The signs for Locke's dark path by Ricardus Alpert

I have to applaud Darlton for their story-telling abillities. The signs that Locke was headed towards a dark path were staring right in our faces, for so long. But we mostly ignored them, because we wanted to believe Locke had a destiny just as much as he did.

I believe the biggest hints are in Season 4's penultimate episode, "Cabin Fever". Back then, it was this episode that convinced us Locke was meant to lead and had a destiny, but when examining this episode after the "The Incident", it's the one that shows how that's not the case at all.

How so?

Let's start with Richard's test. I think a lot of people misinterpreted that scene. I don't think Richard was angry when Locke chose the knife. He was horrified, because just like the drawing, it showed that he's destined to become a pawn of Jacob's Nemesis.

Now, we know that Richard has attempted to recruit Locke at least one more time, but he wasn't interested. Richard, who represents Jacob, didn't see anything special in Locke. He failed to bring him to the island. But Locke did get to the island, eventually.

Enter Matthew Abbadon. He convinces Locke to go on a Walkabout, knowing fully well that would eventually get him on the island. As he tells Locke, he "gets people where they need to get to." And who does Abbadon do this for? Charles Widmore. Let me start by saying that personally I'm absolutely convinced Widmore is working for Jacob's Nemesis. As I've said in the past, there is a lot of evidence for it and nearly no evidence to refute it. So If Widmore is working for The Nemesis, it's fairly certain that Abbadon is representing The Nemesis. Abbadon is the name of the angel of the abyss. Not to mention the fact he's always portrayed as menacing. When he tells Locke "When you and me run into each other again, you'll owe me one" it's chilling.

So what does this mean, when we come down to it? Quite simple. Locke wasn't brought to the island by Jacob's representatives. He was manipulated once again, by The Nemesis' people who brought him to the island.

Next off, we have The Cabin scene. There has been much debate about Cabin Christian's identity. Personally, since I believe Smokey is The Man in Black, that would make Christian The Man in Black. Watch his expression when Locke says "I'm here because I was chosen to be." It's full of evil glee. Chrisitan nearly laughs at Locke for his gullibility. Then he tells Locke to move the wheel, which causes the time-skips. The same ones that send Locke to 1954, and convince a one Richard Alpert that Locke is special and meant to lead The Others.

So, do I believe that the show is done with Locke? Hardly. Let's not forget that Jacob touched Locke after Cooper threw him out of the window. I believe that he does have some role to play in the events to come, possibly even bringing down The Man in Black. But I don't believe he'll come back to life. Dead is Dead, but that doesn't mean Locke's story is done.