Hey Gregg,
I loved S.O.S. this week and was wondering if you knew how long the writers had known Rose's backstory and how the island healed her- do you guys usually already have character's flashbacks and stories planned out before the season starts? I'm really interested in the writing process and how the writers plan out episodes and flashbacks-
thanks and keep up the good work!

Damon had the major ideas worked out in advance. The writers came in at the beginning of the first season and worked out character histories for all the characters. Some of the details changed a little, but for the most post the flashback stories we see are what they came up with.

However, that said, it's always best to allow things to be organic and "breathe" on their own. You may have a certain idea of what you want the character to be and build the character that way, and then the actor you cast brings in something different than you imagined. You build off that, like you build off an actor's strengths and weaknesses, and the character starts to morph. Again, nothing major but it's the details of the bigger aspects.

And wait until you watch the next four episodes. They're really good -- and Damon has had these ideas in mind from the beginning. I can't wait to see what everyone thinks...

thanks a lot for the response- i can't wait for the last 4 episodes and the brief hiatus won't phase me!