Dead is dead. Well, in our rational world, perhaps.

I have to say that the most pleasing revelation of the episode was finding out that Ben didn’t kill Penny. Not that he didn’t seek to, but his mission was not accomplished. I loved Desmond and Penny’s story from the start and am so happy that she’s fine.

Locke wasn’t as fortunate when sought out by Ben, but fortunately the Island had a much grander plan for him. Mr. Linus is even frightened by the immense connection Locke has with the Island and the fact that this place resurrected Locke.

That Locke’s purpose and destiny intertwine with the Island has been obvious from the beginning. Tonight, though, it became abundantly clear that John is perhaps more central to the trajectory of the show than the mythology behind the Island itself. Though the mysterious Island has always been central to the story, this is a character based show. (Though it wouldn't surprise me to be wrong.)

To say the tables have turned is an understatement. I loved that Ben, the seemingly omniscient, secretive one, now asks the nagging questions and must be a follower. I'm surprised he didn't keep asking, "Are we there yet?"

The fact that he was already scheming to kill Locke (again!) showed his depth of desperation. While "Lost" has spent each episode this season trying to fill in missing pieces of the story’s puzzle, Linus isn’t the central piece I think he’d would love to be.

When the man had a tumor on his spine in season three, he should have realized he’s not favored by the Island. Perhaps Widmore’s ominous parting words were true. Mr. Linus, too, broke the rules.

Though Ben had moments of self-realization in this episode, I think it’s too late.

Did his underground temple experience actually change him? Will he submit to John’s leadership?

His only truly human connection, as depicted again in this episode, seems to be with his “daughter” Alex. From their very first meeting, Ben fought for her life. He was there to kill Rousseau, not knowing she had a baby. (Ethan, who obviously joined (or not?) the “hostiles” very early in life, was eager to help.)

Too bad that when push comes to shove, Ben’s proclivity ultimately leans only toward his own self-preserving mission.

However, seeing Alex appear in the temple and throw the smack down on Ben was hilarious. I love how the Island speaks to people through family members. It sure seems to convey the intended message in an emotionally effective manner. I loved how Emerson portrayed Ben’s shock at how Alex instantly agreed with her father’s admission of guilt. Did he actually think he’d receive sympathy or the benefit of the doubt from her?

So, now that Locke’s clearly the man in charge, it seems that somehow he will know how to right the generational time difference and bring all of the “Losties” back together again. Just a matter of time.

While this episode, except for flashbacks, focused exclusively on Ben, Locke, Sun and the Ajira flight survivors in 2008, next week the story returns to 1977. Miles apparently puts his “ghost busting” talent to use.

I hope we find out what happened to Daniel. I have a bad feeling his fate may prove more dire than Penny’s.