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.