Chain Loops not a Big Circle by FJA243

This theory is primarily focused on the resolution of the time loop (singular for the ALT. folks) and time loops (plural for the WHH folks). In my opinion there have been multiple time loops but that is not to say that because the conclusion of the events surrounding the island doesn't change that the people involved don't make variations in the story along the way either through free will or influenced by Jacob, MIB, or even another entity yet to be revealed (if this is not the case what's the point of playing their game). Remember the fateful exchange posited by Jacob and MIB...'the conclusion is always the same whatever happens up to that point is progress'.

In my opinion the qualities shared by Locke and MIB and Jack and Jacob are too obvious to ignore...Locke has suffered injustice all along the way and MIB has been "wronged" by Jacob or something related to Jacob...Locke wants to protect the island from outsiders and stay on the island...MIB feels the same way and to this point we can't suspect that he's influenced events outside of the island based on disdain or indifference with the outside world...On the other hand Jack feels that through his talent, intelligence, and persistence he can influence or change the course of events...Jacob shares this belief...Jacob has somehow leaves the island as he pleases and has guided new people to the island...Jack has led people back and forth all throughout the series, even through time, and continues to do so until the end. Sure he's been Mr. Rationality but his character will continue to evolve from this position. I suspect that somehow Jacob will be replaced by Jack on the island or! he will take over Jack and MIB has already taken over Locke. Relatedly, Jacob and MIB have a physical form...they're not ghosts or spirits. There are episodes where they have physically interacted with third parties (See the Jacob visiting the losties in 'the incident' and MIB as Christian and Locke).

Thus the loop will begin once more but instead of MIB and Jacob as we've known them they will be Jack and Locke starting the next loop in the chain. Ultimately, things would stay the same but just that the identity of the the persons would change...the people involved are the "variables" remember. Besides this will leave open the possibility open for movie or another series in the future.