‘Lost’: Sun rising

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A post-show chat with Times Staff Writer Patrick Day, ‘24’ Show Tracker and a die-hard ‘Lost’ fan who insists the show will ‘stand the test of time’...

DENISE: Overall, I thought Wednesday’s Sun-centric episode was pretty strong. Any time they’ve given her stuff to do, it’s usually good. This was no exception.

PATRICK: I’m very glad to hear you liked this one. Even though there were no major revelations about the Island or the Others, this had some nice human drama. Why do they under use Sun? She’s just as interesting as Sayid and Hurley and not half as irritating as Kate.

DENISE: I’m ignoring what you said about Hurley. I’ve always thought they should be doing more with the resident marrieds. Pairing Sun with Juliet was especially potent, particularly now that we know that Juliet is there against her will to research the women of the crash. Juliet is probably their best written character right now.

So, given the eleventh hour revelation of Naomi, the fallen stranger from the sky, you think there could be credence in the they’re-all-in-purgatory theory?

PATRICK: I’m not sure what to make of her revelation about the supposed fate of Oceanic 815. I don’t think they’re all in Purgatory. It seems too simple, too obvious and way too soon to reveal so much. I think it’s a misdirection.

DENISE: Purgatory wouldn’t make sense, but that’s never stopped the writers before. I will never forget about Walt and his ability to kill birds and conjure up jungle bears with his mind, not to mention speak gibberish to the almost-dead. (Sayid and I miss you Shannon!) Whatever the case, I thought it opened up an interesting door.

What did you think of the preview for next week? They better do something with Ben fast. He’s the worst character on the show. Worst!

PATRICK: What confuses you about Ben? He’s a liar. So far he’s lied to every character he’s encountered, including Locke, I bet.

DENISE: But what is he lying about? What’s he after? Give the dude a back story. All good villains have them. He can’t just be a jerk with no purpose.

PATRICK: Whoa. Ben is one of the most amazing characters on the show. He can be pathetic or menacing or friendly, all depending on what he wants out of the other characters and we still don’t know what his true personality is. They say there’s a Ben flashback episode coming up, and I, for one, can’t wait.

If I have any complaints about this season, it’s that the writers spent too much time with certain characters while letting others languish in the background. I’d completely forgotten how much I enjoy Sun until this episode.

DENISE: Right, Charlie and Claire have devolved into space fillers, while we’ve spent hours and hours with Jack, Kate and Sawyer. I don’t think I’ll ever get over the show killing off all the tailies save for Rose and Bernard -- Where’d they go anyways? Did Nikki and Paulo eat them?

I am psyched for the return of Locke. I am most into ‘Lost’ when it manages both good character development with relevant island action. Jack going to Thailand and getting a tattoo: Bad. The story behind Locke’s wheelchair and a declaration that he wants to stay on the island: Good.

PATRICK: I’m surprised Locke’s back so soon. I figured they’d keep him away for a little longer, but I guess things are picking up speed.

DENISE: You’re a patient man.

PATRICK: Big stuff’s coming!

(Photo courtesy ABC)