I think another thing we have to note about “Ben’s change for good, for good” is it is apparent who he trusts, and he trusts the people that we the audience trust. Before Widmore showed up, he freely tells Richard & Miles about his secret room, the C4, freely explains to Miles about where/how smokey summoned him etc. Widmore shows up and Ben gives Richard the “omgoood” look when Richard blabs about why they’re getting the C4 (lol). Ben is in the correct camp, he knew Widmore/Zoe’s deaths were (probably going to be) inevitable, his coldness is an act to buy himself time as mentioned above.

Ok I know we’re all happy that Ben is conning MIB, I just love Ben so much that I feel like I need to defend his actions!

CPB – NO! You do make a good point.. Alex would be the way to his heart. I believe Sayid was already infected when he made his choice though.. I wonder if infection is a prerequisite to succumb to a MIB-promise? Or does it work vice-versa..?

AES – you didn’t miss anything, MIB didn’t make a promise to Ben re. Alex. Well, not that I saw, and I’m on my 3rd re-watch (how sad am I..)

Im not saying it didnt happen, I just dont remember it…

Anyway, I guess that MIB has already promised Ben Alex, and that should be sufficient for Ben I guess.

When MIB said the first time that he needed someone to stay and run the Island, I guess he might not have completely honest.

I guess the real reason that MIB needs Ben around is that he cannot kill the Candidates himself.

I hope Miles also comes across Richard, so we get a proper ‘good-bye’….

My main worry for Ben is – MIB promises him the island. As AES points out, MIB can now destory the island with Desmond. From MIB’s standpoint, what’s in it for Ben? Why not just kill him?

Even if MIB needs him, which seems evident, how can Ben continue the con and conivince MIB that he’ll still ‘serve’ him, even though the island is not an option now?

Unless MIB promises Ben… Alex.

Andre…good theory here…

One think that is not noted is the fact that when MIB tells Ben he wants him to kill people…Ben asks why, and is told that he can have the island…

Then at the end, MIB explains that if Desmond is still alive, then he cant destroy the island…

Ben knows he isnt getting the island…and I REALLY think he is pulling a fast one on MIB…

Miles told Ben that at Jacobs last moments…he had hoped he was wrong about him…I think his hope will shine through…like a bright light…

Personally, i’m not confident of Ben playing a Sawyer-like con. Ben is too easily manipulated (season 5 finale anybody).

i would love Ben to be playing MIB for the fool but i think that it is one twist we won’t see. all the pieces are set for the finale and i dont expect any changing of sides now.

It will all be down to Desmond in the end if you ask me…..

He killed Widmore to keep the information out of the hands of MiB. But he also has one Ace up his sleeve … Miles!

Remember that he gave a walkie to Miles. He’ll radio Miles to return and read Widmore’s last thoughts and Ben will use this info against MiB somehow.