Although Richard’s backstory on how he gained his ability is still missing, I tried thinking about what purpose does it serve Jacob.
It was only after watching the final scene of “the variable” again that I had a hunch that Richard is more than just ageless but immortal. He is more concerned for Daniel being shot rather than just having his life threatened. That suggests that he had no fear of being shot or dying because he can't die.
So assuming he is immortal, how does that help Jacob? I think Richard is the ultimate bodyguard. Since the Man in Black (MIB) can possess the body of a deceased, having an immortal as a right hand man would prevent any corruption. Also, to stay safe, Jacob only communicates through Richard to keep his distance away from those that may be possessed by the MIB.
As an additional side note, I’ve never seen an “other” shoot first. In “Exodus”, when the rafties encounter Mr. Friendly and Co., Sawyer takes aim before any “others” attack. Likewise in the 70s (“La Fleur“) when Sawyer, Juliet, Miles ect. cross paths with Ethan’s mother, Sawyer draws first. I believe the “others” attempt to avoid killing at all cost because they are aware of the MIB’s ability to infiltrate their group and sneak his way to Jacob.
Finally, Richard reclaims the bodies of the deceased. He did so in the purge, the dead men in “La Fleur” but what does he do to them? Does he render them null to the MIB’s powers or does he keep them safe from smokey? If so, what are the implications of Ben leaving his father’s dead body out in the woods at the end of “the Man behind the Curtain”?
It was only after watching the final scene of “the variable” again that I had a hunch that Richard is more than just ageless but immortal. He is more concerned for Daniel being shot rather than just having his life threatened. That suggests that he had no fear of being shot or dying because he can't die.
So assuming he is immortal, how does that help Jacob? I think Richard is the ultimate bodyguard. Since the Man in Black (MIB) can possess the body of a deceased, having an immortal as a right hand man would prevent any corruption. Also, to stay safe, Jacob only communicates through Richard to keep his distance away from those that may be possessed by the MIB.
As an additional side note, I’ve never seen an “other” shoot first. In “Exodus”, when the rafties encounter Mr. Friendly and Co., Sawyer takes aim before any “others” attack. Likewise in the 70s (“La Fleur“) when Sawyer, Juliet, Miles ect. cross paths with Ethan’s mother, Sawyer draws first. I believe the “others” attempt to avoid killing at all cost because they are aware of the MIB’s ability to infiltrate their group and sneak his way to Jacob.
Finally, Richard reclaims the bodies of the deceased. He did so in the purge, the dead men in “La Fleur” but what does he do to them? Does he render them null to the MIB’s powers or does he keep them safe from smokey? If so, what are the implications of Ben leaving his father’s dead body out in the woods at the end of “the Man behind the Curtain”?
