In light of the opening scene of the finale, we now know that there are two major forces at work on the island-the man in black (MiB) and Jacob. I have read a number of theories that suggest that MiB is the smoke monster. This seems quite plausible and I probably support this theory. However, I have been thinking over all the instances where we have met the smoke monster. Sometimes it seems quite malevolent (killing the pilot), other times it seems curious (Juliet, first Locke encounter, and first Eko encounter), and finally other times it seems to judge people (Eko & Ben). We know it can take human form (Yemi & Alex). So if MiB can also be the smoke monster, couldn't Jacob as well? What if the encounters with the smoke monster are not all with the same entity? What if some of those times, where the monster does not seem bent on killing, are Jacob taking interest in the Losties? They crash and he g! oes and checks on them-it seems to give Locke and Eko insight into the island. Then MiB comes along and tries to drag Locke down into ground, judges Eko/kills him, etc. I may be way off, but it something I have been thinking about and thought I would share.
