I can't live without Sawyer.

Okay maybe I could live, but my TiVo might have a nervous breakdown.

That's what I decided while watching Lost last night. I'm already still recovering from the Jin situation (is he dead? is he alive? is ABC merely toying with my emotions?) and I've decided Sawyer has to survive this show.

The show runners have done an excellent job this season of making every single second of an episode stressful. We know Aaron and Claire get separated but how? Does that mean Claire died? We know Jin and Sun get separated. But how? Does Locke survive? Who/what is Jacob? What is this game Charles and Ben are playing? And what were the original rules and how did they change? What becomes of Desmond and Penny? Are they ever reunited?

But what I continue to appreciate is that while the show is busy stressing me out with all these questions, they are also busy answering them (ahhh that's how Ben tricked/got Sayid to work for him). And they've pretty much made it clear that no on is safe on the show. Hence, my stress about Sawyer who survived last night's attack by deftly dancing around bullets. How long can that technique work?

What did you think of Lost last night? What character can't you live without on the show? Talk about it below.

Quotes of the Week

"And is a surprise move, the Spurs announced a trade that will send perennial all star . . ." Gabrielle reading out loud to Carlos on Desperate Housewives. We like this quote, of course, because Eva Longoria Parker is married to San Antonio Spurs player Tony Parker. Thanks to Barry for the quote.

"I care that he made you act like it could be done. It changed the way I look at you." Tom to Lynette about Rick on Desperate Housewives. I have to say I love the way this story line is being handled.

"You fell somewhere between a bid and a ding. A bing." Kappa Tau President explaining how Evan got the nickname "Bing" in a flashback on Greek.

"Listen to the name Spinner. It’s a ball, like a testicle. I don’t want to go to a testicle." Cappie explaining why he doesn’t want to go to the Greek ball on Greek.

"Wake up little Jenny. The bitch is back." Gossip Girl's voice over after Blair takes Jenny down a notch on Gossip Girl.

"I’ve been watching ‘The Wire’ lately and I don’t understand a word of it." Michael on The Office.

"I’m here Charles to tell you I’m going to kill your daughter." Ben to Charles on Lost.

"Allison, could you close your eyes, I have to get out of bed and I'm naked." Lee Scanlon speaking on the phone to Allison DuBois on Medium after she called him about a dream she just had about him. Thanks to Gil for the quote.

"Suck it monkeys, I'm going corporate!" Liz Lemon to her writing staff on 30 Rock. Thanks to Daniel for the quote.

"I'm so sorry. I try to keep the appearance that I never use the bathroom. I hope you won't think less of me." Mrs. Meade on Ugly Betty. Thanks to Ritchie for the quote.

Exchange of the Week

"During the strike, I fell in love." Jerry to Katie on Boston Legal.

"What strike?" Katie

"It doesn’t matter. The point is I met somebody wonderful." Jerry’s response.

"I feel like you'd do well in prison."  Marc to Wilhelmenia on Ugly Betty.

"I would." Wilhelmenia's response. Thanks to Ritchie for the exchange.

That’s all for today. I’ll be back on Monday with a look at the return of House, Shark and Women’s Murder Club, the 200th episode of Law & Order: SVU, thoughts on Gossip Girl (Buffy’s little sis arrives), Ugly Betty and more. Have a question, seen a familiar face, want to nominate a quote of the week or a topic for discussion? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Have a great weekend.

Comments

I was less than pleased with last night's Office. They're straying a little too far into serious territory. Drugs can be funny, but someone with an actual problem who is asking for help isn't. An unrequited crush can be funny, feeling up someone else's girlfriend isn't. Although I have to admit Toby's climbing the fence and running away was. And is it me or is Jim less likeable now that he and Pam are together? Aside from the endearing engagement talk last week, he's been kind of a pain this season.

Dwight, on the other hand, is growing on me. He was hysterical last night. "It's weevil season, but we were prepared." Gold.

MK | Apr 25, 2008 11:37:50 AM | #

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Charlie was my absolute favorite on Lost. So if I can continue to watch without him, then I guess I can make it to the end, no matter who lives or dies on that island.

jessie | Apr 25, 2008 11:46:14 AM | #

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Rusty's nickname is Spitter, not Spinner.

Jen | Apr 25, 2008 12:08:09 PM | #

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Predictable, boring answer, but I just can't live without Jack on Lost. I know it's the way they set up the show in the pilot, but Jack IS Lost for me. I feel like others have been able to let Lost change and twist their perspectives, but I still remember latching on to Jack in that first episode as if my own survival depended on it, and I've stuck with him.

AndreaC | Apr 25, 2008 12:09:42 PM | #

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Yeah, Rusty got the name when he couldn't hold his liquor in Season 1.

Anyway, there are some characters I can live without on Lost, and some I can't. Claire will be tragic, but we'll get over it. The loss of people like Sawyer, Locke or Desmond, however, I will not be happy about.

Sean | Apr 25, 2008 12:12:38 PM | #

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I'm with Sean - I'll be most upset if something happens to Desmond. I can acknowledge that Jack is important to the show - and he obviously makes it off the island - but I gotta tell you...that guy just rubs me the wrong way and always has.

Mickey | Apr 25, 2008 12:40:02 PM | #

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Is it me or all Amy writes about is Lost and HIMYM???

I love her to death and all, but it's getting old.

David | Apr 25, 2008 12:52:33 PM | #

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TV Gal! What, no mention of the post-strike grooming -- you know, Freddy "Gio" Rodriguez' shorn locks son Ugly Betty and Eric "McSteamy" Dane's shorn facial hair on Grey's Anatomy? I barely recognized Dane!

BTW, on Lost, I find it hard to believe that a sharp, intelligent guy like Sayid can be as easily strung along by Ben. Otherwise, Lost is still on track.

Dex | Apr 25, 2008 1:54:01 PM | #

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When Ben gave that little smile after playing on Sayid's grief he looked like evil personified.

When he knelt over his daughter he looked very human.

Now people are assuming only 6 left the island I think Ben proved that is not absolutely true. Desmond could have left.

I wonder if Claire and Sawyer end up together he was awful concerned about her.

KEVIN | Apr 25, 2008 2:03:45 PM | #

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When Ben gave that little smile after playing on Sayid's grief he looked like evil personified.

When he knelt over his daughter he looked very human.

Now people are assuming only 6 left the island I think Ben proved that is not absolutely true. Desmond could have left.

I wonder if Claire and Sawyer end up together he was awful concerned about her.

KEVIN | Apr 25, 2008 2:03:46 PM | #

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I'd be happy to have Jack or Kate bite it. I have had it with Jack's meglomania, his ALWAYS making the wrong decision and then backing it up with violence and Kate's inability to choose between an intellectual creature of instinct and self-preservation like Sawyer and an egomaniac control freak like Jack. However, I really couldn't care less if they all bought it. I cannot, however, do without Desmond or Locke. Though Locke is plagued by many of the same faults that I despise in Jack, his ability to allow people to be and accept decisions he doesn't agree with makes him more forgivable, though this has been less apparent in his character this season than in the past. I would miss Sayid's ability to read and manipulate people - though he is also easily a victim of the same tactics. Jin simply must be alive...that is my list.

romana118 | Apr 25, 2008 2:04:06 PM | #

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I stress out watching LOST, but love it at the same time.

The people I would rather see "live" would be Sayid, Sawyer, Clare, Hurley, Jin and his wife.

I can also do without Kate. She is driving me nuts!

Michelle | Apr 25, 2008 2:12:57 PM | #

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If Sawyer dies, I will have much less reason to watch "Lost." I was so afraid he was going to die in this last episode...I kept saying, "No! Sawyer don't! Don't do it! Don't die! I love you!" Every since Charlie died, I've had to move all my affections to Sawyer, and I'm beginning to worry that was a foolish investment.

Lauren B | Apr 25, 2008 2:30:21 PM | #

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I looooove Sawyer on "Lost" He's my TV boyfriend, so yes, I would be devestated if he gets killed off. I don't know if I would stop watching, but that would be the one thing that could possibly do it. It was so sweet how protective he was of Claire and Hurley. I'd really hate to see any of the main characters die, but Sawyer would definately be the one to affect me the most.

Michelle | Apr 25, 2008 4:43:54 PM | #

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I love Sayid, but I'd have to say I couldn't live without Charlie on the show. Which is why I haven't watched since last spring. I loved Dominic before Lost, so killing off Charlie was always the deal-breaker for me.

Judy | Apr 25, 2008 5:23:07 PM | #

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If Sawyer died I would continue to watch Lost, but I would be very angry, upset, or crazy with TV grief. By saving Claire and standing up for Hurley, Sawyer was the hero I always knew he could be.

Kim | Apr 25, 2008 5:39:07 PM | #

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i agree with you Amy, Sawyer is the one for me. I always knew he has the hero in him he proved it this week. I loved how he went after Claire and stood up for Hurley. I don't think i would stop watching, but the show wouldn't mean as much to me if Sawyer doesn't survive. One character i could do without is Jack, always thinks he knows everything when in reality knows nothing.

Tiffany | Apr 25, 2008 6:37:40 PM | #

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i thought it was a bit ridiculous how 3 people get shot in front of sawyer. one doesn't note the urgency in sawyer's voice and gets killed. that i can see. but then someone rushes from nowhere to the dead man's side and gets killed and the third does the same thing? i thought that was a cheap way to get rid of extraneous characters.

carrie | Apr 25, 2008 10:29:28 PM | #

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First of all to David...How can you be a TV critic and NOT write about Lost these days? Are you a fan of the show? The show is simply the best show on television period! As for HIMYM, well its funny show with its survival in question so any exposure it can get is appreciated by this fan! Now as for how I felt about LOST...WOW, WOW, WOW...I was far more impressed with this episode than the last one before its break! This is perhaps the most character driven show on television these days which is what keeps it so interesting...Alex's death has had an impact on Ben and just when you thought that he could be decent we see him threaten Penny! I found myself really upset by that as I remembered Penny and Desmond's phone call where they both proclaimed their undying love for each other. That episode was a stand out episode this season. As this show always does that episode with its amazing writing and extremely talented acting made this viewer care deeply for the characters! Who doesn't want Desmond and Penny to find each other after that?

PGP | Apr 26, 2008 4:53:20 AM | #

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for all the Sawyer lovers I'm gonna go out on a very sturdy limb and say there's no worry of him getting killed off before the end of the final season. the producers realize he is one of the most beloved characters on the show (he's on par with Hurley, and both of them are way above about anybody else) and know they would get tons of hate and definitely a loss of viewership if he were to bite it.

Todd | Apr 26, 2008 6:16:25 AM | #

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I was really disappointed to see that ben has control of some kind over the smoke monster....that was a real let down.

Whipple | Apr 26, 2008 6:29:15 AM | #

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I can'l live without either Jack or Sawyer on Lost. Each of them bring something different to the show because they are so different from each other but at the end both of them just take care of everybody else. Sawyer was amazing in the episode. I think he will survive the show as well as Jack and KAte will at the end. They have to!

Mariela | Apr 26, 2008 8:56:58 AM | #

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Claire is my favorite Lost character. I hope they start writing for her. I usually end up like the sidekicks that don't get much stories on tv series. I hope Claire starts getting more material. I also love the Sawyer/Claire vibe.

Kelly | Apr 26, 2008 9:43:11 AM | #

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I have to agree. Sawyer is my favorite. He has done a complete personality turnaround. He has grown so much and has become a hero where before he was totally selfish. Hurley is the conscience anchor of the group. He knows Sawyer's heart is good. Claire is my least favorite. She contributes nothing.

Pam | Apr 26, 2008 1:44:08 PM | #

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I could never live without Michael. But I am sure they are going to kill him, like they do all minorities on that show.

Matt | Apr 26, 2008 6:49:21 PM | #

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I've always watched Lost for the pure fun element, never needing an answer to all the crazy mysteries. And I've never really focused in on a favorite character. But, after the multiple threats to Sawyer's life this week, I realized that he stands out for me. He's a sarcastic, bad-boy, who's quick with a one-liner and an unending list of nicknames for anyone he meets. He's the comic relief and a hero all in one--risking his life for Claire and vowing vengeance for Hurley if need be. Gotta love him.

Elaina | Apr 26, 2008 7:02:06 PM | #

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I've yet to miss a single episode of LOST and am forever intrigued by the weekly cliffhangers but I must say that, were Sawyer to be taken from the show, my interest would likely wan. He's been my favorite right from the very beginning and the show would just not be the same without his sarcasm and quick wit.

Barbara | Apr 26, 2008 7:22:40 PM | #

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Let's just say I'm really glad both Jack and Kate appear to be safe on Lost/ Those are two characters I definitly couldn't do without. Now let's hope Locke is safe, he better be because I'm still grieving Charlie.

Jen | Apr 26, 2008 8:51:52 PM | #

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My favorite characters were Alex and those three nameless extras. Alas, they have all been taken from me now. Seriously, I needed to know more about Rousseau than they gave us. She was overripe for flashback opportunities. I'm still not giving up that hope. I like Desmond, brother, and I hope things work out well for him, but it doesn't seem like happily ever after with Penny is a likely scenario. There's no-one really that is off-limits for me, so long as it plays into the endgame. I trust the writers to know what they're doing. Eventually, somebody we love is going to get killed off, and I'd much rather if they doled out the heartbreak in small chunks rather than lose half the island in one fell swoop in the series finale.

Steve | Apr 27, 2008 4:29:00 AM | #

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I didn't watch 3 episodes of Lost this season because there was no Sawyer, so that kind of answered that question for me. The overall story has gotten so ridiculous I've lost interest. I like all the other characters except for Jack, but they just don't hold a candle to Sawyer (and his hair).

Jean | Apr 27, 2008 5:59:40 AM | #

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Claire, Sawyer,Locke and Hurley are my favorites. I hope that Claire and Sawyer and Locke make it to the end of the series too. I hope they stayed on the island.

Kelly | Apr 27, 2008 8:38:31 AM | #

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I also love Sawyer. I agree his character has grown. The great part, the character doesn't seem to be aware of it. It is as if in the real world he was so busy conning people, and realizes that is totally pointless here, that he is just finally being himself. I would totally stop watching. I like Jack but I don't think he has grown very much.

| Apr 27, 2008 11:56:47 AM | #

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What I admire most about Lost is how you can see the characters evolve over time. Sawyer's a prime example, but I think his character hinges on his juxtaposition to Jack--and vice versa. They seem to be so opposite, but I think they are really quite similar.

I wasn't able to see the last episode and will probably have to catch it online. :(

My favorite character (Juliet)hasn't been mentioned by anyone yet, which is surprising. She's such a layered character, and I love how she riles things up. My other favorite, of course, is Desmond. I'm not a fan of Kate or Hurley. Both actors are guilty of overacting most of the time.

Alma | Apr 27, 2008 12:23:36 PM | #

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Hurley is my favorite character, Kate is a despicicable b** that can't seem to make up her mind. It will serve her right to end up a bum with nothing.

Fred | Apr 27, 2008 1:25:09 PM | #

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I'm so over Kate and that whole triangle.

Kelly | Apr 27, 2008 3:21:43 PM | #

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Hurley better not die. His death would be the saddest one possible.

Locke and Jack are probably the most essential to the show and it would be weird to not have them. Although one of them could die at the end of the series.

Billiam | Apr 27, 2008 5:37:00 PM | #

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What I think about the last episode of "Lost": I think I'm still not watching it, and don't know anyone who watches it, and therefore am a little tired of people who do watch it talking about it CONSTANTLY in their blogs, boring the vast majority of us who don't watch it. Talking about it some is OK, but devoting this much space to it is silly.

Tego Livi | Apr 28, 2008 3:20:46 AM | #

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It's very plain and simple.
If Sawyer dies, I leave the show.
That scene was pretty stupid with everyone being shot all around Sawyer yet he runs for quite a long way and not a scratch. NOT that I want him to be shot, but it really was a dumb scene.

Looking forward to WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB on Tues. 10 p.m. on ABC. GERALD MCRANEY guest stars and I just love him to death. He was SO GREAT in JERICHO and DEADWOOD!

And don't forget, HOUSE is back TONIGHT, MONDAY 9 p.m. on FOX. It will return to Tuesday nights again in the Fall. HUGH LAURIE is so awesome!!

Anyone know when The Bachelor finale is?

Thanks!

Lily | Apr 28, 2008 3:23:05 AM | #

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On Greek, the guy's name isn't SPINNER, it's SPITTER.

Potch | Apr 28, 2008 8:48:20 AM | #

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See, I knew I'd be in the minority when I said Jack, but honestly I think a lot of the comments I read were too hard on Jack! I think the other Losties take the blessing of his medical treatment for granted and resent his leadership even though they were the ones that put him on that pedestal. As a passionate, fantasy-adventure-loving person, sure I'd like to think I'd be like Sawyer or Locke, but as a human that often relies on rationality, habit, and self-preservation, I can't delude myself for one second that I would do everything the same way Jack has. He makes the choices that most people would make in that same situation, I think. And despite his problems, for me he is the most realistic character on the show - he's not perfect and he's managed to keep the other Losties alive. He's been self-sacrificing and selfish. I'd miss him if he was gone.

AndreaC | Apr 28, 2008 9:37:28 AM | #

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I think Penelope is on the island because Charles said to Ben he will not be able to find her... the hunt is open. Might mean the island as well as Penelope.

Jane | Apr 28, 2008 9:37:30 AM | #

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"I could never live without Michael. But I am sure they are going to kill him, like they do all minorities on that show."

What? Are we watching the same show? Let's tally it up, shall we?

Boone and Shannon: both white, both dead.
Arzt: white and dead
Seven of the Others: all white, all dead.
Libby: white and dead (more on her later)
Karl and Alex: white, dead and a couple
Rousseau: maybe dead, definitely white
The 3 extras killed in last week's episode: yeah, you got it

Minorities killed so far: Eko and Ana Lucia (more on her later)
Jin might be dead, but we don't know for sure yet.

So, final score: whities 16, minorities 2

And let's not forget that it was MICHAEL that personally accounted for one of each of those numbers when he popped a big hole in Ana Lucia's chest and one in Libby's belly before self-servingly selling out to Ben and the Others just to get himself and Walt off the Island. So, let's not all go down the "Michael is a Saint" road because, honestly, if Smokey btrwrths his ass into ground beef, I'm all for it.

But Smokey can't do that because Michael has work to do, and people that have work to do on the Island don't die.

My votes for the "please don't die" club: Desmond, Sawyer, Hurley and at least one happy couple.

My votes for the "you can't kill these people fast enough" club: Michael and Ben.

Final words to Matt: Stop hatin'.

| Apr 28, 2008 10:38:13 AM | #

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I forgot to sign above post. Sorry.

AdSlinger | Apr 28, 2008 10:40:01 AM | #

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I will watch Lost to the very end, but I will be very unhappy if Sawyer dies. I also want Bernard and Rose to live (I just freakin love Bernard for some reason) and Vincent the dog! Actually, I could probably even live with Sawyer being killed off as long it was in the last episode!

Ali | Apr 28, 2008 10:40:26 AM | #

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I can deal with all of them dying if it forwards the story. The most important character to the show is Jack and Locke (those are my favorites), but if they need to die to tell this story...so be it. You're going to stop watching one of the BEST shows on TV because a character you have wet dreams about dies, is nonsense. It bugs me everytime someone says that.

Buffybot | Apr 28, 2008 12:32:13 PM | #

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Sawyer is by far my favorite character on LOST, his death would really make me angry. I would probably still watch but the not with the same level of caring. Now if they want to kill Jack off I say go for it. He just bugs.

Amy Lynn | Apr 28, 2008 12:45:11 PM | #

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Sawyer is by far my favorite character on LOST, his death would really make me angry. I would probably still watch but the not with the same level of caring. Now if they want to kill Jack off I say go for it. He just bugs.

Amy Lynne | Apr 28, 2008 12:45:16 PM | #

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Amy, I was disappointed you did not comment on last week's Scrubs. I know you are a big fan, and recently wrote about the show's ability to pack an emotional punch, while still making us laugh. (Of course, the episode with Perry's brother-in-law's funeral is one of the best half hours in the history of television, IMHO.)

Last week's, with Dr. Kelso's sudden departure in the final minute, was just such an episode. Stunning. Great writing.

Frank | Apr 28, 2008 12:52:19 PM | #

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My comment was directed to Amy/TV Gal, not Amy Lynne!

Frank | Apr 28, 2008 12:54:16 PM | #

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Hey Kelly Hurley doesn't die he is 1 of the Oceiana 6.

Megan | Apr 28, 2008 4:01:12 PM | #

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To me, the appeal of LOST is the intriguing storyline. I don't care who lives or dies so long as the story keeps me interested. They have done a fantastic job so far!

Ronald | Apr 29, 2008 4:37:40 PM | #

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Lily, ditto on the GERALD MCRANEY rave, but I'd have to add... Simon & Simon. :-)

Favorite characters on Lost? Libby and Jack. Most expendable? Claire. As someone said, "she adds nothing".

David | Apr 30, 2008 12:47:03 PM | #

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By far the best characters are Jack and Locke. They are the heart and soul of the Lost story, and happily, Damon and Carlton have recently stated that fact. If you remove either Jack or Locke from the Lost (except perhaps at the very end), the show will never be the same. Sawyer is a fun character, but he's not pivotal to Lost at all. He's nice eye candy. However, if he took a bullet to the head by the end of this season, I don't think it would affect the story of Lost at all. Sawyer is tied to nothing: no characters (except Kate, and no mythology). He's nice on the eyes, but that's about it.

Patricia | Apr 30, 2008 2:46:28 PM | #

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I would like to keep Sawyer in the group, so let's just hope he doesn't commit the mortal sin of DUI which killed so many other characters of Lost...

kate | May 1, 2008 9:41:51 AM | #

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