The topic before him had no bearing on his words: he deceived in matters large, in details small. The consequences of dishonesty figured into his thoughts only to the extent of laying the groundwork for the next deception, which in turn would provide the foundation for subsequent misdirection. He manipulated facts and fabricated stories to suit his purpose, to frame conditions to his liking, to cause those he controlled to believe he was advancing their agenda so that he could nefariously implement his own well-engineered plans.
He manipulated, coerced, forced those under him to commit the worst offences. When lying was insufficient to his ends, he murdered. He killed with his bare hands or with weapons, with guns, gas, or rope. He actively participated in mass murder. A reasonable jury of his peers would be obliged to find him guilty on all charges and pass down the severest of sentences.
Benjamin Linus was arguably the most villainous, hateful character on the Island. But we found ourselves liking him. Ilana, who knew his crimes, was never taken in my his tricks, pardoned him. The man who was his opposite, who endeavoured never to fabricate an untruth, took him on as advisor. At Ben’s own death he was found worthy to make the voyage to the Church of the Holy Lamp Post, having served well as Hurley’s faithful consigliere.
It is appropriate to ask what might reasonably be considered the greatest unanswered question in the six years of LOST: Who was Benjamin Linus?
If you are a fan of NBC’s “The Office” then you are likely aware of Steve Carell’s departure next year. Michael Emerson’s name has been mentioned on quite a few lists of possible replacements for Steve Carell. Here’s Emerson’s response, extracted from a recent interview with USA TODAY:
I’ve seen it mentioned online, but I don’t take it very seriously. No industry person has talked to me. And plus, who wants to follow Steve Carell in that part? The opportunity for failure or embarrassment is so high that even if we lived in an insane universe where I actually got offered such a thing, I don’t know if you’d say yes to that.
Michael also talked about his new project with Terry O’Quinn:
There’s ongoing buzz that you and Terry O’Quinn would like to do a project together. Is there any update on that? Is Terry the cast member you’ve kept in touch with the most?
I sure do stay in touch with Terry. There are some ideas being batted around in Hollywood where things move slowly and eccentrically, so I don’t know if anything will come from it, but I do know that some serious writers are playing around with ideas.
Whether it will ever see the light of day or not, I’m not sure. It would be a ways off in the future, but I would jump at the chance to do another show with Terry. We get along famously, and he’s about as good a scene partner as an actor will ever have.
What’s your next project?
The next time the public sees me is probably in a PBS series in October called God in America. I play a Puritan. It’s a three-or four-night series. It’s a documentary, but it also has period dramatizations.
This thirty-minute-long interview was recorded just a couple of hours ago. Emerson talks about life after LOST, the Season 6 DVDs, the Epilogue and more.
It’s always great to be recognized for one’s work, and when friends are included in the recognition, it’s even better. With all the ‘LOST’ nominations, it’s almost as though the winning (or not winning) will be anti-climactic. I’m happy as can be for Matthew, and the only thing I can imagine that would be better than being nominated in the same category as Michael Emerson would be if the Emmy voters would be so kind as to let us win together, thank you very much……..but in truth, I feel as though they already have.
Elizabeth Mitchell:
I’m shocked. And so happy. I loved Juliet so much. The nomination is a wonderful way to say goodbye.
Michael Emerson:
I’m delighted at the broad recognition that “Lost” has received this year and am thrilled to be able to share the excitement with my cast mates. I’m also ecstatic that my wife Carrie’s show, “True Blood,” received a nomination–we’re both looking forward to the party in August.
Her politicians are unknown outside her borders. Her history is subdued; even the most jarring social movement of the last two hundred years is called the “Quiet” Revolution. But her culture?
Hockey. Mounties. Maple Syrup. Molson Dry. We know her culture.
If we know her culture, we must know her citizens. Constable Benton Fraser, Dudley Do-Right, Sergeant Bruce, and Sam Steele taught us. Canadians are decent, polite, trustworthy. When Australian farmer Ray Mullen found a vagabond woman sleeping in his sheep barn he was understandably suspicious. “You’re an American.” Not a question, but a statement. Only Americans could be so disrespectful. The woman shook her head. “Canadian,” she said, correcting him. “I graduated from college and figured I’d see the world.” Her declaration of Canadian citizenship changed everything. Now she was a good neighbour, fellow citizen of a Commonwealth country. She was Canadian. She was decent, polite, trustworthy. He believed her immediately. How could he not? Annie was a fine young woman from a fine country. Ray knew he could trust her with his money, with his farm, with his very life. What could possibly go wrong?
Michael Emerson visited his hometown in Iowa and met with his old classmates and some fans. I was able to record much of this meet-and-greet and asked a few questions, one of them being about the “New Man in Charge” featurette. This was his response.
Tags: Alex, Benjamin Linus, LOST Theories, Pearson Moore, recaps&reviews
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