifically stated or not, I just assumed that they get off the Island this season. Season Four deals with them getting off, Season Five is them trying to get back, Season Six is the resolution of why they had to get back.

I think I remember hearing Darlton say that we would know certain things by the end of this season, maybe they mentioned how the O6 were rescued.

Blue Sean | Mar 24, 2008 10:18:10 AM | #

---

djc-

Darlton have actually said in a couple of interviews and/or podcasts that the Oceanic 6 will leave the Island by the end of this season. Season 5 will then by about why they must go back, and season 6 will be what happens after they get back. (Some may consider this to be a spoiler. However, if it comes from Darlton's mouth in an interview I don't consider it to be a spoiler. I am in agreement with the rest of the regulars here that we would like to keep this blog spoiler-free.)

Shaggysteve | Mar 24, 2008 10:23:48 AM | #

---

Sorry to say the same things Blue Sean did. I must have been writing while he was posting his.

Shaggysteve | Mar 24, 2008 10:25:40 AM | #

---

Thanks, Blue. Makes sense. Sounds like the end of Season 5 may get us approximately to Jack's flashforward during "Thru the Looking Glass," where he comes to the conclusion that they must go back. All of which then kicks off Season 6. (Which makes me ponder where Sayid's flash forward will fall -- Season 5 or Season 6? IOW, pre- or post-TTLG?)

Ahhh, looking forward to it all! Thanks again.

djc | Mar 24, 2008 10:28:45 AM | #

---

Shaggy - never thought about that being a spoiler as I was just trying to understand something Ryan posted in his write up. Good point, however (but I tend to agree that if Darlton said it, it's "out there" and not necessarily a secret). I'm with everyone else on here in that I don't want spoilers either. That's why I don't read anything other than Ryan's blog! The best part of Lost are all the "ah ha!" or "Oh ho!" moments as I watch how the mysteries play out on my tv screen.

Thanks for the information.

And to everyone, I again appreciate everyone's respectful posts. I typically stay away from blogs because of the "attitude" some posters get and the side issues/fights. This place is actually enjoyable and fun. Thank you ALL.

djc | Mar 24, 2008 10:36:05 AM | #

---

1. The Others-How does one officially become an Other? Does Other membership involve an Ikea discount? Answers, Ryan!

2. Time Travel-Specifically, how I can go back in time, stop Naomi's demise, and savor her yummy goodness on a weekly basis.

3. Jacob/Smokey/The Island-Like how I slipped Smokey in with Jacob? Is Smokey mentholated or regular? Can he get through the "non-smoking" section at restaurants? Does he have a cousin with an inferiority complex?! You know, Second-Hand Smokey.

Brian of the North | Mar 24, 2008 12:10:24 PM | #

---

Brian: Everyone knows that the Others get 10% off at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, not Ikea.

Ryan | Mar 24, 2008 12:16:39 PM | #

---

Second-Hand Smokey!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

Blue Sean | Mar 24, 2008 12:21:27 PM | #

---

Thank you. Thank you. Tip your waitress & try the veal!

Brian of the North | Mar 24, 2008 12:36:33 PM | #

---

i can see it now from the ABC promo-monkeys, How to Meet the Others:

Head over to Find815.com, solve a puzzle, and get your free* super-secret Others' decoder ring to decipher coded messages on this website that are loaded with info about next season!!!**

* plus $19.95 S&H
** any and all information may not be cannonical since we've had 10,000 promo-monkeys typing on 10,000 typewriters coming up with stuff and we just picked the stories with the least number of spelling errors.

and after all that, what does the decoder ring spell out? DRINK MORE SPRITE.

mri | Mar 24, 2008 12:40:26 PM | #

---

What I don't understand, is if Darlton are the show-runners why is it that ABC messes with the product. Darlton should have their own people do the promos and pop-ups from the enhanced versions. They could easily have a writer's assistant or production assistant work on these kind of things. Then there would be no questioning whether things jive with the storyline. I understand ABC has part ownership of the show, but they should just stick to the distribution of the show and the leave the rest to the show-runners.

Shaggysteve | Mar 24, 2008 1:11:33 PM | #

---

Shaggysteve-

i'm with you. i understand that games, etc. are not under the control of Darlton. but to have those things directly attached to the show, which you listed, not be under their contol is downright irresponsible.

mri | Mar 24, 2008 1:17:57 PM | #

---

Agreed, but who knows how the inner workings of ABC are. I'm sure their hands are tied to a degree.

Jeff | Mar 24, 2008 1:22:44 PM | #

---

I think the problems with the pop-up episodes were that they started while the writer's strike was still going on. It was a call made by ABC to get people to actually watch the re-runs (it worked for me) but they didn't have anyway to get someone from the show involved with them. Now that the strike is over, though, I doubt we will see Pop-Up LOST for any future episodes since more original programming will be available.

Blue Sean | Mar 24, 2008 1:48:09 PM | #

---

I don't know, I kinda like the pop-up reruns. I make my wife watch 'em so I don't have to keep answering the same diggledy-darn questions over and over again.

Brian of the North | Mar 24, 2008 1:53:20 PM | #

---

Blue Sean-

You're probably right that the writer's strike may have had something to do with that. However, it was my understanding that once reruns start airing on G4 next year, that those will all be enhanced versions.

Shaggysteve | Mar 24, 2008 2:00:39 PM | #

---

Shaggy- Really? Is it going to be the pop-ups like what we see now or is it going to be the stupid "Cops" kind of pop-ups they have like interactive chat room scrolls and trivia about the episode? Like "LOST 2.0"?

Blue Sean | Mar 24, 2008 2:51:21 PM | #

---

These are in no particular order...

1)World at war
2)Danielle
3)Those left behind

Shaggysteve--it does seem that they could have someone more "in" on what's going on do those pop-ups. After my "Lost" withdrawal on the premiere date, I tuned into the enhanced and/or popped-up version of "Through the Looking Glass" and was disappointed--I already knew the plot of the show! It did make me feel incredibly smart and "in the know", though, if you wanna look at the bright side.

Lauren B | Mar 24, 2008 2:57:29 PM | #

---

Blue Sean-

Actually, I believe it is going to be like you said and be like a 'LOST 2.0' Hopefully they'll do a better job with LOST then with COPS. Which is actually my point. I really hope they have someone involved with LOST creatively to be involved with the G4 versions.

Shaggysteve | Mar 24, 2008 4:19:26 PM | #

---

I usually leave the smart-ass remarks for " The Other" blogs (ahem), but just had to chime in for this installment. How about where on The Island the ladies go to get their hair done, because Claire has been showing off some pretty fine locks (Lockes?)/tresses for some weeks now. I really must get the number of her stylist! I'm joking, of course; until new episodes emerge, I'm going to go through a withdrawal similar to when I attempted to stop drinking coffee cold turkey after a kidney stone incident, so I'll read just about anything people want to write about. Except for what The Islanders use for Kleenex. Haven't seen boxes of facial tissue around, so I'm guessing they use their sleeves (or Sawyer's hair; when does that boy take a bath?). But we don't need to talk about that...the aforementioned topics will be just fine. Cheers!

Dark Disciple | Mar 24, 2008 5:46:50 PM | #

---

In order:

1) Oceanic 6 - focus on how they leave the island;

2) The Sickness - I have to say this topic really intrigues me, in terms of how the island determines who is and isn't affected (unless of course it is entirely lottery based luck which would not be cool); and

3) Those left behind - curious to hear theories on this topic.

All that being said, am looking forward to the next column in general as unlike the period of time leading up to the first ep, once you get started on a year you really don't want the break, the break leading up the the year is cool with me in general.

Rishi | Mar 24, 2008 6:40:03 PM | #

---

1) The world at war
2) Jacob/The Island
3) Those left behind

Dean | Mar 24, 2008 7:01:56 PM | #

---

(Hope I'm not too late to the party....)
1) The Oceanic 6
2) Those Left Behind
3) Jacob/The Island

And, to jump the gun a bit, I have to admit Ryan that in reading your list and general overviews/questions just now, something occurred to me - you know this whole business with the "constant"? I don't admit to completely getting the constant thing yet, but maybe Jin became Sun's constant and thus, the only way for her and the baby to survive off the island was for him to remain on the island.... And perhaps Claire had to stay for Aaron, Sawyer for Kate, etc. I don't know, just a thought. But maybe I'm screwing up the "constant thing" here.

AndreaC | Mar 25, 2008 11:45:44 AM | #

---

1) the chopperettes
2) the oceanic 6
3) those left behind

one side note: some of these topics have been talked/blogged about a lot-so while important and interesting, it's time to move on (on here I'm mostly talking about time travel!)

Mandy | Mar 26, 2008 1:23:30 PM | #

---

Post a comment

Name:
Email Address:	optional
URL:	optional
Comments: