Really at this point the show has reinforced this so much that if they end up resolving it some other way, it will come across as a last minute rewrite in order to have a neat “twist” ending.

I watched the first few episodes of Season 1 and realized that Lost could become an obsession for me, but unlike Myst, to which I (successfully) dedicated Christmas break of my first year of grad school, I didn’t have control over the time investment and stepped away. Like you, I think drug addiction would be easier on my family than getting involved in a more endless game, or an ongoing TV series.

I therefore conclude that a malevolent Force–perhaps, indeed, one of these wicked Cocoa-Nuts of which we hear so much–has infested my computer.

Mr. Baldwin;
Your description of Lost suggests nothing so much to me as a re-invention (perhaps unintentional) of pulp fiction. Ongoing mystery/mysteries, clues that spawn more questions, surprise backstory, unnatural occurences (see also polar bear), heavy atmosphere, exotic location and a structure adapted to supporting an ongoing short-format series in a disposable medium . . . whether they meant to or not, the writers of Lost have recreated a classic writing style. Of course, pulp fiction is also famously uneven, producing both utter drek and surprise masterpieces like Chandler/Marlowe. That seems to fit, too.

In the meanwhile, Sawyer Jack and Kate engage in a triangle romance,and Sayid’s amazing ability to fix just about anything comes in use – also Sayid warns Jack about what’s about to happen.

Hurley goes on an adventure, and tries to chat everyone up, while Sun and Jin continue to have outlandish marital problems. Mike continues along yelling “Waallter”, and Desmond cries out for Penelope.

Have I forgotten anyone?