Giving Walt back
I think Walt is the true next leader – perhaps to the Jacob level.
When the Others took Walt, they took him to Dharmaville Island and tested him. Did the Room 23 thing. He was more than they could handle … he was ‘the one’. (As the magnetism theory goes, he could control the island … maybe how Jacob does to bring people?)
Ben made the deal w/Michael before getting captured. Always seemed a little odd Ben would make such a big mistake … why use the same name as a black guy buried right there with his i.d. and everything. Too sloppy for my favorite schemer. (Still curious how Ben knew his name. Maybe Henry’s gal isn’t dead but now an Other? ) Ben went from ‘they’ll never give up Walt’ to ‘more than they could handle’ all while incarcerated? Naw. It was all in the plan. Mike knew he was Ana’s executioner in advance; it was his part of the deal – then the set-up to make it look like Ben did it.
But, why did Ben want him off the island – I’m torn on Ben being weak-guy who submits to island or who is on powertrip fueled by his position. (Likes the former, btw).
If he’s the latter it explains both getting rid of Widmore AND scooting Walt off the island.
But, if he’s the former, maybe it was to make sure Walt neither went through the time skips nor had O6 publicity. To set-up Jacob’s replacement, giving him the freedom (I also question whether MIB is rival or friend finding solution).
So, tear into this one, friends : )
Locke was never really meant to be THE leader ‘cuz he screwed up the first time (because he was corrupt and wanted the knife).
Ben wasn’t really meant to be THE leader, either. (And he was corrupt ‘cuz he wanted to get even.)
Widmore – creep clearly not THE leader.
In the Incident, Ilana’s team says that Lapidus could be a “candidate”. Considering that they know that Jacob’s vessel is likely about to be killed, I suspect they are looking for another vessel.
Ooooh. Good catch. Lapidus’ character really hasn’t gone anywhere, he was meant for the 815 crash and course corrected with the next.
Besides Hurley, I think Lapidus is the only non-self-serving person on the entire island.