...what exactly? I'm guessing this is the same secret Jack was sick of lying about in TTLG. Did they do something awful to get off? Does no one know that there were other survivors?

I'm thinking at this point that, given that only six people got off the island (or at least it can be assumed as much, with the whole "oceanic six" thing), people from whatever entity is behind the six's rescue made the six promise not to reveal that there were people still on the island.

yeah, that sounds like a good explanation
was wondering about this too

I also think they may be prohibited from talking about the island at all. That they can't discuss anything that happened there, give up any of the island's secrets.

...what exactly? I'm guessing this is the same secret Jack was sick of lying about in TTLG. Did they do something awful to get off? Does no one know that there were other survivors?

I think you're right. It's a secret that there were actual 40 or so other survivors on the island. I found it interesting that, it would seem, Jack's need to "go back" was seemingly Hurley's contribution. Hurley seems to have put that seed in there; eventually we have the Jack from the season finale. Who knows what other strange visits Hugo has had? That black dude, ... he looked like smoke on the way out.

I agree... That dude was totally Smokey!!

I think you're right about Hurley "planting the seed". I wonder if Jack had any strange visitations himself later on? I really want to know what else set him down the path of obsessing about getting back to the island. Obviously something big had to happen (or a succession of small things building up) to have such a big change in Jack. He looks like he's trying very hard to adjust and forget about what happened. Return to his normal life, so to speak.

I'm a little scared for Hurley. I am starting to think he might kill himself over this guilt and the visions, and thats what makes a believer out of Jack, and causes him to think they have to go back.

I THINK that they can't talk about the island itself at all. I am not clear on if there are survivors on the island. I mean, I hope there are. And I hope the Oceanic 6 go back for/to them. But I have no idea.

Yes, he's afraid he'll tell that there was people left behind. But why? Are they under the threat of death or something? Being publicly humiliated, let's say, by the media after the discovery couldn't be that bad, if they knew it would result in a rescue. I don't get it at all, and I definitely don't think we are supposed to!

I agree, I really hope they don't though, They cant kill Hurley AND Charlie, Sawyer doesnt offer enough humor now with his dark phase.. that'd be show suicide IMO. You dont kill the most loveable character.

I also think they may be prohibited from talking about the island at all. That they can't discuss anything that happened there, give up any of the island's secrets.

I think you're right.

Hurley wouldn't even acknowledge his acquaintance with Ana Lucia to someone who knew her and clearly felt some kind of affection for her (her former police partner). And we all know how big of a heart Hurley has!

Clearly we aren't mean to understand anything about this "secret/lie" yet, nor are we able to correctly guess the who, why, what of it that tears Hurley apart early on, and later (as we've seen) Jack.

My question is: WHY are these 6 people so willing to obey and keep things quiet?
There must be some terrible consequence if they spill it.

Can't wait to see how the rest of the Oceanic 6 are affected in the future...
::happydanceLostisback!::
:woohoo:

I THINK that they can't talk about the island itself at all. I am not clear on if there are survivors on the island. I mean, I hope there are. And I hope the Oceanic 6 go back for/to them. But I have no idea.

That's what I think, LL. I think whoever has interests in the island (Oceanic, Widmore, whomever) would do everything in their power to keep the island and everything it holds a secret from the world, and part of their deal with the devil was that they couldn't talk about the island at all, anything they saw or learned, any of those left behind. The fact that there seems to have been a separately staged crash says to me that the idea may have been to concoct a completely false crash/rescue scenario, maybe one that didn't include the island. Maybe they don't want the island known to the public in any way, and the O6 are all forced to lie, say the plane crashed in the water, the other passengers were dead, etc.
100%

My question is: WHY are these 6 people so willing to obey and keep things quiet?
There must be some terrible consequence if they spill it.


That's the big question. What are they threatened with? It goes way beyond the celebrity or money - all that wouldn't mean much to any of them after all they'd been through and the bonds they'd made with the other Losties.

If the Oceanic people or whoever they are made a deal with "The Six" that required their silence, that would explain a little of why, although Jack is clearly falling apart over the guilt and Hurley is already panicking, Kate is doing just fine. They must have made her quite a deal to make all of her legal trouble go away. No wonder she doesn't share Jack's desire to go back. Besides, if they have betrayed the other Losties, Kate probably isn't eager to face them.

Yeah to me that is the big question, why keep it a secret? I find it interesting that Jack is a pretty sane dude in this FF, but in TTLG he is a total wreck. He actually reminded me a lot about Kate in this episode, he acted pretty much the same way Kate acted in TTLG. Maybe Jack starts to see the same things as Hurley does right now. If you re-watch TTLG, you can see Jack staring in mirrors/reflections a lot. This is especially prevalent when he is about to go into the funeral parlor.

I think that when you combine Charlie's message "They need you" with all the lying/not telling, it's pretty clear that there are people left behind.

But it also wouldn't surprise me if some pretty horrific things are done in the process of getting the O6 off the island.

ETA:And lucky, I think that you are right that there has been no public mention of the island at all and that the O6 are being coerced into going along with some other story.

I think the big secret goes beyond there being survivors still on the island/the whole existence of the island.
How the six people left the island is still up to question. I think that the six might be hiding the fact that maybe the trip of the island was not a walk in the park and sacrifices (people) had to be made.

If the Oceanic people or whoever they are made a deal with "The Six" that required their silence, that would explain a little of why, although Jack is clearly falling apart over the guilt and Hurley is already panicking, Kate is doing just fine. They must have made her quite a deal to make all of her legal trouble go away. No wonder she doesn't share Jack's desire to go back. Besides, if they have betrayed the other Losties, Kate probably isn't eager to face them.

I think she'll get to "we have to go back" breaking point pretty soon. Didn't seem from this ep. that Jack would, but we know differently.

they were allowed to leave as long as they never spoke of what happened. now they hope someone will let them go back.

I LOVE this show!!

I'm wondering if the secret the Oceanic 6 has to keep might be something similar to the purge (but we'll find out later that some losties/others survived). As a condition of their rescue maybe they all had to not necessarily be involved in an attemtpt to purge everyone else, but had to at least be complicit. It would be fascinating to see how the Freighters could get Kate, Jack, Hurley and the rest of the Oceanic 6 in a position to go along with something like that.

What also really interests me is the fact that Jack really seems to not want Hurley to tell whatever the secret is (at least at this point). He worded it something like "you're not going to tell are you?" As if Hurley's telling the secret would get them all into trouble or cost them something.

So, whatever happened, at least initially Jack is okay with it, and is going along with it, as Kate seemed to be in TTLG. Something changes Jack's mind drastically, but whatever the secret is, Jack seems almost too okay with it at first. Maybe whatever happened, Jack feels that he was right to do whatever he did to get them off and that Locke is at fault for any people left behind? That doesn't seem like Jack though.

Hmmmm......

not so sure anymore but...well at the moment, i thought maybe the rest of the people wanted to stay on the island either out of fear, or of not having anything to return to, and perhaps jack and hurley and whoever else made it off promised them not to send anyone searching, i.e. say that only a few people survived, the Oceanic6, and just let the rest of the survivors be.

You know, the question of why this must be a secret is bugging me as well.

I think the most likely possibility is this (presented in the way it comes out of my head so sorry its incongruent):

1. O6 get off the island, non-O6 don't.
2. Entity explains to each of them, either as a group or individually, that they arranged for their arrival on the island and can, if necessary, arrange for their return.
3. If they tell anyone about the island, their [permanent] return will be necessary

Okay now think of this. As far as we've seen it in the timeline of the show, Hurley is the first O6 who starts wanting to go back, which looks like it's tied to telling this secret.

Jack wants to go back next, and tries to convince Kate.

It just seems interesting that as each person's life begins to deteriorate back in the real world, they find themselves wanting to go back, because they realize what they've *LOST*. Kate, in last season's FF, looked like she's gotten her life together. Of course she wouldn't want to go back. But Jack and Hurley aren't doing so well, and they (I think) are beginning to realize they have to get back, and that the only way to go back is by revealing the secret, whatever it is.

I think it might be significant Jack says something about never going back Hurley responds with "never say never" or something along those lines. You think that could possibly mean that they could at some point, whether it be this season or the last, find their way back to the island? (Crazy idea but possibly how the show could end? After everything is explained of course haha)

Oceanic has a lot at stake if other survivors are found. I'm sure they have taken care of the Oceanic 6 quite well financially since they've been back. Other than that, I'm clueless...

I think it might be significant Jack says something about never going back Hurley responds with "never say never" or something along those lines. You think that could possibly mean that they could at some point, whether it be this season or the last, find their way back to the island? (Crazy idea but possibly how the show could end? After everything is explained of course haha)

In one of the mobisodes, Ben and Jack are playing chess, and Ben also tells Jack "Never say never" in regards to returning to the island. I believe Ben tells Jack the day might come he would want to return to the island, and Jack says "Never."

Interesting...

Oceanic has a lot at stake if other survivors are found. I'm sure they have taken care of the Oceanic 6 quite well financially since they've been back. Other than that, I'm clueless...

It would seem Oceanic Airlines is just "now" getting back on it's feet financially after the bad press of Flight 815's dissappearance and subsequent crash. I doubt finances are *the* key reason for keeping the Oceanic 6 quiet, but I'm sure its's a factor.

when Jack visits Hurley at Santa rosa
he seemed quite concerned and frightened, about if hurley had told
anyone about what really happened on the island/the rescue.

did they make a deal with someone not to talk about the island?
and where it is

whats Jack so scared of?

I think it's pretty safe to assume that they all "agreed" under some uncertain terms not to disclose information regarding their stay on the Island
That and the fact that no one apparently knows that they were ON an Island.

when Jack visits Hurley in the mental hospitall ( is it santa rosa?)
he seemed quite concerned and frightened, about if hurley had told
anyone about what really happened on the island/the rescue.

did they make a deal with someone not to talk about the island?
and where it is

whats Jack so scared of?

SANTA ROSA?!

If that's confirmed that would be more evidence for my "Ho, ho, ho" thread!

Yeah to me that is the big question, why keep it a secret? I find it interesting that Jack is a pretty sane dude in this FF, but in TTLG he is a total wreck. He actually reminded me a lot about Kate in this episode, he acted pretty much the same way Kate acted in TTLG. Maybe Jack starts to see the same things as Hurley does right now. If you re-watch TTLG, you can see Jack staring in mirrors/reflections a lot. This is especially prevalent when he is about to go into the funeral parlor.

This REALLY bothers me...Jack does NOT seem like the same person AT ALL. What if it isn't Jack? What if Hurley imagined him there just as he (we presume) imagined Charlie there? I'm still absorbing everything but you notice several times Hurley sees someone (or something like the cabin) and he says "NO YOU'RE NOT THERE, IT'S NOT REAL" and then he blinks really hard and they're gone (leading you to believe they didn't exist to begin with). So maybe he imagined that visit from Jack too?

This REALLY bothers me...Jack does NOT seem like the same person AT ALL. What if it isn't Jack? What if Hurley imagined him there just as he (we presume) imagined Charlie there? I'm still absorbing everything but you notice several times Hurley sees someone (or something like the cabin) and he says "NO YOU'RE NOT THERE, IT'S NOT REAL" and then he blinks really hard and they're gone (leading you to believe they didn't exist to begin with). So maybe he imagined that visit from Jack too?

Oh, this is Jack. Trust me. I know my man. :biggrin:

And he is trying so very hard to live with this and be his gorgeous Doctor self who has a good life and keeps a deep, dark secret for some reason. He's a mirror of Kate in the TTLG flashforward. Didn't you get the impression that Kate too was not exactly happy with their lie even if she cleans up well?

Here's the thing about Jack though. He's already started drinking. He pours vodka into his OJ in the morning. It's eating at him slooowly, like acid, but the guilt and perhaps full realization of why he has to go back to the Island is going to hit and hit hard at some point. I'm dying for his next FF. For now, he's trying to live with it, but look beneath the surface and you can see it's not working all that well.

This REALLY bothers me...Jack does NOT seem like the same person AT ALL. What if it isn't Jack? What if Hurley imagined him there just as he (we presume) imagined Charlie there? I'm still absorbing everything but you notice several times Hurley sees someone (or something like the cabin) and he says "NO YOU'RE NOT THERE, IT'S NOT REAL" and then he blinks really hard and they're gone (leading you to believe they didn't exist to begin with). So maybe he imagined that visit from Jack too?

Ah ha! You may have just explained the reason for something that bothered me. The "flash" portion of the episode actually started from Jack's POV, as he watched the car chase. Then POV switched to Hurley for the rest of the flashes. Maybe it was to show the audience that Jack was external to Hurley, and therefore not a crazy vision.

Maybe the rescuers are only aware of the six that left the island and to protect the existence of the other Losties they lied and said they were all dead. They knew Jack and Kate were there because they talked to them on the sat phone. They wouldn't have known exactly how many others were to be rescued. For all they know Jack, Kate, Hurley and three others were the only Oceanic survivors.

I also think the world would find it quite interesting that there was a faction that refused "rescue". Not only were there other survivors, but they chose to stay Lost.

Yeah, I think they are protecting the fact that more survivors exist. That would make them tired of lying. There likely was a deal not to reveal the more survivors exists which is a terrible thing to live with - sort of like who gets to stay in an over crowded lifeboat. Would rescue be worth it knowing you left others behind? I don't think all survivors who remain on the island did so by choice. Think they drew straws for six seats?

Something changed drastically.
At the end of last season Jack was trying everything he could to get back to the island. **Using his golden pass. Hoping the plane crashed**
Kate was the one who didn't want to go back.

Now Hurly thinks they need to go back and Jack is completely against it.

Makes me think what ever happend, happened after they got off the island.
Some how Jack at least on the surface has pulled himself back together.
So what is Jack afraid of? Giving his morals, it has to be something bad, for him to leave anyone on that island or not tell what was going on while he was there.

Something changed drastically.
At the end of last season Jack was trying everything he could to get back to the island. **Using his golden pass. Hoping the plane crashed**
Kate was the one who didn't want to go back.

Now Hurly thinks they need to go back and Jack is completely against it.

Makes me think what ever happend, happened after they got off the island.
Some how Jack at least on the surface has pulled himself back together.
So what is Jack afraid of? Giving his morals, it has to be something bad, for him to leave anyone on that island or not tell what was going on while he was there.

The flashback from last night was long before the finale of season 3. Jack mentions he is thinking of growing a beard. In the finale he has a beard.

He was against going back at first, but eventually realizes they have to go back.

I think some type of deal was made with the people on the boat or those left behind, maybe protecting those left behind and the island. However, if those lef tbehind were happy with the arrangement why this urgent need to go back and help them?

I think the Oceanic 6 were found on a life boat in the middle of the ocean. The "only survivors."

When Jack goes to see Hurley, it is before Jack goes nuts as we see him at the end of season 3. Jack even says "I'm thinking of growing a beard". We see him with that beard in season 3. So I think that after that conversation with Hurley, sometime later he tries to get back on the island, for whatever reason. I don't know what they're afraid of or an anything though.

EDIT: Har, posted at the same time

i think they had to make some kind of "Deal with the Devil" to get off the island, because we know from the recap that the people on the boat were not sent be Penny as originally thought. And Jack can't live with the guilt???

Duh? You know I'm so slow at this stuff. I just posted something close on another thread. Takes me forever to catch all the fine details.
Of course you are both right :)

I think it's possible that 6 of them decided to leave the island, and the rest of them decided to stay. Now Jack and Hurley regret leaving. Their secret may be that there were people who wanted to stay, and they don't want anyone else to find the island for X reason, which we don't know yet. I imagine that Ben knows the answer, and there must be some super cool reason to want to be on the island that we haven't been told yet. And Jack and the other 5 people who got off the island want it to stay secret too now.

A lot of the speculation is as if the rescue has something to do with the people on the boat, but there are 2 more long seasons, where anything could happen. By the end of this season, the people on the boat could be in the ditch with the former Dharma employees. Just too early to know I think.

No I don't think it's necessariliy anything to do with what we're seeing on the island now. But it seems like 6 of them get off somehow at some point, regardless of when or how that is. And I think it's possible that it was a decision they made, given the way that Jack was talking at the end of season 3, it was like they had a choice, and he could have stayed

I think that Jack is afraid that Hurley will come clean with all that really went down on the Island. At that moment in the Gym...he still believes that the Oceanic 6 can live their new lives and somehow forget their real past. He believes that he can still protect the 6 and give them something of a normal life....

Something changed drastically.
At the end of last season Jack was trying everything he could to get back to the island. **Using his golden pass. Hoping the plane crashed**
Kate was the one who didn't want to go back.

Now Hurly thinks they need to go back and Jack is completely against it.

Makes me think what ever happend, happened after they got off the island.
Some how Jack at least on the surface has pulled himself back together.
So what is Jack afraid of? Giving his morals, it has to be something bad, for him to leave anyone on that island or not tell what was going on while he was there.

Jack visiting Hurley was a role reversal of the end of TTLG. He's seen Hurley on the news, like Kate had seen Jack on the news. As you pointed out, in TTLG it was Jack who insisted on going back, who was in a deranged mental state, and Kate was polished and put together saying things had to stay the way they are.

Now it's Hurley as the mental case (although I wonder if he's just seeking refuge in Sta. Rosa) who's saying they need to go back, and Jack rejecting the notion and walking away.

We see cracks appearing in Jack already in the FF but he's still "with the program". Really interesting. I wonder where Hurley is later when the airport scene of TTLG takes place.

Jack visiting Hurley was a role reversal of the end of TTLG. He's seen Hurley on the news, like Kate had seen Jack on the news. As you pointed out, in TTLG it was Jack who insisted on going back, who was in a deranged mental state, and Kate was polished and put together saying things had to stay the way they are.

Now it's Hurley as the mental case (although I wonder if he's just seeking refuge in Sta. Rosa) who's saying they need to go back, and Jack rejecting the notion and walking away.

We see cracks appearing in Jack already in the FF but he's still "with the program". Really interesting. I wonder where Hurley is later when the airport scene of TTLG takes place.

Hurley could be the dead guy

Good point quizzical. I'm sure this was real Jack.

The idea that if they return it would be permanent is interesting, and could explain their hesitation to do so. It could also be that they are aware of the fact that once they've left, the island will be impossible to find again, just as we have been told before.

Maybe that is the reason for Jack's attempts to get on with life and pretend everything is okay. He knows that "what's done is done" and that trying to go back will only prove frustrating and in vain.

Hurley could be the dead guy

Hurley is not the dead guy. He was liked by all. I tend to think it is Michael.

I THINK that they can't talk about the island itself at all. I am not clear on if there are survivors on the island. I mean, I hope there are. And I hope the Oceanic 6 go back for/to them. But I have no idea.

I completely agree. it's beginning to look like those that rescue the O6 are demanding that there is no mention of any other survivors, or the island itself. I have a feeling that if someone does tell the truth about the island, the consequences for that member of the O6 may not be good. If that's the case, Jack's visit to check on Hurley was indeed to protect Hurley...and not because of some ulterior or self-serving motivation.

Possibly the person who was supposedly with Oceanic that also visited Hurley was there because of concerns by the rescuers that Hurley would squeal.

I can see the rescuers concocting a "survival at sea" story that the O6 must buy into and sell to the rest of the world.

That and the fact that no one apparently knows that they were ON an Island.

When is it said in the episode that no one knows they were on an island?

Maybe the rescuers are only aware of the six that left the island and to protect the existence of the other Losties they lied and said they were all dead. They knew Jack and Kate were there because they talked to them on the sat phone. They wouldn't have known exactly how many others were to be rescued. For all they know Jack, Kate, Hurley and three others were the only Oceanic survivors.

Sums up my thoughts exactly. For some reason, the 6 that got off either pledged to one another to keep this secret or were forced by their rescuers to do so. I have a feelign that over the course of this first half od s4, all 6 of the "survivors" are going to realize the same thing hurley and jack know: they have to go back!

I think Hurley is in the coffin. Last night convinced me that over time, Jack comes to agree with Hurley--he knows they made the wrong choice leaving everyone behind on the island.

There's plenty of reasons why no one would be at Hurley's funeral. Maybe all his relatives are dead. Maybe he becomes a recluse after he gets out of the mental hospital so there is no one close to him to even know. Maybe he spilled the beans about the island, but because of his history of metal problems, was dismissed as a crazy--that still might have garnered the contempt of the other 5 who then would not go to the funeral.

Regardless, I'm convinced that the text on the obituary is a red herring, and its not Michael in the coffin as many suspect. (I still think that should have been a spoiler, but it was discussed in great length after last season...) And it just makes sense that the man who first put the idea in Jack's head that the made a mistake would be the one who's death finally puts Jack over the edge.

A lot of the speculation is as if the rescue has something to do with the people on the boat, but there are 2 more long seasons, where anything could happen. By the end of this season, the people on the boat could be in the ditch with the former Dharma employees. Just too early to know I think.

Yes, there are 2 more long seasons, however, assuming that none of the future entails Jake, Kate, Hugo, and the other 3 returning to the island would be naive, don't you think? Personally, I think it is obvious that they are setting up the "return" at some point, probably in S5 or S6. So, I think there is a great chance we do see the 6 leave the island this season, much like we saw Michael leave in S2. However, I thinkw e will see them each end up back at some point.

This reminds me of an interview I read with Evangeline, she said that while they were filming her last flashback, she was sad because she thought there wasn't anything left to tell in Kate's story. But when she saw the script for TTLG, she was so excited because the prospect of forwards opened a whole new world of time and possibility. The same applies to the leaving and returning to the island.

Now Hurly thinks they need to go back and Jack is completely against it.

Makes me think what ever happend, happened after they got off the island.
Some how Jack at least on the surface has pulled himself back together.
.

I think you have the chron backwards. Last night's flash forward takes place before the season finale flash forward.

Could the person in the coffin have been Hurley?

it seems failry obvious the lies the 6 are referring to revolve around the 'fact' flight 815 was found with no survivors per Naomi and the further 'fact' the plane was found on the ocean floor by Sam in Find815. The conclusion drawn here is the 6 were sworn to secrecy about the nature of the crash and the mere existence of the island in exchange for a return to society. Obviously, the guilt of abandoning the rest of the Losties and lying about the circumstances of their survival could be the reason for Jack's downward spiral and Hurley's delusions. Perhaps the guilt eventually will catch up to Kate as well, or the fact her past crimes have been forgiven is enough to keep her from really caring (that, or she is truly a cold-hearted b).
This has been discussed before, it's just really coming together for me now. The questions about Jacob, the island and it's powers won't be answered for a very long time imo.

Could the person in the coffin have been Hurley?

Notlikely,because the coffin was of small size, like one for a small adult or child.

Also, whoever was in it was someone Kate didn't feel connected with (because remember that in the Season 3 FF she answered Jack, "Why would I?" [go to the funeral] )

So the person in the coffin might be someone we haven't met yet, or some "bad guy". . . maybe Ben?

I don't think myself that the person in the coffin is Hurley, but one thing is bugging me, when Jack realized that they need to go back why he does get in touch with Kate? why does not get in touch with Hurley, that already wants to go back? It would be the logic thing to do...so where is Hurley then? maybe he is already gone back???

I completely agree. it's beginning to look like those that rescue the O6 are demanding that there is no mention of any other survivors, or the island itself. I have a feeling that if someone does tell the truth about the island, the consequences for that member of the O6 may not be good. If that's the case, Jack's visit to check on Hurley was indeed to protect Hurley...and not because of some ulterior or self-serving motivation.

We don't know that the O6 made a deal just to benefit themselves. Someone could also be holding the lives of anyone left behind on the island hostage.

Possibly the person who was supposedly with Oceanic that also visited Hurley was there because of concerns by the rescuers that Hurley would squeal.

We don't know whether the guy was with Oceanic. He didn't have any anything with him to identify himself as an Oceanic representative. Additionally, he asked Hurley, "Are they alive?" This implies he's looking FOR information about what happened to the O6. Notice how Hurley shut right up after that question; he knows he can't talk about it to THIS person. I think we're dealing with two groups. One party that wants what happened on the island to remain secret, and one party that wants to find the island.

I don't think myself that the person in the coffin is Hurley, but one thing is bugging me, when Jack realized that they need to go back why he does get in touch with Kate? why does not get in touch with Hurley, that already wants to go back? It would be the logic thing to do...so where is Hurley then? maybe he is already gone back???

nice theory,.... i too don't believe Hurley will be the person in the coffin. as the coffin was made for a person a lot thinner than him, (Unless he loses a lot of weight in the next few years)
100%
SANTA ROSA?!

If that's confirmed that would be more evidence for my "Ho, ho, ho" thread!

i've just read the official ABC recap for this episode, and they confirm that
yes Hurley is at santa rosa.

I THINK that they can't talk about the island itself at all. I am not clear on if there are survivors on the island. I mean, I hope there are. And I hope the Oceanic 6 go back for/to them. But I have no idea.

I'm with you on this. I think they have to keep the island a secret, not sure why yet. When the detective was asking about Ana he only asked if maybe Hurley met her at the airport but never said anything about meeting her on an island after the plane went down. I think that whoever rescues them, for some reason, convinces them never to talk about the island and what took place. There are obviously people trying to keep this place hidden. I think it fits.

I just rewatched the eppy. The other 'secret' that Hurley kept was that he knew Ana Lucia. Why wouldn't he tell her ex-partner that he knew her? He looked guilty when he denied knowing her. So not only are they keeping secret about the left behind survivors, but also about the dead survivors. Why?

Becuse everyone in the real world believes the plane crashed into the water, and obviously someone in the real world needs that to stay that way, maybe they are protecting the Island or the remaining survivors.

I THINK that they can't talk about the island itself at all. I am not clear on if there are survivors on the island. I mean, I hope there are. And I hope the Oceanic 6 go back for/to them. But I have no idea.

Assuming the 6 can't talk about the island, and assuming that only 6 get off, it seems possible that any potential consequences could be directed towards the people left on the island. Maybe the folks left on the island would be in danger if anything about the island was divulged, not the "Oceanic 6." That's pure guesswork, of course.

Here's a thought:
Maybe over time all the Oceanic lostees die except for the Oceanic 6. When rescued the Oceanic 6 stated everyone died in the crash but us. Why would they say that? If your loved one was in a plane crash which would you rather hear 1) your son/daughter died on impact and didn't suffer or 2) your loved one survived the crash, but after months of horrible conditions and trials died. Maybe they decided as a group to spare the loved ones additional pain.
I know its not glamorous or mysterious, but it is a possibilty. That possibility also opens up the question how and why did everyone die.

Now the problem with this idea of everyone dying and the Oceanic 6 covering it up is why would Hurley & Jack feel the need to go back?
Hurley, as lovable as he is, has a screw loose? He was institutionalized before the crash. So he could easily feel guilty for living and hallucinate Charlie's visits and Charlie's instructions to go back, "They need you"
Jack is guilt ridden as well. Add in the fact that he is drinking a lot and his life is going down the pooper. Jack believes life was better on the island even with all the problems there.

Just a thought.

I have watched all of five minutes of Season 4 of LOST....the last five minutes (I have taped it and will watch it tomorrow) with Jack and Hurley......you mean to tell me that Hurley gets off the Island only to find himself back in the asylum? that's a bit rough. Think I'd want to go back to the Island too

P.S. Ya know I was thinking when Dorothy wanted to go back to Oz she couldn't return the way she had got there to start with...by the twister...she had to find another way back....hmmm

Look forward to hearing the story that was concocted about how they got off the island. Don't forget that Jack was referred to as "a hero twice over" in TTLG.

So if the conspirators claimed/falsified that 815 crashed into the ocean then how can six survivors turn up at a later date?

Naomi claims the wreckage was found off the coast of Bali. I don't think she specified how long ago it was found. Anthony Cooper also claimed to know of the 815 wreckage.
We know the Find815 game took place around December time because there were references to Sam missing Christmas with his mum.

As of 4x01, current island date is estimated to be very close to Christmas day.

So while there may not be a massive amount of time between the wreckage being discovered (Dec/Jan) and the oceanic 6 making it off the island (if we assume this happens in season 4 island time - I'd be annoyed if they stretched this particular story thread into seasons 5/6) it's enough to question how 6 people survived in the middle of the ocean for a number of days/weeks.

Maybe part of the lie will be that the oceanic 6 were stranded on some other (less mystical) island for a number of weeks before finding rescue? Part of this story will portray Jack as some sort of hero - maybe helping ensure the survival of the other five?

What if the Oceanic 6 are not being forced to keep the Island and fellow surviors a secret but they made a pact with each other to protect their friends and the Island from being found by people like Matthew Abbadon who are looking for them?