A couple of things became very clear to me in tonights episode. The first is that Ben is the man behind the curtain, he is in full control of what goes on amongst the Hosties. The reason he shot Locke was because Locke posed a threat to Ben's leadership role. Locke heard Jacob which is something that I would speculate that no one else on the island can do. It is still not clear what Ben's communications with Jacob really are. He seems to at the very least have a good understanding of where he is and what his capabilites are. Jacob's 'help me' appeared to be a genuine message to Locke about Jacob's captivity. We are led to believe that Lockes flashlight set Jacob off. I think that's not why Jacob went Carrie on the room. If you remember, Locke was just about to tell Ben what Jacob said to him. Jacob most likely didn't want Ben to hear that statement and thus the spooky poltergeist scene.

The main point I want to make is that Ben is somewhat in control of Jacob and Locke was able to hear Jacob which could possibly undermine Ben. So where does Walt fit into the picture? It seems to me that Walt was a special kid and he possibly could have also or did also hear Jacob. Therefore to retain control over his people, Ben sent Walt away and that's why I think Ben let such a special kid leave. Anyway, it's just speculation, what do you guys think?

Sounds like a good theory. Locke and Walt seemed to have a good connection. I can see where Ben would've been intimidated my the kid. Why not just kill him though? He seems to have no problem with that. I have a question: do you think Ben was just putting on a show like Locke said, talking to Jacob, up until the point Locke heard Jacob say "help me?"

Well, even if Ben could hear Jacob, nothing much special about that if he's the only one who's ever been to see the guy (as he claims if I recall correctly).

I don't know, though, I don't want to think he was acting it out, but I suppose it's very possible.

(edit to add) The Walt theory is very good, by the way.

I agree. Jacob's abilities were definately similar to Walt's. I can see how Walt would have a connection to Jacob and Ben wanted him gone, in the same way that he wants Locke gone. Locke is a threat to Ben's control.

Interesting. I always figured that Ben wanted to keep Walt around. I never considered that he might want him gone. It's a possibility.

Good plot points.

I still think that Ben is not the one in control.

Jacob may be a creation of sorts of Bens.

I have a question: do you think Ben was just putting on a show like Locke said, talking to Jacob, up until the point Locke heard Jacob say "help me?"

I think it's definitely indicated in the scene that Ben was putting on a bit of show. I wouldn't be able to say it for sure yet, but it definitely looks that way.

Going with the Walt theory - In "Three Minutes," Ms. Klugh threatens to put Walt back in the room and Walt gets scared. There was a lot of speculation that Karl's brainwashing room was "the room," but do you think Jacob's room might be it?

This is a great theory. I always scratched my head and wondered why Ben (while in captivity) scoffed to Jack, "they'll never give up Walt," only to voluntarily give him up not even a week later... His "special" state MUST have posed a threat to Ben! Much like Locke, tonight...

Walt's power could have been off the charts after getting to the island. I remember Ben saying that 'we got more than we bargained for with Walt' or something close to that.
Of course this fits in with Walt being able to see/talk to Jacob, or Ben just figuring that he would be able to since he's so powerful. Maybe he was afraid Walt would help free Jacob.

Of course, Walt isn't really 'gone'. There is no way Walt and Mike escaped the island.
Not sure where he is, but he's not gone.

This thread brings me back to the first season of Lost. I forgot how close Locke and Walt were. Remember Locke got Vincent back for Walt, they used to play backgammon together, and Locke taught Walt to throw knives ( I think that was when Michael wouldn't let Walt play with Locke anymore!) They definately have had a connection from the beginning of the show.

I love this Walt theory, makes perfect sense as to why Ben did a 180 on him. Wonder why he just wouldn't have killed the kid though?

I heard Walt's parents wanted him to go to school instead of filming the show so much. More like special ed.

Good theories on Walt. He could have posed a threat to Ben and his leadership position. In another thread about Horace Goodspeed, I touched on this a little bit. I felt that Horace was like Ben's nice uncle, as Locke was to Walt. I'm wondering if Ben kept his promise to Michael and Walt (so we think anyway) because they had the father/son relationship that Ben never had.

Here's a father that cares about his son, fights for custody, kills a couple losties to get him back. Maybe Ben got whatever research he needed from Walt, then simply kept his promise because they could have a good life together (if they made it out alive).

Plus, how would that look with the Hosties trying to get guys to kill their dads, then here's Michael trying to be super-Dad. They are the anti-Ben/Roger team.