The show that debuted with one of best first seasons in television history embarked on a decline in both viewership and critical acclaim as the entirety of its second season and early part of its third season lost touch with the mystique and dramatic urgency that made the first season so special.

But, when "Lost" returned from a hiatus in the middle of season three, it completely returned to form and offered several of the best episodes in the show's history—at least three, including a mind-blowing finale, that rivaled the classic "Walkabout" episode from season one. The season-ending revelation, via flash forward, that at least some of the Oceanic 815 survivors do make it off the island completely changed the game, giving the story a sense of direction that it had lacked since the first season.

Though such a revelation does not remove the "action" component of the series, it allows attention to return to the secrets of the island and the mystery surrounding the survivors' plane crash and eventual return to civilization. "Lost" began as more than a mere stranded island show; its primary focus was so much broader than the concepts of survival and rescue. Providing an answer to the question of rescue forty eight episodes before the series finale allows the writers to develop real mystery and suspense without sacrificing storytelling for the purpose of the "do they or don't they get off" aspect of the tale.

The first episode of season four is not a classic episode of "Lost" in execution, but it lays roots for a number of mysteries that will surely capture the interest of dedicated and casual "Lost" fans.

ABC asked the press not to reveal any specific details about the premiere's plot, but it should be emphatically noted that mystery is the name of the game in the first hour. From the flash scenes (watch Thursday to determine if "Lost" continues the flash forward technique or fully reverts back to the flashback) to the events on the island, questions about new and old plot elements are delivered to the viewer in bulk quantity. If one is fascinated by the characters and element of suspense on "Lost," he will leave the first hour of season four with a great deal of anticipation for the remaining episodes. The revelations and questions emphasize the fact that there are many mysteries waiting to be uncovered both on and off the island. The game is far from over.

The most tantalizing aspect of the episode's mystery is the furthering of one of the major questions raised in last season's finale. The viewer learns that the question is far more complex and layered than was initially stated, which assures that the series will have plenty with which to keep occupied over its final three years. It also appears to have ties to one of the premiere's big island happenings; an event to which the show had consistently been building.

One of the more intriguing island secrets addressed in season three makes a comeback in the season four premiere, making for an episode that, if it has not been stated clearly enough, should have "Lost" fans salivating with anticipation. It would not be unfair to criticize the writers for somewhat overdoing the suspense aspect, but what makes such a claim unwarranted is the fact that most of the questions asked appear to be directly related to the plot the survivors' quest for rescue. While "Lost" has not been immune from introducing mystery components that have little evident storytelling value (perhaps just as mysteries for mystery's sake), the bulk of the mystery introduced and furthered in the season four premiere seems worthwhile.

Hour one of the fourth season is not, however, purely about providing roots for the final three seasons of the show. It is also about tying up loose ends. A portion of the show is among the more emotional in the show's history as the population of survivors deals with one of the final events of the season three finale. The drama appears phoned in at times—some of the dialogue in a climactic scene borders on the lame side—but there is also a strong sense of authenticity that reminds viewers that "Lost" is, at its core, a character study.

The second hour, which airs next week, is not as effective. Episode two commences the introduction of four new characters; those familiar with one of the plot points from the end of season three should have little trouble figuring determining the identities of the four characters to which this review refers.

Because almost all characters introduced to the "Lost" audience after the first season have been met with resistance from viewers, there is a misconception that the audience is uninterested in seeing new faces. That claim simply cannot be made, however, because there has been a simultaneous resistance from the writers (so it is impossible to know whether viewers object to the characters because they're new or because they're not good). For whatever reason, the majority of new characters have not received proper investments from the creative staff. The fact that Michael Emerson's Ben Linus, who was newly introduced in the second season, has become the most intriguing character on the show (with the possible exception of John Locke) proves that new characters can work when given adequate backstories, adequate time to develop and adequate opportunity to become immersed in the action.

Unfortunately, the desire to give season four watchers something into which to sink their teeth creates a great hurdle for integration of the new characters. The final moment of the second episodes features a revelation that addresses one of the lingering questions from season three, but in doing so, it restricts the focus of the new characters, turning them from potentially interesting personalities to mere storyline tools. Any room for debate and discussion about the characters is pushed aside because the viewer knows that regardless of their backstories and personalities, they arrived into the "Lost" world for a specific purpose that is independent of their unique character traits.

The revelation itself does open the door to plenty of suspense, and one of the final statements uttered by an individual involved hints at a pretty big upcoming development. But it still seems that there was plenty of intrigue to be milked from keeping this particular question unanswered for a few more episodes. At the very least, it would have allowed the new characters to develop a presence and mean something to the viewers.

The rest of the second hour is entertaining, but it does have the feel of a transition episode. It will certainly keep those who care about the characters entertained, but it's generally an example of the show being "at rest." The flash scenes provide more interesting insight into Oceanic Flight 815, but they are not especially shocking or enlightening. The on-island adventure, save for the ending, is also very standard—nothing game-changing really happens for the bulk of the episode.

Though both hours are not jaw-dropping, enough is revealed and enough is questioned that viewers will enjoy the beginning of the fourth season of "Lost." It is not good enough to cement the claim that "Lost" has returned to its debut season excellence, but it is more than good enough to encourage the viewers who tuned out following the lackluster second season to jump back on board.

The fourth season of "Lost" premieres this Thursday (1/31).

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