I was really intrigued by the whole dynamic between Ben and Locke tonight - especially Ben's comments about how his time is done and the island is Locke's (paraphrasing here).

We obviously know Ben leaves, but why is his time done? How did he anger the island? Was he not chosen like Locke was? Ben seemed almost melancholy throughout the whole episode. I can't wait to see how/why he leaves the island.

Eh, it would seem like some kind of Circle, First it may of been Richard, then Ben, then Locke. Jack could be next. So Jacob is using Ben and Locke, until their time to leave the island and whatever sacifices they make to keep the island safe.

Of course Ben was sad. He's been "special" for many years and now he feels like the island has rejected him in favor of someone else.

This is what I think is the purpose behind the test at the beginning of the episode. Locke is special, but he may not be "the one." This may be why Richard got so mad when Locke picked the wrong thing during his test. Still, the island can use Locke because it can communicate with him in the same way it did with Ben.

I now get the feeling that Ben is allowing Locke to believe that the torch has been passed to him. The scene when Ben compliments Locke for making Hurley believe he made the choice to stay with Team Wacko was a telling sign of how Ben operates. He might need to leave the island in Locke's temporary custody while he goes off the island, but I fear for Locke.

I now get the feeling that Ben is allowing Locke to believe that the torch has been passed to him. The scene when Ben compliments Locke for making Hurley believe he made the choice to stay with Team Wacko was a telling sign of how Ben operates. He might need to leave the island in Locke's temporary custody while he goes off the island, but I fear for Locke.

I agree with that! Ben is a liar, especially when his voice breaks a little, it's sign he
is lying (that's what his voice does when he lies, one of the things, that is). I don't
trust nor believe a word he says. He is playing Locke, he plays every one.

I agree that Ben is either still in control, or knows he will regain it. I think his sadness is there because of Alex's death