Talk:The Lostpedia Interview:Q&A with Damon and Carlton

Please leave your questions for Damon and Carlton below. The best will be picked to submit to Damon and Carlton, and they will answer them to the best of their ability in time for the Season and Series Finale of Lost. If you wish your username to be included, do not forget to sign your posts with the four tilde's (~~~~) or the signature button. Please remember no questions about the show and its contents. Any questions about future episodes, mysteries etc will not be submitted to Damon and Carlton.

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Your Favorites

• Growing up, what were your favorite TV Shows, and why? Did any of them influence Lost? And, for us derelict, depressed Lost Fans with nothing more to watch, do you have any recommendations?

Misleading the audience

• There have been several times in the podcasts and other interviews where you intentionally mislead the fans (like insisting that there was nothing paranormal on Lost, that everything is science fiction, etc). Some fans feel they were betrayed in a sense. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. (Hoodleehoo 07:15, May 3, 2010 (UTC))

When Did You Know?

• Many fans have been curious about how much of the show was planned out from the beginning. I’m sure most Lost fans would love to know when you decided the “Monster” would be a pillar of smoke or when you knew there would be a Jacob character at the heart of the Island. Would either of you ever consider releasing details like this? Wpewitt

Fan Interpretations

• Hey guys. Would you say, from reading any of these forums and articles and whatnot, that fans have generally interpreted different aspects of the show in the way that you guys intended?Omaraj 00:44, April 28, 2010 (UTC)omaraj

Stephen King's Dark Tower

• I was quite disappointed to hear that Bad Robot has reliquished the rights to Stephen King's Dark Tower series; I think you would have done an amazing adaptation. What was the primary reason for "crying off" from the tower, and are there any other works by King that you would like to bring to the screen? MarkFunk 13:46, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

• THIS. Why?! After the awesome that was LOST, I cannot think of anyone else (yes, including sai King) who would do the DT series justice. Ron Howard is a very talented man, but looking back on his body of work the tone/flavor/whatever is all wrong. Your tone/flavor/whatever is totally right! Please let us know why the two perfect people for the job gave it away. Whitesideistherightside 19:02, May 3, 2010 (UTC)

Possibility of Spin Offs or A Big Lost Movie, etc ?

• Are you open to any spin offs. A cop show with Miles and Sawyer for one would be great. I think they have good chemistry in the FST. It could incorporate elements of lost too. For example, Miles ability to commune with the dead. A proper big budget movie with a big studio? --VeryBadRobot 14:02, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Oh, that's exactly what I was going to ask! Detectives Ford & Straume -- I would definitely watch that show! --Magmagirl 15:53, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

YES! Darlton must answer this question! What would it take to get a cop show with Sawyer and Miles on the air? I know it's never going to happen, but I swear it would be an instant hit. Throw Ana Lucia back into the cast, and Kate for sure... Charlotte, Dr. Chang.... museum-related plots, yeah! I would love to see that happen! Also, you've done an amazing job on this series no matter how it ends. Thank you for such incredibly moving and well-crafted entertainment. Gohlkus 17:28, May 5, 2010 (UTC)

• Would you consider making a prequel movie regarding the origins of Jacob or MiB? It would probably explain a fair bit of their backstory and their history.

This might end up irrelevant in the next few weeks... Gohlkus 17:29, May 5, 2010 (UTC)

Regardless of what's revealed in the final 160ish minutes of the series, as in any sf universe (e.g., Star Wars, Star Trek, the Lovecraft mythos) there is bound to be room for further expansion and new stories to be discovered by new authors. I would like to know if there is any chance of further installments in the LOST franchise in any medium. Erielhonan 05:20, May 6, 2010 (UTC)

Advice for budding writers

What's your advice for people who want to break into television writing and/or would someday like to be a television showrunner like the two of you? Bronzethumb 14:01, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Returning to TV?

Will either of you be returning to TV, and if so, would you want to do something on the scale of Lost (big story, mysteries, etc.) or something more straightforward?

--Camcheline 14:06, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Questions about writing and creativity

Hello Damon and Carlton!

I would love to know if you consider yourselves to have always been creative or is it something you had to work toward developing? Did either of you take creative writing classes to help with creative writing?

Thanks! Aquaboy1976 14:06, April 27, 2010 (UTC) Aquaboy1976 14:26, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Hey Carlton and Damon! I'm an aspiring writer, and I must say, I think you two would be great at writing novels. Do you see that as a possibility, or do you prefer the mixed media of TV/Film?

--Manix 16:40, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

• • Have you ever worried that LOST is going to be your crown achievement and that there won't be anything matching its popularity for you left to produce? I can't imagine anything better, that's why I'm asking :) - Julia Edwards

Hi Carlton and Damon,

Firstly I am a huge fan of the show and I have loved every minute of its journey, a credit to you gentlemen, your cast and crew. As a young writer I have found that the best part of Lost is the writing and how much plotting, planning and strategic storytelling has gone into making this such a great series and personally I find Lost inspirational in terms of my own writing as I look for original and intriguing stories. I would like to know what has inspired you in your respective careers and helped you reach the heights that you have today? - Nick Fallon (Australia)

Writing for TV

Over the last six years, you and the rest of the writing staff on the show have managed to put together an immensely successful show, despite the fact that in addition to "imagining an amazing story," you've had to juggle things like actor availability, scheduling availabilities for guests, and ensuring that everything runs within the alloted budget & production time. Despite having to kill off characters who didn't want to be on the show, despite having to wait until the last moments to obtain availabilities of others, and despite writing things without any guarantee that an actor you've written for a role will remain with the show (e.g. Richard Alpert), the show stands firmly as a particularly successful monster of entertaining storytelling. I thank you sincerely for pulling this off ever so effectively, and follow this gratitude with two questions: what were the worst crunch times / obstacles you've had to overcome in your six years of working on the show, and did you make any mistakes in regards to leaving yourself open for such challenges that you've learned from. - NotAWriter (United States)

Team Damon and Carlton or "Dalton"

Maybe a bit personal, but what has been some of the high points and low points of the creative writing force that is Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse? Would you do it all again if you had to?VeryBadRobot 14:24, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Another One ??

Do you think, you will be able to create another series that has an even stronger fanbase than Lost ?? --Baron Bushmedi 14:25, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Brisco County, Jr. - For Carlton

Brisco remains one of the greatest TV shows ever on television. Right up there with LOST in my mind. Any chance we'll see a return of Brisco and Lord Bowler (and thanks to a recent ABC podcast, I now get the reference between Lord Bowler and Lord Baltimore)? Also, that show was infused with fun science, a mystery and even a bit of time travel. Did any bit of BRISCO make it into LOST? (I haven't seen an orb, yet. :-)) --Tomten3000 14:31, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Potential Characters

Were there any potential characters that you thought about putting on the show but never did? Or, were there characters that you imagined giving bigger roles to but never worked out? Wpewitt

The Chin

Was working with Bruce Campbell as amazing as I've always imagined it would be? He seems like he would be a blast to have a drink with.

--Popegonzo 14:32, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Fan Concerns VS Character Concerns

How much do you think/worry about fans’ concerns when they wouldn’t necessarily be the concerns of the characters? For instance, very few of the main characters seem to care about or even know about the Frozen Donkey Wheel but it’s a source of intrigue for the show’s viewers; so how much did you want to focus on the FDW just to satisfy fans? Wpewitt

Favorite Film and Book

Being that Lost is a very well thought out show, I figured that you guys had a very strong base of film and literature, so I just wanted to know what your favorite book and favorite film of all time was?

--JeremyBentham99 17.17, May 05, 2010 (UTC)

If You Had To "Go Back"

Hey Damon and Carlton,

Firstly; congratulations on finally coming to the end of your journey on Lost. My question is; if you both had the chance to go back to a specific point in your career (in either Lost or anything else you've working on) what would you do differently? Thanks, I look forward to seeing even more amazing work from you both and good luck for the future. DGOJG 14:53, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Future TV plans

Do either Damon or Carlton have futre television plans in place i.e. (production contracts with any studio) and do they plan to continue working as a team or will LOST be their last collaboration?

How do you feel about fan made things?

Many Lost fans (myself included) have taken it upon themselves to create something dedicated to Lost. Whether it's artwork, costumes, websites, parodies or even fanfictions, how do you feel about them? Annoyed? Grateful? Proud? And would you ever consider reading, or even publishing certain fan works? (PS, you guys inspired me to become a writer!) Kates Egg Timer 15:38, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Dynamic Duo

I love your podcasts, and the slapdowns this season have been very amusing. I know the LOST podcast will be ending but is there any possibility that you two will do some sort of podcast together unrelated to LOST after the show is said is done for us Darlton fans? -Namaste! Scott --StarStormXIII 15:41, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

For Carlton - CJ Wilson Beaning

Carlton, when CJ Wilson beaned you in the shin on LOST: Slapdown, did that actually hurt ? My jaw dropped when I saw Wilson "uncork" that fastball; I had no idea a wiffle ball could be thrown that hard. Thanks and congrats. LEHLegacy 15:52, April 27, 2010 (UTC)LEHLegacy

Favorite stories

You both are incredible storytellers, and ultimately as much as I wish the island was real and the story was real, I know it isn't and it's a testament to your storytelling ability to make me wish it was! What are your favorite stories (specifically, fiction literature) that you've read at some point in your life? Thank you for crafting the best story ever told! --NickBartolotta 17:48, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Writing Partnership

When the two of you write together, does one of you start an outline/draft and then pass it to the other for revision and so forth, or do the two of you actually brainstorm and write in the same room like the writers on the Dick Van Dyke Show? Thanks for all the fear, flashes and fun, --Tigerstripes 17:50, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Agreeing?

Was there ever a certain storyline that you both disagreed on where to take it? Have you ever had a big disagreement over where to take the show, and if so, what was it?

Comics

Damon, will you be writing any more comics soon? Do you find it easier or harder than writing for the screen? Hawkdeath 19:13, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

A Favor

I went to the Lost art gallery. While I was in line I got to the windows and could see inside. I saw you guys (Damon and Carlton) standing in the back. I brought along my season 5 Dharma special edition box set and I was so excited because I was going to have you two sign it. As soon as they let me inside I hurried to the back of the room to meet you. When I got there you were gone so I asked someone where you went and they said that you guys had left for the evening. Needless to say I was completely bummed. I drove all the way from San Diego just to try to meet you guys. So now I have tickets to Lost Live: The Final Celebration and my question for you is will you sign my box set if I bring it to the show? You guys are amazing and my box would be complete with your signatures on it. I have had the worst luck trying do things for Lost and this would be an awesome thing to make up for all the stuff that I missed. Either way this goes you guys are awesome and I know I speak for everyone when I say that you have made my last 6 years of TV watching enjoyable. Thank you very much. I'll miss you guys and the show and I can't wait to see what you hit us with in the future.--Papaburgundy 19:35, April 27, 2010 (UTC)Papaburgundy

A Question for the LostPedia Audience

There is no doubt that you guys have done an incredible job creating Lost. In creating Lost you have managed to appeal to a very thinking but diverse audience. Depending on which fan you talk to, the show is about Mysticism, Faith, Biblical analogy, Science Fiction, Physics, morality etc. Did you even think that the fans would take each of these themes to such an extent? The Lost series provides the perfect palate to discuss these subjects, did you think in the beginning that the discussions would take on the range and scope that it has? Thanks for providing this unparalleled opportunity for all of us.--Annied 19:53, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Favorite characters

Hello Damon and Carlton. From the main characters, who's you're favourite character and why? Could you make a top-3 list? PS: I'm a very big LOST-fan. Can't wait when season 6 is coming out. --Station7 22:10, April 27, 2010 (UTC)

Future collaboration together

Hi Damon and Carlton. Do you think you guys will be collaborating on future works together? If so, do you think it would be another ambitious project, like another TV show? Thanks. --Jonahwriter 00:45, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Other Shows, and Other Characters You've Gone Nuts For

You pair obviously love devouring other shows and literature. Since Lost began, has there been any characters elsewhere on television you've really responded to, and why. Cass, UK, 22 and three quarters, x

Is the Tenerife airplane disaster the inspiration for the show?

In the Tenerife airport disaster it was reported that 235 passengers on the dutch KLM plane were killed. How ever a dutch woman named Robina van Lanschot survived the crash because she stayed behind to be with her boy friend. Robina van Lanschot is an anagram for alvar Hanso not in bc. I dont really mean that the disaster itself was an inspiration as much as you may have gotten a few ideas from Robina van Lanschot's story.

--Crashriprock 04:33, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

More about The Island

I've read that you guy's said after the finalie of LOST that's it for these characters and their story, but what are the chances of a future project that involves the Island?

Is it true that before season 2...

Is it true that before season 2, a fan asked one of you (Damon if I remember correctly) "what's in the hatch?" and you wrote on his DVD that it was a guy pushing a button every 108 minutes? I heard that story from someone and always thought it was awesome.LKRFN88jp 01:26, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

How far would you go to keep the shows secrets secret?

Would you die before revealing the secrets of LOST? cgmv123TalkContribsE-mail 01:45, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Favorite show

What is your favorite show on the air (that is not lost)?

TV Show Influences

As being a huge TV fan and LOST being one of my favorite SCI FI Dramas, I see many comparisons and elements taken from other SCI FI shows (Babylon 5, Doctor Who, etc). I'd like to hear what shows influenced you gentlemen in making this fine show and any main shows you drew ideas from specifically. --TheBeav 02:50, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Magnum Opus?

Damon & Carlton, do you each consider Lost to be your magnum opus, so to speak? Is there any project besides Lost that you consider that top-of-the-pile work that is best representative of you as an artist? Do you aspire to create or be involved in such a project in the future? --Tim Suchecki 06:24, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Getting Stuck

When Tolkien was writing LOTR, he introduced characters (such as Strider) only afterwards wondering who they were, what was their history, and what were they doing in that place. He also got to points in the story, where he did not know what happened next (and as a result became quite stuck) : e.g. In the Foreword to LOTR, Tolkien writes that he “... had progressed as far as the Mines of Moria... till I stood by Balin’s tomb ... There I halted for a long while” (Foreword: LOTR pg 5).

Did you ever get to points with characters or plotlines where you halted for a long time, wondering who they were or what happened next? In particular, are there still things that you do not know, and would like the answers to?

The story of the story

When this is all over, it would make a great DVD extra if you guys could tell the fans how you actually came up with the overall ideas and fitted them together, and which things came along at different stages and how things changed ( or didn't change) as the seasons unfolded. Were there any any really tricky moments making things fit? Beelzebubbles101 08:05, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Did you change anything throughout the series due to leaked spoilers?

Did the writers make any last minute changes to the story throughout any of the six seasons due to certain spoilers leaking? If so, what were they?

--Buzzetta 10:09, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Lost and Star Trek

Did the writing on Lost prepare you for your work on the new Star Trek films? Did anything on Lost inspire you or did you draw from any of the storylines/characters when coming up with ideas for the Star Trek films?--Tim Thomason 12:39, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Feeling

I have the feeling that we can have a 7th season (if not, please, make a movie or something related to the island's story). Guys... are you really going to end Lost in this season? --Stabilini 14:05, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

What Advice can you give me?

Hi Damon and Carlton. My names Matt, and I am aspiring to be a writer for movies, TV, and video games. I was wondering if you have any advice, on what I could do to break into that field?. I am 21 and I live in Rhode Island, so I am not sure if my age and location would be harder for me to get an opportunity.

PS. Me and my friend have been working on a Manga (Japanese style comic) for over 10 years, we both think it is really good. What advice would you have for us on trying to get it published?

Lloyd Braun's TRUE contribution

Hey homies, what's the happy-hap? Damon, Carlton, I'm curious to know whether you think Lost would have made it to where it is today had Lloyd Braun not flipped the finger to Disney and procured the 12 million USD for the Pilot of Lost? Exactly how important are finances, compared to other elements, when it comes to making Lost or any other successful TV show? If my question is chosen, then I would just like to thank you guys for taking the time to answer it, and more importantly thank you for making a legen- wait for it.... DARY show! --Youl 16:19, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Lost Untangled

I absolutely love love love the Lost Untangled web series! Whose idea was it, and who was behind the awesome song that the Lost Recap band did in the last LU episode from season 5? That song still finds its way into my head! --Manix 16:48, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Your Own Celebrity

One thing strikes me about Lost and its fan culture. Fans seem to carry as much if not more reverence for the creators/producers/writers as they do the actors. I think this one of many unique aspects of this show. Are the two of you as likely as, say, Matthew Fox to be recognized while going out to dinner? Or, is the attention you get in some ways more intense than the attention received by those in front of the camera?

I am one of those kinds of fans, BTW:) WineCountryLiz 17:27, April 28, 2010 (UTC)WineCountryLiz

Jacob/MIB's Language

Hello Sirs, Me and my father were talking, and he pointed out that whether in the 1800s or now, Jacob and the Man in Black both speak as if they were were in modern America. Unlike Ricardos or the people on the Black Rock, who speak as though they were from the 1800s. Jacob's language never changes. Was this on purpose somehow? or just one of those little things that doesn't matter? Considering they wouldn't have been able to have that kind of accent when they did.

Once the Show Ends?

Obviously not everyone will be satisfied with the ending of the show, even if it is the one and only Lost! Some people will love it, some won't. I've heard that you will be going radio silent and let the show speak for itself. Will you ever, maybe in a year, maybe 10 years, come out and talk about your interpretation of the show or will May 23rd be IT? Msett 18:52, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Your feelings

I was wondering when was the first time you guys realized that LOST is not just an ordinary popular show but a huge cultural phenomenon? What were your thoughts and feelings then, were you only happy or maybe frightened or surprised? - --Certainlynot 19:18, April 28, 2010 (UTC)certainlynot

Potential storylines not included

Well done on an amazing six years. With so many successful storylines dealing with themes of love, war and science among others, has there ever been a possible storyline created in the writers' room that you were so close to including in the show, but didn't? --Dharmafolk 22:08, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Which Would You Pick?

Thanks for a great series, guys! My question is this: If you could spend one day in the world you've created, either as yourselves or as one of the characters, which day and character would that be and why? --Ben Barrett 22:34, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Career Low

What was the lowest point in your career, and how did it affect you at the time? How did you get out of it? --Strivemonkey 22:52, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Strive Monkey

What do you strive for, in your career or life?

How often have you achieved that, and how?

--Strivemonkey 22:55, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Tisch

Damon Lindelof,

How much effect did Tisch School of the Arts have on the course of your career, and what specifically was the effect?

--Strivemonkey 22:58, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Family, relationships, sanity and greatness

Can a person do great innovative things and be hyper-successful but still maintain their sanity and have strong and respectful relationships with their spouses, children, and close friends? There are many examples to the contrary in science (Isaac Newton), art (Pablo Picasso), and certainly Hollywood (take your pick). How can someone be as obsessive and single-minded as it seems necessary to be hyper-successful without pushing people away and behaving selfishly? --Strivemonkey 23:08, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

The Phenomenon that is LOST Culture

Hey Damon and Carlton!

My question is related to how big Lost has become over the years. Lost is one of the first shows to have such a profound impact on its viewers all around the world. After all these years, to what extent has Lost changed both of your lives and how you feel about how big the show has become after 6 long years? With the final chapter coming to a close, it must feel both nostalgic and sad to be sitting in the editing room sealing the fate of this dearly loved show.

So anyway, needless to say, I love the show and you guys are great.

(ShirtlessLocke 23:10, April 28, 2010 (UTC))

Where do we go from here?

The battle's won, the fighting's done, so we sound our victory cheer.

How do you keep it from all being downhill from here for you two?

--Strivemonkey 23:12, April 28, 2010 (UTC)

Easter eggs

Hi Guys

Are there any Easter eggs in any episode that went unnoticed by the fans? --Amfpsych 23:19, April 28, 2010 (UTC)amfpsych

Going out on the Red Carpet

--Epercz73 00:29, April 29, 2010 (UTC)I was wondering if you guys would consider putting the Lost series finale in theaters? I know that I would pay to see that and so would all of the people I know who watch the show...

What's up with that?

have you alwoays known that john locke would be the body for the smoke monster since his first encounter with it

Anything left unturned?

Now that it's all over, do you feel that EVERYTHING has been taken care of? Are there any major plot points you would have wanted to clear up? Also along those lines, are we going to see another set of mobisodes answering some fan-favorite questions? --Captain538 01:46, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

Working with staff writers

In more than a few past interviews it's been mentioned that the two of you (Damon and Carlton) were the only people who knew the answers to the most major questions on the show: like what the island is and what the smoke monster is. If this is true, I'm curious as to how informed the other staff writers were on the show's big mysteries over the course of writing previous seasons. I respect the fact that you don't want to disclose how you outlined the backstory - whether you planned it elaborately from the start vs. making it up as you went along. But were there ever any occasions when the script for an episode, written by somebody who wasn't fully clued in to the big answers, contradicted the mythology you had planned beforehand? Did you rewrite the script in those occasions to maintain the mythology you originally planned, or did you modify the mythology to incorporate an idea you enjoyed within the script?

Future of serialized TV

IMHO, most of the attempts to succeed LOST in serialized sci-fi television (Heroes, FlashForward, V) have been failures creatively. Do you think there's a future in ambitious, serialized genre television?

Writing Characters

Throughout your careers as writers, have you even been inspired by someone you've known and gone on to create a character(s) based on them? If so could you give examples, thank you --Unionx 03:24, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

I know it's about Lost, but it's something the show can't say for itself. If Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje had not had to leave the show when he did, what were your plans for Mr. Eko? He's a favorite here, and we're very curious to know.--Chrisondra 06:57, May 6, 2010 (UTC)

New High School Graduate Same Weekend as "Lost" Finale - son/family

My son graduates high school the same weekend as the "Lost" finale. We've enjoyed many happy hours together discussing the show, and without any sighing and eye-rolling from him, either! So as you can imagine, I'm sad and happy for this time to come. He feels it will be twice-special, as well.

What advice might you both give him as he heads off to college? And for us together, whatever can we look forward to talking about after the show ends? Thanks!

lilahp1Lilahp1 03:30, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

Hey

What's my name? --Colinlcamp.ME 09:49, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

Lost question

Given that the Lost series appears to be extremely referential in parts of and indeed throughout the series, what would you describe to be the single biggest influence on the story of Lost and how has that influence shaped your thinking in the writing process for the series? barnzyBarnzy 14:27, April 29, 2010 (UTC)barnzy

Relationship with the fans

How would you best describe your relationship with the fans as it relates to the creativity you put into the show? Do you feel a sense of competition, especially with a fan base as large and rabid as that of 'LOST,' having every detail scrutinized and "fact checked" to such meticulous detail? Does it affect the decisions you make regarding the direction of the show, or do you follow your own path regardless of the interpretation and reaction?

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing how this all plays out!

--Jmw1480 15:39, April 29, 2010 (UTC)Marshall Willis, Corpus Christi, TX

Basically

Damon - Can I get a dollar for every time you use the word "basically" in an interview?

Future of "Lost" in fanfiction, novels, or platform...

Without revealing what happens in the series finale (obviously!) for those of us who are avoiding its spoilers -- what are your thoughts on the inevitable spawning of additional "Lost" canon (or should I say, "fanon") or "Lost"-related mythology through fan-generated content on the Internet? Obviously, not every single minor dangling plot-point or mystery will be resolved to everyone's satisfaction -- so, as the driving creative forces behind the show -- what would be your message to those fans who still have a thirst to expand upon continued storytelling of the Lostverse themselves?

-- Get_A_Klugh, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

Favorite Childhood Books

This is a question for Damon. In a podcast a couple years back (I believe it was your Mother's Day special) you mentioned how your mom, a reading teacher, always left books for you to read in the backseat of her car and you would read whenever you guys drove anywhere. That helped foster your love for literature and writing. I am inspired by her and by you in this regard and am (hopefully) fostering a love for reading within my daughter as well.

I was just curious which childhood books were your favorite or impacted you in one way or another. I'd love to hear your answer! I'm secretly hoping she'll be the next Damon Lindelhoff or Carlton Cuse ;)--Jackswhiterabbit 18:34, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

One Book Before You Die

The literary references in Lost have certainly broadened my reading list. If not for Lost, I'm sure many of these books would have escaped my attention (Our Mutual Friend, to name just one), and I wouldn't have been the wiser. If you could read only one more book before you die, what would it be? Would it be something on your current "to-read list" or an old favorite? I love Lost. Thanks for creating such an amazing experience! Amanda2008 21:28, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

super powers?

various characters throughout lost have gained or been born with, various powers, my question for you guys is: If you could have the powers of any of the characters on lost, from the ability to manipulate people to do whatever he wanted simply by talking Ben once had (but somehow lost over time), to the various ways to interact with the dead Miles and Hurley have, to what ever other powers there are, ie MIB and Jacobs' what would you chose? --Prince caro 23:35, April 29, 2010 (UTC)

Question about designing the Smoke Monster

Hey Damon and Carlton, I really love your show and have been a huge fan since the very beginning. Just wondering, in the very first episode when there were noises in the jungle and trees were being knocked down and stuff, did you know it was going to the smoke monster we've seen in the later seasons, or were there any other designs you guys had discussed. Was it smoke perhaps for budget restrictions, or was it smoke for story reasons we're yet to see? Thanks heaps. --You?...Me! 15:34, April 30, 2010 (UTC)

Your Career Inspiration

Damon and Carlton, Thanks for a fantastic run with LOST for the past 6 years. You have inspired many with your creative talent. Who has been an inspiring influence in your career?

--Just Sayin' 15:38, April 30, 2010 (UTC)

Carlton Question

Since you joined part way into Season 1, and the main over all arc of the story was more or less decided (what the island was, what the monster was, etc.), what has been your biggest contribution to the over all mythology of Lost? --Gluphokquen Gunih ▲ 16:14, April 30, 2010 (UTC)

A question from a video gamer~

I'm a huge Lost fan and I've also been quite a core gamer, recently I got to know a really great PS3 game called Heavy Rain. It's not like any typical video game, but more of an interactive movie, and many of its elements remind me of Lost.

It's about a father, who watched his first son died in a car accident, determined to find his second son, who is believed to be taken by a serial killer. The story was told as four people investigating the event. The distinctive characters, the narration, especially when the father tearing down facing his irreversibly shattered family, all of these resembles Lost in so many ways.

I just can't help imagining how about you guys make a video game??!! Maybe not like Halo or Final Fantasy, but surely you can do a great interactive movie! There are quite many things you can do in a game but not in a TV show, more interaction, build any kind of "actor" you like, and the best of all----Multiple Endings!!!!

So would you guys please think about this??!! I suggest you finish the game before you decide. Guess you should have lots of free time after The End--ExtrAme 11:20, May 1, 2010 (UTC)

Responsible Question-Asking

I read recently that you do not plan on revealing the origins of the Period Resupply Drops on the show itself, a mystery which was central to Season 2. On a show about people trying to survive on an island without rescue, the issue of food is a major one that needs to be addressed in order to sustain the story's overall believability. To have an enormous supply of food literally fall out of the sky is one thing, but to do so without offering any explanation as to where it came from or how it got there is another thing, entirely. Does it strike you as at all irresponsible that you would pose such an answer to such a crucial concern to the show, only to leave it open as a simple deus ex machina? --CellarDoor 15:46, May 1, 2010 (UTC)CellarDoor

Cable vs. Network

Many of the most acclaimed shows on television these days are on cable. Do you think you would have done anything differently with LOST if it had been on cable instead of ABC? Also in the future would you prefer to have a television show on cable or network television, or does it really not make much of a difference? Thank you for all that you do and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you both. --Sobek42 00:34, May 2, 2010 (UTC)

For Carlton- Robert Coles

Carlton, I read that you worked with Robert Coles at Harvard. When I was a child, I was interviewed for Coles' research regarding the way that children perceive God. Did your work with Coles influence your contributions to the Lost Story? And which one of you is the C.S. Lewis fan?--Joelgivens 04:25, May 2, 2010 (UTC)

Damon Wasteland Question

Damon,

I watched an old interview in which you talked about your first job writing job on Kevin Williamson's old series "Wasteland." How much did you learn about the television writing during that brief time? You have a story credit for each of the final three episodes of the series. How did that experience help you in landing your next writing job? And did Kevin Williamson ever share any words of wisdom with you?

Thanks for six wonderful seasons of LOST. Good luck in all your future projects.

Mynameischris1 17:45, May 2, 2010 (UTC) Chris

Have you kept any cool props from the show after it wrapped?

Like, do you serve MacCutcheon whiskey in Dharma shots glasses and play Geronimo Jackson on vinyl when you throw parties at home? Does your keychain have a Swan logo? Kris2000

Persuasion

If and only if you guys do read the fan sites, do you add things in to the shows based on the fans discussions? If so, what sort of thing have you added in the past? You guys are awesome. Thanks for the past six years of my life!!

The Lost Encyclopedia

Will the Lost Encyclopedia (written by Tara Bennett and Paul Terry) be canon? To what extent are you involved in its development? (Will it provide new information, or maybe clarifications?)  Nico  00:00, May 3, 2010 (UTC)

Deleted scenes

I'm curious how you view the canonicity of deleted scenes, and also if there are more scenes that were dropped from the show then what we have seen on the DVD's Redshirt Forever 04:49, May 3, 2010 (UTC)

Your careers

Where do you go from here!?

Glass Eye

I know this is minor and that there is a possible 98% that this mystery won't be solved, but what is that glass eye from The Other 48 Days? Who uses it? When was it there? Is it just a prop? Thank you. --Jal11497 02:48, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

Are you scared of us?

Damon and Carlton, Have you ever thought to yourself, "what if the fans hate the ending to LOST?" Have you ever had this glimpse? Do you feel like your well-being could be at stake? Who would you turn to in this situation, and how have you been planning for the worst case scenario?

A very satisfied fan..."so far", RipYogi Ripyogi 03:19, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

Your Creative Opinions

Hey Guys, Congrats on your 6 fantastic seasons. Had an idea for a new television series (not based on lost, or the canon), if your interested. Underworld hitman, Markus finds out he has a teenage son. Fearing a lawsuit from the mother for not paying child support and a follow expose of his less than legal, he starts taking care of him and soon tell him what he does for a living. Series follows Markus' attempts to steer his son away from a life of crime and murder, while dealing with an intense moral conflict within, kill or be killed. Twist of the series is that it's a comedy, as well as a tragedy.

What do you both think about it? Idontknowwhatmyemailis@hotmail.com if your interested Stevmcesquire 11:21, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

Publishing the scripts?

I know I was overjoyed to be able to purchase the script for Pulp Fiction years ago. And I've heard (and seen) that the LOST scripts are extremely entertaining. Any chance that some or all of the LOST scripts will ever be for sale? Bobrk 17:13, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

You guys on Lostpedia

Hey, I was hoping after Lost is said and done, you guys might hop onto Lostpedia and tie up any loose ends. We are devoted fans here, and every detail cannot be answered on T.V., maybe you can answer them on here! There are too many small detailed questions to ask, but a quick browse through any theories page, and you will know what I am talking about. Thanks for your wonderful creativity that has entertained us for these last years!HorribleEyes 20:20, May 4, 2010 (UTC)HorribleEyesHorribleEyes 20:20, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

Correct guesses

One of you is supposed to have said at some point that some fans had come close to guessing the end of the story. Since then, has anyone nailed it?--Jim in Georgia Contribs Talk 21:24, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

How Do You Think Lost Will Do 10 Years From Now?

Lost truly is one of the greats. It has a rabid fan base that no other show in my memory has been able to match. However, once the show's finished and the mysteries are resolved and there's not much to theorize about (besides the plot danglers that weren't answered), how do you think Lost will fare 10 years from now? I always tell my friends I feel sorry that they're only getting into Lost now. It was so much fun for me to take an ENTIRE summer to theorize about what was in the Hatch, or an entire week to think about new theories about what might happen next. Did Juliet blowing up the bomb work? Will the plan work? Did the bomb go off!? For late-comers to the party, they simply need to hit the "Next" button and pop in a new disc to find out. They don't come up with the elaborate theories and possibilities that make Lost...well, Lost. How do you think the show will do in the future once it's in syndication? Msett 21:26, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

The Name of the Finale: Inspiration

I don't want to reveal spoilers, even if this isn't a major one (Haha), but the name for the series finale is obviously something much talked about. Did you know automatically what you would call the finale? How much thought went into naming the LAST EPISODE of the greatest television show on Earth? Msett 21:29, May 4, 2010 (UTC)

Favorite Episode

• Hi guys! Here's what I was wondering, although it's a bit abstract: personally, what has been your favorite episode of Lost, either to create or to watch? Pasta Patron 22:52, May 3, 2010 (UTC)

Comic Book Adaptation

If you could adapt any comic book for television or film, what would it be and why?  Jimbo the Tubby  talk  contributions  04:36, May 5, 2010 (UTC)

Future Projects

What are your future projects, and what are you thinking of going into after the series finale? Ldude893 12:33, May 5, 2010 (UTC)

Geronimo Jackson

Will the story about Geronimo Jackson one day revealed? Or will it remain the mystery? Kosmomerz 13:42, May 5, 2010 (UTC)

Distant view

Are you thinking about reviewing LOST one day, perhaps in 10 or 20 years? As documentary, with interviews with actors, another LOST-team members, re-visiting locations at Hawaii? Because LOST is a show which will remain as cultural heritage, and if the story itself would be sealed into the LOST universe, but the meta around this show deserves such distant review, imho. Kosmomerz 13:42, May 5, 2010 (UTC)

Before Lost

Lost is full of intricate storytelling, mythological premises, etc. Did you ever dream or plan on conducting such a story (particularly such a grandiose one)?--Lockeup 22:20, May 5, 2010 (UTC)

You and the characters

Which character, minor or major, do each of you relate to most? Can you explain why?--Lockeup 22:22, May 5, 2010 (UTC)

Do Lostpedia-ites serve as inspiration for some of your ideas?

There are so many creative and smart minds out there and such a big fan base, do your look at our posts and consider them in your story-telling?--Tandthart 04:59, May 6, 2010 (UTC)

More interesting to me is, do you (or your minions, if you do employ minions) ever log on to sites like this one pseudonymously and post whacked theories to get people worked up and/or create false trails? Erielhonan 05:24, May 6, 2010 (UTC)

Corrective Lenses

I notice you both wear eyeglasses. Could you fill us in on this must-know-everything issue? At what ages did you start wearing them, what conditions do your prescriptions correct, what are your visual acuity ratings (x/20 format please), and most importantly do these have anything to do with the mystical hatch/lottery/candidate numbers? PS I ask not because I an optician, but because I am a fanboy conspiracy theorist who is looking for fodder in novel places. Erielhonan 05:13, May 6, 2010 (UTC)

Living up to the hype

Do either of you guys worry that all your future project will be compared to the success and cult following of LOST and that you yourselves won't be known as "great producers and writers" but rather "the guys behind LOST". Basically will the great work that you guys did on LOST shadow anything you do in the future? Keep on rocking in the free world! 13:31, May 6, 2010 (UTC)BAIKJOE

Religious/philosophical views

Dear Carlton and Damon, could you tell us something about your religious and philosophical views in general? If you don't mind a bit of a personal question, that is. I'm a Master of Theology, which explains why I'm interested, but I'm sure others are as well. Thanks for one of the greatest and most intriguing TV shows ever created by man! Jesus bless you! Dark Father 14:28, May 6, 2010 (UTC)