Just as it became a pop culture phenomenon during its first season, “Lost” will once again be on everyone’s radar as the island drama builds toward its inevitable end with the Season 6 premiere on February 2nd. Though Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof have done an incredible job over the years of juggling all the different storylines and mysteries, it’s asking a lot to think that they’ll be able to end the show without criticism from some of its fans. With that said, however, I cannot wait to see what they’ve cooked up for the show’s sixth season, because after last year’s head-scratcher of a finale, there’s plenty at stake.
The biggest question of all revolves around Jughead. Did Juliet succeed in detonating the hydrogen bomb, and if so, will it really reset time like Faraday led Jack to believe? Early indicators certainly point to that being the case, with several former cast members returning for an unspecified amount of episodes. This includes everyone from minor players like Charlotte (Rebecca Mader), Libby (Cynthia Watros) and Boone (Ian Somerhalder), to more influential characters like Faraday (Jeremy Davies), Juliet (Elizabeth Mitchell), Michael (Harold Perrineau) and, of course, Charlie (Dominic Monaghan). No word yet on whether Mr. Eko, Ana-Lucia, Shannon or Walt will also find their way back into the “Lost” universe, but rumor is that Cuse and Lindelof are bringing back everyone they possibly can, and that extends to many of the supporting characters as well.
Of course, there’s also a chance that Juliet hasn’t changed the past, but merely created an alternate reality that branches off the one we know. Don’t forget, “whatever happened, happened,” so no matter what may have sprouted as a result of Jughead’s detonation, that particular timeline will always exist. Granted, even if we are treated to a look at how the survivors’ lives would have turned out if Oceanic Flight 815 never crashed, you can be sure that we’ll still be seeing plenty of the island throughout the season. There’s no way the Losties are done just yet, because there are still a number of questions left unanswered, such as…
Is Jacob really dead? Sure, we may have seen Ben stab him to death before the Man in Black kicked him into the fire, but if he’s an immortal like Richard Alpert, is it even possible for him to truly die? Either way, there’s no way that much fuss was made over Jacob only for him to be killed in the same episode. There’s something much bigger at work here, and it no doubt has something to do with Jacob’s adversary. Though it’s assumed that Jacob is good and the Man in Black is evil, what’s to say it isn’t the other way around? And while I’m on the topic of supposed deaths…
Will Juliet and Sayid survive? It all depends on what happened with Jughead. If the bomb really did explode then, yes, Juliet is a goner. And if it didn’t? Well, she’s still probably dead, or at least severely paralyzed. What many people have failed to mention in their discussions about the finale, however, is the fate of Sayid. When we last saw him, he had been shot by Roger Linus in the stomach, so unless Jack can save him, or the Others are willing to resurrect him in the Temple (which would be truly ironic considering his connection to Ben), then it might be time to say goodbye to everyone’s favorite Iraqi torture specialist as well.
What’s Claire up to these days? Ever since running away with Christian Shephard at the end of Season Four, we haven’t heard or seen from Claire. This season marks her grand return, but just what exactly she’s been doing with her long lost daddy is anyone’s guess. To date, she’s the only person to successfully deliver a baby on the island after the reported pregnancy complications, so she clearly has some kind of connection to the island. As to whether Dominic Monaghan’s return to the show will play any part in Claire’s storyline is unknown, but it’s hard to imagine the writers won’t cobble together some kind of reunion between Claire and Charlie.
One thing is certain: Cuse and Lindelof are having a ton of fun promoting the final season, as evidenced by a trio of promotional photos inspired by Leonard Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” Although one of the photos is a pretty generic cast shot that doesn’t say very much, ABC has also released two others that might contain hints about the new season. The one below is probably the most interesting, since it features Locke seated in the Jesus position with a big ‘ol grin on his face. Does Locke know something the other characters don’t? Perhaps, or perhaps it’s just one big rat race to keep fans busy until the show’s February 2nd premiere. Whatever the case may be, I refuse to allow myself to get drawn in to a puzzle that may not be worth all the trouble. There are few things worth noting, though.
For starters, it’s a little strange to see Ilana seated at the table with everybody else. Her character has remained pretty mysterious up until now, and the fact that she’s been grouped with Richard Alpert and Claire leads me to believe she has a bigger connection to the island than the other survivors. There’s also an unoccupied seat to the far right of the table that could suggest an unseen entity, like Charlie or Jacob — though I’d imagine Hurley would be looking that way if it was the latter. Then again, maybe it’s just where Frank Lapidus is supposed to be sitting.
Feel free to rack your brain all you want, because I can guarantee you that Cuse and Lindelof would never put anything too obvious in those photos. Instead, check out this cool video that won’t necessarily tell you anything new, but will help refresh your memory in time for the premiere. (You can also read more about the upcoming season straight from the cast and crew via Will Harris’ coverage at this month’s TCA event.) The final season of “Lost” is shaping up to become one of the most momentous “Where were you…” events in TV history. Do you really want to miss it?
I know I don’t, which is why I’ll be once again blogging the show throughout the season. Check back here every Tuesday night/Wednesday morning for a quick recap, thoughts and opinions from yours truly.
