I'm definitely behind the plague/end of the world/ messiah theory now. The writers have cited Stephen King's novel "The Stand" as a reference and having read the book I really feel this is where it is all going.

I think all the characters were brought to the island by Desmond and his people who have the ability to communicate through mental telepathy and influence the world around them.

(Like Randall Flagg and the old woman in The Stand)

I think a plague is currently wiping out the rest of the world.

Walt and Aaron also have telepathic powers but one is good- the other evil.

The island will become the place where good and evil fight it out to rule the world.

The goodies will side together and the baddies will side together.

It's similar to the book, just with a plane crash and deserted island backdrop

then again, I could be way off.

I like the fact that the writers acknowledge their influences, however, I think you're short-changing them quite a bit if you think that the story of the show will exactly mirror a pre-existing work of fiction.

I don't doubt that the show will contain elements that hearken back to The Stand (it definitely already has) but I don't think you're going to find the one true 'solution' to LOST in anybody else's workas of fiction.

yes, there is definitely a mixture of influences apparent -and that the writers have mentioned. (i have also discussed the watership down influences in my other posts.)

have you read "The Stand" or "Watership Down"?