Well, well, well… Unlike many disappointed viewers, I wouldn’t call the latest episode of Lost “filler”. Quite the contrary, answers continue to pour from the mouth of now-named Temple master Dogen, while sideways flashes bring Kate and Claire together under extreme circumstances. The off-island activities may unfold at a slower pace, or maybe that perception is a result of becoming infected with mythological curiosity. Regardless, What Kate Does continues season 6′s tradition of shocking the masses with answers to longstanding mysteries, and leaving handfuls of questions in their wake.

What does Kate do, and why is it so important for us to know? Redemption. Lost isn’t only a show about being misplaced on an island, as was proven in season 4 when six lucky survivors (temporarily) escaped its clutches. A focal point of the sci-fi drama phenomenon is following these characters through their most trying moments in life, observing their evolution, and allowing audiences to root for/against an eventual redemptive end. “What Kate Does” mirrors many on-island events from the first season, including an unexpected visit from our old Canadian friend and son of Horace – Ethan Goodspeed. (Cue commercials.)

Back on the island, confusion ensues as the Others require Kate’s expert tracking skills to aid in the recapture of a man who literally just left the Temple. Uh, what? Tragedy later unfolds when Kate realizes Sawyer intended to propose to Juliet. It’s interesting to discover how deeply Sawyer had become invested in someone other than himself, and how such feelings ultimately led him back to square one – with himself. It’s even better to have these facts told through an experience with Kate, further diminishing any potential romantic future for the two. (Skaters are psyched about this.)

Seeing as an entire episode devoted to Austen the Escape Artist was undeniably a mistake, one of two alternative parties required some attention: team Jack or team Smokey/Locke/Man in Black. Because hearing the “Smoke Monster” speak is awesome enough to cause severe nose bleeds, we’re allowed to bear witness as Jack and Dogen dance the tango while Sayid succumbs to his “illness”. I have to admit that I was nowhere near expecting the infection to pop up again, let alone inside of an apparently essential character. I do know I’m not the only one holding my breath for a good outcome; Temple master Dogen seems hell-bent he take the green pill, and unlike red or blue, green is totally poison.

At this point in the series, it’s becoming crystal clear to doubters that Damon and Carlton have known exactly what’s up since season 1. And perhaps the most exciting prospect of this final batch of episodes is knowing the powers that be can’t withhold integral information much longer. “What Kate Does” is another fantastic step closer to Lost’s inevitable conclusion.