The main reason I think that Locke can't be successfully mapped onto Fiver is that I think by the end of the season, we're going to end up with a deeply divided cast of castaways, a la WD, The Stand, and Lord of the Flies.

And I think it's far too early to presume Locke and Jack will wind up on the same side, which would make it rather difficult for Locke to be an advisor to Jack's throne.

Actually, I think Locke is the leading early candidate for the leader of the side that Jack is not on.

Okay, re: The Stand.

I remember this book VERY well. I sure hope the writers don't go the route of the "magical Negro" like King did. Good grief. I don't immediately see parallels with TS at all, however...if the writers see them, that presents some interesting spoilers for the future. At least in terms of group dynamics.

WTF is Randall Flagg?

Not sure I want to contemplate that.

… hoping Kate's crime wouldn't be something that could be white-washed. My money is on Kate having wasted someone in cold blood, *not* in self-defense, but premeditated.

Vonnie K is my kind of people.

The above may give credence to the theory that this is purgatory...

Stop it! JJA has more brains that this. You guys are just freaking me right the fuck out!

eta:

I sure hope the writers don't go the route of the "magical Negro" like King did.

Say on, Sister Righteous!

My money is on Kate having wasted someone in cold blood, *not* in self-defense, but premeditated. In revenge for something done to her or her loved ones.

It would be way interesting if she had done something that awful, put together with the gold-hearted acts we've already seen. I picture a scene like this between her and Jack, after a scene of interpersonal conflict among the islanders:

"Why are you like this? What did you do?"
"I murdered someone, Jack. My husband."
"Kate."
"I killed him."
"No."
"He's dead. But I'm not a bad person, Jack."
"Why did you--"
"You had your chance for questions before. It was four years ago. It's over."
"Kate. You killed a man."
"I did. And I'd do it again."
end of episode

"It was four years ago. It's over."

Oh, no. You ain't slippin' no "four years ago" into the mix.

t spanks P-C

t pulls up chair to watch.

Ooooh, spanking.

Gus,

okay, I'll bite. Why does the notion that they may be in purgatory or something make you react so negatively? I'm ambivalent about it all, but so as long as there aren't dinosaurs, I'm happy.

Why does the notion that they may be in purgatory or something make you react so negatively?

The Twilight Zone thing. You have it scoped in the first act break/few episodes, then they toss it your in your face, all "Tomato Surprise!"?

Abrams has more skills than that.

Since Desperate Housewives has a full season commitment, maybe they can move Alias to Wednesdays following Lost....

I found a reference last night that says because the pilot started at night, the first hour only covered one day. Hmmm...