I want to start by saying I love how Ben is being perceived as more sinister and we are truly seeing a master at work when he does chime in. All that being said I'm having a hard time believing Ben's flashback. Could it have been manufactured to manipulate us like Ben manipulates everyone. I have trouble believing that Ben went from an abused child, to following in his fathers footsteps and becoming the Dharma janitor, to becoming a secret agent with suits, and passports, and objectives. I believe his flashback was a hoax because all the evidence seems to move me there. Look at the end of this episode he is pulling a bullet out of Sayid and going to stitch him up not something your run of the mill janitor would know. I for one would not be disappointed and think it would be rather clever if the writers pulled that one by us. Thoughts?

I want to start by saying I love how Ben is being perceived as more sinister and we are truly seeing a master at work when he does chime in. All that being said I'm having a hard time believing Ben's flashback. Could it have been manufactured to manipulate us like Ben manipulates everyone. I have trouble believing that Ben went from an abused child, to following in his fathers footsteps and becoming the Dharma janitor, to becoming a secret agent with suits, and passports, and objectives. I believe his flashback was a hoax because all the evidence seems to move me there. Look at the end of this episode he is pulling a bullet out of Sayid and going to stitch him up not something your run of the mill janitor would know. I for one would not be disappointed and think it would be rather clever if the writers pulled that one by us. Thoughts?

i think ben has just read a lot of books over the years, and basically self taught himself to be worldly and an expert at manipulation.

CM, actually, Ben's backstory fits pretty well!

If you've ever done any reading on codependency, well, Ben fits in very well with that dynamic. Growing up with an abusive father made him an expert at reading and anticipating people, which is totally in line with his manipulations of people.

All codpendents have issues about control--either being 'doormats' (letting others establish control) or seizing control themselves often in manipulative ways, but sometimes overtly. In this sense, Jack is the opposite end of the spectrum. Control freak Jack, also the son of an alcoholic.

Not seeing any of Ben's backstory being out of line with his current behavior.

CM, actually, Ben's backstory fits pretty well!

If you've ever done any reading on codependency, well, Ben fits in very well with that dynamic. Growing up with an abusive father made him an expert at reading and anticipating people, which is totally in line with his manipulations of people.

All codpendents have issues about control--either being 'doormats' (letting others establish control) or seizing control themselves often in manipulative ways, but sometimes overtly. In this sense, Jack is the opposite end of the spectrum. Control freak Jack, also the son of an alcoholic.

Not seeing any of Ben's backstory being out of line with his current behavior.

When did he become a surgeon though? I noticed that I couldn't recognize his voice and they didn't show his face until Sayid was drugged up....

When did he become a surgeon though? I noticed that I couldn't recognize his voice and they didn't show his face until Sayid was drugged up....

I think that goes back to Ben being intelligent, controlling and studious. It's hard for me to believe that Ben hasn't been involved with everything going on at Craphole Island. He's not the type to sit back and delegate. And we know he's smart and bookish.

Tweezing out a bullet and giving stitches doesn't seem to be major surgery to me. That much he well have learned on the island.

When did he become a surgeon though? I noticed that I couldn't recognize his voice and they didn't show his face until Sayid was drugged up....

Well, he wasn't performing terribly complicated surgery. Just giving Sayid an anesthetic and removing the bullet, then dressing the wound, correct? That's basic island survival skills he would have learned from Ethan, Goodwin, Richard, any of those ageless and seemingly multi-skilled Others..

I'd like to see his CV. Dharma work man, leader of the Others, secret agent, veterinarian...and who knows what else.

I believe most of the backstories have been fabricated, so Ben's would be no different.

I believe most of the backstories have been fabricated, so Ben's would be no different.

How so? Please elaborate?

How so? Please elaborate?

Ditto