It was the most emotional scene on the Lost premiere, but it also felt the most useless:

Why did the show kill off Juliet for a second time? The fifth season finale farewell to this character was both heroic and touching, seemingly an ideal way for her and Sawyer to part ways.

But viewers quickly found out on Tuesday night that Juliet had jumped to 2004 with her fellow castaways. They dug out a hole for Sawyer climb down, only for her to simply die in his arms. Was this a manipulative way for Lost to squeeze even more emotion out of this love affair... or something more?

Based on what Juliet uttered (and/or almost uttered) before she passed, we're leaning toward the latter option. Consider:

Despite the pain and despite the circumstances, Juliet seemed at peace, almost happy. She asked Sawyer out for coffee and, as Miles later relayed, was about to add two critical words: It worked.

Juliet died on the season six premiere... so why is she so happy?

What worked? The Jughead-inspired reboot, that's what most fans assume. And we agree. As for the odd coffee date reference, we're reminded of the Mel Gibson movie Signs.

Remember when his wife lay dying, only to mutter something about "swinging away" that would save her family's life years later? Even if you don't, the point remains the same:

Sometimes, the near-dead have visions the living cannot see. Sometimes, they are privy to information unattainable to anyone else. Sometimes, there's a parallel universe where events unfold in a certain manner and it takes blowing up a hydrogen bomb to see your off-island destiny.

In Juliet and Sawyer's case, this means an eventual coffee date in a rebooted 2004 timeline. When will it take place? On the series finale, scheduled to air on May 23.

AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THIS THEORY? LET US KNOW!

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.