Note: Do not read this until you've watched the season finale of "Lost."

OK, a quick show of hands: Were you the ones throwing your remote against the wall after watching the season 5 finale of "Lost" Wednesday night? Or were you the ones with goose bumps at the conclusion, and a better understanding of what just might be happening on the island?

I'm definitely the latter. Let's get into the highlights and a few of my takes:

- I absolutely loved the opening scene, as Jacob and his nemesis are introduced on the island many, many years ago. The two seem to be long-time God-like enemies (and brothers?). Jacob's nemesis promises to one day kill Jacob and will find a loophole to do so. Locke becomes that loophole. The religious overtones are what sucked me in. Jacob represents the good and the light (an angel?) His nemesis the bad and the dark (the devil?). During their conversation, a boat is approaching the island (is Richard on it?), and Jacob talks about "progress." Jacob's nemesis is growing tired of Jacob bringing people to the island, "They come, fight, they destroy, they corrupt." Is this some type of ongoing sick game between the two, testing the resolve of humanity? It's pretty obvious their battle will be the focus of season 6, but did we really need five seasons to unveil this storyline?

-As Ben once said, "Dead is dead." Well, we now know Locke is in fact dead (at least, that's what I believe), and Jacob's nemesis' spirit lives inside his body. But really, who knows? Other thoughts from the final scene with Jacob: Something tells me that Egyptian tapestry Ben notices is a very important item for next season; Jacob's dying words to Locke, "They're coming," could be a message that Jack, Kate, Sawyer and Co. are now returning to their proper timeline, and, in the process, the island.

-Speaking of the timeline, I'm of the belief Jack's and Faraday's desire to blow up the island with the hope that it would change history, only makes things stay the course of history. Nothing will change.

-Killing off Juliet was a surprise, but the more I think about it, I like it. Her about-face on Sawyer and on returning to the island was so out of character. After that, she needed to go. But really, how in the heck did she survive that fall and then have the strength to use a rock to detonate the hydrogen bomb?

-Speaking of the bomb, thank goodness it was detonated. Not doing so would have been a real downer.

-This scene seemed subtle at first, but I'm absolutely fascinated by the fact Hurley was the last to be magically touched by Jacob and that the guitar case was given to him by Jacob. What's in it?!?! And what's up with him not being touched until he left the island? Taking a wild stab here, but the guess is inside the case is the secret, the means or the loophole to Jacob reincarnating himself in the final season. There is no way he is dead.

-It's likely a safe bet the smoke monster was occupied by Jacob's mysterious nemesis before taking over Locke's body.

-My theory on what "Lost" is all about: The island serves as purgatory-type place between heaven and hell, and Jacob and his nemesis are somehow trapped there.

All in all, a great season finale, one that gives die-hard fans plenty to chew on before we get all our questions answered (let's hope!) in the sixth and final season.

- Mark Podolski