And by "greater" I mean writer, ie. Ron Moore - shows my own writer capacity at the moment.

Very satsified despite ambigiouty
I'm certain this finale will create a huge array of opinions and I'll admit that my own opinion hasn't fully satisfied, however I give the series as a whole an A.

In case I was ambiguous with my description, I'm not suggesting Hurley, for example, wants to go back to the island timeline, I'm saying he wants to preserve the alternative timeline with Libby still alive.

Pretty sure those rules are more a code of conduct (remember Ben accused Widmore of changing the rules when he killed his daughter).

Interesting observation. Worth noting, Desmond isn't a candidate and Jack doesn't have any children except in the alternate timeline (which doesn't really come into play in this case).

Important of alterna-verse
A few episodes ago, I theorized (somewhat blindly) that the actions on the island are in some ways to ensure that the happier existence in the alternative timeline is preserved from the evil of Blackie. That that universe will allow all the characters we've grown to love (including those who…

While I agree that most people on this forum are probably not "casual fans" (myself included) given that episodes average around 10 million viewers and probably more with internet and DVRs, there are probably a lot of those who enjoy the show but don't spend as much time delving into it.

Re: This thread. At least we can all agree that each of us is right, I'd hate it if we allowed the possibility for disagreement without personal attacks. I mean, I liked the episode and the review so the people who disagree with me are clearly hacks and should lose their jobs and/or rid themselves be banned from the…

Seems like even if myth/spirituality/religion is presented throughout a series as an important element (such as Lost or BSG), if it ever becomes a plot points its suddenly melodrama or dues ex machina. If its part of the story's universe hard to be upset when it comes to effect events.

Predictable controversy
When I watched this episode with my wife, we both though that A. It was solid and appropriate for Lost and B. a lot of people wouldn't like it or agree. The forums here seem to confirm our prediction it was inspire dissent.

Network ratings
I find it fascinating that in a time when nearly everyone has cable and many people have DVRs, Netflix, and access to Hulu that broadcast networks will immediately cancel a show if it gets ratings that would be respectable on a cable channel. The second episode got around 4 million viewers which is…

One way or the other, I think everyone is right on that the cave is not the "real" list (whether its a ploy by Jacob or Smokey). Plus, as mentioned elsewhere, Kate seems far to significant to dismiss.

I love that the discussion of games (specifically backgammon) with a white side and a dark side goes all the way back to Locke in the pilot or first couple episodes of the shows. Demonstrates the amazing forethought in the final themes of the show.

How the timelines could connect
At this point there are countless theories floating, so apologies if someone else has thought of this and posted it.

The fake drunk was abysmal. As you said, it almost never plays well for laughs because its trying so hard to be silly and ends up distracting from any potential humor in the story. The plot could have worked but not when its this forced.

Italics
Just have to ask, why is the Enterprise always typed in italics in these reviews. Every time I'm reading through I get thrown for a second thinking its a reference to the Star Trek television series by the name Enterprise (which should be italicized) rather than the ship itself. Probably mundane, but to my…

If you value character stories
I generally love the write-ups on Lost and your defense of both the mythology, but especially the character and philosophical nature of the show, I think this season has been strong on both counts, but I think you greatly undercut the strength of character dynamics this episode.