It is a spoiler, unless the performer in question appeared in an on-air promo. I fell asleep during the episode, so I have no idea what aired in the promo, or if this is safe.

The only time casting news is fair game, is when there's an off season change made to the main cast. If there are media mentions, during the summer, that Bette Davis is joining the main cast of Lost, or that Ian Somerhalder is leaving the cast, we can talk about it, here. If it comes out in October, that Joan Crawford is doing a guest spot during November sweeps, or that Maggie Grace is leaving, we cannot talk about it here, unless or until ABC airs a promo that gives it away.

FAQ answer: [link]

Did I miss the EkoActor getting into trouble?

Yep. I can't remember if drinking was involved, but he was pulled over (and arrested?) for speeding and was also without a license. I thought charges were dropped, though.

Note to Lost actors: If you want to keep your job, do not, I repeat DO NOT get pulled over for a traffic violation

Note to Lost actors: If you want to move on to other projects, get a parking ticket. Although they might only hack one leg off for that.

Dawn, your post is nearly verbatim for a conversation Ausiello (TV Guide) had with Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse.

Exclusive: Lost Execs React to Latest Death!I can't believe the smoke monster killed Mr. Eko!

Sure, the stick-toting warlord wasn't exactly my favorite character, but he was a fascinating creature, not to mention one of the last remaining survivors of that cursed tail section. Why did Eko have to go? That's a question for Lost boys Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, who addressed Eko's passing — and the exit of his portrayer, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje — in an interview with yours truly earlier this week.

Ausiello: Another actor leaves Lost just months after he's pulled over in Hawaii for a traffic violation. This is the part where you guys tell me there's absolutely no connection.

Carlton Cuse: We actually work very closely with the Honolulu police department, and they have final script approval.

Damon Lindelof: Look, we feel very strongly about traffic violations, no matter how minor they are. All we can say is that Evangeline Lilly got a parking ticket last week, and she better not count her chickens.

Rest of interview (short) here: [link] No future spoilers.

no matter how shitty the show has become, i still have a big honkin' crush on Damon Lindelof.

So this means Bernard is the only surviving tailie, right?

Of course, we haven't seen Bernard or Rose yet this season, have we?

You remind me of another annoyance. Introducing new characters when we haven't seen the existing ones yet.

I think we've seen all the regulars now..

Well, hopefully we'll see Bernard and Rose soon. (Well, perhaps next week -- otherwise not 'til February.)