I think the newbies' flashbacks were handled masterfully. I haven't heard a single person complain about having new people "shoved down our throats," because they didn't waste FOUR flashbacks on them. They gave us just enough information to make us interested, but not enough to make us sigh and roll our eyes. So instead of *resenting* the newbies, we're curious about them. I hope this is a good sign that the writers have learned a thing or two about pacing. It seems to make all the difference!

Aw, for some reason Sawyer looks like a kid in your icon. *pets him*