A New Ben
I believe that the Dr. Linus episode is the defining moment for Ben. In this episode Ben finally came to terms with his own personal demons. Throughout the entire series Ben has always portrayed himself as someone whose actions could always be justified, since they were for the good of the island. But Ben now is able to admit to himself and others (Iliana) that although he believed that he was following Jacobs orders for the benefit of the island, his ultimate goal was to “be recognized by Jacob and be rewarded with power and prestige.  I believe that Ben now understands that some things are immeasurable, as the unselfish love of a father for his daughter. As Ben opened up to Iliana , his true pain of his actions was visible. I don’t believe that Ben though that for one moment Iliana would understand, but she did. Iliana show true goodness teachings, probably past on from Jocob, whom I believe has been around her since she was a child. Although Iliana will probably never forget what been did , she has forgiven him, something that Ben has not been able to do(Ben still wants to even the score with Widmore). I believe we will see a new Ben, who will assist the Jacob group in their endeavor, and redeem himself for his past actions in the process Â
Ben has only wanted to be loved and accepted – is that so wrong!?!
The power was always a lure, but he really
DID do everything for the island.
If he’s a *new* Ben, it’s one that feels forgiven and accepted, and it’s a big relief to serve.
Maybe:
1) Losing his ‘innocence’ from the temple water could be naivity of ‘the big picture’.
2) Widmore lost his, too, but saw things differently.
3) Both chose to be island’s protector, but in a different way. (Ilana has, too.)
Always loved this Ben’s life to Cash’s Lost
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_NJY0xJ6qE
Even more poignant, not.
It seems as though Ilana has granted absolution to Benjamin Linus after his confession. His obvious repentance was genuine and heartfelt, as evidenced by the tears in Ilana’s eyes and her willingness to forgive his trespasses and allow him back into the fold. Ben – you’ve come a long way, Baby!
Perhaps, the reason Ben made the “right” choice in the Alt Reality is because he wasn’t tainted or changed by the Temple water. Presumably, if 815 didn’t crash, and Sayid was never on the island – Ben was not shot and didn’t require saving by the Temple waters. (Richard said Ben would never be the same if they saved him.) We see some of the same traits in Ben in the Alt Reality – however, it seems as though his internal scale is tipped toward the good; whereas on the island it has been tipped toward the bad (until recently anyway). I will be curious to see if Ben will stay on the righteous path, or whether his need for power will win in the end.
What WAS the ‘right’ choice in the Alt Reality?
That he didn’t defeat the evil guy … or that he didn’t do it by any means necessary.
Ben’s greatest regret was letting Alex die. He sacrificed her for the island (and the others).
How cathartic that he didn’t sacrifice her for ‘the others’ here. [But that principal needs to go DOWN!]
I love evil, manipulative Ben, but I always appreciated his humanity. Michael Emerson took an initially throw away character and (with the excellent writing) developed him into one of the greatest, most complex characters in television history. What a great actor!
SkipDrocer, I loved this episode about Ben. In the ‘flash sideways’ he made all of the right choices concerning his father and Alex.
For the first time, we see Ben being selfless. You also had to admire that although Nemesis offered him everything he had previously held close to his heart, (control of ‘the island’), that he chose to stay with Ilana and her group.
Both instances paralleled each other. Ben has come full turn in his ‘karmic’ path.
I swear to god, when Ilana said she will ‘have him’ and she turned to walk back to camp, i thought Ben was gonna shoot her in the back.. So i was pleasantly surprised to see this new redeemed Ben..
Even though i have to admit i do love that evil manipulative cretin!
“with those horrible eyes”
I was thinking, as they walked back to the camp, that she was going to turn and shoot him once they got back…
That’s the kind of thing this show has taught me to expect.
The scene at the end with all of them standing on the beach with Ben separate from the group leads me to believe he will have to prove himself a changed man over and over again. I think in the end Ben will sacrifice himself to save someone.
Agree with all of you–best episode of the season so far, with the best actor of the series.
Completely agree with you Roland. My theory of Ben being Judas from the story of the Bible stated the same about him having to make a sacrifice. He is easily my favourite character of the series.