Compelling stuff all the way through (well OK minus Kate's flashback) but 9/10.
A few thoughts on where each character can now go:
Ben:
He is out for revenge for Alex's death. He was transported to 2005 after turning the donkey wheel (wearing the parka from 4x09). Why? How? He wasn't in the time/space/bundlefly chamber was he.
Does he have to go back or can he stay off the island. Does he want to go back?
Charlotte:
Finally, some mystery is coming out of her character. She was born on the island?? Is she Annie?
Frank:
The guy is brilliant - crashed a helicopter but everyone still survived! - His part in Lost is over (unless we get a back story on him and Seth or Frank is killed by Widmore)
Desmond:
I can't see Desmond being a regular anymore. What part can he play? Penny must be in hinding and Desmond with her. I can see Desmond only being a guest star from now on. His main story arc is now over. Still, it was great seeing them reuinted but there was a lack of chemisty between the actors this time when they finally did hug (unless it was just me? there was more chemistry over the phone LOL!)
Jin:
No way is this dude dead. Hes a hero staying until the end to defuse the bomb. I reckon he will be picked up by Daniel and the zodiac.
Sun:
Whilst every one else of the Oceanic Six will team up with Ben, it seems Sun will be doing a deal with Charles Widmore. Will she go back to the island as a spy? Blames Jack for Jin's death but there wasn't a awful lot Jack could do this time Sun.
Kate:
Visited by Claire in a dream not to take Aaron back but did Ben mean that he has too? Claire said don't so there are conflicting views on who is right here.
Sawyer:
Hero of the week. I didn't see Hurley jump out, or Sayid, or Jack....or selfish Kate. No it was left to Sawyer who used to be the most selfish on the island which shows how much his character has changed on the island.
Michael:
Rest in peace -
Christian:
So sick of this man appearing now. It goes to show Jack is Jacob (IMO) which is why Jack is not on his own list. Thats why he needs to go back
Locke:
Time travelling dead corpse Locke (or Jeremy
). I had a feeling it was him or Ben so not too surprised (I'm sure Kiowa was unconsolable last night). I hope its not a 'lets all go back and reserruct John Locke into a zombie' plot. How did he get off teh island? Did he misuse the time/space pod? Who killed him? Widmore?
Jack:
Finally realises Locke was right about everything - took him 3 years
. But how can he convince Kate and Sun to go back?
Steve:
Yep, still alive on the zodiac (hes the one with the blue checked shirt). Still trapped on the island with Juliet, Miles, Sawyer, Rose, et all)
Rose:
L. Scott must have been chuffed to be flown to Hawaii for that small brief scene
. What was the point? or setting up a Miles/Rose plot for season 5?
So a few season 5 plot threads in motion. Off island - Jacks attempts to get the Six to go back with Locke's corpse. Difficult to see this being a flash forwards. Off island must be the new 'present time'
On island we have the Charlotte back story to be told by the looks of things.