My biggest interest is what will Ben remember and how did it change him. Previous to his near death GSW, we know he met with Richard but we don’t actually know how he joined them later. So for all we know, things are happening as they already did.

Back to Locke, I still like the theory. But if he is truly just resurrected, I would simply chalk up to newly gained confidence.

I sill am somewhat confused by the time travel stuff as Ben either remembered, or maybe he was just told, that he was taken to the Temple to be healed. But he went on his path to leader of the Others before syaid came back and shot him, how would he remember that unless he was remembering for the first time when Locke brought him to the Temple.

Speaking of Locke I hadn’t thought of Locke as being the monster, and sounds like you and everyone has kind of back off that, but he is definitely enlightened somehow. He is controlling Ben as Ben once controlled him and basically tells him that. He said something along the line of now you know how I felt following you not knowing why…

As for Desmond, I thought he winged him in the right shoulder, when he shot him. He appeared that Desmond landed his most punshing blows with his left hand. So maybe he was a little hurt but was able to rally to kick the crap out of him. I wouldn’t think Ben was able to rally and kill Penny after that… but I am sure Desmond didn’t just sit there and left him float away either…

@Aunt Sharon: I later came to the same thought. I think the line is in fact a password given to sleeper operatives on the plane and since Frank couldn’t answer he got the rifle butt to the face.

But – there is no question that Locke will play a key role in the island’s design. Remember, he should have been the Chosen One years ago (Richard was present at his birth and later came to him with a test that Locke failed – that’s when he chose the knife and not the compass that Locke would later gift Richard while time traveling). And that set in motion the rise of an impostor – Ben – until the island flexed its muscles and pulled Locke to the island. Of course, Locke deviated once again – journeying off island but not even death could keep him away. And that is why he is back to life. The island needs him and will do anything to keep him alive – including raising him from the dead.

Now to answer some of the questions above:

@Carlos: I don’t think Widemore wants to step one foot on that island until he knows its safe to do so. He knows what the island is capable of and certainly knows about the judging force that resides below the temple. My take is that Widemore wants to tame the island before he returns – which is probably a very fool hardy move.

As for his money, remember – he runs Widemore Industries. Alpert has Mittelos Bioscience. He’s always had an elite air abouot him but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s used things learned on the island (the unique properties of the island) and found a way to profit from them.

As for last week’s episode, Alpert said he doesn’t answer to Widemore and Ellie (which is, indeed, Eloise Hawking – who we know is Faraday’s Mom). Which makes me wonder if Mrs. Hawking was booted from the island at some point too?

And this Nimoy casting has piqued my interest. I just threw Fringe in my DVR queue again. 3rd times a charm?

@Sean – Alex clearly told Ben that he WILL listen to everything Locke says and DO everything he is told. I think Ben is being kept alive because he is needed to help Locke along his path.

I think there is indeed, an above ground structure. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is minimal by design – with the large, ancient wall obscuring what is on the other side. I bet we see it in the Finale and maybe catch a full glimpse of Jacob. The rumor is that Jacob plays a big role in the finale – at least, there is a rumor out there that Jacob has been cast for this season and next.

Good theory on Widemore’s motivation. As for how did Widemore get off island – I think he used the sub. Their issue was what he did off island. Essentially – he seemed to be placing his interests above the island’s and that was his greatest crime.

That “What Lies in the Shadow of the Statue” line was intriguing. And, could it be taken two ways. The literal interpretation as in what rests where the statue’s shadow falls and then on another level – what “lies” (mistruths”). Sort of a dual meaning – i.e. What Lies Beneath.

I’m glad they killed off Caesar!

And last season as evil Ben emerged as a character, I saw Michael Emerson on a talk show saying how he was actually a stand-up comedian…I can only assume that his career in that field may need a miracle to resurrect itself!