ABC airs the 48th episode of the J.J. Abrams-produced series Lost, opening the show’s much-anticipated third season. Deep analysis of clues of the show’s backstory has now become a popular pastime, not simply an internet phenomenon. Elizabeth Mitchell (V), Michael Emerson, and Henry Ian Cusick join as series regulars; William Mapother and Brett Cullen guest star. 
Flashback: As Jack’s divorce nears completion, he obsesses over the identity of Sarah’s new lover. He attempts to track her cell phone usage, and discovers that she had at some point called his father. He follows his father to an AA meeting and accuses him of sleeping with his wife. When he slugs his father, he is arrested. Sarah bails him out, calls him a cab, and emphatically says good-bye.
The Island: A book club meets in what appears to be a normal suburban home. The host, Juliet, defends her choice of book, even while acknowledging that someone named Ben wouldn’t be much of a fan. The meeting is interrupted by what appears to be an earthquake. Everyone runs outside to see a plane break in half and descend. This is the island, and these are the Others. Henry Gale orders Goodwin and Ethan to infiltrate the survivors.
In the present, Jack is in a cell. Juliet tries to get him to take food, but he resists. Sawyer is in a cage that resembles an animal behavior experiment. Kate is given a shower and a dress, and brought to Henry. He warns her that the next two weeks are going to be unpleasant. Jack and Sawyer each make escape attempts, but even though Jack briefly manages to take Juliet hostage, neither can stay free for long.
story by Damon Lindelof
teleplay by J.J. Abrams & Damon Lindelof
directed by Jack Bender
music by Michael GiacchinoCast: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Mr. Eko), Naveen Andrews (Sayid), Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond), Emilie de Ravin (Claire), Michael Emerson (Henry Gale), Matthew Fox (Jack), Jorge Garcia (Hurley), Josh Holloway (Sawyer), Daniel Dae Kim (Jin), Yunjin Kim (Sun), Evangeline Lilly (Kate), Elizabeth Mitchell (Juliet), Dominic Monaghan (Charlie), Terry O’Quinn (Locke), John Terry (Christian Shephard), Julie Bowen (Sarah), M.C. Gainey (Mr. Friendly), William Mapother (Ethan), Brett Cullen (Goodwin), Blake Bashoff (Karl), Julie Adams (Amelia), Stephen Semel (Adam), Isabelle Cherwin (Little Girl), Alexandra Morgan (moderator), Sonya Seng (Receptionist), Sally Davis (Teacher), Julie Ow (Nurse)
LogBook entry by Dave Thomer