"LOST" at the Marina

SPOILER ALERT: It was a big day for the "LOST" crew, setting up at the marina behind the Ilikai Hotel. Early on the agenda was an ambitious stunt, but it took a second try to make a splash.

The scene was deceptively simple. A silver car swerves out of control and crashes into the water. Extensive preparations were undertaken, with the car in question stripped of an engine and any other part that would upset the Environmental Protection Agency. It was hooked up to one end of a 90-degree pulley, and the other end was tied to a pickup truck. Several cameras were set up — one on a 40-foot boom, one on the back of a cart, one in the water, and a few more stationary cameras positioned around the marina. Background extras were briefed on where to stand, and the whole crew came together for a long safety meeting.

Shortly before noon, the set was cleared, and cameras started rolling. But when action was called, and the truck took off, the silver car stayed put. Instead, the cable or pulley system snapped, creating only a cloud of dust. It took nearly an hour to repair and reset everything, apparently sending the production into "overtime" as far as its area use permits were concerned.

Fortunately, the second time was the charm. Cameras rolled, action was called, and while the camera cart sped along the edge of the marina, the silver car hit the ramp and flipped into the water. I suspect the car was supposed to fly further than it did, but it looked like the tow cable held on a little too long, snagging the front of the car as it left the ramp. Still, it was a dramatic splash.

Most of the crew was silent for nearly a minute as divers swam to the car to help release the stunt driver. Once he surfaced safely, everyone cheered.

It was only after the stunt, and after a lunch break, that the context of the scene became clear. Seated in the ill-fated car were Desmond (Henry Ian Cusick) and Charlie (Dominic Monaghan), perhaps not long after Charlie's release from the airport holding cell and their subsequent conversation in a bar. Desmond is driving. The pair are arguing. Suddenly, Charlie grabs the wheel from the passenger seat and yanks, and his impulsive act is what sends their vehicle into the ocean.

What follows, I imagine, may be filmed on a sound stage. But the possible similarities to the Season 3 finale are hard to ignore.

Check out my full photo set on Flickr.

Special thanks to visiting fans Michelle, Jay, and Matt for their reports!