Tuesday’s episode of Lost, properly titled “Dr. Linus,” examines the life of Ben, one of the most devious characters on the show.  But like many times in Lost’s history, the audience is left with another never-ending question: Is Ben truly good or evil?

Deciphering His Character

On the island, Miles reveals that it was Ben who killed Jacob, and Ilana makes it her personal mission to seek retribution, forcing Ben to dig a grave she plans to use for his body.  As he digs, we are thrown into the alternate universe, where Ben has a doctorate in European history, but is working as in a thankless job as a history teacher in an LA high school.

This Ben is surprisingly likeable.  So likeable in fact, that upon overhearing Ben’s complaints about outdated supplies and other grievances, substitute teacher John Locke encourages him to become principal of the school.   He gets his chance when he discovers that the existing principal in having an affair with the school nurse.  Ben presents his evidence to the principal, calling for his resignation.  The principal replies that he will trash one of Ben’s brightest students in a college recommendation letter that she requested.  Ben backs off, desiring to protect the future of that student, Alexandra Rousseau.

The audience understands the significance of this moment.  On the island, Ben adopted Alexandra as his own daughter, and watched her die in front of his own eyes.  Though we are unsure of how Alex has ended up in LA in the alternate universe, it is clear that on some level, Ben is meant to care for her.  And care for her he does, by sacrificing his own desires.

An Understanding

When we flash back to the island, Ben has nearly finished digging his grave.  Suddenly, the smoke monster appears to him.  He tells Ben that he is gathering people to leave the island, and releases Ben from the place Ilana detained him.

Ben takes off into the jungle, followed quickly by Ilana.  The resulting confrontation is a powerful moment.  Ben tells Ilana about his daughter, saying that he let her die all in the name of Jacob, and that Jacob did nothing for him in return.  When Ilana asks him why he is returning to Locke, Ben says tearfully, “Because he’s the only one who will take me.”  She responds quietly, “l’ll take you,” and they return to the beach.

So What Does it Mean?

Perhaps Ben is not as bad as we thought; he certainly seems like the lesser of many evils.  Ilana seems to recognize something good in him.  It seems that a common theme throughout this season has been that of redemption.   Let’s hope that our favorite characters find some as the season (and the show) wraps up.

The Questions Continue

Last night’s episode posed some new questions.  We learned that Richard cannot die, at least not by his own hand.  Doubting Jacob and his purpose, Richard tried to blow himself up with dynamite.  Jack revealed that he did not believe Jacob would bring them to the island only to allow them to die in such a manner.  Has Jack the scientist become a man of faith?  Will his faith be rewarded, or will it ultimately destroy them all?

In the final moments of the episode, we see Charles Widmore in a submarine.  What is his place in the battle between the smoke monster and Jacob?   The pivotal question for each character seems to be just this:  Is this person good or evil?

Find out by tuning in to ABC on Tuesdays at 9 pm!

Photo courtesy of ABC