Ben: Island Saviour

[D-Roc]

As a long-time "Henry Gale" and Benjamin Linus fan, I've endured alot of flack from those who oppose him and his methods. It's been a hard road, but it seems that the road has become one of hope and optimism for all those, whom like myself, want to see Ben vindicated and accepted by Lost fans as someone who fought the good fight.

Season 3 ended with a promise from Ben - whilst tied to tree he fortold of great peril to come, he mentioned that 'the beginning of the end' was what awaited those who wanted off the island before their time was due.
As it turned out, 6 got off..well, eight, if we include Michael and Walt. We've peeked into the future and seen that each of these people, with the possible exception of Kate and Aaron have, have gone on the regret leaving the island.

"You have to go back".."You have work to do"..these are two of the most frequent messages from the island..an island which is not only calling them back, but summoning them to return. With this in mind Season 4 part 1 has delivered a vital score in Ben's corner. He was right about what would happen if Jack made that call, and he was right about the Freighties - for whom rescue 'isn't their primary objective'.

These words issued by the loveable Daniel Faraday, of all people, set the stage for what is a very real and very immediate war. A War which The Others have been waging for years, in the hope of protecting the island - a sentient being which is, seemingly, unable to protect itself. No wonder Ben is over-protective, no wonder he didn't want to let the Losties leave, and no wonder he is the way he is.

In general, people often have a skewed view of good v bad - what Ben has proven is that being a good guy is relative to the type of war you're fighting. Good men have done bad things in the past because the nature of the 'other side' is bad to the core. So the 'greater good' becomes not only a viable, but a necessary philosophy. This is politics and war which is not attached to some pseudo belief or make-beleive justice, but in the context of the show it is about the very survival of the most magical and special place on earth (and possible the survival of the earth itself).

Who wouldn't want to protect that..who wouldn't do whatever he could to keep such a sanctuary safe from those who desire it only for monetary and immoral reasons?

I sense that when all is said and done, Ben will be the person standing between the island and absolute destruction. I'm (still) proud to call myself a Benaholic.