While filming in Hawaii (I’m jealous), the talented Elizabeth Mitchell took a little time out to talk with me about her breakout role with Angelina Jolie, her controversial character in Running Scared and her new season of Lost, in which she plays Juliet Burke.

And for those who may not be following the insanely popular show, here is a quick background:

After a plane crash, the Survivors are stranded on a deserted island. It turns out that this island has been used as a fertility research area and is currently inhabited by the Others, who were involved in the study but are now unable to get off the island. These two enemy groups are starting to learn about each other, along with the other evils that live among them.

CT: There are lots of plot twists and side story lines. Is Lost a show you can pick up in season 4 and understand what’s going on?

EM: The background is fun to get involved in. The writers put a lot of thought into the recaps and exceed in the detail, but I think it is fun to learn about the characters.

CT: We learn about the characters through flash-backs and found out that their plane crash might not have been so random. What can we expect from season 4?

EM: A wild ride. There will be more flash-forwards (to the future), and you can really start to figure out what happens.

CT: Is the basic plot line written out or is it added onto as it progresses.

EM: It is put together as we go on, but (each actor) kinda knows more about their character.

CT: Are you able to talk to the writers about your character’s story?

EM: Sometimes, and if you call (the writers) with a question, they will tell you why this or that is happening.

CT: When you get the script, do you ever get surprised about the way the plot is going?

EM: Always excited! And surprised… yea. The writers do tend to surprise. You know when you get half way through a good book and you know how it is going to end. Lost is not like that. I think to myself “Oh, they out-smarted me!”

CT: Do fans come up to you and ask questions about the show?

EM: Oh yea… all the time, and they are very excited to talk about it.

CT: There are tons of blogs about the mystery story lines of the show. Are you surprised at how involved the fans have gotten?

EM: I think it is fascinating, and it’s a neat thing that they do. The fans get (the story conclusions) right a lot of the times. There are a bunch of smart people watching the show out there.

CT: (We spoke in December) How has the strike effected the show?

EM: It’s been a little bit crazy. We are still shooting from what was already written, but soon, we will go completely dark.

CT: Do you have any other favorite shows?

EM: Yes, 24! Oh, and Battlestar Galactica…it takes you awhile to get into it, but it gets you.

CT: What is it like to walk the red carpet?

EM: Really fun. I know most of the photographers, but sometimes, I’ve had to be driven around the block because of the certain order they want you to come in. It is a major traffic jam. I have definitely had an “Oh god, why did I do that?” moment.

CT: In Running Scared, you played a child molester. Did you have reservations about playing that character?

EM: I still do. I was offered the part and was like I am not touching anyone! I was sick the whole time. It was an interesting part because people perceive monsters to look like they’re bad, but that’s not always the case.

CT: Your breakout role was in Gia, what was it like working with Angelina?

EM: She was amazing, professional and insanely talented!

CT: So do you think that Lost would have made a better movie and are there any movie talks in the works?

EM: We could never have fit it all into a movie. I haven’t heard of any, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen.