There's basically two thought's I'm having about the flash forwards we've seen so far....

a) The flashforwards might not be real and just show the 'worst case scenario' for the person involved - Think about it, in the FF for Jack (last ep of S03) we saw him totally down to the ground, depressed and looking like he's on the virge of a breakdown. In the 401 FF, we saw him actually in good shape - picking up his life as a surgeon again and generally not doing bad. I know he says to Hurley that he is thinking about growing a beard, but that might just be a joke / something to throw us off. The beard he has in his own FF certainly doesnt look like it's been well cared for.
In the 401 FF it centers about Hurley - and he doesnt seem to be doing that well. Going crazy, seeing Charlie, having a not-so-fun life in the mental institution again. Agreed, he's not on the virge of total doom, but he's not doing well either... I'm looking forward to seeing the 402 FF - wondering if it's someone doing real bad then....

b) Who is to say the flash forwards are from after the whole series (so after s06) ? I would like to think we actually will see the 'oceanic 6' go back to the island to care for the ones left behind (if they're still alive) - to me, it sounds very feasable that we'll see people go back to the 'real world' in season 4 or 5, but having to go back for some reason. I don't think these flashbacks are the final thing, but part of what we'll see in one of the coming seasons.

What are you guys' thoughts on this?

I think the flashforwards are real.

I like your second idea, that would be kinda cool if they did go back. But who knows if the flashforwards are from the end or not...

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*Lauren*

My favourite characters: ~Ben~ ~Locke~ ~Desmond~ ~Sayid~

Maybe the ff of Kate and Jack at the airport is end of this season and the ff of Jack and Hurley playing HORSE is kind of like a ff right after the getting off the island, so maybe this season is kind of what happens between Charlie (supposely) dying & the ones who did get off the island that maybe wasn't suppose to leave the island.

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Standing in the ocean with the sun burning low in the west
Like a fire in the cavernous darkness at the heart of the beast
With my beliefs and possessions, stopped at the frontier in my chest
At the edge of my country, my back to the sea, looking east

I believe the flash forwards are real, but they are definetly not the end of the story. something happens after jack and hurley play basketball and after jack meets kate at the airport. i foresee a late night secret meeting of the oceanic 6, where they all agree they have to go back! wicked!

I also believe the FFs are real. And yes the part where we see Hurley and Jack playing HORSE I believe is right after they get back. And when Jack has a beard and is drunk all the time is quite awhile afterward, and since Jack and Kate are still there, Charlie saying they need you to hurley obviously didn't make them go back yet. Unless just Hurley went back.

If they turn out to be a worst case scenario and not what actually happens, it will be a big let down as the majority of the season will consist of things that probably will not happen.
And yes I also believe that the flashforward of jack having his breakdown was way after the flashforward of him visiting hurly, Because at that point he finds the idea of going back strange. Later its all he can think about (hence the weekly flights)

I guess we will see, as more happen

I initially thought the flash forwards represented one possible future based on the current course. Not written in stone, but fluid and able to be changed.

However, I am starting to think differently. I think that the flash forwards are set firmly in place, and we are really just getting the story filled in on how the losties came to this future destination. I think this season will take us through to the end of the story as to how they all came to be in the future flashes. And the final season will pick up with them having to get back to the island and set things right.

I agree. Although not having 16 eps this season (writers strike), may throw a wrench in the story line. Depends on whether those eps are ever written and filmed.

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Save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.

i heard there was a breakthrough in talks with the writers. if they reach a deal, will we get to see all 16 eps?

Yes. Well it depends when they reach a deal. If it's before around March then we will get a 16 episode season. If it lasts longer than that then it will be called off until next year, apparently. Which sucks.

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*Lauren*

My favourite characters: ~Ben~ ~Locke~ ~Desmond~ ~Sayid~