The Tail Section

There’s a whole load of info regarding Lost Season Three out there - here’s what we know to be accurate, so far.

Next season will be about the Others, as led by the oblique Henry Gale (played by Michael Emerson, who will join the regular cast). Mr. Cuse listed what viewers will learn about the Others by this time next year: "Who are these people? How many of them are there? What is their history? What are they trying to accomplish?"

Producers of ABC’s hit series Lost [...] told SCI FI Wire that it sets up the upcoming third season, which will focus more on romance—and on the mysterious Others. "The Others are an important part of season three, and there’s a lot of mysteries and a lot of questions about the Others that the audience is going to be curious about going into season three," said executive producer Carlton Cuse in an interview. "And those are the things we’re going to explore." Cuse added: "There will definitely be some new characters on the show next year. … Obviously, Michael Emerson, who plays Henry Gale, he’s someone who’s going to be very prominent in the show next year." Fans were also introduced to a new character who promises to figure in next season’s storylines: Penelope Widmore, played by Sonya Walger. [...] "I’m excited about love in season three," said executive producer Bryan Burk, adding: "Don’t forget now the people have been on the island for 60-plus days. They’re now obviously more familiar with each other. … The concept of love is there, and… it weaves its way through all of our characters. It’s going to be much more prevalent in season three."

Carlton Cuse reveals: I will say that the next season is a lot about the Others. There’s a lot of mysteries about the Others that we’ll be getting into next year. [We will see more of Alex next season.]

According to the Hollywood Reporter, ABC’s Lost is on the hunt for two new actresses to join the cast for Season 3, now that the show’s distaff ranks have been quickly depleted by the twin killings of Michelle Rodriguez’s Ana Lucia and Cynthia Watros’ Libby.

[Chances to see Ana-Lucia in flashbacks are] slim to none, according to Carlton [Cuse]. "Never say never, but we feel like we told her story," he reveals. "Her arc had a beginning, middle and an end." "You will [eventually] find out what happened to Cindy," [says Cuse.]

Harold Perrineau is not a regular for next season. He could be back as a guest star (à la Walt this season) but not as a regular cast member.

New York Times, Sci Fi Wire, E!Online, TV Guide Online, Ask Ausiello @ TV Guide and Kristin on E!Online