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All the discussion here about whether Ben or Widmore are good guys or bad guys, as though it has to be one or the other, cracks me up. They are both evil, power-hungry pricks. It's always been clear to me that Ben is a huge ball of self-interest with the quickest synapses in the universe, and I've been saying for a few years now that he is obviously a seriously bad dude. I suppose the fact that people still try to find ways to put him on the "good" side of the equation is a testament to Emerson's mad skills as an actor.

My thought is that Ben didn't really know that Locke would be resurrected on the island, but he's sharp enough to say that he did when Locke later confronts him. On the other hand, nine-lives Locke may not really care one way or the other. If he can rise from the dead, on top of curing every paralysis or gun shot wound that ails him, then Ben is no longer a threat to him. Immortals with four toes have no fear of crazy mofos like Ben Linus.

Hostile, you make some good points, and I don't think you are naive for thinking Ben is serving the greater good, I just see it differently.

If you watch the episodes in reverse order, as intended, Ben kills John, and then explains to Jack, the story of doubting Thomas. The story which concludes with resurrection.

Yeah, I haven't watched them in that order. The writers clearly included that story intentionally, but like a lot of things on this show, left it open for interpretation whether Ben actually knew that Locke would pull a Lazarus on the island. Your version makes sense, and I think I even recall Jack saying at one point: "He is dead, isn't he", to which Ben was silent. But another interpretation is that Ben was relaying the story to Jack because he saw the painting and wanted to convince Jack that he needed to stop being a doubting Thomas and believe that Locke was right to rely on faith all along. (Or maybe I'm just coming up with a twisted interpretation to fit my argument. Been known to happen).

Why would Ben be power hungry? Why would he want power over the Others, when he knows he was dethroned by Locke, per JACOB. In Ben' only genuine moment, he tells John to lead his people and do a better job then he did. Then, by himself, no one left to manipulate, he turns the donkey wheel, t.ears in his eyes (knowing he's losing everything he's ever known), asks Jacob if he's happy? Ben sacrificed himself for the island. Not because he wanted to, but because it needed to be done. That's the difference between Ben and Widmore. Remember his words to Locke, "Destiny is a fickle bitch." Ben knows what he can't change the future. Whatever happens will find a way to happen. He's never going to lead the others. And he can't manipulate Jacob. Jacob, who had forsaken Ben (Tumor on his spine) will not tolerate Ben if he stands in the islands way. If he kills Jacob's chosen one, returns to the island, he is fucked. Ben did what he had to do, what no one else could do. You may think I'm niave for believing Ben is ultimetly serving the greater good, but until it's proven otherwise, I'll continue to believe it. Besides, if I'm wrong, it's another great twist in my eyes.

Again, good points, and a valid interpretation. I just don't see Ben as giving up that easily to the island's choice of a new leader, and I didn't think he looked particularly sad when he offed Locke. Seemingly genuine moments or not, I'm with Eloise Hawking that most everything he does or says is a lie or deception. Just after he talked Locke off the ledge, and started to unwrap the cord from the radiator, I said to my wife, "he's going to kill Locke himself" (and I avoid spoilers like the plague). Ben accepted his fate of being the deposed leader temporarily, told Locke a lie that he could never come back to the island, and has now had three years to plot his return. He implemented his plan by spying on the O6 and by hiring Sayid to keep all of Widmore's cronies out of the way. He then proceeded to masterfully manipulate Locke into giving up information on Jin and Eloise, and saw a way back.

To me, Ben is a classic evil genius in the writers world. Despite all the evidence to the contrary, and his proclamation to Locke about destiny, Ben still believes he is above the law, above the island's influence and able to outsmart Jacob and destiny herself. He's both delusional and brilliant at the same time. He had a magic island under his power for many years, and killed hordes of people to keep it that way. He developed a spinal tumor, and rather than accept it as fate he forced the conveniently located spinal surgeon to operate on him. He's fought for power (and arguably tried to manipulate his destiny) for a long time. He is not going to lay down now because some silly ghost told him to step aside and let the crippled guy take over.

Ben's mission now is all about Widmore and stopping him at all costs. Makes sense, IRRC the producers said in a podcast that Ben's role in the show will shift to protecing the island from Widmore.

I agree with this. Ben needed a diversion during his exile, and revenge is a nice one. The only thing worse than being booted off the island by a donkey wheel is knowing that the previously booted donkey might beat you back to the fountain of youth.