Sapphire and Steel

[Hordriss]

Another possible (though as yet unacknowledged) influence upon "Lost" that I recently noticed could be "Sapphire and Steel". I have only seen Adventure 1 of this, but noted some interesting similarities ... and if you've never seen S&S and would prefer to avoid spoilers, please read no further...

Adventure 1 is set in a house which has been built over a fissure in time and is consequently "haunted" (An idea itself also seen in "Doctor Who"). Time in S&S is portrayed as a corridor through a chaotic universe, with weak spots that can be penetrated by deadly external forces. When these forces break through, they manifest themselves as "ghosts": either as people and images drawn from the past and people's memories, or just as sounds and voices drawn from the past. They also have a "traveling form", represented by cheap post-production blobs of white light, which they use until they need to interact with or attack someone.

The weak spots in time, according to S&S lore, are exacerbated by "anachronisms": antique furniture, ancient stonework, and even snatches of traditional rhymes can all put pressure on the time fissures, and make it easier for the malevolent forces to build strength and break through.

Primarily, I think there are likely echoes of this old series (1979-82) in such things as the whispers, the Black Smoke, the apparitions, and the increasing importance of time travel in the "Lost" mythos. I don't believe the writers have ever mentioned it, though, nor even if S&S is at all well known in the states (so it is quite possible I am pathetically wrong).

[The_abbott]

Well Sapphire and Steel were last seen floating in a cafe in space so I doubt they will be back having been trapped by Jacob

Yes I'm older enough to remember the series. It was fantastic. Especially Adventure 4 Faceless man

Unfortuantely, I will have to watch the show on DVD again to check your points you raised!