Countdown to the "LOST" Finale

The countdown to the 3rd season finale of "LOST" has begun and before the producers send the show off on a well-deserved 7-month hiatus they are promising a "kick-ass" climax. Here's what's in store beginning with tonight's excellent episode "The Brig."

You may have heard about an episode without a classic flashback. This is the one. Tonight, we go back to that crucial moment when Ben introduced Locke to "the magic box" and revealed he held his father Anthony Cooper in captivity.

For a long time we had wondered if Anthony was the real Sawyer, the con man who was responsible for the death of our Sawyer's parents. Tonight we learn the answer as "LOST" writers make a morally complex storyline decision and roll out the first of at least 5 rumored deaths.


Meanwhile, Matthew Fox's Jack wanted Kate to believe he was minding his own business while staying in Othersville. We all know that would have been the last thing the doctor would have been doing, so what exactly is he up to? As tonight's episode reveals, whatever it is, Juliet may be a part of it.

Next week we finally learn more about Ben, how he got to the island, who he was brought up by, why he is the way he is. A pivotal, possibly game-changing episode that exposes the details of his strong connection to the Dharma Initiative. And if that isn't enough, we finally get to meet Jacob, the infamous "him."

Before the season closes on May 23 in a spectacular hair-raising 2-hour finale, the fans will finally learn what they have been wondering about since that exquisite Desmond flashback episode back in February - will Charlie die or not? Keep an eye on talk show line-ups, if Dominic Monaghan is a guest on any shows on May 17.

Then on May 23 prepare for bloodshed as the conflict between The Others and Losties finally escalates into war-like proportions and casualties arise on both sides. Also, producer Carlton Cuse said the episode will feature a showdown between Jack and Locke. Could Jack really have crossed over to "The Others" side?


The episode will feature his flashback, but as TV Guide revealed today - he will not die.

Finally, for those of you who are having trouble following all the questions and answers that have been posed and given thus far, ABC will air a one-hour special titled "The Answers" recapping what questions have been put, what we have learned and what we still don't know.

The special airs Thusrday, May 17 at 10 p.m. after the "Grey's Anatomy" season finale, and will be repeated the following week on Wednesday, May 23 at 8 p.m. on ABC, just before the 2-hour finale, as part of a 3-hour "LOST" send-off event.

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