Lost: Season 5, Episode 12 - Dead Is Dead (2009)

The episode begins with a flashback to a young Benjamin Linus, who is living in the Dharma Initiative's community on the island. He is seen playing with a group of children when he is approached by his father, who is angry and abusive. Ben's father, Roger, is a worker for the Dharma Initiative and is shown to be neglectful and harsh towards Ben. This sets the stage for Ben's troubled childhood and his complicated relationship with his father.

In the present day on the island, Ben is confronted by the smoke monster after he has returned to the island. He is taken to a mysterious location where he meets the apparition of his deceased daughter, Alex. She tells him that he must face the consequences of his past actions, particularly regarding the murder of John Locke. This encounter deeply affects Ben, who is visibly shaken and conflicted about his choices.

Meanwhile, on the freighter, the remaining survivors are dealing with the aftermath of the previous events. They are trying to figure out their next steps while grappling with the tension between them and the mercenaries. The group is divided, with some wanting to return to the island and others wanting to escape. This internal conflict creates a sense of urgency and desperation among the characters.

Back on the island, Ben decides to confront the consequences of his actions. He seeks out John Locke's body, which is being kept in a makeshift grave. Ben is determined to bring Locke back to life, believing that it is necessary for the island's future. He is motivated by a mix of guilt and a desire for redemption, as he feels responsible for Locke's death.

In a pivotal moment, Ben visits the Temple, where he meets with the leaders of the Others. He explains his plan to resurrect Locke and seeks their approval. The Others are skeptical but ultimately agree to help him. This decision marks a turning point for Ben, as he begins to embrace his role within the community and the island's mystical elements.

As Ben prepares for the resurrection ritual, he reflects on his past and the choices that have led him to this moment. He is haunted by memories of his father and the pain of his childhood. This internal struggle is evident as he grapples with feelings of worthlessness and the desire to prove himself.

The ritual to bring Locke back to life is intense and filled with tension. Ben performs the necessary steps, invoking the island's powers. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the Others watch closely. When the ritual is complete, Locke's body is momentarily lifeless, but then he suddenly gasps for air, indicating that he has returned to life. This moment is both triumphant and unsettling, as it raises questions about the nature of life and death on the island.

After the ritual, Ben and Locke have a conversation about the events that transpired. Locke is confused and disoriented, struggling to understand what has happened to him. Ben takes advantage of Locke's vulnerability, manipulating him into believing that he is still in control of the situation. This interaction highlights Ben's cunning nature and his willingness to use others for his own gain.

The episode concludes with Ben's realization that he must continue to navigate the complexities of his relationships with the other characters. He is determined to maintain his position of power and influence, even as he faces the consequences of his past actions. The emotional weight of his decisions lingers, setting the stage for future conflicts and developments in the story.

In the ending of "Dead Is Dead," Benjamin Linus confronts the consequences of his past actions, particularly regarding the death of his daughter, Alex. He faces off against the Smoke Monster, which ultimately leads to a confrontation with Charles Widmore. The episode concludes with Ben's decision to kill Widmore, solidifying his commitment to the Island and his complex relationship with power and revenge.

As the episode "Dead Is Dead" unfolds, we find ourselves in the midst of a tense and emotionally charged narrative. The story begins with a flashback to a young Ben Linus, who is living in the Dharma Initiative's community on the Island. He is a troubled child, feeling out of place and yearning for acceptance. This flashback sets the stage for Ben's deep-seated motivations and the choices he will make later.

Transitioning back to the present, we see Ben in a state of turmoil after the death of his daughter, Alex. He is haunted by her loss and the choices he made that led to her demise. The emotional weight of his guilt and anger is palpable as he prepares to confront the Smoke Monster, a manifestation of the Island's mysterious power. Ben's internal struggle is evident; he is torn between his desire for revenge and the need to find redemption.

In a pivotal scene, Ben approaches the Smoke Monster, which takes the form of Alex. This encounter is both haunting and cathartic for Ben. He pleads for forgiveness, revealing his deep remorse for the decisions that led to her death. The Smoke Monster, embodying Alex, challenges Ben, forcing him to confront the reality of his actions. This moment is crucial as it highlights Ben's complex relationship with guilt and responsibility.

After this confrontation, Ben is determined to take action against Charles Widmore, the man he holds responsible for Alex's death. He believes that killing Widmore is the only way to reclaim his power and assert his control over the Island. The tension builds as Ben prepares for this confrontation, showcasing his transformation from a man seeking redemption to one consumed by vengeance.

The climax of the episode occurs when Ben confronts Widmore. The two engage in a tense dialogue, revealing their long-standing rivalry and the stakes involved. Ben's motivations are clear; he is driven by a need to avenge Alex and to reestablish his dominance. In a shocking turn of events, Ben kills Widmore, solidifying his commitment to the Island and his willingness to do whatever it takes to protect it.

As the episode draws to a close, we see Ben's emotional state shift. He is no longer the man seeking forgiveness; instead, he has embraced his darker impulses. The final scenes leave viewers with a sense of foreboding, as Ben's actions set the stage for future conflicts on the Island. The episode concludes with Ben's fate intertwined with the Island's mysteries, leaving his character arc open to further exploration.

In summary, the ending of "Dead Is Dead" encapsulates Ben Linus's complex journey, showcasing his internal struggles, motivations, and the consequences of his actions. Each character involved--Ben, Alex (as the Smoke Monster), and Widmore--plays a crucial role in this emotionally charged narrative, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that reshapes their destinies on the Island.

In the episode "Dead Is Dead" from season 5 of Lost, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional footage or scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main narrative and character developments throughout the episode, particularly centering on Ben Linus and his confrontation with the consequences of his past actions. The absence of a post-credit scene allows the emotional weight of the episode to linger, emphasizing the themes of redemption and the complexities of morality that are central to the story.

In 'Dead Is Dead', Ben Linus returns to the Island after being summoned by the smoke monster. He is confronted by the monster, which takes the form of Alex, his deceased daughter. This encounter forces Ben to confront his past actions and the guilt he carries for her death. The smoke monster ultimately spares him, indicating that he has not yet fulfilled his purpose.

The episode delves into the complex relationship between Ben Linus and John Locke, particularly through flashbacks. Ben's manipulation of Locke is evident as he uses Locke's trust to further his own goals. When Ben kills Locke, it is a pivotal moment that showcases Ben's ruthless nature and his belief that he is acting for the greater good, despite the personal betrayal involved.

The trial that Ben faces in front of the smoke monster is significant as it represents a reckoning for his past sins. The smoke monster, embodying the Island's judgment, forces Ben to confront the consequences of his actions, particularly the murder of his daughter, Alex. This moment serves as a turning point for Ben, highlighting themes of redemption and accountability.

During Ben's absence, the episode reveals that the other characters, including the remaining members of the Oceanic 6, are struggling with their own challenges on the Island. The narrative juxtaposes Ben's journey with the struggles of characters like Sawyer and Juliet, who are trying to survive and navigate the power dynamics that have shifted in Ben's absence. This contrast emphasizes the chaos that ensues when Ben is not in control.

In 'Dead Is Dead', the concept of death plays a crucial role in Ben's character development. His interactions with the smoke monster and the haunting presence of Alex force him to confront the impact of his actions on those he has lost. This episode deepens the audience's understanding of Ben as a character driven by guilt and the desire for redemption, ultimately shaping his motivations moving forward.

"Dead Is Dead," the twelfth episode of Season 5 of "Lost," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to consider:

1. Violence: The episode features scenes of physical confrontations and threats, including a significant moment involving a character's violent actions that may be distressing.

2. Death and Grief: Themes of death are central to the episode, with characters grappling with loss and the emotional weight of past decisions. This may be heavy for younger viewers.

3. Dark Themes: The episode explores themes of revenge, guilt, and moral ambiguity, which can be complex and unsettling for children.

4. Supernatural Elements: The presence of supernatural occurrences and the concept of resurrection may be confusing or frightening for younger audiences.

5. Intense Emotional Moments: Characters experience intense emotional turmoil, which may resonate deeply and could be upsetting for sensitive viewers.

These elements contribute to a darker tone in the episode, making it potentially unsuitable for younger audiences or those who are sensitive to such themes.