Hey Dave, if you are reading this thanks for taking time out of your busy day.

A quick and hopefully simple question,

With each episode focusing on a character and certain writers handling the writing for each episode by apparently picking names randomly, do the writers basically have a blank canvas on which they can develope the characters?

Or

Is there a basic outline of how season #1 will play out, and the writers can fill in and flush out the story episode to episode, but you all must stay within the generalized story outline already established?

I'm very curious how this works, especially since each episode and the characters are so interwoven. I would imagine it could get very muddle unless carefully planned out.

Thanks for any insite!
Shaun.

PS- I LOVE LOST!!!