Hi Christina,

I was wondering if you could please tell me if the backstories that tie into each episode are decided as the season arc is planned out, or are they worked in later? (e.g.- For "Adrift", did the writers say "We're doing a story about what's going on on the raft and the best stories to tie in would be Sawyer's or Michael's", or, "We want to explore Michael's feelings about his history with Walt and we're going to do an episode about the loss of the raft that ties it together?")

If they are worked in later, do the writers get to compete for which backstories they would like to write?

One of the things that makes Lost my favorite show is the attention to detail and overall great quality of writing. Thanks for making me look forward to Wednesdays (and giving me plenty of stuff to think about while I sit in my car on my daily commute!):)