Ben was a Candidate, #117, which is the sum of the numbers if you replace 42 with 51, which was Kate’s number (learned from LOSTcast, definitely worth listening to).

Did not think for a second Ben would actually die.

My own flash sideways, buying lottery ticket today at Publix, of course used some of the Numbers as my numbers (didn’t win though, damn it). Waiting in a slow line to get my ticket. Some huge dude, even bigger than Hurley I think, walks right to the counter when it was my turn. I was in a hurry of course and said out loud, “it was actually my turn next” as a burn to the cashier who should have gone to me next. The huge dude said in an eerily Hurley way, “sorry dude, didn’t know you were next.” The word “dude” stuck in my mind. Made me think I was fated to win the lottery this time like Hurley, but ultimately didn’t.

There is nothing quite as comforting in the English language as dropping a poignant “dude” in a conversation.

THIS is the episode that I’ve been waiting for this season. Of course it helps that it was a Ben centric ep., who is one of the best actors on the series.
Loved his back story as much as what he’s doing on the island. Crazy to see him in a good relationship with his Dad, and to see Alex again (I know nobody else agrees with me, but I think she’s hot), and even ‘what’s his face’ the science teacher. Didn’t fully understand the ending though with the principal of the school, what kind of deal did he make? Did he save Alex and resign?
Of course his story on the island is just as fascinating, and his final teary speech at the end totally moved me, and of course once again Ben avoids near death yet another time. I was actually prepared for Ben to get killed in this ep. I mean I was reasonably confident he’d survive, but not 100%, even though he is one of the candidates. (I think I saw his name written on the wall)

Other stories lines were almost as good.
-Jack actually manned up in this ep., kept his cool instead of going off half cocked as usual.
-Richard wanting to die, and hearing FINALLY why he never ages, great revelation.
-Locke once again showing that he may not be as evil as he’s being made out to be.
-No Claire or Kate
-Hurley saying ‘cheese curds’ before waking up.

Small things I didn’t really like:
-Miles practically rubbing Ben’s face in his imminent execution.
-Widmore arriving on the sub, seemed anti-climactic.
-Still not at all cool with that last surviving Jacob-following chick just taking charge. Hopefully now that Jack and Richard are back, she’ll get replaced.

Maybe not quite a 5 star ep, but worth 4 for sure.

Just ten more Tuesdays of quality, serial, scripted drama, then that’s it, possibly forever. No major network will launch an expensive hour long drama again in the near future at the very least. 24 will be getting the ax this year because of its budget, and also it’s run its course too.

The past decade already saw the death of genre trilogy/series movies, and LOST will be the final genre entertainment to bow out, leaving us with only reruns.

At the end he goes up to Sun and says- `can I help` and as if reciting a line in a play she says `please help me with the tarp`.

Loved that, shows that she`s surprised she`s even saying it, can`t believe he`s alive, can`t believe he`s getting stuck in with the rest of them. The last time he was involved with the beach it was to steal all the pregnant women from it and kill anyone who got in the way. He had her husband tied up with a gun in his face. His other men got killed.

Now he`s here, getting stuck in. Wonderful arc for him. It`s true, he did do everything he thought for the greater good. It may also have been a lust for power, but like with the school situation, he would have been doing it for the betterment of all students.

The situation to burn Alex I didn`t quite get. It`s a counter blackmail? I guess. Worked out well. And now free of Jacob`s influence, which is probably connected to being freed of Daddy issues, he`s able to be his real character and do the right thing, in both storylines. Good for him!

Parallels and callbacks across storylines and to the past were awesome-

Ben is giving his father life-giving oxygen. In island story he killed his father, and everyone, with gas.

He has choice to sacrifice Alex again for `greater good`. This time doesn`t take it.

Miles finds Nicky and Paulo`s diamonds! In scene where everyone else is hugging and remeeting, e checks out his new glittering friends.

Locke gives a vote of confidence to Linus in the staffroom, to become principal, when all along on the island these two have been vying for leadership.

Arzt calls Ben `killer`, as he sets off on his path to blackmail and manipulation- just like the old Ben.

On the whole, so great to see this character redeemed. Slo-mo beach scenes definitely emotive. These people really do like each other, and are genuinely happy to see each other. Makes us care too.