Here are my very first thoughts about Season 3, Episode 1 of LOST: “A Tale of Two Cities.” I need to sleep, daydream, and then tomorrow night I will post additional theories & possible changes to these below. I apologize in advance for any errors or repetition.  

 

* Juliet’s house shook like an earthquake a good minute or so before the airplane actually crashed. Did it break through some kind of bubble, an insulated shield around the island?

 

* Ethan was fixing the plumbing under Juliet’s house. Are/were they together? Juliet has obvious vitriol toward Ben; she kicked him out of the book club and glared at him with disdain after every interaction. Perhaps they have a romantic history…

 

* I didn’t notice one child in this new community…

 

* Juliet and her neighbors did not seem that shocked to see an airplane break above them and then crash on the island. But they also must not have known about Desmond, and that he was in a hatch. They might have known what could have caused such a thing to happen (they seem to know about all of the hatches, so they’d be aware of the one with magnetic capabilities), but not by whom.

 

* Juliet was holding a copy of a Stephen King book. Back when Henry Gale was being held captive in the main hatch, Locke gave him a book but Gale responded with ‘what, no Stephen King?’ My best guess is that she was reading ‘Carrie,’ because it is about a girl with telekinetic powers. This would fit right into the Lost mythology. If so, does that mean Juliet has said power, and was reading Jack’s mind rather than a file??

 

* They purposefully did not show us what Ben (formerly known as Henry Gale) said to Kate after telling her that the next two weeks were going to be very difficult. My guess is that he’s putting her to the test, having her choose between Jack and Sawyer; that he’ll kill the one she does not choose. Perhaps he gave her two weeks to decide. They gave Michael exactly three minutes with Walt, so they are very precise with their time allotment. We now know they know every detail about her (because they sure did about Jack), including her criminal past…perhaps Ben’s chat was about that. Whatever he told her, she sure looked uncomfortable facing Sawyer again.

 

* Did Kate eat some of Sawyer’s fish because she didn’t want him to know that she had eaten real food? Did she eat any of the food provided by Ben? She put the cuffs right on when told she wouldn’t be able to have any coffee otherwise. Seemed a little quick to me…

 

* Are Sawyer and Kate being held in a zoo? Is this the zoological station/hatch? Now we know where that polar bear from Season 1 was from, not to mention Kate’s black horse, Sawyer’s frog, Locke’s boar and Hurley’s bird, among others.

 

* Where are all of the zoo animals now? Did they escape out onto the island, where the survivors then encountered them?

 

* We finally find out that there is an underwater station – the Hydra Hatch (which would explain the shark with the Dharma logo seen last season circling the raft). You clearly hear dolphins above the cage where Jack is being held. Judging from the fact that Jack is in an abandoned, rusty tank (plus Juliet’s response when he asked if she was from Dharma), I am assuming that Juliet and her community of people are a separate group of ‘Others’ from the Dharma scientists. I believe that the Dharma folks evacuated all hatches and facilities long ago, and Juliet’s Others now reside/work there.

 

* Shortly after we see Juliet with Jack down in the underwater hatch, she is up in the zoo area shooting a Taser at Sawyer. So either the hatch isn’t really underwater (messing with Jack’s head) or there is a very quick elevator or subway-like system up to dry land. That would explain the train sound of the original ‘monster’ we hear in the pilot episode…

 

* There must be at least two factions of Others: the ones with the houses that we met tonight and the ones who walk barefoot and steal children. Do Dharma people make up a third contingent?

 

* Who the hell was that young guy in the cage across from Sawyer? Was he one of the passengers that the Others originally took from the Tail Section beach along with the kids, while Ana Lucia & company were sleeping? Did he have his back to Sawyer because he was making a makeshift key to open the lock? Where did the Others take him after making him apologize to Sawyer? Was it all an act, was this guy an Other? Were they taking him away to convince Sawyer not to attempt to escape?

 

* Ben, back when he was Henry Gale the prisoner, certainly heard a lot of information while being held in the hatch. Is it possible that Juliet’s file on Jack was actually just a compiled list of details gleaned from Gale during his captivity?

 

 * After Jack flooded the hatch, Ben locked Juliet in with him and took himself out of danger. What was that about?

 

* Juliet told Jack that it didn’t matter who they were, but who they are now. That is exactly what Jack said to Kate in the first season, sitting on the beach after he found her FBI ‘wanted’ flyer in the Marshall’s pocket.

 

* They took Jack and Kate’s blood, just like they did Michael’s when he was first captured. Or did they? Perhaps they were injecting something rather than withdrawing. Did Ben’s warning about the next two weeks have anything to do with whatever was possibly injected into them? Was it a virus or vaccine with two week’s worth of side effects?

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Today I was super cranky pants. Until I realized that LOST was on tonight; until my team (the A’s) beat Minnesota for the second day in a row, in their stupid home dome, in the playoffs; and until the first rain of the fall season finally appeared in the Bay Area, bringing with it that unique damp pavement smell that very few appreciate but that I inexplicably enjoy.

 

I love living on the West Coast, except on two occasions. 1) When my baseball team has a morning or late afternoon playoff game during the week, and 2) when my friends on the East Coast call during LOST to brag about how amazing it is before it has aired here. They get to watch it first. Not fair. (Insert crossed arms, furrowed brow and pouty lip here).  

 

If anyone wanted proof that I’ve transformed into a total TV nerd – right now I am wearing my LOST numbers shirt. I even wore it to work. One could argue that wearing my A’s jersey outside of the ballpark would make me more of a dork, on a different level (I never do, FYI). By the way, I also have on my desk a brand new Dwight Schrute bobblehead (from The Office, for those of you who don’t recognize the name…but should – why aren’t you watching that yet?!). Yes, I’m becoming that girl. Run, Forrest! Run!

 

I will see you after I recover from LOST.  I’d love to hear what you think. Even I get tired of hearing/posting my opinions alone…

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LOST – SEASON THREE Schedule

 

Episode 1: October 4

“A Tale of Two Cities”

Flashback: Jack

 

Episode 2: October 11

“The Glass Ballerina”

Flashback: Jin & Sun

 

Episode 3: October 18

“Further Instructions”

Flashback: Locke

 

Episode 4: October 25

“Every Man for Himself”

Flashback: Sawyer

 

Episode 5: November 1

“The Cost of Living”

Flashback: Eko

 

Episode 6: November 8

Title unknown

Flashback: Kate

 

After recently re-watching the Season 2 finale, here are some observations and questions:

 

* The men in the trailer at the end of the episode were in a very snowy, cold region. This has to be related to the infamous polar bear from Season One.

 

* Ever since Sayid located that large cord coming from the ocean (that he followed into the jungle until being trapped by Rousseau), I’ve been convinced that there is an underwater hatch. Judging from the ABC promo, it looks like I might be right. We see Jack opening a hatch door, only to be thrown aside by rushing water. Also, if you remember, on the hatch blast door map that Locke saw, there was a line leading down to a hatch outside of the main octagon of hatches, on the lower left side. I’ve always assumed that it denoted an underwater hatch. I hope I’m right.

 

* Desmond originally crashed his boat on the island and Kelvin ‘discovered’ him washed ashore…was the crash caused by Mr. Widmore, Penny’s father? Was he supposed to end up on the island? Did Kelvin work for Mr. Widmore?

 

* Elizabeth (who we’re not sure was actually Libby or her evil twin) mentioned to Desmond in the coffee shop that her husband got sick and died. This vague sickness, which has been referred to by Rousseau and others on many occasions, must be tied to the island.

 

* With Jack, Kate and Sawyer in captivity, who will emerge as the leader back on the beach? The fate of both Eko and Locke is unknown (after the hatch explosion), Charlie is a recovering addict, Jin hasn’t learned enough English, and Bernard is…a dentist. That leaves Sayid as the obvious choice.

 

* Will Michael and Walt follow Henry Gale’s coordinates and attempt to return ‘home’ on their boat? Will they meet up with Sayid, Jin & Sun, who have Desmond’s sailboat? Or will they return to the island to help the friends that Michael betrayed?

 

* What is with the Charles Dickens connection? The book that Desmond carries around with him is ‘Our Mutual Friend’ and episode 1 of Season Three is titled ‘A Tale of Two Cities.’

 

Will we find out:

Who the father of Sun’s baby is?

Why Locke was in a wheelchair?

What Jack’s tattoos mean?

 

Whatever happens, my expectations are high and I can’t wait to see what the Others call ‘home.’

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BROTHERS & SISTERS

I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy this show. It’s about time that we get to see Sally Field on a regular basis! The return of Calista Flockhart to the small screen is also a welcome sight. I love Rachel Griffiths, and she’s already made me forget about crazy Brenda from Six Feet Under. To sum up: I like the story, the ensemble cast, the family interaction and the pace. It has earned its Season Pass.

HEROES

I love the Superman and X-Men movies, but I was never into comic books. It wasn’t until The X-Files that my inner sci-fi geek emerged. So I guess it’s no surprise that I am totally drawn to this show. The mythology and supernatural elements have great potential, and there are enough characters to keep it interesting for the long haul. I look forward to when they finally assemble and cull their respective powers, assuming that ever happens…

 

SIX DEGREES

I like it and am intrigued enough by the first two episodes to give it a shot. The caliber of actors who have jumped from movies into this television endeavor is impressive: Campbell Scott, Hope Davis, Bridget Moynahan, Jay Hernandez and Erika Christensen. They don’t disappoint. I also like that this is not a big city version of Lost, which is what some critics predicted simply because the show is produced by JJ Abrams and the characters’ lives intersect.

 

STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP

Smart, smart, smart. The script and cast are fantastic. It is the only show (besides Lost, of course) which I look forward to every week now. Sarah Paulson deserves the spotlight she’s finally been given, and Amanda Peet is a revelation. Although the show centers on and circles around Bradley Whitford and Matthew Perry (who have great chemistry), it is these two women that eat up the scenery. Every time they appear on screen, you can’t look away, and don’t want to.

 

UGLY BETTY

In my many years as a very dedicated television addict, this has never happened before. I actually turned off a new show and gave up on it before the entire first episode aired. I love Betty’s character, but am not able to get past her supporting cast. Vanessa Williams is over-the-top and ingratiating, vamping it up like the ladies of Wisteria Lane (I removed my TiVO Season Pass of Desperate Housewives after its season premiere as well). Blame Meryl Streep. Her brilliant turn as a fashion magazine editor in The Devil Wears Prada makes this show look like an overpriced Disney movie-of-the-week. And this is the third show where Eric Mabius is playing a smarmy jerk. He perfected in on the first season of The L Word, attempted it on the cancelled series Eyes, and is back in stereotypical form on Ugly Betty. Yawn. I am so returning to My Name is Earl in this time slot.

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1. I have been listening to Justin Timberlake’s new CD. Judging from the lyrics, I think I underestimated Cameron Diaz; she must be a fabulous…girlfriend.

2. My two favorite shows of the season so far? Heroes and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

3. I look forward to 30 Rock, but am a little disconcerted by the fact that the fabulously funny Rachel Dratch has been demoted to part time player; she was a main character, but that role now belongs to Jane Krakowski (Ally McBeal).

4. The Office has returned, better than ever. The premiere episode is destined to become a classic. Does anyone look directly into the eyes of a camera better than Jim? I don’t think so.

5. I can’t wait for Dexter, which begins on Sunday. If you have Showtime, you have to tune in. It’s a genius concept…Michel C. Hall (David from Six Feet Under) stars as a blood splatter expert by day and serial killer by night. Seriously.

6. Grey’s Anatomy: Although many are on Team Meredith (for reasons I cannot fathom), I have always been on Team Addison. I love that she drunk-dialed McSteamy during the inebriated day of mourning her marriage. Doesn’t he still live in NY, where she and Derek relocated from? If so, she must have called him pretty early on…

7. My thoughts about the four Project Runway finalists: I like Uli and I don’t mind the patterns. I like that Laura is consistent and has a very distinct point of view, not to mention the fact that she looks like an uptight career woman but is in fact a mother of 6 with a sailor’s mouth. I don’t like much at all about Jeffrey. I heart Michael Knight. I am on his bandwagon. He seems like a genuinely nice guy and has a diverse portfolio of styles. Regardless of the outcome, he will probably be the most successful after the show.

8. I love that Sally Field and Tom Skerritt are playing a married couple again, this time on Brothers & Sisters. Don’t forget… they were the parents in Steel Magnolias! Although I always think about and am still creeped out by his infamous scene with Drew Barrymore in Poison Ivy. For the four others of you who have seen this 1992 guilty pleasure flick, one word: piano.

9. The third season of Lost begins next Wednesday…Bring. It. On. I will be posting a blog dedicated to predictions and theories next week before it airs. Stay tuned!

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It was just announced that Ellen DeGeneres will host next year’s Academy Awards. Finally! Ever since she did a brilliant job of hosting the Grammys in 1996, I have wondered why she wasn’t an obvious choice for the Oscars as well. She deserves it, and I am thrilled that she has been given the world as her stage.  Ellen is well respected in both the industry and among her millions of fans. I have to admit that I am encouraged; the opportunity and recognition are due to true talent, regardless of who shares her heart and her home. It is a step forward, and I often look down that path with guarded enthusiasm.

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Right now…

 

What I’m Renting

Nip/Tuck, Season 3

 

What I’m Buying

Arrested Development, Season 3

Lost, Season 2

The Office, Season 2

 

What My Primetime Fall TV Schedule Looks Like (Thanks to my BFF, TiVO)

 

MONDAY

9pm - Heroes

10pm - Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

 

TUESDAY

None of the shows appeal to me – any suggestions or recommendations?

 

WEDNESDAY

8:30pm - 30 Rock (They have to give this a better time slot…and it conflicts with Bones!)

9pm - Lost

10pm - The Nine

11pm – Top Chef, Season 2 (I love how shows repeat often at later times on cable)

THURSDAY (the toughest choices by far)

8pm - Ugly Betty (Replacing Survivor, which I will not be watching for the first time ever…but that’s entirely different blog for another day. Also, if this show isn’t as good as My Name is Earl, I’m switching back to that in this time slot.)

8:30pm - The Office

9pm - Grey’s Anatomy

10pm - Six Degrees (You had me at ‘Executive Producer: JJ Abrams’)

 

FRIDAY

9pm – Las Vegas (A true guilty pleasure)

 

SATURDAY

Even I have a life.

 

SUNDAY

8pm - The Amazing Race

9pm - Desperate Housewives (I’m giving it 3 episodes to improve and lure me in)

10pm - Brothers & Sisters

What shows made YOUR list?

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