So is the assumption that Jacob sent Walt - or at least the apparition of Walt - to help Locke?

Did Locke fail? Was the work he had to do, to stop Jack from making contact with Naomi's boat?

I would think so! Locke's never been able to pull the trigger. I can't wait to see what happens next- I LOVE this show!!!!

Walt's back!! I don't know if it was just a vision, or if Walt was really there. He didn't talk backwards, nor was he wet... so maybe he was really there. But in that case, where is Michael? I can't wait 8 months!

another thought on this......

How else would Locke have known that the group was at the radio Tower?

I believe Walt is Smokey. Just as Smokey was able to manifest itself as Eko's brother, he now manifested himself as Walt.

if that is actually Walt he would have showed up with Locke at the radio tower. I think it might be easy to assume that was an apparition created by Jacob. Jacob likely had a connection with Walt because Walt had some psychic abilities. Or perhaps it was Walt projecting himself at the request of Jacob, to help Locke. Either way its entirely unlikely that was Walt in physical form.

Jacob is Smokey

I would think so! Locke's never been able to pull the trigger. I can't wait to see what happens next- I LOVE this show!!!!

He didn't seem to have any problems killing Naomi......