THE HOME STRETCH

LOST is running down the to the finish line like a muddy Kentucky Derby.

Tonight's apparent Jack-centric episode called "The Candidate" has the tag line that prior to going on a dangerous mission, Jack must determine whether or not to trust Locke.

Well, really?

We can surmise that this episode is another jungle shuffle quasi-rescue mission. This time Jack will be sent to the Hydra island to "rescue" the other castaways from Widmore and Zoe's gun toting boys choir. It has the same anticipation as loading up on warm milk to ride/spin the carnival tea cups until a kid pukes.

The concept of Jack trying to determine whether "to trust Locke" is really absurd at this point. Jack already knows the real Locke is dead. Jack knows Flocke is the smoke monster. He has to be aware from Kate that Flocke killed off most of the Others at the Temple. What's to trust?

Where are we going with so little time left? Are we merely meandering down a Seinfeldian garden maze, a show about "nothing" but harps on characters in unusual situations. Fans anxiety levels are increasing with the prospect of the show ending with no real answers to the really, really big questions.

The question of trust is big right now. Do most fans "trust" TPTB to wrap up the show in a meaningful and intelligent way?