[type-r]

I saw a recap show last night (actually narrated by Ben!) and I was a bit confused after seeing Ben freely allowing the Losties (Katie, Sawyer et al) to leave the island via helicopter in S4, when he had spent most of the entire series trying to keep them on the island. I haven't re-watched the previous seasons in-depth so it may be an obvious answer!! I was just curious last night when I saw Ben cutting the rope on Kate's wrists and telling them they were free leave by taking the chopper... was their job done?? Or did it not matter because he was going to move the island and knew he would have to go and persuade them to return afterwards. Island protection first, then took a gamble that he could bring them back?

[merry slug]

Originally Posted by type-r

I saw a recap show last night (actually narrated by Ben!) and I was a bit confused after seeing Ben freely allowing the Losties (Katie, Sawyer et al) to leave the island via helicopter in S4, when he had spent most of the entire series trying to keep them on the island. I haven't re-watched the previous seasons in-depth so it may be an obvious answer!! I was just curious last night when I saw Ben cutting the rope on Kate's wrists and telling them they were free leave by taking the chopper... was their job done?? Or did it not matter because he was going to move the island and knew he would have to go and persuade them to return afterwards. Island protection first, then took a gamble that he could bring them back?

I've wondered about this too. At that point he knew he was going to leave the island - maybe he knew he needed them to get himself back? Or maybe he was okay with them leaving (for now) because he figured he could manipulate them back later.

[Hatebox]

Ben's relationship with the Losties has always been, at best, confused.

This isn't helped by the fact that Darlton recently said they specifically wrote the early part of season 3 to be slow, laborious and indecisive just to secure and end date from ABC.

As far as Ben's concerned I'm just waiting to see what the hell his point is in this final year, given he's apparently now as stupid as everyone else.

[The Swan]

Ben did not make that decision. It was Richard who made the decision. Ben asks him "What was the arrangement" once he has been released from Keemy.

However I think him agreeing to Richards decision of letting Sayid and Kate go was similar to when he let Michael go on the boat. He knew Michael would come back as the Island was not done with him. He knew that he would leave the Island and he knows that regardless of what it takes to get them back, they will come back.

[stuw1]

Originally Posted by type-r

I saw a recap show last night (actually narrated by Ben!) and I was a bit confused after seeing Ben freely allowing the Losties (Katie, Sawyer et al) to leave the island via helicopter in S4, when he had spent most of the entire series trying to keep them on the island. I haven't re-watched the previous seasons in-depth so it may be an obvious answer!! I was just curious last night when I saw Ben cutting the rope on Kate's wrists and telling them they were free leave by taking the chopper... was their job done?? Or did it not matter because he was going to move the island and knew he would have to go and persuade them to return afterwards. Island protection first, then took a gamble that he could bring them back?

Something about that whole "Losties leaving" was a little strange - As far as Ben was aware, the Losties should have been dead when Keamey blew up the freighter (remember his indifference at the prospect). I therefore always thought it strange that he seemed not at all surprised on seeing Sayid alive & well afterward.

[SimonO]

There's the distinct possibility that Ben simply didn't mean for them to leave; he probably figured he'd stop them somehow.

Remember his deal with Jack and Juliet? He seemed sincere in front of other people, until later admitting to John that it was all a play.

Keep in mind that he had a man on the boat (Michael) who was sabotaging operations.

[Dagolu]

I think he's always been aware that nobody can ever truly leave forever. (course correcting and his comments throughout that though they'll never find the island, they'll be forced back)

also, I think letting them leave, he secured a way for himself to return.

I've always wondered about why Ben managed to come back. He always said the one who moves the island can't return, and I recall something about the rules being against him returning (in the others flashback episode during s5)

perhaps that's what the rules are for: protecting Jacob.
Moving the island made Ben a potential loophole, open to exploitation by smokie. He's not supposed to come back, but he can.

requesting clarification by TPTB on the Rules before long.

[LightSide/DarkSide]

He may have thought that they'd never get away. Ben had his own bomb on the freighter and Mike ready and willing to blow it up. Keamey's bomb was just more convenient.