OK, I had this theory, focusing on Charles Widmore, kicking about for a while. So, after Jughead, it was definitely time to get something down on paper – my idea of singling out Charles for further investigation seemed to be on the mark!!
To help in organizing my thoughts, I borrowed an inquiring paragraph from a recap by Erika ‘e’ Olsen (http://darkufo.blogspot.com/2009/02/jughead-recap-and-analysis-by-erika.html):
Widmore landed himself the #1 Most Mysterious Character title (and that's saying something) for me this episode. How did he come to be on the Island in his Other days? How, why and when did he leave? Was he ever there at the same time as Ben? Why exactly does he hate Ben so much? How did he go on to become such a powerful businessman? Who else is helping him in his quest to return to the Island?
I still feel Richard Alpert owns THAT title - although we've heard more from him, we know even less about him..... I believe Charles was "brought" to the island as a child (considering he's probably, what, 18 in Jughead?), just as Ben was - remember Ben wasn't just brought there by his Dad, Horace (the Dharma/Other building a cabin) was driving by at the time of the pregnancy – they knew of Ben before he was born. Did Ben visit Richard in the past too?!? Now, Locke may not have physically been there as a child, but they were watching him (because of him), and he was destined to get there. Richard made all too sure we knew about the process of selecting a leader "....from a very young age!!!" Now, Charles has already proven he will do anything to protect the Island/Others, including killing one of his own! This may have been a bit of youthful indiscretion and brashness, but noteworthy, and TRUST-worthy, nonetheless.... Ben proved his loyalties via the Purge, and we'v! e all followed Col. Kurtz's (I do like Locke, I just LOVE that nickname!!) journey!
I feel Richard is the mediator of the island. He's the liaison between Jacob and whoever the leader is at the time. He fills in the leader role, when they're in between leaders. He also acts as a guide, and overall Julie McCoy for the new leader, to help them settle in!! Now, in Charles' case, I believe he was either forced or tricked into turning the wheel by Richard. I've read that this was done by Ben – he may have helped - but I don't think Ben was in power yet, he was "in training".... Charles, I believe, got too powerful, and was going to/wanted to exploit the island for his own personal gain/wealth (possibly with Sun's Dad, being near the end of the Korean War - that part needs ALOT of thinking) - we know he loves money and power. FYI - Alvar Hanso was a munitions dealer before he became “enlightened” and started the supposedly altruistic Hanso Foundation (the backer of the DI), which Charles helps to fund. I believe there is a direct connection involvin! g the bomb, Charles, Korea/Paik, Alvar, and Dharma/the Island.
So, Charles turns the wheel - but when?!? I believe the year to be 1988 - this would allow for Miles statement that "...it took him, like, 20 years to find [the island] the first time...", and would put our beloved island on the move. Now, what else happened in '88... Rousseau's scientific team & boat crashed on the island!! We now know that there was a flash, and storm because of The Little Prince. A similar situation has been theorized for the Black Rock, why not Rousseau - it makes sense & fits chronologically.
Was he there with Ben?!? Yes! In fact, I believe that he knew they were grooming young Ben, as they did him years earlier - remember Charles said "I know who you are boy!" Charles then started to make bolder, possibly sloppier moves as an authority/power figure toward whatever exploitation plan he had!! Therefore, Charles hates Ben because he a) took his leader role of the island and the Others; b) was responsible for his own banishment from the island; and c) has blocked his every effort to find the island. Widmore was a financial backer of the Dharma Initiative, via the Hanso Foundation, and Ben saw fit to end THAT!! Ben was also very conscious of Charles' moves on the outside world, and blocked him, just like a game of chess..... Remember the Looking Glass - their primary role was to block transmissions - I believe Widmore transmissions!!!!!
Finally, for the last two inquiries, I think Alvar Hanso, Mr. Paik, and the munitions dealings were at the core of his empire. I haven't figured all that out yet, but I'm getting there... And, as for the helping hands - anyone he can pay, or payoff..... (cue creepy music)
Hope you enjoyed my Widmore musings, I look forward to bouncing LOST theories back and forth for the remainder of the series.......
TOTAL SIDE NOTE: I also wanted to touch on the fact that I think there are some pretty rocky times ahead for the Hume family!! Desmond and Penelope were a major interest of mine - I had this whole Odysseus theory going on (Penelope, 108 suitors, etc....). Their story arc has already peaked, especially with the birth of Charlie!! Besides, I thought the phone call at the end of The Constant was MUCH more intense than when they were finally reunited - just my opinion.... I felt the reunion was anti-climatic....... Possibly Adam & Eve?!? Theory by Doug
To help in organizing my thoughts, I borrowed an inquiring paragraph from a recap by Erika ‘e’ Olsen (http://darkufo.blogspot.com/2009/02/jughead-recap-and-analysis-by-erika.html):
Widmore landed himself the #1 Most Mysterious Character title (and that's saying something) for me this episode. How did he come to be on the Island in his Other days? How, why and when did he leave? Was he ever there at the same time as Ben? Why exactly does he hate Ben so much? How did he go on to become such a powerful businessman? Who else is helping him in his quest to return to the Island?
I still feel Richard Alpert owns THAT title - although we've heard more from him, we know even less about him..... I believe Charles was "brought" to the island as a child (considering he's probably, what, 18 in Jughead?), just as Ben was - remember Ben wasn't just brought there by his Dad, Horace (the Dharma/Other building a cabin) was driving by at the time of the pregnancy – they knew of Ben before he was born. Did Ben visit Richard in the past too?!? Now, Locke may not have physically been there as a child, but they were watching him (because of him), and he was destined to get there. Richard made all too sure we knew about the process of selecting a leader "....from a very young age!!!" Now, Charles has already proven he will do anything to protect the Island/Others, including killing one of his own! This may have been a bit of youthful indiscretion and brashness, but noteworthy, and TRUST-worthy, nonetheless.... Ben proved his loyalties via the Purge, and we'v! e all followed Col. Kurtz's (I do like Locke, I just LOVE that nickname!!) journey!
I feel Richard is the mediator of the island. He's the liaison between Jacob and whoever the leader is at the time. He fills in the leader role, when they're in between leaders. He also acts as a guide, and overall Julie McCoy for the new leader, to help them settle in!! Now, in Charles' case, I believe he was either forced or tricked into turning the wheel by Richard. I've read that this was done by Ben – he may have helped - but I don't think Ben was in power yet, he was "in training".... Charles, I believe, got too powerful, and was going to/wanted to exploit the island for his own personal gain/wealth (possibly with Sun's Dad, being near the end of the Korean War - that part needs ALOT of thinking) - we know he loves money and power. FYI - Alvar Hanso was a munitions dealer before he became “enlightened” and started the supposedly altruistic Hanso Foundation (the backer of the DI), which Charles helps to fund. I believe there is a direct connection involvin! g the bomb, Charles, Korea/Paik, Alvar, and Dharma/the Island.
So, Charles turns the wheel - but when?!? I believe the year to be 1988 - this would allow for Miles statement that "...it took him, like, 20 years to find [the island] the first time...", and would put our beloved island on the move. Now, what else happened in '88... Rousseau's scientific team & boat crashed on the island!! We now know that there was a flash, and storm because of The Little Prince. A similar situation has been theorized for the Black Rock, why not Rousseau - it makes sense & fits chronologically.
Was he there with Ben?!? Yes! In fact, I believe that he knew they were grooming young Ben, as they did him years earlier - remember Charles said "I know who you are boy!" Charles then started to make bolder, possibly sloppier moves as an authority/power figure toward whatever exploitation plan he had!! Therefore, Charles hates Ben because he a) took his leader role of the island and the Others; b) was responsible for his own banishment from the island; and c) has blocked his every effort to find the island. Widmore was a financial backer of the Dharma Initiative, via the Hanso Foundation, and Ben saw fit to end THAT!! Ben was also very conscious of Charles' moves on the outside world, and blocked him, just like a game of chess..... Remember the Looking Glass - their primary role was to block transmissions - I believe Widmore transmissions!!!!!
Finally, for the last two inquiries, I think Alvar Hanso, Mr. Paik, and the munitions dealings were at the core of his empire. I haven't figured all that out yet, but I'm getting there... And, as for the helping hands - anyone he can pay, or payoff..... (cue creepy music)
Hope you enjoyed my Widmore musings, I look forward to bouncing LOST theories back and forth for the remainder of the series.......
TOTAL SIDE NOTE: I also wanted to touch on the fact that I think there are some pretty rocky times ahead for the Hume family!! Desmond and Penelope were a major interest of mine - I had this whole Odysseus theory going on (Penelope, 108 suitors, etc....). Their story arc has already peaked, especially with the birth of Charlie!! Besides, I thought the phone call at the end of The Constant was MUCH more intense than when they were finally reunited - just my opinion.... I felt the reunion was anti-climatic....... Possibly Adam & Eve?!? Theory by Doug
