I'm all about democracy, Lost fans. It's worked imperfectly but pretty well for the United States, and it's worked just as well out here on the interwebs. Often times, I drive the discussion here, and that's all well and good, because I'm not only incredibly good looking but also immensely modest, so it's only right that I lead you into the promised land of Lost knowledge.

But we're here in the short interim between the first third of the season finale, "There's No Place Like Home," and the final two hours that will air on Thursday, May 29th. As such, I want to do a little something like I did during the last Lost break: seek out topics of discussion that YOU, the readers, want to talk about. Hopefully we can get four to five of these, throw in a few "Letters from the Flame" Q&As, and boom shaka laka, we'll be back to our favorite show in no time.

Here's the rules: if any of the following topics grab your fancy, list them in the comments below. List one, list them all. Doesn't much matter to me. If a few seem to have overall interest, I'll make sure to expand in an entry between now and the season finale. Alternatively, suggest your own topic, with a sentence or three about what you'd like analyzed. If you like a reader suggestion, make sure to speak up about that as well.

With that in mind, here are a few topics I wouldn't mind discussing between now and May 29th.

Who creates the cover story? The story is in place by the time the Oceanic 6 have been cleaned up, given new clothes, and flown to Hawaii on a military plan. But who established it? When? And how much controversy did this story create amongst the group?

What point does the cover story serve? The Oceanic 6 are clearly lying, but why? Are they protecting those left behind? Are they on a mission of their own? Or have the entered into a new timeline, one different than the one they left? Whatever the case, there seem to be those willing to kill to learn their secret.

What is Ben's plan? Before surrendering to Keamey's Krew outside the Orchid, Ben tells Locke that he always has a plan. Well, what is it? With him did he communicate via mirrors? What is Ben trying to achieve?

Where/when is the Island? Charles Widmore can no longer sleep without the aid of expensive liquor. Ben's wandering the earth after landing in the Sahara desert. Jack and Jack's Unabomber beard are flying around the earth, trying to crash. Why can't any of them get back to the Island?

Who's in the casket? We're two hours away from learning...place your bets!

Sun's Money. She's got a controlling interest in Paik Heavy Industries in a post-Island world. Why did she buy this stake, what plans does she have for the future of the company, and how will this tie into the eventual return to the Island?

Good Christian/Bad Christian. Or, "A Tale of Two Shephards," were we to invoke Lost favorite Charles Dickens. There seem to be two notChristians with two separate agendas. Are there in fact two different Christians running around, and what do they want?

"The Island helped the Red Sox win the World Series." An analysis of how events on the Island actually shape and alter events off Island. Between Desmond's flashes, Richard's visits, and the continual crossing over the time-altering barrier between the Island and the real world, could events on the Island actually be changing events off of it?

The Future of the Freighter. It's loaded with C4 and shirtless Desmonds. It's a good possibility that it will go BOOM before season's end, but how will this affect those aboard, and the story of the Oceanic 6?

Rebirth and Renewal: The Role of Aaron. Keying off this analysis of the "Tuklu Orphan Theory of Lost," we'll look at Claire's role in the show, and why certain forces would want her to give birth on the Island as opposed to off of it.

OK, so that's what I've got so far...now it's up to you. Leave your thoughts and suggestions below, and we'll get crackin' later this week!

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

Comments

would love to hear more about:

- the O6's cover story, both who created it and why it was created

- Sun's purchase of Paik, because i don't think it was just to get back at Daddydearest and i don't think it was just her money that was used. so i'd also like to know who else is behind it (Ben,methinks) and what his motivation might be.

- totally different topic: how Widmore, Mittelos, Dharma, Paik, and Oceanic Air might be related. what would it mean if Oceanic was a subsidiary of one of the big four companies on the Island??? is that how the Losties ended up on the same plane?

mri | May 18, 2008 1:44:17 PM | #

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hate it when i post too soon...

and i'm going totally out of the box (pun totally intended) on the contents of the coffin: Walt. that's right, i'm tossing out Walt for the coffin. why? because he's about the only person who hasn't been mentioned yet.

:-)

mri | May 18, 2008 1:48:55 PM | #

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Mri, you beat me to it. I also think that Oceanic Airlines is under that umbrella of Dharma/Widmore/Mittelos, etc... I PRAY TO GOD that Walt is not in that coffin, my money is on Sayid. I bet Ben got him killed in his quest to have the Island. He is the only person that I know that doesn't have family that would want to see him. I think the person in that coffin is one of the Oceanic Six and Sayid is the only logical choice.

Mark O. Estes | May 18, 2008 2:11:16 PM | #

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All the topics sound fine and dandy by me.

I think the man in the coffin is Ben.

I believe the Kahana will be destroyed, and this is why there are only 6 survivors, because there is only room for 6 in the dingy. Unfortunately I think we'll be left in the dark for 8 months on the fate of those on board (Jin, Desmond, Michael). Seems like a proper cliffhanger. The O6 will think those on board are dead, because they will be rescued by the time we find out.

* AWESOME FINALE PROMO *

For those who haven't seen this yet, it is a must see. ABC released it yesterday, pure promo no real spoilers (but a lot of speculation). This is going to be one hell of a finale. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQsAtc-BDVw

Shaggysteve | May 18, 2008 2:16:42 PM | #

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I saw that clip and I am wondering what was that little hatch that opened up? I loved the exchange between Kate and Ben. Chills....

i would also like to hear more about Ji Yeon and her role in the future of the show. I mean she was conceived on the Island and like someone else said, that's a big thing and it could play a big part in the future.

Mark O. Estes | May 18, 2008 2:37:40 PM | #

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M.O.E -

how's this for a "what if:"

what happens if Ji Yeon and Aaron meet up? what if say, in 30 years, they have a kid. what will THAT kid have up his/her sleeve?

know that's way to far out for the show to do, but an interesting quandry. probably end up in fan fic somewhere...

mri | May 18, 2008 3:14:21 PM | #

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I'm most interested in:

Who creates the cover story.

As an aside, I guess I also want to know who filled in Michelle Forbes' character about the cover story. She's obviously in the loop since she immediately stopped the question about Aaron at the press conference.

My guess for who's in the coffin is a big fat ? I've got no real guess/theory as to who it will be b/c that will only open up several more questions to answer and I don't think I can handle that. I'll just look forward to seeing how it unfolds in 11 days and reading the guesses/theories here, although that will likely still have my mind racing trying to explain/unexplain away any/all possibilities. My brain hurts just thinking about what I just wrote.

Rishi | May 18, 2008 4:01:39 PM | #

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I'm definitely all for a discussion on who creates the cover story and for the Orphan Theory.

One of the things I'm kinda curious about as well is whether or not the Others (led by Alpert) are going to help Sayid and Kate and eventually the rest of the O6. And on that note...I got a weird idea about those fishermen who "saved" the O6. Could those fishermen have been Others?

I mean, they obviously have the capabilities to move to and from the island so why couldn't they be a part of the plan and the rescue. The fact that there was that sorta random photo taken when the O6 washed up on the supposed beach makes me question who exactly staged that part.

Lauren | May 18, 2008 4:13:01 PM | #

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Here's a vote for who comes up with the cover story and why the O6 are so quick to go along with it. Something major must happen between getting off the island and getting to Hawaii. When Sayid sees Ben in the future, he seems just a little less, "let's beat up Michael and tell the captain he works for Ben", and a little more, "oh, how'd you get here." I'm just wondering what would cause this shift and why they would agree to act like the island never happened.

A-Rob | May 18, 2008 5:15:11 PM | #

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Thanks Shaggy ... awesome promo ... a 3-hour Lost event ... awesomeness!

Erwin | May 18, 2008 6:35:54 PM | #

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I'm interested in:

- Who creates the cover story and what point does the cover story serve?

- Where/when is the Island?

- Good notChristian/Bad notChristian

- The role of Aaron (and Claire)

I would've put the fate of the freighter as one too, but if they are indeed going to blow up, I really don't wanna talk about it. I like Desmond and Jin too much.

Other Sean | May 18, 2008 6:49:42 PM | #

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I'd really like to see dis cussed the O6 cover story (both points) and the Island helped the Red Sox win the World Series (and by the way WHAT THE HELL IS THE WORLD SERIES?), because it ties to a Faraday comment I always found interesting ( he told Desmond in the past that "you can't cange the future") and to super creepy ageless wonder Richard Alpert.

Please, Please don't discuss the casket thing. It's pointless because we just have no idea who's in there and it's already been discussed way too many times here. But I think it's either Sun or somehow Christian (since Jack seems to believe he was alive).

sin laden | May 18, 2008 6:50:22 PM | #

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We are gonna find out who is in the casket this coming thursday, or so I hope ...

the cover-story for the O-6 needs to be discussed for sure ... also the role of Aaron ...

Erwin | May 18, 2008 7:00:40 PM | #

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Mark O. Estes-

That looks like some kind of chamber inside the Orchid. I'm assuming it's whatever runs the station.

As far as Oceanic being under the umbrella of another organization (Widmore, Paik, Mittleos), that's a very good idea. We kinda assumed Abaddon was lying (in the 'Beginning of the End') when he said he worked for Oceanic, but perhaps he really does in some form or another.

Much like it seems Jack and Locke are the ones able to bring balance to the Island, maybe Aaron and Ji-Yeon are the ones able to do it in the future.

Shaggysteve | May 18, 2008 7:01:30 PM | #

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I am most interested in the cover story and how it compares to the actual events that lead to them getting off the island. They are so spread out right now I still don't see how those 6 end up together.
It seems obvious though that they needed to cover the fact that Aaron was born to someone other than Kate. The only 2 women to survive are she and Sun, who's already pregnant and, no offense, obviously not Aarons mom. Even if one of the other survivors in their story was a woman, I assume they want or need to keep Aaron with them so he had to end up being Kates.
And according to the press conference, there were actually 9 survivors in the cover story. They said 8 made it to Membata, which means 3 died, and then Kate had Aaron, who became the sixth. Why didn't anyone ask how the others died?

I'm also curious to know how Claires mum, who was on life support(which if you recall, Christian wanted Claire to remove her from) has made an almost miraculous recovery since the crash.

Shari | May 18, 2008 8:08:35 PM | #

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sin laden, I thought that Christian may be in the coffin also, but then I thought: "why would all those people show up to his memorial service and not his funeral?" and also: "why wouldn't they have just had his funeral instead of the memorial service if they had the body?" As I mentioned above in my earlier post, it doesn't matter who it is it will produce a lot of questions.

Rishi | May 18, 2008 8:46:03 PM | #

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As some of you may have already heard, the 1st part of the finale will air before parts 2 & 3 with deleted scenes. I'm hearing that one of the scenes cut (actually scene cut short) was the press conference. Apparently Jack mentions the names of those who did not make it. However, it is possible that this was cut because it is a continuity error. It contradicts something Jack says during Kate's trial. Either way it sounds rather interesting. I guess we'll have to wait and see whether it is re-added in.

Shaggysteve | May 18, 2008 9:01:22 PM | #

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I think I'm most interested in the cover story -- origin and purpose-- as well as Ben's plan. The character of Ben is fascinating because you can't figure him out. The master manipulator. He seems to have backup plans for his backup plans. Alex' death is the only time he seemed totally unprepared ... and that sure didn't last long. And I'd probably be interested in some more discussion of Christian and the possibilities for his role(s) in all this.

Thanks. Nice to "see" everyone on the board (like Mark O.E.). And thanks, Shaggy, for the promo.

djc | May 19, 2008 4:55:55 AM | #

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Pancakes aside, I'd like to see more focus placed on the Island Spawn and how their orpheanic backgrounds play with the islands destiny.

Why?

Because the other topics (at least to me) are 90% resolved. The cover story? Sorry, the cover story has to be one of the weakest in history, IMO. But it's tv land so, whatever. The coffin? I've got a pretty good idea who's in the coffin and will be shocked if it's someone else. (Unless Jack got a Two-For-One on funerals, it's NOT Christian.)

Again, Ryan, I'd like to see further analysis on the Spawn & destiny v. free will (or how the Red Sox won the series). ALSO: When will the notorious syrup bottle make a cameo in the series??? An inside source says it may have ended up on the cutting room floor (due to product placement concerns) when they edited Ep. #10.

Brian of the North | May 19, 2008 6:21:12 AM | #

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Where are the children that were taken from the talies?

Tim | May 19, 2008 7:44:03 AM | #

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BOTN: Not sure when it will end up on the show, but there will be additions to the Butterworth Gallery shortly. Stay tuned!

Ryan | May 19, 2008 8:11:12 AM | #

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ummmm.....syrup bottle? Yep, I have been gone for awhile.

Mark O. Estes | May 19, 2008 8:54:35 AM | #

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Thanks, Ryan. Love ya! (Not in that way, dude. Not that there's anything wrong with that.)

Brian of the North | May 19, 2008 9:09:50 AM | #

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MOE-UZ NT BIN BTRWRTHD?!

Brian of the North | May 19, 2008 9:38:43 AM | #

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MOE-

ok, long story reeeeeally short:

1) there was a discussion about the Cabin and how it's kinda freaky and may induce some to have nightmares

2) someone mentioned that now Log Cabin Republicans are just as scary

3) then "God loves you as he loves his Lincoln Logs"

4) now Log Cabin syrup is scary

5) the BOTN wrote a hilarious piece of very short King-esque fiction around a homicidal bottle of Mrs. Butterworth

6) Ryan and his wife made some HILARIOUS LOLbtrwrth screen stills that you must go check out now

7) now when someone gets their butt kicked (like Keamy's dude did by Smokey) they got btrwrthd and when something's really cool (like the Orchid will be) it's brtrwrthy

all better?

mri | May 19, 2008 9:40:19 AM | #

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The link for those of you who didn't bookmark it:

http://www.zap2it.com/news/custom/photogallery/zap-lostguide-butterworth-pg,0,1797722.photogallery

Ryan | May 19, 2008 9:48:49 AM | #

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Claire: Dead or Alive?

TotallyLost | May 19, 2008 10:28:41 AM | #

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LMAO!!! Hilarious! I have to go see these stills! And Totally Lost, that must be addressed as well...

Mark O. Estes | May 19, 2008 11:26:50 AM | #

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The gallery has been updated with 4 new images---check 'em out, y'all!

Ryan | May 19, 2008 1:02:47 PM | #

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OMG! Chooz Meeee! I blew Diet Coke(tm) outta my nose on that one!

Brian of the North | May 19, 2008 1:40:34 PM | #

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The additions to the btrwrthd gallery are priceless! Loved 'em! 'specially Keamy's...!

(Note to BOTN - saline water is so much easier on the sinuses than carbonated beverages! ;) ...just teasing!)

djc | May 19, 2008 2:22:48 PM | #

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LMAO Ryan ... those new pics are awesome ... Loved Keamy's grin on his pic, seems like he knows what's going on ...

Erwin | May 19, 2008 2:44:07 PM | #

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ryan-

niiiiice!!!! *snort*

mri | May 19, 2008 2:47:29 PM | #

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OT: My family requested waffles for breakfast Sunday morning and my husband just didn't get it when I started cracking up as I handed him the syrup. me? I TOTALLY skipped the btrwrth (...and contemplated putting a chain/lock on the cupboard where she lives...). If I end up at Santa Rosa MHI with Hurley I'm gonna hold you all responsible! (Of course being in a mental hospital no one will believe me so there is nothing to actually fear. Just hope Charlie comes to visit....)

djc | May 19, 2008 3:17:31 PM | #

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Sayid is waging a shooting war on Widmore. Sun is waging an economic war on Paik. Jack and Kate are hiding Aaron in plain sight (Aaron is the Island's Homing Pigeon). What is Hurley's role? Aiding Sun? Or is Hurley the Island Communication system, since he can see and talk to Charlie? Through the Charlie/Hurley connection, Jacob can keep in touch with the O6....
Well, it's possible? isn't it?
Don't BTRWRTH me.

Puff | May 19, 2008 3:42:07 PM | #

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Puff-

Sun's takeover of Paik Heavy Industries may be a key to getting back to the Island. I'm thinking Hurley's lottery winnings may have helped in Sun's takeover, but he may be being used as a kind of homing beacon (with his apparent Island-induced visions).

Shaggysteve | May 19, 2008 4:05:01 PM | #

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Here's a topic. Who are the Others? This has been a question since basically season 1, but it still hasn't been answered. I think we know they aren't Dharma Initiativers, but where did they come from. After Ben killed all the DI, the Others just seemed to come out of the woods, and the next time we see them, they're having weekly book club meetings. Were all of them "chosen" by Alpert or recruited to the island a la Juliet? Or are they somehow island natives?

A-Rob | May 19, 2008 4:35:12 PM | #

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Regarding Aaron and why Jack is so tortured about whether he is "saving" or "sacrificing" Aaron:

I would like to throw in a reference to the movie "The Omen", that Jack is faced with dilemas regarding Aaron being raised off-island, that "by not not being raised by his mother" will lead to his growing up to be destined to be "bad", an evil nemesis of the Island and starting a whole cycle of violence over again. But, Jack took him off the island because he thought that he would be unsafe on the island. Jack may have not realized what was going on with Claire and his Father, and thought they were going to harm Aaron. Remember, he had not yet known that Claire was his sister. Now that he knows this he has regrets about abandoning Claire- even though he, and we, are not sure about what is going on with claire. He may be tortured about choosing to "save" Kate but not Claire, his sister and mother of the Baby.
It will probably turn out that his choice was- leave Aaron on the Island with Claire who did not want to, or could not, leave, Or take him and give him to Kate.

And So Jack is going crazy trying to decide whether to "save" or "sacrifice" Aaron by letting him be raised by Kate and thus ensuring him a future as an evil player regarding the island, or "save" or "sacrificing" aaron by returning him to the Island, dooming him to living on the island but ensuring his goodness.

Melanie | May 19, 2008 4:50:20 PM | #

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ben is aligned with keemy. that's who he signaled with the mirrors. he's broken with the rest of the others, and is only playing sayid in the future, manipulating him through more of his mind games. he is the one in the coffin, without a doubt.

cheers42 | May 19, 2008 5:58:18 PM | #

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Topics I'd like to see:

Who's in the coffin? Seems like the small obit that Jack cut out of the paper would indicate it wasn't one of the O6. Kate's comment (paraphrased), "why would I have wanted to go to that funeral?" doesn't fit if it were an O6. If not someone from the flight, then someone from the island that wasn't on the plane - Desmond, Juliet, one of the Others? Desmond and Juliet aren't from L.A. so their funeral wouldn't be there, or unattended. The only major person left is Ben. Weird if it's him.

The Smoke Monster - When Ben disappeared underground and "summoned" Smokey, I was immediately reminded of the 1956 movie Forbidden Planet. Underground power source created by ancient unknown race; monster inadvertently created by man in charge; monster destroys its master; in his last act, master destroys the power source, and the entire planet, to keep monster from coming back. Great movie if you haven't seen it.

PS3936 | May 20, 2008 2:39:25 AM | #

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What point does the cover story serve?

What is Ben's plan?--gah, the fact that he has a plan continues to prove his freakiness and eeriness.

Who's in the casket?--even before I read mri's post, I had been thinking it was Walt. I'm putting it between Ben and Walt.

Sun's Money.--actually I don't care about the money, I want to know who the other person she blames for Jin's death is.

The Future of the Freighter.--obviously Sun and Aaron live even though they're on the freighter. Desmond and Michael's character arcs don't seem to be over, though, so we'll see. (But then again, Danielle's didn't seem over either and she bit the dust--literally, actually).

Rebirth and Renewal--I loved Claire--and now my love is beginning to wane in favor of fear. Though Claire and Aaron took a back seat in terms of character prevalence in seasons 2 and 3, they are resurfacing!

Lauren B | May 20, 2008 12:24:19 PM | #

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I'd like to see more discussion of who's in the coffin, a/k/a "The Locked Box". The past two episodes have only reinforced my earlier posted theory that Ben transports John off the Island, John's paralysis returns, and, well, we all saw what almost happened when John was in the mass Dharma grave. The allusions to John and Ben being brothers, metaphorically if not literally, bring the biblical Cain and Abel story into play. Ben has never forgiven John for being favored by the Island, and now that he sent John into the depths of the Orchid suggests that Team Darlton are going to take the daring step of eliminating one of the truly iconic characters.

Daniel E | May 21, 2008 9:05:38 AM | #

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