As a special treat for Lost fans, ABC.com has begun airing video compilations of the characters' back stories. All of the footage is taken from previous episodes, and the videos last about four minutes each. ABC has committed to releasing four new back story videos each week for the duration of Season Three. Videos for Jack, Kate, Locke, and Sawyer are now available at ABC's website.

The Jack video covers his childhood and his first encounter with Sarah, the injured patient who would later become his wife (and ex-wife). The traumatic experience that drove Sawyer to become a con man and the occasional twinge of remorse that accompanied that life are shown in Sawyer's flashback. Locke's first video begins with how he came to meet his mother. Finally, Kate's back story video shows her beginnings as a fugitive from the law.

All in all, the videos are a good refresher for longtime fans, and an excellent resource for new viewers. I am curious as to whether ABC will bother airing back story videos for deceased characters, though. Either way, I look forward to seeing next week's footage.