"Lost" Diary -- There's No Place Like Home (Part 1)

Hey, Daniel from TMZ here -- welcome to another edition of the "Lost" Diary.

I used to be super excited for "Lost" every week, but this season hasn't left me with that "Oh my God 'Lost' is on tonight!" feeling like it used to. But after last week's great episode -- and knowing that we're down to the wire here -- I'm back to my old level of excitement about tonight's episode.

Forget the preamble -- let's roll:

10:02 -- I am immediately in love with this episode. We're going to get to see how the Oceanic 6 get re-introduced into society. I am already at the edge of my seat.

10:04 -- "We are in shock, Jack." -- Sun

10:05 -- Odds Widmore or Abaddon is in the crowd waiting for them? I am betting on yes.

10:06 -- Hey, it's Cheech.

10:07 -- Slow-motion reunion scene time. Oh, that? No, it must just be dusty in here. Very, very dusty. Let's just move on, shall we?

10:09 -- Farraday clearly understands what Keamy is talking about, but Jack and the others fail to notice. Also, remember this -- something Sayid does, maybe in this episode, is part of how Ben gets Sayid to work for him (""Remember what happened last time you thought with your heart and not with your head.")

10:13 -- Jack and Kate are making their way through the forest, and Jack is bleeding. Unless Kate takes off an article of clothing, this scene is not going to do much for me.

10:14 -- Hey, it's Miles, Sawyer and Aaron. Sometimes this island is incredibly small.

10:15 -- Did Sawyer just call the Others' little community "New Otherton"? That might be my favorite Sawyer line ever.

10:16 -- Sawyer and Jack together again? Good times.

10:17 -- Whoa, OK -- so in addition to this fairy tale about a typhoon washing a fishing boat ashore, Kate is telling people Aaron is her baby. I got that one wrong.

10:18 -- "By then there were only eight of us left." -- Jack. Please tell who the other two are -- it's killing me!

10:19 -- Ok, Jin "never made it off the plane." We can cross him off our list. Which means he could be alive on the island ...

10:20 -- Someone is there to see Sayid. It can only be one person ...

10:21 -- "Nadia?" -- Sayid. Uh oh, it's getting dusty in here again. Dusty, I tell you!!!

10:22 -- Here he comes to save the day, Sayid Jarrah is on his way!

10:25 -- Ben is taking Locke and Hurley to the Orchid, just like Keamy thought he was. Ben also says moving the island is "a measure of last resort."

10:26 -- "You know those are 15 years old?" -- Ben to Hurley

10:27 -- Ben just used a mirror to communicate with someone up on a mountain -- most likely Richard and the rest of the Others.

10:28 -- Sayid trusts Farraday with the raft, which I totally would have to. I like Farraday.

10:29 -- Hmmm, Sun gets on the raft, splitting her and Aaron up from the rest of the Oceanic 6. Interesting.

10:30 -- On the list of things I want to see this week, here's one -- I want to know that Sun's dad is involved with Widmore somehow. I feel it in my bones.

10:31 -- I thoroughly enjoyed Sun's Korean bitch-slapping of her dad. I can only assume Widmore is the second person she blames for the crash. Maybe Ben.

10:35 -- Hoogo is starting to go nuts -- but it's only a surprise party.

10:36 -- "Jesus Christ is not a weapon." -- Hoogo's mom

10:37 -- Cheech fixed up the car he and Hurley used to work on when he was a kid. Damn this dust!!!

10:38 -- Of all the things I have ever seen in my life, I don't think anything has given me goosebumps quite like seeing the odometer on Hurley's car -- and it's "the numbers." If I may quote Keanu Reeves, "Whoa."

10:39 -- As Hurley was running away, all I can think of is this -- I wish the camera would stay on him longer, 'cause I am guessing he didn't "run" very far. Probably changed to walking after like a block.

10:40 -- "I wasn't being entirely truthful." -- Ben to Locke. That line is Ben's version of "Don't tell me what I can't do!"

10:41 -- "They're already here." -- Ben

10:44 -- Farraday delivered everyone back to the freighter safely. I have to say, no matter what goes down, I hope Farraday is involved in the show next season -- Miles, too. The rest of the Freighter Tots can go.

10:46 -- Well that's weird -- something on the boat is broadcasting, blocking the freighter's signal. I am guessing Michael would know something about that.

10:47 -- Lawnmower Man is handcuffed to the boat when Sawyer and Jack find him.

10:48 -- "Son of a bitch." -- Jack

10:49 -- We're at Jack's dad's funeral and afterwards a woman comes up to him -- with a thick accent. Might Jack be about to learn about Claire?

10:50 -- "He came to see his daughter ... Her name was Claire." -- Claire's mother. Shouldn't she be in a coma?

10:52 -- Man, Jack's face tells the whole story, doesn't it?

10:54 -- Sun and Jin aren't too happy to see Michael. He must get a lot of that. Oh and PS -- that's a lot of C4 on the boat.

10:55 -- Alright, I know he's a small character and all -- but I get super duper excited every time Richard shows up.

10:56 -- "How many times do I have to tell you John? I always have a plan." -- Ben

10:57 -- Based on the music and the slow-motion walking, I am going to say Sun just saw Jin for the last time.

10:58 -- "My name is Benjamin Linus. I believe you're looking for me." -- Ben

When "Lost" is on its game, it has a little bit of everything -- and tonight's episode was certainly that. Moved the plot forward, revealed a little bit, and gave us more than a few fantastic scenes. All the flashforward scenes tonight were right on the money as far as I was concerned. And, in some ways, that is what's been wrong with this season.

The flashforwards are almost delivering too well -- what is actually going on on the island pales in comparison. The flashforwards, by nature, have rendered the scenes on the island almost useless. We have a pretty good idea what happens to every person on the island and it's taken a lot of the suspense out of what is going on on the island.

Only now do I feel like we're building up to something really happening on the island that will really mean anything.

Tonight's episode was definitely an A -- with the numbers on the odometer thing being a subtle, yet truly memorable "Lost" scene.

Here's my question to you today: How do you like your flashes, forward or back?

Reader Comments

(Page 6 of 8) Previous 15 Comments | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Most Recent | Next 15 Comments

76. Loved this show! One of the best! Like the flash forward. Hurley was a hoot especially after he saw the numbers in the car.Then ate crackers that were 15 years old. Oh, well they look fresh! Ben always has a plan right...
I want Sawyer to be alright. I want Jin to be alright! Locke to for that matter. Last night show did give a few answers.
I want to know more about Richard! It was hairy when Jack talked to Claire's mother. THe look on Jack's face PRICELESS!
Now that explains some things. But, what really happend to Claire. Miles knows. Keep him around too for some answers.
Great show! Can't wait until next week!

Posted at 6:48PM on May 16th 2008 by vs

77. Great episode. I love the flash forwards. They give you enough answers to be satisfied, but leave you with enough questions to be left wanting more. Why did I have to search to find this? Is TMZ not putting it out as a main article?

Posted at 7:03PM on May 16th 2008 by Machookala

78. Love your recaps, Daniel! But I agree with everybody who said it's hard to find... It's not there, and suddenly is there lol
Big mistery Lost style :)
Awesome set-up episode for the finale. Man, I just love flashforwards, and last nights's were amazing...
Jack's face listening to Claire's Mom said it all...
Batmanuel??? LOL
I need to watch that :)

Posted at 5:02AM on May 18th 2008 by vertigo

79. BEST TELEVISION SHOW EVER. I am so glad I started watching this show in the very beginning. My husband did not, but he is ready to watch the DVD's and we will be watching them over the summer months.

I am extremely curious about how it turns out to be the 6. Do the others die, are they on the island...

And by the way, I like Jack and all, but give me Sawyer any day, that man is HOT! Which leads me to believe Kate did not have to choose between them because how could she choose Jack over Sawyer??

Thank you creator and writers of Lost for a fabulous show.

Posted at 7:35PM on May 16th 2008 by Sisters-3

80. We REALLY need to know Richard's story, considering the fact that he was alive when Locke was a child, and now is on the island, looking the same age as when he visited "boy John Locke". What is that all about? Last night's episode was by far the best this season. Been watching this show since day one and it has NEVER disappointed. Anyway, I want to know more about Richard. I think he is the key to the island, not Ben. And, BTW, anyone see the season finale of "The Office"?? Funniest episode yet. Why all these season finales anyway? Weren't the writers on strike for like, 8 weeks or something? They owe us more new episodes instead of taking the easy way out, just because the regular TV season is over with.

Posted at 8:07PM on May 16th 2008 by leanne

81. Do we know for a fact that it was Widmore who put the fake plane at the bottom of the ocean or was it Ben?

Posted at 8:40PM on May 16th 2008 by Juliet

82. OK - hooked after the 1st epi!!! Since that 1st show have been in place, in front of my TV, with only 4 exceptions, on time and watched them as ABC aired them. The 4 exceptions were for - 2 make or break business dinners, 1 hospital emergency for daughter (who is with me for every LOST epi) & 1 condolence call. Each of those times the episode was watched within hours of its initial airing!! Don't think I'm like some Trekie nerd w/o a life - We live in NYC and believe me we live. That said - LOST is INTELLIGENT!!!! It's fabulous to watch something that makes you think!!!
Next remark is for peeps that half heartedly watch the show - Please do us favor - Stop with obvious wrong thoughts!!! C'mon - especially the Sun-Jin epi!! No brainer - no cliff hanger!!! Sun was a FF - Jin a FB!!!
SORRY - BUT IT HAD TO BE SAID!!!
Now we can get to business! Love these writers and producers - Benry ( Henry Gale) There's no place Like home!!! Charlie's wide eyed Dorothy landing in OZ comment - WHERE ARE WE?
I personally love this season - will admit was a bit disappointed last year! FB - or FF as long as we get a good episode!!!
Have put a few thoughts and theory's more cohesive with FF's!!! Like - flight was brought down because Desmond didn't punch in numbers - The whole purple light thing after which everyone a bit disoriented - perhaps unknowingly he moved the Island! Think about pilots comment about being a thousand miles off course!
Could it be Lawnmower Man in coffin? He was a loner drunk when we first met him - so far he has been nothing but helpful & truthful - Could see his death affecting Jack!!
Who knew Sun had BALL's!!! You go girl!
Finally - LOVE LOVE LOVE RICHARD - Don't ask me why!! Last week when he showed up to see baby Locke in the incubator my daughter and I jumped up & down cheering! And to #56AW - Richard and the others were only skanky looking when in costume!

Posted at 9:56PM on May 16th 2008 by LostBaby

83. I hope they do not kill sawyer, I will be very sad, I need my eye candy! Great episode! I like flashfowards better. I am glad they show Hugo's family his mom is an actress from Puerto Rico that I used to see on tv when I was younger. Loooove Lost!!!

Posted at 10:28PM on May 16th 2008 by viggolover1

84. The man that plays Richard also does the voice for Senor Senior Jr. on the Kim Possible animated series. Every time I see him I think about how funny he is with that voice characterization. This episode was really good. Actually this whole season has been great! I can't wait to find out everything, but will be really sad when it is all over.

Posted at 10:51PM on May 16th 2008 by Margie

85. Ive got to say, I like both flashforward and flashback....the Jack reveal about Claire was anti-climactic
Im guessing that there are ALOT of folks left on the island, because it MOVES, and they cant find it again.....

Posted at 11:22PM on May 16th 2008 by Swami

86. I loved this ep too Daniel - and I love all your comments! I must have missed Sawyer's New Otherton's comment - I'll have to go back and watch again. Anyways, I used to think that the flash backs were the best as they told the story of how everyone seems to be intertwined somehow and the flash forwards were just confusing things. But now after thinking about it, I'm getting the idea that whole story of Lost is just not about them landing on the island - it's about the past, present and future and how everything is connected. Having said that - time travel and other unexplained phenomena enter into the story too - how else can Richard look the same age in the present as he did when baby Locke was born?

I was waiting to see how they would explain the Oceanic 6 and it happened mostly how I thought it would - after all the whole world saw photos of flight 815 in the ocean, so they had to say they landed in the water and not on an island. At some point they are found, but we don't know the specifics yet, only a cover story, which could be pretty close to the truth - that they were discovered by fisherman (isn't that Michael's story about how he and Walt were "rescued"? But like Sun says to Jack on the flight to Honolulu "we are in shock, Jack", which means that their "rescue" wasn't planned. I would like to know who they're going to say the other 2 were, as Jack said there were originally 8 of them when they crashed. And like someone commented - is that 8 people not counting Aaron (who wasn't born at the time), because then it will be 3 people. Also, I had to laugh when they said baby Aaron was 5 weeks old when they were rescued, as he's very big for a 5 week old.

A few questions were answered in this ep too - like we now know why Jin's grave listed the day of the plane crash as his date of death - Sun said he never made it out of the plane, so that would be the date he died. And we now know what that is strapped to Keamy's arm - its obviously a device hooked up to the C4 and if Keamy dies, then it stops transmitting and the ship blows up. Which could explain how Jin actually dies - he gets Sun off the ship before it blows up and sacrifices himself to save his wife and unborn child (or maybe he ends up staying on the island). And we finally find out how Jack learns that Claire is his sister. But that in itself raises another question, because wasn't Claire's mother in a coma or something?

I'd like to learn more about Farraday's character too - did anyone else think it was strange that he had the Orchid station mentioned in his notes? Was he part of the Dharma initiative at one time? Or did he learn all of this from Desmond when he was traveling back & forth in time? He's part of Widmore's group so he may have gotten the info from Widmore himself, but is he on Widmore's side or the Losties side?

I also have to say that my jaw dropped when Sun got the balls to tell her father that she bought a controlling interest in his company! Who knew she had it in her? I almost want to say that a bit of Ben has rubbed off on her and who knows maybe it does because I'm thinking it would take more money than her Oceanic settlement to buy out her old man's company. And the scene with her dad talking to his flunkies before Sun showed up, saying that the transfers were done out of 5 different banks, etc. - who would have that kind of pull but Ben?

I hope the season finale reveals whos funeral it was that Jack went to at the end of last season - that's the one question that's killing me! lol It's obviously someone they don't like or had a falling out with, so could it be Locke? Michael? Ben? Hopefully in 2 weeks we'll find more answers, but knowing Lost - everytime some things get answered, new questions appear!

Posted at 12:14AM on May 17th 2008 by Lucy

87. I actually am beginning to love the flashforwards. They create a sense of wondering HOW things will happen whether than WHAT will happen. A playwright, Bertolt Brecht, experimented with this technique years ago, revealing to his audience what would transpire in each scene before the scene actually occurred. The goal was to remove emotion from the equation and create an analytical experience for the audience. However, many theorists attest that this method failed to emotionally distance audiences, and this is precisely what is happening on Lost. Despite knowing what is going to happen to the Losties after the Oceanic 6 return to normal society, I still find myself wondering how everything will go down every week. Are the freighter people really the ones to get them off the island? Why the decision to lie about so few survivors? Rather than narrowing my frame of reference, I feel the flashforwards help me to stay more engaged with the action of the show.

Posted at 12:44PM on May 17th 2008 by TurgGal

88. I think Sawyer is still on the island. Kate said she was doing a favor for Sawyer...NOT talking to him on the phone. I think Kate is working for/with Ben (like Sayid). Jack wasn't pissed off that Kate was talking to Sawyer...he was mad because she is working for Ben.
I love Hurley. He is sweet and adorable. Sayid is hot with a capitol H!

Posted at 12:29AM on May 17th 2008 by tickles

89. hey check this out go back and rewatch the beginning when the oceanic rep was just told by the pilot to go let the "6" know we are landing, just as she steps in the back she makes aslight smile at someone sitting by himself. in the next long shot it looks like hes tied up. someone please go back and watch and see if you think so too. I love this show

Posted at 12:51AM on May 17th 2008 by julie

90. My head is spinning! Everyone's comments either bring up things I forgot or put a new spin on things I thought I knew what I was talking about! Great show, I love puzzels, makes thinking fun again!!!
I can't remember who LawnmowerMan is....sorry, don't hate me beause I missed something!!! Sometimes it's harder to clear the cobwebs than usual.

Maybe babies grow faster on the island...

Posted at 1:50AM on May 17th 2008 by Buster The Cat

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