I am still trying to figure out if RA is behind all of it and why he does not age. Any ideas what he's been up to? I wonder if he's been off Island?

I feel like he is Ben's recruiter of sorts.

His agelessness (is that a word?) will undoubtedly be due to the islands special properties. Perhaps he is a time cop like Mrs. Hawking. He has not had a major part so far, but hopefully he'll be a bigger player in the coming episodes. I have mixed feelings about the cancellation of Cane, but I'm glad Nestor Carbonell is reportedly back in Hawaii.

I wonder if he's been off Island?

See "Not In Portland" s3 ep 7
Richard Alpert, as Dr Alpert, working for Mittleos Bioscience, recruited Juliet to work for them.

He's currently on his way to the temple with the other Others. as for him being the mastermind, he seems to answer to Jacob, and apparently he doesn't see Jacob, I don't know what is going on with him but I can't wait to find out, I suppose Nestor being in Hawaii could just be a vacation, lets hope it isn't. Spoiler is about a LOST actor sighting

Alpert has been an enigma. He recruited child-Ben. He helped Locke (with a portfolio on Sawyer when Locke was supposed to kill his father). He is there for the people who have a special connection to Jacob. I wonder if he ever helped Walt, when he was in New Otherton. We don't really know who or what he is. If he's the go-between for Jacob and the special people, it would make sense he's special - that he can communicate with Jacob too.

If however Alpert can talk to Jacob, surely he'd know Jacob needs help from Ben. How that would fit in?

I'd like the story line to get back to Jacob again - I know it's too soon for answers about that aspect. I'm ready for more questions :question: about Jacob. We have so little to go on.

I'd like the story line to get back to Jacob again - I know it's too soon for answers about that aspect. I'm ready for more questions :question: about Jacob. We have so little to go on.
I'd never thought I'd see someone post asking for more questions, I agree.