POINT : I think the creators of LOST have just begun to hint at the much larger time arc (or arcs) of the entire story. The second flashforward, kicking off the S4 premier TBOTE, obviously occurs earlier in time than the flashforward that closed S3. I am betting we will be seeing flashforwards that occur even later in time than that, and some that occur earlier in time, gradually working their way back to the point where the O6 actually leave the island, at around the same point in the series when the island timeline - post crash, 2004 - gets the point where the O6 originally leave. Then the show can move to when the O6 do return, what happened to those who didn't leave, and some kind of final resolution.

QUESTION: With all this going on, with the arrival of new characters like the Freighties and Mr. Abbadon and probably others, does anyone think TPTB will ever really resolve the nearly uncountable hanging questions they've left so far? You know, 'what exactly is the smoke monster?', 'why do people see ghosts?', 'what really was the mangetic anomaly, why was it important, what did the numbers really mean?', 'who the heck is Jacob?', and so on. If they don't answer these - and all the many more too numerous to list - I am going to be serious disappointed and p.o.'ed. What do poeple think?

They have 47 episodes to do this, and while it may seem like alot, its seems like the rescuers/getting back to the island will be the final story arc. So while it might seem like alot, this is really the last section of the story, so they will have plenty of time and opportunities to answer all these questions along the way. Once they get around to doing it, it wont take long for some of the biggest questions we have to be answered.

Not only does it seem like Jack and co. will find a way back eventually, but they can tell the stories of those left on the island as well. Not to mention that Locke now has an in with Jacob and extra tall Walt, whoever or whatever he might be. Lots of avenues to reveal secrets. Even the new characters, their flashbacks could have vital information.

The one thing the FFs have done is proven that the entire show (island time and FBs) have really been taking place in the past. I'm not sure of the ramifications of this but I would sure like to see a Locke FF.

Ive always suspected that the reason Locke knows so much about the island's properties is because he's been there before. Countless times over the span of the first 3 seasons he always says things like "this isn't what is supposed to happen" or "your not supposed to do this". It all started for me way back in season 1 when Jack was following what he thought was his dead father through the jungle and fell over the ledge of a cliff. Hanging on by a twig and who shows up to save him out of the clear blue? Locke. Then Locke says... "i knew I'd find you here". But they had only been on the island a few days at that point. They had not even found a water supply yet but Locke knew exactly where to find Jack dangling off a cliff at just the right moment. Spooky.

I called the second Flash Forward a : "Flash-back Forward".

Because it was still "forward" into the future but "back" a little bit before the first one.

Wow...thiis is going to be a confusing Season!

I think the flash forwards are great, the flashbacks were getting a bit stale.

BillToons -- This is an excellent theory. It ties into the time loop ideas floating around, and would explain why Locke handed Jack an unloaded gun - he knew Jack was going to pull the trigger. But, it Locke had been through this before, why does he not know more about Jacob? Maybe Locke goes through the loop with only partail knowledge, which may come to him in dreams, or something. Either way, I have long been among those who think Locke is and will be an important, core aspect to the whole story.

I called the second Flash Forward a : "Flash-back Forward".

Because it was still "forward" into the future but "back" a little bit before the first one.



My head hurts!!! I understand what you mean though, makes sense.
100%
I think the flash forwards are great, the flashbacks were getting a bit stale.

I don't think they were that bad, but I think it was becoming harder and harder to come up with really good storylines for the flashbacks. I still enjoy them though.