Continuing on, I was wondering to myself what secrets I needed to learn before the end of this first season in order to feel satisfied to return for season two, and I came up with a surprisingly short list:

1. Viewer gets to see The Black Rock . (And not some fleeting, enshrouded glance. I want to spend some time there and have the characters do some exploring.)

2. Viewer gets to see what's behind The Hatch. (And again, I don't want to just see the characters open the Hatch and descend into it while us viewers are left to wonder what they find. I want to go in their with the characters and do some exploring.)

3. Viewer gets to see the Power Source of Danielle's Transmission. (While this might be tied to #1 or #2, on the off-chance it isn't, I want to see where Danielle's distress call has been emanating from AND I want to learn how it's been generating power for more than 16 years.)

There. That's it. That's what it'll take to get me to watch LOST next season. I want to feel as though the plots are moving forward, and, as a viewer, I can trust the writers to reward our attention by giving us some good pay-offs.

So, my question to you is: What are the minimum secrets you want to be revealed by the end of the season for you to feel satisfied?

I agree about the Black Rock. I have a mental image of them coming up over a hill and* seeing the 'black rock' is in the center of a valley. it is impressive and a bit scary.* Dramatic music and they climb down toward it. It will never happen like that but I like to fantasize about it.

I'm most concerned with 'the others'. I don' t need to 'see' one quite yet but I do want HARD evidence that they exist.* Not whispers on the wind or vague returning memories from Charlie and Claire. Something we can touch. That would help keep me going.

1- The Others. There doesn't have to be a confrontation or a capture, but someone needs to SEE them.

2- Evidence of the monster. It doesn't need to make an onscreen appearance, but I need tracks, a nest or burrow, monster dung, something.

3- The Black Rock.

I would like to know what happened to the plane from the Oceanic Airline's point of view. * If they answered that, I'd be content to wait on the rest of it.

I would like to know what happened to the plane from the Oceanic Airline's point of view. If they answered that, I'd be content to wait on the rest of it.


"It is with great regret that we announce Flight 815 has disappeared from radar. We've spared no expense to search for the plane, and we're sure everything's okay... Our airline's still completely safe, though, and look! We're spending lots of money to ensure the safe return of all passengers! So fly Oceanic!"

It's an airline. I wouldn't mind a wide 'outside' look though. The airline, the families of passengers, the news, that kind of thing. Like, a flashback to right after the plane disappeared, and people's reactions to it and outside efforts to find the plane.

My list:
1. Black Rock- I'm in total agreement with all of you.

2. Alex- who and where is he/she? (it?) I want some sort of closure to the Danielle story. Either Alex, or whether this infection stuff is actually real. Not necessarily both, if they want to keep her around, but something.

3. The Hatch- It's been built up enough- let's see something more than Locke and Boone staring at it already.

4. Why Ethan (and perhaps the Others) wanted Claire and/or her baby. Once the kid's born, that storyline needs to wrap-up.

"It is with great regret that we announce Flight 815 has disappeared from radar. We've spared no expense to search for the plane, and we're sure everything's okay... ........

See, I wouldn't even mind if that's all it was.* I just want to know.* I mean, for a fact.*

1. The hatch. I find it extremely frustrating that this plot twist was introduced -- how many episodes ago -- and is still out there hanging. Not only does this have to be resolved this season, it has to be resolved SOON. I can't think of a good reason why Locke would continue to hide such an important piece of information from the rest of the castaways. Or why, if it's so hard to open, he would not solicit help from the others.

2. The cable found by Sayid. Again, this is clear evidence of technology on the island that should be investigated. What is the cable? Where did it come from? Where is it going? Why is Sayid fooling around with the not-very-intelligible maps instead of returning to Danielle's spot with a group of folks from among the 46 survivors to try to find the answer to this?

3. What is the crime that Kate supposedly committed, and is she really guilty?

4. If there's any possible explanation for how 48 people could survive a jumbo jet's breaking up in mid air, I'd sure like to hear it. And why hasn't anybody located the wreckage yet?

5. Ok, the Black Rock.

Templeton

I have a feeling the black rock is going to be reserved for a later season. According to spoilers though
Hurley is going to know something about the hatch. Sounds like we will find out about the hatch this season. Just two more episodes.
So for me if we just find out about that, I would be cool. I am probably alone on this but I like not knowing as long as possible, because I guess I am nervous the payoff won't be as good as the imagination on these boards.

I wouldn't want all my questions answered this season, even just the 3 or 4 major ones, but the show will need to give the viewers a crumb or two or risk frustrating them into not watching anymore.

I wouldn't mind knowing what this "sickness" is that Danielle's' crew came down with. The writers might be able to tell more about that without giving everything away....

I wouldn't mind knowing what this "sickness" is that Danielle's' crew came down with.* The writers might be able to tell more about that without giving everything away....


I would settle for just knowing that the sickness exists for sure and isn't just a figment of Danielle's paranoid mind. Until one of them comes down with it, I'm not sure she wasn't just a little crazy, thought her crew contracted something, and then killed them out of paranoia. Why hasn't she contracted this sickness?
Ugh, so many questions...:)

--Got to see the Black Rock
--Have to see what happened to Charlie and ESPECIALLY CLAIRE's ESCAPE from Ethan
--The Plane "Crash"
--Finish Kate's story, "i.e. who did she kill? what's that little plane all about?"


...I'll let the hatch carry over unless they keep sticking it in our face.

I would like to know what happened to the plane from the Oceanic Airline's point of view. *

I want a flashback to the airplane's childhood! ;D

--Got to see the Black Rock
--Have to see what happened to Charlie and ESPECIALLY CLAIRE's ESCAPE from Ethan
--The Plane "Crash"
--Finish Kate's story, "i.e. who did she kill? what's that little plane all about?"


I'd love to see the "crash" (and I agree, we don't even know if there was a crash at this point--or even if the survivors ever even boarded the plane), and I think that's supposed to be addressed in the season-finale: (supposedly the pilot will be appearing in the finale). However, I can see this one carrying over into next season at the earliest since the "crash" would seem to be so intimately tied to the BIG mystery (which is the "nature" of the island and source of all its various weirdness).

I also think we will see Claire's escape this season (I think the scratch on Ethan's face was there for a reason), but having this bit told in flashback instead of while it was happening is going to be a major let-down. There's gotta be an episode this season where Claire gives birth, and the kidnapping would be a natural flashback to pair with it.

They missed the boat with Kate's story, I'm afraid. Since the writers revealed that she's a moron and crazy in her second flashback, I no longer care what her "crime" was and I couldn't care less what the significance of that toy plane is. The writers had their opportunity and they blew it.

How about a Danielle flashback instead??

I would settle for just knowing that the sickness exists for sure and isn't just a figment of Danielle's paranoid mind. Until one of them comes down with it, I'm not sure she wasn't just a little crazy, thought her crew contracted something, and then killed them out of paranoia. Why hasn't she contracted this sickness?
Ugh, so many questions...:)


This has to be revealed in a Danielle flashback episode. Until we, the viewers, see it (as opposed to Danielle telling us about it), I think we have to assume they just got Lord of the Flies-fever and turned on each other.

My list:
1. Black Rock- I'm in total agreement with all of you.

2. Alex- who and where is he/she? (it?) I want some sort of closure to the Danielle story. Either Alex, or whether this infection stuff is actually real. Not necessarily both, if they want to keep her around, but something.

3. The Hatch- It's been built up enough- let's see something more than Locke and Boone staring at it already.

4. Why Ethan (and perhaps the Others) wanted Claire and/or her baby. Once the kid's born, that storyline needs to wrap-up.


I don't think we're going to get any sort of closure with Danielle (if anything, she'll become more layered as she makes more appearances), but I do think we'll find out who Alex is if they do a Danielle flashback (which should also address the "sickness"). Hard to say* if the writers will give that one up this season, although I'm sure Danielle will appear again before or during the season-finale.

I also think we'll learn why Ethan wanted Claire's baby this season. Again, this would be told in another Claire flashback during the episode she gives birth.

It's amazing to think how many answers could be given (and viewer curiosity satisfied) with a Claire flashback episode and a Danielle flashback episode this season. Throw in the Hatch and the Black Rock, and I think most would call this year a resounding success.

JJ, I hope you are paying attention.

I was thinking that I might like to have the monster finally revealed to the viewer but I seriously doubt that anything TPTB could come up with could live up to my imagination. Still, it would be nice to know what the heck it actually is.

I think that Sayid should take a posse with him and go confront Danielle and get some answers. She's managed to survive on that island for 16 years by herself; she's picked up a thing or two along the way. Her answers to their questions might be very helpful to them.

It would be nice to know if there are others like Ethan and why the heck they want Claire and/or her baby.

I don't mind the fact that every answer we get produces two more questions--I think that's one of the highlights of a show like this, it keeps you guessing & talking about it. *But I agree, there are some things we need answers on!

My personal speculation is that Claire will have the baby in the season finale and we'll see Claire flashbacks. *Personally I want to see what happened during Claire's 2-week abduction, and get some answers to who Ethan was (Good or bad? *One of the "others" or Alex or somebody else? *How did he pull off everything that he did?) and learn what he wanted with the baby...and what the deal is with the baby itself.

That's not asking a lot, is it? * *::)

Modified to add:

think that Sayid should take a posse with him and go confront Danielle and get some answers.

Absolutely. He really can't logically dismiss Danielle's warning about "the Others" anymore now that they've discovered that Ethan was already on the island and posed a deadly threat to them, and even Locke pointed out last week that they don't know if he was woring alone. Sayid knows Danielle herself is dangerous, but now that Charlie shot Ethan she's all they have.

I don't think we're going to get any sort of closure with Danielle (if anything, she'll become more layered as she makes more appearances), but I do think we'll find out who Alex is if they do a Danielle flashback (which should also address the "sickness"). Hard to say* if the writers will give that one up this season, although I'm sure Danielle will appear again before or during the season-finale.

Exactly! I hope she does become more layered. However, I think that if they wait too long on some plots (like Alex) then by the time they bring it up again we'll all be going "oh yeah...Alex...forgot about that. Eh." I don't want all plot points concerning her to end, just one or two.


I don't mind the fact that every answer we get produces two more questions--I think that's one of the highlights of a show like this, it keeps you guessing & talking about it.* But I agree, there are some things we need answers on!

My personal speculation is that Claire will have the baby in the season finale and we'll see Claire flashbacks.* Personally I want to see what happened during Claire's 2-week abduction, and get some answers to who Ethan was (Good or bad?* One of the "others" or Alex or somebody else?* How did he pull off everything that he did?) and learn what he wanted with the baby...and what the deal is with the baby itself.

I agree! I love that this show is so layered and that each reveal leaves us with more questions. But there comes a time when some loose ends need to be tied up as they go along.

I've hypothesized that Claire has her baby in Jack's next flashback episode, since it would fit in with him being a doctor and could easily tie to his former life.* (I'll spoiler font this next bit just in case)
The next episode is Sawyer, then Jin, then Hurley, then Locke, then Jack, then Sayid, then Kate. Do we have time for a Claire centric before the season finale? We might get some of her perspective then, but I'm not so sure.

I love reading what the rest of you are wanting to know!

I'll still watch, but...

--I definately think that they should either give us more information about Danielle or the Black Rock. *I think a little more insight into either of those will give us answers about the other.

--Claire's baby. *Want to know why Ethan wanted it and want her to give birth ASAP. *The longer it's in her belly the more creepy it becomes for me.

--Is the monster(s) a land, sea, air or all of the above creature? *Is it a creature? *Just want to know something more about it. Don't need to see it. *Too early to be disappointed. *

Would also be cool to find out how the outside world reacted to the plane disappearing, but I'm not counting on that one.

but so long as they keep entertaining me with great stories, I am content to wait for answers until the writers feel ready to give them.

I agree. *Of course I am interested in the "mystery" and the scientific aspects of the show, but I also really enjoy the character development and don't see the flashbacks as a hindrance to the overall story. *I think the writers have created the perfect blend of mystery for the obsessed viewer and character driven storyline for the more casual viewer.

Now I just thought of a perfect episode that would satisfy both sides! *A Vincent flashback! *In black-and-white! *And the voices would be murmurs since dogs can't understand "everything" we say, so we would be relying on lip reading and watching the actors' body language. *How fun! *Hopefully if they DO wander into this area, they will show a portion of Vincent's escapades on the island and where he has been when he wasn't with the Lostaways. *That could be very revealing!

If the flashback was handled delicately and in the right hands *;) *it could be fascinating and ground-breaking. *If it's rushed though, it could just come off as silly. *What do y'all think?

I'd like to further explore exactly Locke is. His character may need to be addressed the most before the end of this season. They need to bridge the gap between paraplegic phone sex guy and ultimate survivor guy with seemingly mystical powers.

The only thing that I think really needs to be dealt with is Claire's baby - she needs to have it and we need to know if she's ok, baby is ok, etc. I assume they'll layer another mystery there, but I don't want season 2 to be pregnant Claire or a Claire is in labor cliffhanger.

Also - how do you all think they'll handle time? The first season will take place over 40 days, so do you think season 2 will pick up on day 41? or will it be one year later? (like they do with 24) or much later?

Just my opinion, but I'll use Spoiler text.

I'll bet the birth ends up being a cliff hanger. I'm hoping they are able to avoid a situation like either Claire lives or the baby lives, but I doubt it. I'm hearing rumors all "14" won't be in season 2, so unfortunately, I'm guessing my sweet heart doesn't make it through labor. Besides, she's so big looking, I think she's carrying a 55 gallon trash can instead of a baby.


Birth looks like it's a lot of fun. :P

Have faith!

This isn't a big mystery and I will keep watching even if they don't do this..but I would still like a 'redshirt' island episode. I'm really curious about those people.

I know that the writers "know" exactly where this whole thing is going so it just better not end up being one person's dream or all of them dreaming and having the same dream or whatever else type of theory you have about dreaming cuz then i'd just be plained ticked off that i wasted so much of my time every week! lol. So plz JJ, don't make it end in a dream... you guys should be more clever than that ;) other than that, i don't care what they reveal this season... you guys mention lots of the big ones like the rock etc. I figure those play into the WHOLE story so they wont' give it up season one.... just my opinion.

1. I don't necessarily have to see the monster yet, but as previously stated, I need some evidence of what kind of creature it is. And, if it's so big, why is it never seen (except by Locke?)?

2. Who knocked out Sayid?

3. Definitely some details on who Kate killed.

I love the mystery of this show, but there's too many "crumbs" at this point, and I really need a few definitive answers. Too many questions is overwhelming.

I want to know what's up with Locke - not his legs or anything, but I want him to do something that shows for SURE his motives, and if he is evil or good or what. Like I want him to see a ship and not say anything, or something like that.

Mostly I want to know what's in the hatch.

I would like to leave some mysteries to be explained later, or never explained until the end, but I think they have to give us at least one big answer before the end of the season and I want to know what that hatch is and where it leads.

1.* I don't necessarily have to see the monster yet, but as previously stated, I need some evidence of what kind of creature it is.* And, if it's so big, why is it never seen (except by Locke?)?



I think it was Fury, in the VIP section, that said that they have seen it, but the camera hasn't....but then again no one saw what locke did....so I dont know

The only thing that I want before the end of this season is for the survivors to pull together and actually organize. This silly not knowing who everyone else is needs to end. (Or maybe I'm too outgoing to be on the island, but I would be making sure that I knew everyone's name after the first week.)

for the survivors to pull together and actually organize. This silly not knowing who everyone else is needs to end.

Hurley was off to a great start with his idea of making a names/place of origin list, but it drove me nuts at the time that he didn't ask more questions. There was a lot of valuable survival information that might have been learned, like what people's professions were (anyone else a doctor or paramedic? Engineer? SOMETHING useful?) or also what skills people had (hobbies like fishing or botany or sailing or astronomy). There are a lot of things people do that you could find a use for out there. Instead, Hurley settled for just barely enough to do a eulogy which could include more than "Here lies ______. He was an organ donor and wore corrective lenses."

I would love answers on a lot of things. But what do I NEED? Nothing. I'll watch next year anyway. What will guarantee me watching?

Finding other survivors - one of whom is Rose's husband
Seeing a glimpse of "the others"
Finding out about Locke's condition
Finding out who knocked out Sayid.
Finding out why they want Claire/baby?

Oh. And I want Jin to find out that Sun speaks English.

Hurley was off to a great start with his idea of making a names/place of origin list, but it drove me nuts at the time that he didn't ask more questions.* There was a lot of valuable survival information that might have been learned, like what people's professions were (anyone else a doctor or paramedic?* Engineer?* SOMETHING useful?) or also what skills people had (hobbies like fishing or botany or sailing or astronomy).* There are a lot of things people do that you could find a use for out there.* Instead, Hurley settled for just barely enough to do a eulogy which could include more than "Here lies ______.* He was an organ donor and wore corrective lenses."


Just about jobs...this wouldn't necessarily do much good....boone was a lifeguard, and we all know how well that helped, and also I don't think Locke's box complany experience helped him too much in knowing what he does. In fact, if everyone knew Locke's former profession, he would lose a lot of respect with teh survivors...some things are best kept quiet.

The only thing that I want before the end of this season is for the survivors to pull together and actually organize. This silly not knowing who everyone else is needs to end. (Or maybe I'm too outgoing to be on the island, but I would be making sure that I knew everyone's name after the first week.)

I'm with you, White Sapphire. You'd think they would have made more of an effort once they realized they weren't going to be rescued in a day or two. I loved it when in Raised by Another, Hurley mistakes Ethan for Lance, and Hurley says something about you'd think they'd know everyone's names by now. Ethan deadpans "you'd think." I loved it!

What secrets would I want revealed? Hmm...

1. The Black Rock, definitely would like to see the Others and that place.

2. The sickness Danielle said about her crew members getting.

3. The Hatch? What's going on with that, but from what I've read we'll be getting to that soon.

And I can't think of any more right now. :)

I know we won't get all the answers at the end of this season, nor should we. I do think we'll see more about the hatch, especially in Locke's next episode. In fact, I bet we see what's in it, then.

I'm also curious about why Ethan wanted Claire and/or her baby. And hope to find out about it by season's end.

I'd like to learn more about the black rock, but don't know that we will this season.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that we do learn more about the monster this season.

I know we won't get all the answers at the end of this season, nor should we. I do think we'll see more about the hatch, especially in Locke's next episode. In fact, I bet we see what's in it, then.

I'm also curious about why Ethan wanted Claire and/or her baby. And hope to find out about it by season's end.

I'd like to learn more about the black rock, but don't know that we will this season.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that we do learn more about the monster this season.


More than that, you want your mail back from Terry and Jorge before the end of the season! ;D

So true! They are supposed to be on the way!