Yes. That moment was pivotal because of Locke's dad's significance in Sawyer's life. Which begs another question: what is alternate Locke's relationship with his father like, if there even is one?

We knew this. The detonation of the bomb only reset everything from that point on. Ben and his dad still would have left along with the rest of the Dharma initiative after Dr. Chang ordered them off the island.

I'd assume he still stole his kidney and later caused his paralysis - but without Jacob's influence he and Helen never broke up.

not necessarily. he still has power over the principal because he can reveal the scandal, even after alex has been admitted to yale or wherever she was going. this was inferred from the last scene in the principals office when ben got out of monitoring detention.

^ True, but I believe we as the audience are just supposed to leave it there as Ben's redemption.

So anyone else as excited as I am about the Richard Alpert backstory coming next week?

Bricks will be shat. I literally squealed like a girl when they announced that the next episode would be about Richard.

I've been waiting since Season 3 to see a Richard backstory. I screamed like a wildebeast.

I lol'd.

This series needs more Desmond