Re: Lost--Benjamin Linus: Action hero! ("The Shape Of Things To Come" spoilers)

Jim Gysin wrote:
> Dano sent the following on 5/1/2008 11:10 AM:
>> Jim Gysin wrote:
>>>
>>> My take is that Ben didn't *know* Goodwin would be killed (how could
>>> he?), but merely wanted him out of the picture for a while so that
>>> he could pursue Juliet without Goodwin interfering.  At the same
>>> time, when Goodwin actually *did* die, Ben wasn't all torn up about
>>> it, but I question whether that alone makes Ben "evil."
>>>
>>
>> "Ben wasn't all torn up about it"???  Did he need to do cartwheels to
>> convince you that he was delighted?
>
> I don't recall him being *that* thrilled by it.  I might have to
> re-watch that particular scene, at least.
>
>> Add to that the unquestionable act
>> of cruelty in bringing Juliet to the scene as a cute surprise.  This
>> guy is absolutely an evil bastard for that alone.
>
> I agree--in this instance.  I'm not trying to canonize the guy here,
> you know; I'm just trying to dispel the whole black-and-white
> oversimplifications.
>
>>> But Ben hasn't shown a complete disregard.  He's had other
>>> opportunities to kill (or try to kill) and passed on them.  So at
>>> the very least, he's selective when he acts in a way that's
>>> consistent with your concept of "evil."
>
>> Mighty high standards for human decency you've got there.
>
> Personally, my standards in this regard are so high in the real world
> as to cause me almost-constant disappointment.
>
> In this context, however, I'm just pointing out the difference between
> "He's done some (seemingly) evil things" and "He's evil."
>

Sure, there is a level of complexity to Ben.  No one is truly *ALL* good
or 
evil...and definitely no character on this show.

>> PS...even Jeffery Dahmer passed on a meal or two.  Might have just
>> been watching his weight.  Ben uses others to further his nefarious
>> goals.
>
> You make a lot of assumptions, starting with an apparent tendency to
> think that you can mind-read and know people's intentions.

You are making an assumption is assuming I am.  I'm merely pointing out an

indefensible (to me anyway) action taken by Ben in order to illustrate my 
feeling towards this character.  I'm not at all trying to read his 
mind...only his deeds.  Many that we have seen, I find repugnant.  I don't

care about his intent.