Jacob and Ben
I don’t have vast evidence for my theory but I’m convinced I’m right. (Aren’t we all?)
Remember the circle of ash around the cabin when Ben took Locke there the first time? I think Ben has been holding Jacob captive for a long time. I don’t think he has taken direction from anyone for a long time (if ever) and that is why he got cancer. It was his punishment.
That’s a good theory. I’ve completely overlooked the purpose of the ‘ash’. Maybe that’s why Jacob says “Help me” to Locke, and then Ben tries to kill him (for the first time)…and of course succeeds on his second attempt. Ben doesn’t want Locke helping Jacob.
and if this is true then maybe widmore is good and trying to help jacob, while ben is purely selfish and manipulative.
Widmore isn’t good, he covets the island. It’s HIS.