Several people on other boards are saying that Richard (recruiter guy) is Ben’s son. I asked them why they thought that and got this answer:

I got that Richard is Ben's son because when Locke first goes into Ben's room, and then takes Alex and hides in the closet, we hear 2 people come into Ben's room. 1 says "Dad?" but we can't see him. The other is MC Gainey's character. After he and Ben talk, B says something like "Richard, go get the man from Tallahassee." and although we can't see what R looks like, we see the back of him. Then, at the end of the ep when Locke's handcuffed to the pipe, Ben says "Richard, uncuff John".

He said “Ben” when he comes into the room, not “Dad”… right? Please tell me that I am not crazy.

(I searched and didn't see another thread for this. If I missed it, I am sorry... )

I thought it was weird last night, because I thought I heard him say Dad too.
Will have to go to the ABC website and see if I can watch again and see for sure,

I must have missed that. What a twist that would put on the theory that
everyone is infertile on the island

probably didn't have to spoiler tag that, but just in case

IMHO Richard is too old to be Ben's son, BUT...perhaps Ben is a lot older then we think he is, going back to whole time passing at a rate different then our own idea.

I also at first heard dad (even though I think it's Ben) BUT the man who's saying it is Tom, not Alpert.

IMHO Richard is too old to be Ben's son, BUT...perhaps Ben is a lot older then we think he is, going back to whole time passing at a rate different then our own idea.

I thought that too, about him being too old to be the son. I am still sure that he said "ben" though... can ANYONE confirm? Guess I will have to go watch it again.

Tom says "Ben? You awake?"

Alex: Dad, Who are you talking to?
Ben: Alex, Don't come in here.
(pounding on front door)
(screams)
(whispers)
John: Tell her to be quite
Ben: Alex, please
Tom: Ben, are you awake?
Alex: No
Tom: I'm coming in

Ben, John, Alex and Tom are the only voices and persons seen/heard in this scene.

I thought I heard a man say "Dad" too, but sometimes the audio can be misleading.

While Locke is holding Alex in the closet, Tom and Richard go visit Ben. It's Tom who does all the talking with Ben, and ottomatic quoted right. Then, when they're about to go, Ben talks with Richard:

BEN: Richard, wait a minute.
TOM: I'll wait outside.
BEN (to Richard): I want you to bring me the man from Tallahassee.
RICHARD: What do you need him for?
BEN: Just do it.

etc.

No one said "Dad". Not Tom, not RIchard.


Rick