Glee - "Hell-O"

I have a deep, deep love for everything "Glee".

Stupid statement, I know - who doesn't? But it's important to address this because....ugh, I really didn't like this week's new episode. I feel like I'm the only person who felt that way, second only to Jace over at Televisionary.

I won't go into a full-on rant, but I will bring up one MAJOR issue. Or at least it's major to me.

Lea Michele - babe, can we have a heart-to-heart? I love you. I do. I fell in love with you when you first sang "On My Own", in a way more beautiful than the original soundtrack version ever did. You kick ass. But darling - stop closing your eyes during songs!

"Hello" with Jonathan Groff? Beautiful. I could listen to that song all day, cause let's face it, you and Groff make sweetsweet music together. But lord girl, I can't enjoy watching that song because I started counting how many times you squinted your eyes shut as part of your "emoting". Girl. This isn't "America's Next Top Model" - your eyes don't have to express everything. Not to mention, they ain't expressing much of anything but pain when you keep them shut all the damn time. You've got a voice that most of us former choir girls would kill for. Use THAT to emote. Not your damn squinting.

I counted how many times you did it in "Hello". Do you really want to know how many times? Ok, first off - you are only singing for about 100 seconds in that song. AND YOU SQUEEZED YOUR EYES SHUT TEN DAMN TIMES. THAT'S ONCE EVERY TEN SECONDS!

Girl. Please. I love you. You have such chemistry when you are with the Groff. Especially when you look at him. So stop ruining the damn moment by scrunching up your pretty little face!

Hugs and kisses, love. Keep singing pretty, please.

I Pity The Fool

I hate April Fools with a fiery passion, but it's become much more enjoyable in recent years, thanks to the lengths websites will go to hoax their audience. Here are some of the better, TV related gags I've seen today, and I'll update if I find any more:

ABC has decided not only to revive some classics ("The shows you've grown up with have grown up too!"), but also updated their current line-up of hit television shows. I can't be the only one who really wishes this T.G.I.F. line-up actually existed...

CBS/TV by the Numbers has decided to skip May upfronts this year, choosing instead to release their 2010 Fall line-up early! I'm looking forward to "How I Met Your Five Mothers and Fathers" (but I am not ok with the elimination of "The Big Bang Theory"!).
Also, Moonves DOES make some good points:
“Since I know what works, and can get people to watch effectively the same show by doing as little as changing the zip code, I’d be an idiot to take a chance on yet another Alex O’Loughlin vehicle...Just like Henry Ford would sell you any color Model T as long as it was black, you can watch any show you want on CBS, as long as it’s a near copy of another CBS show."

It appears that NBC has opted out of April Fools Day, but that's ok - their questionable choices over the past year proves they celebrate it every day but today.

Noteworthy News

Instead of spamming my poor friends who follow me on Twitter for my personal life, rather than my tv obsession, I'll try to keep some of that information aside and post it here instead.

- It's a sad day for television writers, entertainment writers, television bloggers, and audiences alike. David Mills, the writer/producer behind many loved shows such as "NYPD Blue", "E.R.", and the upcoming HBO series "Treme" passed away from a brain aneurysm last night. An inspiration to any with interest in television, he and "Treme" co-creator David Simon have done what many of us wish we could for a living - write about television, then write for television, and leave behind a wonderful legacy. Even if you aren't familiar with his work, please visit What's Alan Watching? to read Alan Sepinwall's rememberance of his friend.

- Though not television related, it's still worth noting, especially because of the impact this film had on students and teachers alike. Jamie Escalante, the teacher who became the inspiration for the film Stand and Deliver, also passed away yesterday.

- If you haven't done so already, please make sure to visit Watch With Kristin's Save One Show campaign. The on-the-bubble show that receives the most support from fans will get an extra push from E! to try to keep the show from a premature cancellation. Get out and vote, and don't forget that you can also campaign for your favorite show on Twitter (just reply to @kristinalert and add the hashtag #SOS). If you feel some conflict over what to choose, consider visiting the TV Addict for some helpful advice regarding the choices (although feel free to disregard his suggestion to ignore "Better Off Ted" - I refuse to let that show die!).
UPDATE: Watch With Kristin has posted an update to the campaign, revealing the Top 5 shows thus far - thankfully both "Chuck"and "Better Off Ted" have a position there. As a personal plea, please vote for both of them.


- Can anyone explain why there is a dog featured on the cover of Rolling Stone along with the cast of "Glee"? Seriously. Is it a future plot spoiler?!

- Speaking of "Glee", if you live near one of these awesome cities, consider checking out the early screening of "Hello", the first new episode of the hit series (premieres April 13th). All the money from the screenings are being donated the Grammy Foundation's Grammy In The Schools. See "Glee" early and support a good cause. Win win win.

The Evolution of a TV Slut

I have a bad habit.

I have many shows that I want to watch. I get half-way through them before I get distracted by another show. And then I get distracted by another show. And another. Which explains how I've gone through like 15 series since the beginning of summer.

I graduated this past May, and made a list of television shows I wanted to watch over the "summer" (summer being a loose term - since I wasn't going back to classes in the fall, I had no real time constraints). It was mainly to serve as a way to deal with my sudden aloneness and free time.

Let's see - from what I can remember, the original list included: Chuck, LOST, Grey's Anatomy, Pushing Daisies, Firefly, and I think one other.

I went with Chuck first, because I needed some humor in my life. As I finished Chuck, I was introduced to Better Off Ted. It was in the middle of its first season, so I didn't have much to catch up on. 6 episodes maybe? Quick and easy - I knocked them out in an afternoon.

Then I moved on to Saved By The Bell. Odd choice, for sure. But I had just signed on to Netflix, and this was around the time of Zack Morris' guest appearance on Jimmy Fallon. I took a brief break from SbtB to finish Season 1 of Eureka with my best friend (at the time) and to get them hooked on Chuck. He left me with Season 1 of Bones and Season 2 of Eureka to finish before he left for grad school at the end of summer.

As I finished Saved by the Bell, I came across What I Like About You. A cute show starring Amanda Bynes, who is the leading lady in many of my favorite movies. Sorry - it's impossible to hate her. She has a unique style of comedy that I find endearing. I'd watched a fair amount of What I Like About You while I was still in college (how I miss afternoons off from classes, when I'd park myself on the couch and watch ABCFamily for hours), and had the first season on DVD, but I never had a steady viewing of it. Now it was running every day on The N (shut up, I know I'm a giant kid), and I had a DVR in my new apartment. Score. Weekend marathons only served to help my endeavor.

So now we've reached July? and I still haven't hardly made a dent in my original list. I did sneak in a few episodes of Firefly during a slow work day. But then I got sucked into Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place. Look, it's not that great of a show, ok? But it has Ryan Reynolds and Nathan Fillion in it. HELLO. That alone will keep me watching all four seasons...and it's funny. Ok. Get season one downloaded, and later seasons three and four, and wait over six months before I can get ahold of season two.

I make a brief return to Grey's Anatomy (a show I had dropped after the horrific third season), but gave that back up almost immediately. Somehow then I got into Psych. I make it through most of the first season, and fall in love. But yet again, before I can continue any further, I get distracted again - I think that was during October, which is honestly a blur of emotions and drama.

Of course, by this point, fall TV is in full swing. So I have plenty of television to watch and rewatch now - The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Greek, Gossip Girl, Glee, Modern Family, Cougar Town, The Middle, and for awhile, Community and The Office. I gave both of those up around November, for reasons of laziness and exhaustion.

Then the later return of Scrubs and Better Off Ted also throw me away from my original television goals. In December I finally get around to those Season One Bones DVDs, thanks to bestfriend/boyfriend's obsession with it. Bones and I bond over Christmas, and make brief reunions whenever Boyfriend visits.

Then in late January, I immerse myself in the project that started this blog - LOST. I take a detour back to Community during a weekend of boredom, and then after viewing the baby episode of The Office, I dive back into that, starting at the beginning and getting fully caught up.

In the last few weeks, I put my computer into overdrive, downloading shows to prevent headaches from rewatching the same crap over and over. Finally I get the second season of Two Guys and a Girl, and get caught up in What I Like About You (again - I know). That entertains me quite well till iTunes enters the picture, offering up the first two seasons of Daria (if you don't know what that is, you're too young to be here) for a reasonable price, followed by the first season of 10 Things I Hate About You for free (I will not say no to free television - it's how I got hooked on Greek and How I Met Your Mother). And that's where we are today.

So to sum up, here's my status on TV shows:
Chuck - finished
LOST - stuck somewhere in Season 3, with plans to return soon
Grey's Anatomy - forget it; I don't care enough
Pushing Daisies - ..hunh?
Firefly - only three episodes done
Better Off Ted - finished
Eureka - stuck on Season 2
Saved By the Bell - finished
What I Like About You - finished; currently rewatching
Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza Place - stuck in the middle of Season 2; currently watching
Psych - stuck on Season 2
Bones - stuck on Season 3; still need to finish 2 episodes from Season 1 and 5 episodes from Season 2
How I Met Your Mother, The Big Bang Theory, Greek, Gossip Girl, Chuck, Scrubs, Better Off Ted, Glee, Modern Family, The Middle, Cougar Town, The Office, Community - all caught up on, save for a few recent episodes of The Middle
Daria - in the middle of Season 2; currently watching
10 Things I Hate About You - finished

Told you it's a bad habit (and remember - this is just from the last 10 months. Imagine what all I went through during college!! Trust me - it includes most of the shows that are currently on, and then some).
Is it any wonder that 1) it took me months to start LOST, and 2) that I'm STILL on a break from it?
I think I should probably get back to the those that are stuck in the middle of season....

Scrubs - "My Driving Issues"

It's probably pointless to write about this show. As much as I really don't want to admit it, this is likely the second to last episode we're ever going to see.

I know people have been relatively divided over this season. Yes, it's not the same show we know and loved over the past 8 years (well, if you've been watching since the beginning). After I watched the first episode of the season, I felt...disappointed. But then I watched it again. And again.

It was hilarious. The second episode was even better. With each episode, they found their stride. The show really hit a high point once J.D. was out of the picture. Sure, Lucy can be quite annoying (but the running joke of her obsession with horses constantly kills). Sometimes Cole is too much of an idiot to bare. But overall the show is one of the highlights in my week.

I love the dynamic between Drew and Denise. You don't often see relationships like theirs - one that is so twisted that it works. And I mean that in a positive way. They are like the younger version of Cox and Jordan. It's twisted, it's illogical, but it works! And they are happy! It shows that not every relationship is based in flowers and mushy affection. Sometimes it's just mutual respect and the ability to understand one another and make the person laugh. In my mind, it's how all relationships should be portrayed. Then maybe we wouldn't have all these kids growing up with the idealistic fantasies (spurned on by years of Disney movies) of what love and a relationship is. *gets off preaching stool*

There's not too much that can be said about Cox and Turk that hasn't been explored in the past 8 seasons. They've grown up. I've loved seeing their interactions without being weighed down by JD (seriously, he was the major misstep in this season - he went back to being whiny and demanding and it dragged the season down). They serve as good mentors to the students.

Why am I writing all this about a show that will likely not be on after next week? Because. It's a good show. Unfortunately it's never gotten the audience it deserves, thanks to the missteps of NBC and ABC. I feel like the shows deserves at least a few more episodes, if not a full season, to give full resolution and understanding to these med students. I know next week's episode isn't a finale (series or season). It's just another day in these character's lives. Maybe that allows us to imagine what will go forward, but I'd rather know than speculate.

I've really missed my Tuesday night comedies (don't even get me started on the travesty of potentially losing "Better Off Ted"), so this episode back was a welcome relief. I got more of what I love about this season - seemingly heartless interactions between Drew and Denise, Cole and Lucy and their silliness, and Cox and Kelso relationship. I love the dynamic shift between these two - from enemies to understanding one another to full-blown friendship. It pained me to see Kelso dread getting older as much as it did him. I'm one of those people who hate when the weaknesses come through when you try so hard to keep them hidden. Kelso is a proud man, and to admit that his age was beginning to play a factor in his life was sad.

I know that wasn't much to say about the episode when I waxed on about the season, but really, doesn't that say it all? This was a solid episode in a season that I've really enjoyed while so many have harshed on it (or ignored it all together). Next week is the finale, and then most likely we will be waiting till May to find out its fate. This isn't like last year, when the series could have ended and everyone would have been fine with it. There are still stories to tell, and I'll be one of those people who keeps holding out hope for this show to pull out another miraculous recovery (ha, I made a medical funny!).

Taking a LOST break

I swear the project isn't dead (despite the fact that it's been about a month since I've watched any episodes).

Promise!!

I've just...been distracted! I spent a week visiting New York and DC, where my television options were reduced to "Friends" and "Bones". I'm not complaining, fyi.

Since returning from my trip, I've been trying to "figure out my life" and "plan for the future", and other such annoying cliches as such. I've also been caught up with the resurgence of "How I Met Your Mother" (this week's episode was one of my favorites in the series), the short return of "Scrubs", and all my other favorites.

But!!! The project is not forgotten! I'm still hoping to be caught up before this legendary final season is finished. I want to be able to watch the finale with everyone else and know exactly what is going on. I'm halfway through the series - just need to get it done.

In the mean time, I'm going to try to be good and get back into television blogging again. It's a habit I've started and stopped way too many times, and I really need to maintain it (for my sanity - seriously). So hopefully soon I'll start getting some entries in for other shows.

Much love peep(s).

Reaction Time: "A Tale of Two Cities"

Whoa. That's a damn good way to open a new season.

Jack, Kate, and Sawyer are stuck on the other end of the island with the Others, who apparently have quite an advanced civilization set-up. Not to mention, they've taken over the DHARMA station Hydra, which seems to be an animal focus study facility.

"Henry Gale" = Ben. Quite prominent, I'd say. And we have the introduction of Juliet, who plays a large role in the series..I mean, I know nothing about her.

We didn't even see the other survivors. It wasn't really necessary.

Reaction Time: "Live Together, Die Alone (Part Two)"

"Is it because you need to look down the barrel of a gun, and find out what you really believe, John?"

Yes, Desmond. That's exactly what needs to happen. He needs to know that everything he's believed in for so long isn't wrong.

The map of the island, complete with the other DHARMA stations as seen by Locke in "Lockdown", was a creation of Inman during his tenure inside the Pearl Station. Also, according to Inman, the purpose of pushing the button is to diffuse the electromagnetic energy before it builds up too much. We see that the communication system discovered by Locke and Eko in the Pearl Station in "?" leads to...nowhere. Another social experiment?

"I think I crashed your plane."

It's not enough proof for Locke at this point. He's been battling the demons of his beliefs for too long - he needs to know. Not even knowing that he saved Desmond's life the night he pounded on the hatch after Boone was injured in "Deus Ex Machina" is enough.

"I was wrong."

Enter fail-safe.

And begin Season 3.

Reaction Time: "Live Together, Die Alone (Part One)"

THANK GOD this isn't three hours again. Wait, it isn't, right?!

"Live together, die alone." It was noteworthy in Season 1, and it's still noteworthy now. It is the division between the rest of the survivors and Michael. Turning everyone in in return for his son. Grr. The group has seen through Michael's plan, and know they've been set up.

Hey Desmond. You've been MIA for like...the entire season. Nice of you to return with your own flashback episode. AND, with a boat! Alright, I'll forgive you.

LIBBY! I love you - I hate your flashback hair.

Desmond was in prison - did we find out why? We find out the true story of how he wound up on the island, which was in pursuit of getting the woman he loves out of the clutches of his father. And somehow he wound up here, on the island, where he was rescued by Inman. Inman blackmailed Sayid, AND is a DHARMA Initiative employee? This may be one of the more confusing connections we've seen thus far - especially because he was actually ON the island.

The power struggle continues: I said before that Locke and Eko finding the Pearl Station was going to have some deep ramifications on Locke's belief system. Despite Eko's attempts to tell him that they are serving a purpose, John needs to know. He's not willing to just instill faith in this operation any longer when everything is telling him he's wrong. The only way he'll know is if they don't push the buttons.

But this is a two part finale - there's a lot left to find out.

Reaction Time: "Three Minutes"

I am SO close to finishing this season. Thankfully. Finally.

We flash back to when Michael first reaches Walt through the computer in Swan, in "The 23rd Psalm", and then attacks Locke and locks him and Jack up in the closet in "The Hunting Party". We know what Michael's actions were for, where he's been, what he's been going through. Michael is more than willing to ruin the lives of the survivors to get Walt.
Again, we are left to wonder how the Others determine who is good and who isn't, and what their method is for determining that.

That's it. Let me go finish the finale now.

Reaction Time: "?"

Michael you rat bastard. You fucking shit. UGH. What the hell is going on there?!?

What's the deal with Claire's psychic being a fraud??

Ok, sorry, detracting from the important stuff. Another hatch has been found - Pearl Station. So that's now 4 we know of (where does the communication system in Pearl lead to?) . Jack has been (seemingly) been proven correct in assuming that Swan was a social experiment. Like I said before, people do not take well to being shown that their beliefs are wrong.

What confuses me is that Eko's brother Yemi says that Locke has lost his way, and needs to be lead back on the right path. In my mind, Locke has always held tight to his beliefs, and finding the Pearl Station would be a detraction from that. So does that mean Jack is right?

Or is that Eko, in reaffirming his belief in pushing the button, is trying to persuade Locke to continue to believe? Maybe he has been wavering because of what Henry Gale has said and done. There's too many ways to interpret it.

Hurley saying goodbye to Libby was totally heartbreaking. :(

Reaction Time: "Two for the Road"

I was dreading this episode, so much. After the sucker-punch of murdering Shannon (YES WRITERS I'M STILL PISSED), I wasn't ready for another death. Not even for Ana Lucia (and my dislike of Michelle Rodriguez), and especially not for Libby.

I never knew what the deal was with Libby. I heard her name mentioned during Comic Con and such, but never much info was revealed about her, which is I guess is the intrigue. And yeah, I'm intrigued too. I don't feel like her role is monumentally important, in the same way Charlie, Hurley, or any of the other survivors are. But she also wasn't Scott/Steve, a background character that we only see in glimpses. If that were the case, we wouldn't have seen any backstory - not even through Hurley in "Dave". That insight was important, but not dramatic. So what was the point? Her story is not done, but I don't think it has the mystery that some fans assume is does.

So Ana Lucia and Christian Shephard. Now we know why Christian came to Australia...or at least it seems we do. He was running away from Jack, but also he's looking for his...daughter? Does Jack know about this? And why Sarah? Some creepy obsession with his son's wife? Ewww.

Apparently dates are a death curse on this show. Bye Shannon, bye Libby, bye Ana Lucia (nice job bedding Sawyer, by the way - props). Although, seriously, I would have thought that the king of con-artists would see a trap a mile away.

What is the deal with the Others about people being good and bad?? How do they differentiate, how do they decide? What is their methods? Ugh, so frustrating.

AND WHOA WHAT THE CRAP MICHAEL?! He better be dead because I am pissed.

Reaction Time: "S.O.S."

The healing powers of electromagnetic energy...
A fixation on, well, "fixing" people from Bernard (and also from Jack, as criticized by Sarah in "The Hunting Party")...
And the return of Michael, sans Walt and looking more than a little worse for wear.

Jack inviting Kate wasn't a method of strategic planning - he just wanted her away from Sawyer. It's like kids on a playground.

Rose knows Locke's secret. She understands his connection to the island, more than anyone else does. Whether or not she views this crash as an act of fate is another story, but she understands his feelings and doesn't try to dissuade him in his beliefs. She reaffirms them, as he does for.

Reflecting Before Season 6 Begins

Today is February 2nd, 2010. Supposedly something big is happening tonight??

Right. Season 6 of LOST premieres tonight. If my entries are any indication...I haven't finished the series yet. I'm not heartbroken - I had accepted this fact over the weekend, during my 5 hour Season 1 finale. But considering I've made it through 43 episodes, more than a 1/3 of the way through the series, I'd say I've done quite well. And just because Season 6 premieres tonight doesn't mean I'm planning on slowing down. I want to be caught up as soon as possible. Progress will likely slow down over the week, since I have to work (to pay my rent) and have to make a trip back home over the weekend.

When I first started writing this, I hadn't decided yet if I wanted to watch tonight. I have a fairly good knowledge of what's occurring...but not what it should be. But after rationalizing all day, it was obvious. I'm watching. I've gone into the series knowing several of the twists and turns. This is NEW. I don't want to find out what happens from another recap. I want to see it myself, and build off of that. Confusing for sure, but I wanted to finish this project so I could enjoy this last season along with everyone else. Dammit, I will.

Reaction Time: "Dave"

Yikes. In regards to revealing character backstories, this one was a pretty big deal. I know I've complained about some of them, because I feel they don't add to the island mystery, but this one actually felt important.

I assumed Hurley wound up in the institution for his paranoia for winning the Lottery...but I guess that, timewise, that would make absolutely no sense. Hurley got the numbers from Leonard while in the asylum, which is HOW he won the Lottery. Duh. But feeling guilt for believing he killed two people...damn. It would explain his massive paranoia states, like we saw in "Everybody Hates Hugo". And whoa, Libby was creepy at the end.

"Henry" continues to push the buttons of the survivors, drawing on the lead argument between the leaders - what is the purpose of the Hatch? Social experiment or actual purpose? "Henry" claims that he never inputted the code, never pushed the button - but Locke has no way of knowing if he's telling the truth or not. "Henry" has put doubt into Locke's mind, something that will surely send him into a tailspin. No one likes to be told their beliefs are wrong, and it can have huge effects on someone.

Reaction Time: "Lockdown"

"So, what's done is done." "That's right."

FATE VERSUS SCIENCE. Gah. I GET IT.

I'm not actually angry about it. It's the headache talking. It's more that I want PROGRESS from the story. I know this is set-up for Jack and Locke's split, for some dramatic episode (ie the finale), and that the build-up has to be gradual. I know that, and I want that. But I want it NOW. I want resolution so they will stop bickering.

So based on that map, there has to be what, 7 or 8 other DHARMA hatches on the island?? We have Swan, the one where the Tailies were, and the medical facility from "Maternity Leave".

And dear Henry Gale is full of shit. Who saw that coming? Just me? Just everyone? HE'S AN OTHER DUMBASSES (I'll get the medicine to stop talking soon, I swear).

Locke investigated Nadia's house. So she is alive - I thought Sayid said she was dead earlier in the series? I thought the US/Australian government people were just lying to him about her being in Los Angeles.

Reaction Time: "The Whole Truth"

Jin and Sun...gah, I love them. Despite their flaws, their past, their problems...love love love them. They have a genuine love. Their story with the pregnancy is not yet over - Sun's face shows there is more than we know to this story.

While Henry aggravates the power struggle between Jack and Locke, he takes control. They're the pawns in his game, unaware of their low-ranking positions...until it's too late. Smooth guys. Ego and power struggles are always the demise. People are inherently selfish, wrapped up in their own issues until they see the destruction around them.

(Sorry these are short analysis. I've never claimed myself a writer...but I am awake and watching, but also medicated. Stupid random stomach bug.)

Reaction Time: "Maternity Leave"

Thank you writers for addressing something that most of us had forgotten - what DID happen to Claire when she was kidnapped by the Others?!

The Others are a much more complex group than we previously had them pegged. Not just simple savages - they've got a full blown medical facility...a DHARMA Initiative facility?! Wait, whaat?!

(Oh Lord, why did they have to keep showing that stomach injection?!) Ok, so now the facility is abandoned (it hasn't been THAT long since she left), and the savageness is a disguise? Alright, now what the frak is going on??

No time to debate it, I suppose. Henry Gale is too busy stirring the pot of issues between Locke and Jack. We know what you're doing, smartass.

Reaction Time: "One of Them"

FINALLY some plot development!!!

The return of Rousseau! Henry Gale!!! Power struggle between Jack and Locke! The code wasn't inputted in time!! It's about damn time things got interesting around here!

Thank you. My entries were getting quite boring. I know we need character development and not every week has to have some big reveal, but c'mon. This is a fucked up island, and that's where all the mystery is...character development, especially when it seems like it has no relation to the over-arching plotlines is frustrating.

Alright, so the power struggle between Jack and Locke has reached a new apex - not only does it come to an actual confrontation, but to a fight between ideals. Jack refuses to let Locke punch in the numbers until he opens the vault. Jack reinforces his belief that nothing will happen if they don't punch in the numbers, while Locke runs to get them inputted. As the time runs out, the numbers start to flip over to red images - looking similar to hieroglyphics. Before all the numbers can change, Locke inputs the code and the engines die down. So that's our first hint that maybe this isn't completely a social experiment. Something WILL happen...but what? Dammit, writers, tell me!!!

Another pre-crash cross: Sayid and Kate's father.

Henry Gale...yeah, right. I know better. Unfortunately that mystery is kind of ruined for me. But I like seeing the evolution of his character(s) - how he came to be associated with our crew, and what his purpose will turn out to be (I don't understand all of that yet).

Alright, moving on now that things are interesting again!!!

Reaction Time: "The Long Con"

The only noteworthy cross here is Kate's mother is Sawyer's waitress.

And poor Sawyer, conning Cassidy. That's going to bite him in the ass.

Reaction Time: "Fire + Water"

Fire + Water = Extinguished Fire = Smoke.

Do I graduate?

Honestly, nothing to say.

Reaction Time: "The Hunting Party"

HOLY CRAP IT'S THE OTHERS.

OMFG ALEX IS ALIVE.

That's it!! :)

Reaction Time: "The 23rd Psalm"

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil; For thou art with me;

Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."

A deeply personal episode, not just for Mr. Eko. This Bible verse is the one tattooed on my back, a constant reminder of my grandmother. I loved Eko's and Charlie's reciting of the passage - it was a touching and deep moment in the show. It was a pure moment, set outside the mysteries and drama. It was a brother mourning his brother; something anyone can understand.

"The 23rd Psalm" answers the questions presented by "Deus Ex Machina". We now know where the Beechcraft came from, why it was loaded up with drugs, why it contained priests.

Eko has truly changed from the man in the flashbacks. He knows what his previous life cost him - he has truly become a religious man (as evidenced earlier by his self-imposed 40 days of silence after killing two of the Others in self-defense in "The Other 48 Days") and will not venture down the path that led him here again.

Reaction Time: "What Kate Did"

"Don't mistake coincidence for fate."

Mr. Eko, you've been watching the series along with me, haven't you? Reading my blog, are you?

Oh, Katie, Katie, Katie...Sawyer loves you. You kiss Jack. You love Sawyer. Jack loves you. Way to complicate matters. This is why I don't like you. You can't make up your mind, you can't let things be. You have to run, you have to complicate matters.

So Kate killed her step-father (who is apparently actually her birth father), and that's why her mom panicked when she came to visit her in the hospital in "Born to Run" (I didn't recognize Beth Broderick. I fail as a Sabrina the Teenage Witch fan - and this is delayed but OMFG Bernard is Principal Dewitt from Growing Pains?!). Rough story, for sure. Still doesn't excuse who she's become...(sorry writers - I'm not falling for redemption stories. You pissed me off hardcore with Shannon/Sayid).

Where did the horse come from? I know farm animals isn't completely shocking here (I remember them strangling a chicken in "The Other 48 Days"), but a horse is a pretty big thing to stay hidden. But eh, who knows.

Mr. Eko and Michael watch the DHARMA Initiative Orientation film, and Michael asks the question on my mind - the splices. They are quite noticeable - it's more than a single frame missing here and there. Why are they not to communicate with Others? Will there be ramifications for Michael's conversation with (supposedly) Walt? And is the "incident" referred to in the film THE Incident in the Season 5 finale?

"So, Rose's husband is white - didn't see that coming." THANK YOU FOR SAYING WHAT EVERYONE WAS THINKING.

Reaction Time: "Collision"

Ana Lucia - do not piss Sayid off. You may have been a cop; Sayid knows Iraqi torture methods. You just killed the woman he loves, he's allowed to be upset. He has every right to beat your scrawny ass. You get some redemption points from your backstory, but not enough.

Speaking of backstory - more family issues. Jin works for Sun's father. Jack worked under Christian. Boone for his mother. And Ana Lucia for her mother.

I love Mr. Eko. His quiet and pensive demeanor is epic.

This episode was another one that didn't continue the narrative of the island - instead it was focused on the characters. Showing who they are, how they got here, but nothing new was revealed (as far as I can tell) with regards to the main mysteries of the island. But we do have a new power struggle emerging: it's no longer just between Jack and Locke. Ana Lucia has arrived...

The show finally got me to cry. When Sayid picked up Shannon's body...when Jin, Michael, and Bernard reached the beach...bam. I shouldn't admit that. I should be trying to keep my dignity. But eh, whatevs.

Reaction Time: "The Other 48 Days"

"The children are fine - they're better off now."

So it's been 48 days. The tail enders had a much different journey that our buddies on the awesome side of the island. So these Others know what they're doing - they know how to infiltrate and attack the survivors camps without suspicion. Well, mostly. Nathan and Goodwin were creepy as freaking hell, but Goodwin offered up more insight - why is it that the Others want the children? What's with them and kids? First Claire and Aaron, and now this. Also, what was Goodwin about saying they only take "good people"?? What's the manner of differentiating and deciding?

We also know that the bunker they were camped in was another creation of the DHARMA Initiative. The hatch is Swan and studies the electromagnetism...what is this one's purpose??

Well, thanks for the back story as to how and why Ana Lucia is in charge. YOU STILL KILLED SHANNON, BITCH. Sorry, I'm going to be griping about that one for awhile. I have a strong dislike for Michelle Rodriguez, and her killing someone Sayid loved is some bullshit. I really didn't need to see that scene again. It just made my anger worse. And made me sad - I don't like seeing Sayid sad.

FYI - making homemade soup while trying to blog AND keep track of what's occurring on the show is not exactly an easy task.

Reaction Time: "Abandoned"

Oh dude, seriously, they slept together?! That sand can not be comfortable!

Ugh, this is just awkward. Look, I get it. You don't have much hope of escaping, you've pretty much established a life on the island. But in my mind, you've got more important worries. You know, like escaping. Staying alive. Helping Claire with the baby, or in the garden, or down in the Hatch. NOT GETTING BUSY ON THE BEACH.

Oh boy. So Jack was the doctor in charge of resuscitating Shannon's father in "Man of Science, Man of Faith"...he was the one who crashed into Sarah's car...yikes. Karma. Fate. How many of those words do we want to toss around?

I know I wanted Shannon dead since...the beginning, but that was sad.

And my main gripe - THEY GIVE SHANNON A HEART AND THEN THEY FREAKING KILL HER?! I'm more pissed about what its going to do to Sayid than I am about her actually dying.

I think it was a cheap shot - give a character some redemption, some redeeming qualities, AND THEN WE'LL KILL THEM.

I don't even remember what else happened...oh yeah, Ana Lucia is a crotchety bitch. Libby is pretty cool. That's about it, right?

Reaction Time: "Adrift", "Orientation", "Everybody Hates Hugo", "...And Found"

Sunday morning, and we are back (excuse me Peter for taking a break last night - yeeeesh).

So now we've gone from two basic plotlines to several...awesome. Let's make this harder to write about! Thanks writers! *wink*

Fine, let's give this another go...

ADRIFT - S2E02

Well, now we know where the "rafters" are...well, two of them. Walt is still MIA from the Others abduction, and Jin is...somewhere. Ideally, not dead.

Outside of Sawyer and Michael's boat trip of love, I didn't really see the point of this episode, especially the rehashing the events of the Hatch through Kate's point of view. She didn't exactly offer up anything new - all she did was show she's alive and knows how to crawl. Way to be helpful, woman.

I have to debate whether or not I want subtitles on for when Desmond is on the screen. Utterly adorable accent, but Lord it can get hard to decode.

ORIENTATION - S2E03

I asked before who is right - Jack or Locke? Is this all founded on fate or coincidence?

Locke is winning obviously. At least in my mind. There's too many coincidences thus far to make this all an effort of chance. Jack and Desmond's prior meeting, in which he basically convinced Jack to have faith in Sarah's recovery in "Man of Science, Man of Faith"...nope.

So how does this affect how we view the island?

KATEY SEGAL! And now I have another new favorite guest star. Leap of faith, yeah, I get it.

Again we are divided between our two leaders. The science says this computer is just a social experiment. Nothing will happen if you don't input the code. The faith says you have to do it - you can't take the chance. As such, we are formally introduced to the DHARMA initiative. That orientation video doesn't give much explanation as to what is the purpose behind the initiative, other than its goal for scientific research. I get that they are there for it's magnetic attraction, but there has to be more to it. It's not enough of an explanation yet - not for such a seemingly large operation.

EVERYBODY HATES HUGO - S2E04

BERNARD!!! That's why we bring back Rose in this episode after a long absence. Faith people - faith.

So what's the deal with this new group of tail survivors? You'd think they'd be living much like our ragtag group, but clearly they're in, like, a hostage situation under Ana Lucia. Crazy bitch. I want to know what the situation is there - what happened to the other survivors? Why are they living in a metal box? Why are they so hesitant to trust the fuselage survivors? What the frak is going on?!

Gah, it's so nice to hear Jin speak English!! His personality, especially in the flashbacks, is so utterly charming that it was refreshing to see it put to good use in English.

I'm glad Rose was there to be the one to talk Hurley out of his actions. His rationale was logical, given his past experiences and mob mentality, but absolutely insane in terms of the residual effects it would have had. He got some closure from his past - not quite yet from the numbers, but it's progress.

(Side note: Shannon still has a heart! And cares for the dog!)

...AND FOUND - S2E05

Ha! Jin is a smartass!! Thank you Jin - figures the guy who can't speak English would be the one to finally show up Ana Lucia. Much appreciation, friend. And nice punch to Mr. Eko. Impressive. You got your ass kicked by him, but still, props.

Why the fuck is Ana Lucia in charge? Biggest bitch contest becomes the leader? That must be it.

We have now seen the mysterious Others - or at least their dirty legs and feet. The teddy bear - I can't see that belonging to Walt. Who the fuck are these people?!

Reaction Time: "Man of Science, Man of Faith"

I'm sorry, my brain is still fucked from the never-ending finale (and my stomach is bitching at me too).

It took all of two minutes for the ideals of John and Jack to diverge. Our two leaders are emerging and opposing one another - so who's right?

Where are the "rafters"?

(Side note: what is with Jack's old hair?! It's like he's trying to be an extra on ER when it first started. TER-RIB-LE.)

AND WTF THE HATCH THAT WAS SCARY AS BALLS.

This is why I'm not allowed to write/talk after 7pm. You get garbage like that. May hold off on any more reactions till tomorrow - you know, when maybe I'm coherent again.

Reaction Time: "Exodus (Part Three)"

I'm thinking my XBOX is starting to get mad at me. It's taken much longer to load the episodes than before. Which means I get more and more irritated. *grumble* Not to mention, the fact that I had two people call, each with an hour long conversation, meant I got heavily delayed in watching this episode. The three hour finale that stretch into like 5...kill me now.

Fine, Peter, you win. This finale? Whoa.

The hatch is opened. Walt is taken. The raft is destroyed. Charlie has heroin in his possession again. The rest of the survivors are hiding from the Others.

We've reached the pinnacle argument: the man of science versus the man of faith. Is this crash the result of fate or coincidence? Up till now, it's been a fairly linear storyline. Now that Jack knows the difference of beliefs between him and Locke, the story will diverge. Two viewpoints, two leaders.

Too many questions. I know I said I'd save everything for there, but I can't. There's too freaking much.

My random questions/musings from the episode that aren't terribly important:

Why Aaron? There's got to be some biblical or mythological connection there.

How did Hurley wind up in Australia to begin with? His entire struggle to get through the airport was awesome and a much-needed bit of entertainment.

Whoa, Smokey is kind of a bitch. And made of smoke. What the fuck thing made of smoke can attack people? Oh you freaking island.

My thoughts are so disjointed because of the breaks I had to take. Plus this was kind of a mind-numbing, brain-screwing up finale.

It did it's job.

Reaction Time: "Exodus (Part Two)"

We still aren't done. I reserve my comments till the second half of this second half of this ridiculously long finale.

Reaction Time: "Exodus (Part One)"

A three hour finale?! Oh you bitches are trying to kill me.

Backstories are being made complete. We know how the chain of events in Kate's various flashback episodes are connected together (thanks for the explanation there, Marshall!). Jack knows that his father wasn't mad at him when he died (thanks Sawyer!). We know the Black Rock is a ship - it might have always been a ship, and I missed that detail during "Solitary".

Smokey (I still think it's Godzilla) is a security system? That would explain it's anger. So what is it protecting? Don't say the island - that's not a good enough answer. Because that's implying that there's something of value and importance within the island, and we don't know what that is yet.

Shannon has a heart?! Well, I mean, the flashback shows she really doesn't, but it's a dog. Dogs are the key to my heart.

Jin and Sun reconcile. Thank you, thank you. I absolutely adore them and needed that happy ending.

Michelle Rodriguez mades her grand appearance - I wasn't expecting her till next season.

I want to know what Hurley wrote for his message in the bottle.

Vincent made me cryyyyy (not actually, but I could've if I hadn't been typing at the same time.)

I'm with Locke on the suspicions of Danielle Rousseau.

Scattered thoughts, I know. But there's still two more hours to go, and not much was revealed in this episode. We're still waiting on the fate of the hatch and the Others, as well as the success/failure of the raft. I'm not an idiot - we've got 4 more seasons to go. We're far from a happy, neatly tied ending.

Reaction Time: "Born to Run"

Now everyone on the island knows that Kate sucks!!!

For that, I consider this a successful episode. Moving on!!

Ugh, fine. I felt bad for the girl that she killed her childhood love. Beyond that, she's still annoying and selfish. Start a new life Kate, but don't do it by stealing someone else's, or by running away from yours. Just own it already.

Jack says open the hatch. Sayid says no. Locke says yes. Walt says no. I say yes, dammit.

Not much progression in this episode outside of the drama of the raft. Nothing added to the mythology or storyline - just more revealing of facts we already knew. Next episode is Part One of the finale - things will change.

Reaction Time: "The Greater Good"

Oh boy.

Locke is PISSED. The face he gave Jack after hearing that he called him a liar...yikes.

And so Sayid. He trusts John, and he will not take any more crap from him. John cost him his relationship with Shannon, not to mention the earlier transceiver. He is not allowed to keep anything a secret anymore.

Hurley busting it out with the songs was awesome.

There's really not much I have to say about the episode. Nothing new occurred - just the survivors finally getting some insight into what John Locke has been doing.

Reaction Time: "Do No Harm"

"I know you made me a promise. I'm letting you off the hook."

JULIE BOWEN! Sorry Swoosie Kurtz, I now have another favorite guest star. Way to keep it in the family, ABC.

"Do No Harm" goes where all television drama eventually goes - the contrast of life and death. Bring someone into the world, take someone out. Let it bring people together, let it tear people apart. Circle of life, yadda yadda (I can't be the only one who wants to watch The Lion King now, can I?). Introduce Claire's baby boy (omfg so adorable), take out Boone (sad face). Let it reunite Sun and Jin (albeit briefly), let it separate Locke and Jack.

Back in "Outlaws", I pointed out the differences raised by Christian between himself and Jack - Christian assumes his life is cursed as a result of fate, while Jack refuses to take things as is. As Christian points out, Jack can not let things go. "Do no harm" - the doctor's motto. In Jack's mind, amputating Boone's leg was the best thing to do, the only thing to do. But all it would do is bring more harm, more pain to Boone when all Jack needed to do was let him go.

Now we will see the repercussions. What is this going to do to Shannon (and Sayid) and Locke? This is when the dynamic of the survivors changes, and the island will be further explored as Jack and the others will undoubtedly corner Locke into finding out the truth about what he's been doing and what he's discovered.

The ending scene on the beach was beautifully shot. That's all.

Reaction Time: "Deus Ex Machina"

"Don't tell me what I can't do...The island will send us a sign. All that's happening now is our faith is being tested - our commitment. But we will open it! The island will show us how!"

The only episode I'd ever seen before beginning this project. I still remember watching it at Sandy's house with all of her sisters, as we were trying to work on homework or something. But let's get real - we weren't working on anything. Even then we couldn't say no to TV, even if it was something we didn't actively watch.

I remember the yellow Beechcraft 18 stuck in the trees. I remember it plummeting to the ground with Boone inside. I remember Locke crying and pounding on the hatch and the light coming on. And I remember being absolutely intrigued. There's not a lot of shows that you can only watch one episode of and remember almost every detail.

Miss Swoosie Kurtz...I love and adore her. She's the first guest star on this show that I actively recognize and have massive respect for. I just wish it hadn't been in this role.

Alright, a lot of revelations about John Locke. A product of the foster system. His mother has schizophrenia. His father is a douche. A massive, massive douche. The entire scene where he's dealing with the realization that his father screwed him over, to when he's back at the hatch...the show knows how to bring a reaction out of me. Locke asked for a sign, and the island gave it to him - for a price.

You'd think I'd have more to say about this episode. After all, we now have a whole series of new queries regarding the Beechcraft and the drugs, not to mention the light in the hatch. But this episode is pure set-up for what's to come...it gave us a lot to ponder, but seemingly not much in the grand scheme of what we've seen before.

Oh, wait, I also forgot - there's more survivors?! Never mind, that's kind of a big deal.

"Dude, looks like someone steamrolled Harry Potter!"

Sorry, I had to include it.

Reaction Time: "Numbers"

"You make your own luck, Mr. Reyes. Don't blame it on the damn numbers. You're looking for an excuse that doesn't exist."

Ask and ye shall receive. We finally have our Hurley flashback episode.

So, Hurley's old friend heard the numbers through a transmission that eventually became Rousseau's distress signal (and the numbers are ominously revealed to be engraved on the hatch). These numbers have affected people all over. Cool. For whatever reason, the numbers are cursed. Or maybe not cursed, but cursed when used for wealth? That's how I interpret it at least. It's all in how the numbers are used. I can't say that the question is why are they cursed, but rather, why are they important?

Again that Black Rock, which we now know has a radio tower.

Locke built Claire a cradle. Is that the same one from her nightmares in "Raised By Another"?

Not much else to say. This episode was pretty linear in its focus - the numbers.

Reaction Time: "...In Translation"

"Everyone gets a new life on this island, Shannon. Maybe it's time to start yours."

Though Sayid and Shannon (stupid freaking Shannon)'s relationship is hardly the focal point of this episode, her conversation with Locke does harken to the theme of the episode. It's about seeing how the island has changed the lives of everyone who has arrived here. Locke can walk. Walt and Michael repaired their relationship. And Sun and Jin, the epitomy of the episode, have started their relationship over - where it goes is anyone's guess.

(And REALLY Sayid?! Nadia to freaking Shannon?!)

WALT BURNED THE RAFT?! Wait, that wasn't totally surprising. But still - whoa.

Fine, back to Sun and Jin. I love their story, for all it's complications and love and details involved.

This episode provided answers to a few things from "House of the Rising Sun", including how Jin got the dog he presented to Sun as an apology for all the hours he's working. We also see how he got covered in blood - it wasn't working as an assassin as (I, at least) had previously assumed. Instead he beat the man up, to save him from being killed.

Side Note: Hurley?! Another cross between the survivors seen in the flashbacks - when Jin is delivering the message for Sun's father, we see Hurley on the television that the daughter is watching, smiling as he gets into a car. Dear Writers - when are we getting a Hurley flashback episode?? Oh, and his CD player dying was very depressing. :(

And Jin's father is alive....this show is permeated with Daddy issues. Sun was ready to leave when Jin was trying to rebuild their relationship. In his eyes, it's now too late...she ruined what he was trying to accomplish. I don't want their relationship over.

"You speak English? Didn't see that coming..." bahahahaha Hurley.

"Boat." Nice one, Jin.

Reaction Time: "Outlaws"

"It's fate - some people are just supposed to suffer. That's why the Red Sox will never win the World Series."

The plan was to sleep in, enjoy my Saturday. But sleeping in for me IS 8:30 a.m.

Once I got the dogs taken care of, I was ready to start. Stupid show has me hooked...

Thank you Sawyer for calling Kate out on her shit. I've got more respect for you than Jack at the moment. And speaking of Jack - we see a little more of his daddy and his journey to Australia. Sawyer and Christian drown their problems in a dive bar.

Seeing Sawyer kill the wrong man shows why he's so hard. It's not just from anger from what the real Sawyer did to him and his family. It's also for what it drove him to do - killing an innocent man because of it. He knows that some things can't be driven by anger - sometimes you just have to let it go. That's why he didn't shoot the boar.

We now know something that Jack doesn't - Christian isn't mad at Jack for what he did in "All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues". Rather, he's just too "weak" to admit that he's proud of Jack for doing what he never could. This is some intriguing insight - Jack is willing to do what's necessary for the good of people, to go against convention, while Christian assumed that he was meant to suffer, attributing it to fate. This dynamic between ideals will be a huge point in the series, I can tell.

Reaction Time: "Homecoming"

As I said before - YAY CLAIRE IS BACK!!!

Except...this isn't my normal, bubbly Claire. This is a scared Claire who doesn't know where she is, who anyone is...and it's only the memory of Charlie and his imaginary peanut butter from "Confidence Man" that reminds her. A-dor-able.

BTW - how did she escape? She had no memory of what happened, and is pregnant...did someone free her?

Another Charlie centric episode. I know I expressed happiness for Boone before, but my love definitely lies with Charlie.

Oh right, I was going to try to be better about focusing. Screw it, it's getting late and I'm getting tired. My focus can wander. I may have to quit after this episode...(oh crap, I haven't eaten dinner yet).

Watching Jack beat the crap out of Ethan was glorious. And I know Charlie did a bad thing by killing him, but dude - he deserved it.

I find it interesting to learn that Lindelof cites this as one of his least favorite episodes of the series. I liked how Charlie's story was used - for once it wasn't leading us to anything deeper than who he had been in the past. But maybe that's Lindelof's problem with it - there's no purpose to the episode, other than the return of Claire. Not even Ethan provides any movement in the narrative, because Charlie shoots him before we can find out anything.

Reaction Time: "Special"

"He's different...while he's out here, he should be allowed to realize his potential."

Let me first address Charlie, since the episode isn't based around him - his hesitation with reading Claire's diary was adorable (as was reading that she has feelings for him).

Also - YAY CLAIRE IS BACK!!!!!

Walt. Scares. Me. I'm expecting some "Poltergeist" shit to happen with him.

But finally we see why Walt and Michael have such a strained relationship. Walt was taken away before he could have a relationship with his son, and was only returned when he wasn't wanted. How does any parent react to that? We've seen Michael be so stressed with him in all the episodes, so to see him as a loving father when Walt was a baby was refreshing. Michael's constant anger was getting...frustrating. It was touching to finally see them relating to one another and accepting their new roles as family.

Another polar bear!?!

With Michael, we also get a reminder that, oh hey, everyone is stuck on an island God knows where. This is really the first mention we've had in awhile about actually leaving the island - everyone else seems to have accepted that they aren't leaving (myself included). I'd forgotten that there's a real world out there, and right now Michael is the only one who remembers.

Reaction Time: "Hearts and Minds"

"What we are doing here is far more important. Right now - this is our priority."

Woo! An episode focused around pretty boy Boone...and unfortunately that also means we get a healthy helping of Shannon. Dammit. The twist ending regarding their relationship? That was a good one. It did it's job to sufficiently creep me out. Now, does it serve any purpose to the show? If not, then ewww.

Also, THANKS A LOT FOR GETTING MY HOPES UP. Shannon was dead and mutilated! But ohhhh no, she's not dead. It's just a hallucination. Grrrr.

But we are back at the hatch (wait, is that the hatch? Or am I referring to the wrong thing?) that Locke and Boone discovered two episodes back. I like Locke's incorporation of Michelangelo into the mythology surrounding the show (yes, everything mentioned on this show contributes to the mythology). We are starting to see Locke separate himself away from the rest of the survivors as he delves deeper into the island - and I don't mean his trips into the jungle. He's becoming more and more part of the island in ways we don't quite understand. The other survivors see it too - Boone recognizes it, even in his drug-addled state. Charlie puts his faith with him too, above all else, because he sees the spiritual connection that Locke has going on.

And now he's trying to pass along this same connection to Boone. Boone's admittance of "relief" to seeing Shannon die was a little shocking, I must say. But I guess if he's carried his demons for awhile, it would be nice to finally be rid of them...but how is this going to affect him and his relationship with Locke (and therefore the island)?

The compass is not defective. We just don't know enough about the island yet...

"You just said something mean, didn't you?" - yeah, I love Hurley. His interactions with Jin were refreshing. I'm glad the creators are balancing these heavier storyline episodes with some light character building interactions.

This is the second (?) time we've seen characters crossing paths before the plane crash. Sun and Jin were waiting in line at the airport when Jack was arguing to get his father's coffin onto the flight ("House of the Rising Sun"), and now we see that Sawyer was at the police station in Sydney while Boone was arguing with the cops. What the heck did Sawyer do, and why was he there?? I thought he'd been in the states - when/why is he in Australia?

Reaction Time: "Whatever the Case May Be"

Thanks LOST for actually getting me to yelp outloud with those bodies at the bottom of the waterfall. Yeeeeeeesh.

I'm trying to get rid of my dumb comments regarding characters and trying to stick solely to important things, especially with regards to plot and storylines. But can I say - Shannon? Still want her dead. K?

Kate WOULD get her jollies in the middle of a bank robbery. Another character who's starting to annoy me. She's terrible at acting innocent. Actually, she's not that great at acting in general. I saw that bank twist a mile away. Again - what's the appeal boys?!

And don't think safety deposit box 815 didn't escape notice. C'mon. I'm new to this but I'm not stupid. And all that trouble for a plane figurine?!

This episode made my migraine worse. I miss Claire.

Reaction Time: "All the Best Cowboys Have Daddy Issues"

"You owe me $20,000!" "You'll get it."

This is the first episode I can watch on TV. Thank you XBOX and Netflix Streaming.

Huh, another episode focusing on Jack? Already?

I know enough about the series to know that this relationship between Jack and his father play a much larger role than these initial episodes let on. One of my questions from earlier was why did Jack have to follow his father to Australia - I'd say Jack ratting out his father and forcing him to lose his license would be a fairly good reason to run off to Australia. That doesn't quite answer my question, but it seems like a logical progression towards a complete answer.

Another point brought up in the previous episode - Rousseau mentioned that she had arrived on the island as part of a scientific expedition. I'm assuming this is a set-up for all the DHARMA stuff. As much as I've followed the recaps and such, DHARMA is the one concept that I really have no understanding of. I know they have to do with studying and researching the island, and it plays a huge role especially once time-travel enters the series, but I don't understand all the politics behind it (hence watching the show....).

More evidence of Locke's deep connection with the island...and I like that Boone brought up the reference of the red shirts in Star Trek being the ones who get killed. Foreshadowing? Yeah, I'd think so. Before watching the Season 5 finale, I'd only seen one episode of LOST before - "Deus Ex Machina". I know the role that metal hatch plays later.

Reaction Time: "Raised By Another"

"If I can take drugs, I can deliver a baby!"

Yes, that's exactly how it works.

Oh, hey Sayid - nice to see you again. I've missed you buddy...since the last episode...which feels like it was ages ago. The problem with watching this show with continuous pauses (besides the one previously described)? I have no clue why Locke, Kate, and Jack were out in the jungle when they ran into Sayid. Ugh. May have to rewatch this episode when I get home.

What is the deal with this Ethan dude?! Creeper...

Claire's dreams scared the crap out of me. Poor girl. I love her relationship with Charlie. Forget the Kate and Jack and Sawyer drama. THESE two are interesting.

That's all I got at the moment. I'm so confused by what I might have missed that I can't give a good assessment currently.

Oh, and Claire's psychic KNEW about the plane crash? Uncool man.

Reaction Time: "Solitary"

I'm sorry to future episodes of the series, but coming up with a golf course on the island? Brilliant.

Totally brilliant.

Not to mention, necessary. Every episode has been balancing a pretty hefty load of drama. We have a backstory, current drama with the focus character, and a smaller drama.
It's nice to keep it simple with one lead focus drama (Sayid's capture by Danielle Rousseau, the mysterious woman behind the recording in "Pilot - Part Two") , while the rest of the survivors play golf. Especially because that was some heavy stuff going on with Sayid. It explained a lot about why he's been hard on himself for his actions on the island - we knew he was experienced in torturing methods, but to see it in action lends itself more to the character.
It's also fascinating to see how easily he turned away from that life with the introduction of Nadia. What's the story there? Why was she in for questioning (I could have missed that from the constant pausing to write the last entry)? And again, I know the cause of Nadia's death, so obviously that plays an effect on the person Sayid has become.

Rousseau killed everybody? Awesome. Why lie about it in the recording (ok, maybe self-incrimination isn't something you want to project in a distress signal)? Where IS Alex?

We also have our first introduction to The Others, which lends a whole new series of questions. Who the frak are they? Any involvement with the Godzilla monster?

Oh, and can I say now - what's the big deal with Kate? Seriously Sawyer and Jack - I don't get it. That's just me. Be smart like Charlie and hit on Claire (just ignore the baby bump).

And what the hell kind of ending is that?! Wind blowing through the trees, Sayid looking around frightened, soft voices, and then CUT TO TITLE SCREEN?!

Screw you LOST.

Reaction Time: "Pilot", "Tabula Rasa", "Walkabout", "White Rabbit", "House of the Rising Sun", "The Moth", "Confidence Man"

The last post is only now about 4 minutes old, but I'm ready to get into this.

Not to mention I've had Episode 9 - "Solitary" - on pause for about an hour now, and I would really like to find out more about this Danielle Rousseau person sooner than later. And I have 8 tabs of LOST speculation and interviews open currently, and would really like to close a few of them so it looks like I'm actually working today.

(You can stop laughing at me now. Occasionally it DOES happen.)

I don't really want to go in-depth to episodes I've already watched, because I'm not ready for rewatching. That will slow me down more - this is already using up valuable time.

But to keep in line with this project, here's some thoughts over the first 8 episodes (or 7 if you prefer to think of the Pilot as one really long episode):



PILOT (Parts 1 & 2) - S1E01/02

Claire is adorable. I automatically love Charlie because I love Dominic Monaghan. Does Shannon die later in the series? Can someone kill her now so I don't have to wait? Boone is cuuuute (oh, am I supposed to be judging the series based on the story? Ehh, maybe later when I know more than "oh haay, a plane crashed, wtf?!")
WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT MONSTER THAT ATE THE PILOT?! Is Godzilla one of the 1500 characters?? I didn't see him listed in the opening credits.
Ok, Charlie does drugs. That was a given.
Watching this episode after seeing the Season 5 finale gives me a lot of insight that no one else had when the series first began. Seeing Jack describe to Kate about his first solo surgery means a lot more when you know how important a role it plays later in the series.
Oh, and the flashbacks to the plane splitting up - whoa. Way to give me fears for my trip to NYC in two weeks.
A polar bear. Huh. Ok. Please tell me we eventually find out why there's a polar bear on an island.
French transmission...16 years...oh fuck. This spells trouble (for the next 6 years - mwuahaha).
"Guys, where are we?"

That's a good summary, right?


TABULA RASA - S1E03

Poor Hurley does awkward so well around Kate.
I love the dog.
I kind of want to punch Kate for getting Ray hurt. He was a nice old man, even if he did try to trade her in for money. But hey, she lied to him. I give him props.
The drama with the Marshal was intense.
What's the meaning behind the episode title? Not sure if I found that out.
Nice foreshadowing of Locke - I just wish I hadn't know that particular twist. It would've made the next episode much more impactful. You'd think I'd be able to avoid that particular spoiler for 5 years. Thanks a lot people.


WALKABOUT - S1E04

Ok. I went into this episode with a lot of high hopes. I'd been told it was one of the best of the series, because of the twist ending. Even knowing what the twist was, I still loved it. I find Locke endlessly fascinating, for the fact that he's so quiet and seemingly so in-tune with the island. The ending scene where Locke argues to be let on the walkabout was tear-worthy.
Again, it's interesting to watch these episodes having watched the finale of Season 5. I know Rose finds her husband, which makes me wonder how that happens and where he is.


WHITE RABBIT - S1E05

This episode was the first one to really leave me with a lot of questions and confusion. Where is Jack's dad's body?! What's the history there - why did Jack have to track his father down to Australia? Why does Locke seem to have an understanding with the island, and have such faith in it that it will provide Jack with answers?! WHY IS JACK SEEING HIS DEAD DADDY?! So much confusion on this island. Gah.
"I looked into the eye of this island and what I saw was beautiful."
"Live together, die alone."
Aaaand, scene.


HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN - S1E06

Surprisingly, this might be my favorite episode thus far. I loved the insight into Sun and Jin's complicated relationship. All we've seen from them thus far is a quite isolation, so to see their past explains a lot about their interactions on the island.
Charlie and his guitar. Interesting and truly touching moment.
I'm led to believe that "Adam and Eve" is another mystery that fans are still seaking an answer to.
SUN SPEAKS ENGLISH. Another good revelation.


THE MOTH - S1E07

Who knocked out Sayid?! That's what I left this episode with.
Oh, and I liked the moth metaphor. Good job John Locke.


CONFIDENCE MAN - S1E08

Can you tell I'm done writing yet? Fine, last one.
I couldn't watch the torture scene. Audio was perfectly fine for me.
Again, seen the sequence Sawyer described to Kate - when he first wrote the letter to the real Sawyer. Obviously important to the character's story, but again it's interesting to see how the singular event plays a role in the future. Even as a child this impacts the entire storyline of the series.
That was a hot kiss from Kate and Sawyer. Right, not important.


Ok, I'm going back to watching now. Hopefully these blurbs are sufficient enough.

Through the eyes of a LOST newbie

I love intricacy. Historical patterns, ramifications on the future, interweaving of details. I can't go onto Wikipedia without tracking things through and through. What is this person's connection to this idea? Where did this concept come from? And why exactly did Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor have such a strong friendship? These are the things that baffle me.

Oh, I love TV. I watch 5 shows on Monday nights alone. That doesn't even include everything that I want to watch.

This is where Lost enters the picture. Here we are, 4 days till the premiere of Season 6, the final season of the series. And I'm only a 1/3 of the way through Season 1. And I don't mean that in a "I'm rewatching the series to get hyped up!" sort of way. I mean my first round of viewing.

"What?! BLASPHEMY!", you may say.

Yeah, I'm an idiot, I know that.

LOST premiered in the fall of 2004, when I was still a senior in high school (oh God, I feel old now - stupid birthday). Sure, I saw the commercials. I thought it was interesting. I heard the hype. But I wasn't a devout television addict then. VH1 and MTV (fine - Disney Channel too) made up most of my programming. It wasn't until college that I became familiar with this thing called TV DVDs. Oh man. My budget that year went to Friends DVDs, my first television love. Since then more and more shows have entered into my life, from the early fallen (I still need to finish those Firefly DVDs...) to the still going strong (How I Met Your Mother is pure love).

So why not LOST, one of the biggest hyped shows ever? I didn't have the time. I was in COLLEGE for goodness sakes. I had shit to do! Parties to attend, sleep to catch up on, papers to do...ok, that last one isn't true. But to go into a show with such an intense mythology behind it meant I had to dedicate a lot of time. Time I didn't have or didn't want to give up. Plus, dramas aren't my thing. Give me a comedy any day. I want something I can rewatch on my DVD player at night.

I swore last year that after graduation, I would watch it. That was going to be my big summer project. But eh, I wanted comedy, so I went for Chuck instead. LOST has been sitting in the back of my mind since then. I kept promising I'd start, especially when visiting my friend Peter. "Soon," I said, too many times to count.

The only way I was going to start was to get a swift kick in the ass.

Three days ago, ABC reran the Season 5 finale. Even though I'd never watched the series, I'd been tracking recaps for a long time. Hey - sometimes there's nothing to do. And like I said, I like intricacy. You can spend hours on Wikipedia, reading through the history of the series, and still not understand what the crap is going on. Well, ABC was smart and added POP UP INFO (seriously, OMFG). You can convince anyone to watch something with pop-up information. Suddenly the recaps made sense...sort of. I couldn't turn the damn thing off.

The next day I hopped on Netflix, saw that the series was available for Instant Streaming, and began "Pilot - Part 1".

Look, I realize that ideally, I should have started this blog, I don't know, two days ago. You know, before I actually watched anything. Or before I moved on to the next episode. But this wasn't really a planned thing. The more I read, the more in depth I get into the mythology of the series, the more intrigued I am. The more I need to dig into it, form my own theories, try to make sense of it all.

My goal? Chronicle the rest of this adventure - my goal to make my way through 5 (!!!) seasons of Lost before Season 6 gets underway. Obviously, the time frame is impossible. I have to work and sleep people. I'm already slacking on one of those with this project (I have nothing else to do, and sleep comes before EVERYTHING).

But this is my attempt to showcase LOST through the eyes of a relative newbie with nothing else to do except watch a lot of TV over the weekend in a suicide attempt to be finished by Tuesday night.