 This episode began the resolution of the story arc about Desmond 's prophecy regarding Charlie 's inevitable death , which began earlier in the season and would ultimately end in the finale . The storyline was conceived while producing the latter part of the second season when the writers were brainstorming ideas for a new storyline for Charlie . While Desmond could have had flashes of the future about anyone , Charlie was chosen over a less significant character so that the story would have higher stakes . Additionally , the writers decided that it would be a great way to bring out the heroic side of Charlie , with Charlie being the only character to die willingly . Despite the problems in Charlie 's life , the writers believed that Charlie always was a good person and wanted to show that with the happiest moments of the character 's life . Monaghan thought that " Greatest Hits " was made " to allow the audience to sit with [ his character 's fate ] long enough to prepare themselves for what was going to happen [ in the finale ] " . 
