How a Minnesotan got 'Lost' in Hollywood

Even a diehard "Lost" fan might be thrown by this revelation: One of the drama's most important writers has Minnesota roots.

Eddy Kitsis, a Mankato native who grew up in Edina, has contributed an endless number of delicious and dramatic twists over the past six seasons. Kitsis, along with his longtime writing partner, Adam Horowitz, penned last Tuesday's penultimate episode, one of more than 20 that have their names on it.

Kitsis, who still keeps tabs on the Timberwolves and reads his hometown paper daily on the Web, spoke with us last week, the morning after a red-carpet tribute to the series in Los Angeles.

Q Did you have any Hollywood moments at last night's event?

A I guess the weirdest thing is that when our car pulled up to the theater and my wife and I got out, some fan yelled, "Eddy, you're my constant!" which is a line from the show. As a writer, you never get recognized, so that was pretty cool.

Q What's been your most valuable contribution to the show?

A I can tell you my favorite moment. It was from the episode "Tricia Tanaka Is Dead." Hurley gets an RV started and you hear Three Dog Night's "Shambala" on the radio. I always wanted to get that song on a TV show.

A We kind of do everything, but if you put a gun to my head, I'd say that we get a lot of Hurley and Sawyer stuff. The thing I like about Hurley is that he's so good-hearted and fun, but he's got a dark side. He's kind of self-loathing and doesn't think he's good enough.

Q Sounds very Minnesotan.

A Exactly.

Q What's harder: writing for the show or following it?

A That's a hard question. I guess it depends on who you ask. My father would say following it. I think it's the writing.

A Probably season one. People always ask, "Did you really have a plan?" They're both relieved and disappointed when we say yes.

Q How much do you get bugged by family members and friends about what's going to happen on the finale?

A I can't wait for it to end. I'm tired of holding on to these secrets.