I didn't quite notice this first time around, but Ben was actually crying as he struggled with the wheel. it was amazing..one of the best scenes ever. He literally struggled to turn the wheel - a great metaphor for his entire arc. I love the fact that before he began turning he basically gave Jacob the finger..looking up as if to praise 'God', he swiftly said "I hope you're happy now, Jacob". Wow, powerful stuff and I really got alot from that one line..the look of resentment yet freedon on Ben's face..it really helped me to further understand the relationship between them. What will Locke have to face, i wonder. Will he get along better with jacob? Ben seems to think so - citing Locke's intuitive nature - "you'll find your way..you always do" (loved that line btw) - as being an advantage.
I feel that ben was very self-depreciating though..too much so. I mean he did a great job and he was always willing to accept his short comings..always. I think he largely hinted at his fertility mission when he told Locke that he'll be more able to seperate emotional ties with the priorities. This ties back in with Alpert's season 3 talk to Locke about Ben wasting their time on "novelties". A bit harsh considering Ben's "novelty" was directly related to his scarred memories of killing his mom at birth. memories which were manifested by his rotton father. No wonder fathers need to go in this show.
I just loved how Ben scurried around getting things ready for the islands moving..clearly Ben had accepted his fate in Cabin Fever..or perhaps The shape of Things to Come once he lost his daughter. Yet still he was so helpful..guinding John along the way and showing him how it's down. Have to allow Ben his little "I always have a plan, John" - he deserved that piece of oneupmanship after all jacob put him through and after all the thanks he got.
Speaking of which, I was most intrigued with his interaction with Alpert - I LOVED that scene..I still can't tell whether Alpert was sad with the know;ledge that Ben was stepping down as his leader, or whether he as unhappy at having to do one last thing for him? Well acted on both parts..their relationship always did seem strained post-jungle meeting.
Another great scene was Ben sanctioning the freeing of Sayid and Kate. The look on Kate's face was one of appreciation and bemusement. lol Kate, the man keeps his word. It was also prefaced by Kate cutting Ben's hands free with Keamy's bloody knife - a great metaphor if ever there was one.
Back to the donkeywheel - wow, Ben's face as he pushed that cog..tears streaming down his face and the sound of him wailing..then just as he transferred through the 'portal' he closed his eyes, as if to say 'at last..it's over..'.
Man, that's one of my favourite scenes ever..as a Ben fan, i've struggled in there with him, fighting his corner and having his back whilst many (who now see him in a better light) threw scorn on us..It was if I too was relieved that his tenor was done..I too closed my eyes.
I love you Ben..see you on the other side my man
