It’s time to rev up those brain cells and get your theory caps warmed up. Now that the Oceanic 6 storyline has wrapped up, Jin (and probably several of the other castaways) has gone all Dharma on us, and John Locke is all reborn and stuff… what will tonight’s episode bring? It’s safe to say “LaFleur” marks the beginning of a whole new story arc for Season 5, and based on what we’ve seen thus far, it’s also safe to assume that said storyline is going to revolve around the Dharma Initiative.

• This week, let’s start with this teaser-laden interview with actress Reiko Aylesworth, from TV Guide. She’s joining the cast in tonight’s episode for a multi-ep storyline, and she plays a pretty crucial role. She drops all kinds of hints in the interview, but avoids giving anything away.
• EW’s Doc Jensen does his usual straining-for-literary-connections song & dance, but also manages to offer up some mighty intelligent theories. (Note to Doc: tonight’s ep is not the halfway point of the season; that honor goes to the next episode on the docket, “Namaste,” 5.09. With 17 episodes scheduled for the season, #9 perches precisely in the middle.)
• I also suggest reading up on everything we know about Richard Alpert, thanks to that great repository of all things Lost, Lostpedia. (While you’re there, reading up on Horace Goodspeed wouldn’t be a bad idea.)

TV Guide’s latest “Getting Lost” webisode features actor Malcolm David Kelley and his theories on when and if we’ll ever see Walt again, and in the extra-juicy department, Lost newcomer Reiko Aylesworth talks about her role as a pregnant Dharma Initiative member named Amy. (Cliff’s Notes version: Amy’s little bundle of joy is someone mighty important, but she won’t say who.) Aylesworth appears in a recurring role for several upcoming episodes.

Reiko Aylesworth says that she can hardly keep the plot line straight for her new Lost character!! “I know the show, but I have to say, I didn’t quite follow everything [they] were telling me,” she confessed to Entertainment Weekly. “But it sounds like it’s going to be great stuff. I’m just excited to do something other than getting people files and carrying clipboards [like on 24].”

Rumor has it that Reiko, who will be playing Amy, will be someone from the early days of the Dharma Initiative - confirming that Ben transported the Island back to the 19702s.

The only thing that Reiko reveals is that there is definitely some conflict with her love interests. “Obviously, we want that to be a surprise,” says executive producer Carlton Cuse. “Let’s just say her role is very emotional.“

Reiko Aylesworth is in negotiations to play the character of Amy in Lost Season 5! Amy is a smart and successful professional woman with a love for the outdoors who is looking for the right man.

Reiko has been on several other prime time shows, including CSI, Law and Order, before landing the role of Michelle Dessler on 24 and then Julia Dupree on ER.