(In case you’re already confused by my post, the season premiere was a two-parter, episodes 1 and 2.)

Was anyone else excited to see Claire stick around for more than one scene last night? Poor Emilie de Ravin has been on stand-by for the last two seasons after the writers sent her character into the jungle on a never-ending walkabout. She’s made appearances, to be sure, but always fleeting; was she a ghost? The walking dead? Alive and stoned out of her mind on jungle grass? Or none of the above.

Mystery #1: Claire. In the final few minutes of the episode, we find out from Dogen, the Japanese leader of the temple-bound Others, that Claire has been “claimed.” Infected, diseased, possessed. Remember when Rousseau’s team was taken by the smoke monster, and she had to kill them because they were “infected”? Same thing. According to Dogen, being “claimed” means “a darkness grows inside”—or that they’ve crossed over to the dark side, the smoke monster/Evil John Locke’s side. Here’s what’s stumping me: Can the smoke monster “claim” the living? Or can it only claim people who’ve died, infect them, and make them part of its army? For now, I’m assuming the latter.

I love that when Claire does appear, she looks just like Rousseau: disheveled hair, a crazed look in her eye, wearing flannel? And toting a shotgun. Too perfect. And a bit creepy.

Mystery #2: Sayid. Speaking of claimed…looks like newly resurrected Sayid has also been “claimed”—but the Others had to torture him, just to be sure. Torturing the torturer. But they never ask him any questions, just gauge his responses. Of course, he reacts like any normal person being burnt by a hot iron—but the real Sayid isn’t normal. He’s a murderer. He expected punishment in the afterlife; wouldn’t he be more reticent here? I’m thinking the Others would agree. Hence, he’s now a baddie.

Mystery #3: Alternate Reality. This episode’s story line focuses on Kate and Claire, and in a really nice touch, Claire goes into labor and Kate’s by her side to help—just like on the island. Gotta love destiny. I wonder how many island events will transpire in Los Angeles: Will Jack fix Locke’s back and get him to walk? Will Jin and Sun still have a baby? Will Juliet appear like Ethan does in the hospital room???

Stay tuned.