Bankrate: So how much pressure is there on you to churn out top-notch storylines, keep the money rolling in and preserve your stability?

Damon Lindelof: A tremendous amount of pressure, but it doesn't come from the network or audience. It comes from each other, those involved in the show. The fact that people are still watching a lot longer than any of us expected creates the burden of keeping them hooked. But at the same time, we're still excited about the story we're telling this season.

Bankrate: You're married with a baby (Van) now so you must think about your future and your family's, and the financial stability -- or instability -- that writing in this business brings you.

Damon Lindelof: Obviously, one of my big milestones in my life was deciding to come out to Los Angeles, realizing I might be a writer in New York but I'd never be a successful career writer unless I came to where the industry was. You can write in New York but you never make the money or career moves that being in Los Angeles brings you. Another milestone was when I decided to propose to my wife, Heidi, realizing that I was at a time in my life where my career was really starting to explode -- the "Lost" pilot had just been picked up. But I didn't want my job to ever be more important than my life, so I think making that decision and not really knowing where my job was heading, was a big decision. Life can throw you a lot of curveballs, so yes, I do think about my family's future and our lifestyle now. I have parlayed my success with "Lost" into other projects to keep the irons hot. I'm co-producer of the upcoming "Star Trek XI" movie (release in 2008) and I've got other things going on so I haven't put all my efforts into one show. I know how this business can be.

Bankrate: I know you were an avid TV watcher. What do you watch now? Do you have any time for TV viewing?

Damon Lindelof: I did love "Studio 60" and I really like watching "Hereos." I watch "Prison Break" religiously. And I watch "Oprah" with my wife every day if she saves them for me. I do like inspirationally tinged stories. If I was stranded on an island like "Lost" characters, I really would miss TV because it's such a part of my life. It's my real appreciation for the medium. Then again, it would be sort of nice waking up on an island, figuring out what you're going to eat that day and try not to get eaten yourself. It would be a pretty simple life.

Bankrate: Any clues you can give us since we won't be seeing the show back on until next February (2008)?

Damon Lindelof: I know there are "Save Charlie" T-shirts popping up around. (pause. silence) "The Hatch" imploded according to Locke but there is definitely more to this story. You will get a better picture of what happens later. And Jacob? The answer lies further downstream in the ongoing story. (longer pause). Character names on the show are not assigned without a reason. And yes, that is a clue. I will tell you that the season finale definitely set up season four. It will make you realize that the house you are standing in actually has a lot more rooms than you thought when you came into it.