The Tail Section

Do you want to know what’s coming up on the next two pivotal episodes of Lost and what very familiar faces will be returning? You can learn a lot from reading ABC’s official press releases for the episodes, and in the next two weeks, we’ll learn a lot more about how the Oceanic 6 plan to go back and what John Locke did when he got off the Island.

“316″ ABC Description: “The way back to the island is revealed to members of the Oceanic 6, but there’s trouble ahead when not all of them wish to return.”

This episode will also feature Fionnula Flanagan as Eloise Hawking, Jeff Fahey returning as Frank Lapidus (which could be another flashback to the time on the Searcher, Penny’s boat) and Mary Mara as Jill, Ben’s mysterious butcher friend.

“The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham” ABC Description: “Locke’s fateful mission off the island as Jeremy Bentham is revealed.”

That title pretty much says it all. But there’s more, as this episode has an al-star guest cast. John Terry is back as Jack’s dad Christian and Alan Dale returns as Charles Widmore. We’ll also get to see Malcolm David Kelly as Walt (or WAAAAAAAAALT!) and, most importantly, Lance Reddick as Matthew Abaddon.

I guess J.J. gave him some time off from Fringe, just for Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, who wrote both of these episodes.

With all of these guest stars and major plot points, the rest of February should bring key episodes that will shift the series in dramatic ways.