OK, first off: Christian is dead. It really annoys me to see people say that he is alive. Jack was on Oxycontin and wasn't thinking straight. There's a reason Dr. Hamill looked at him like he was an idiot, and why Jack told the pharmacist not to call. The producers have said, time and time again, that he is DEAD. DECEASED.

Secondly, Naomi is with the Dharma Initiative, returning to the Island to fight back against the Others. The Dharma Initiative is now funded by Charles Widmore, Penny's father. They CAN'T be rescued yet. There are still mysteries to be discovered, like the deal with Richard (who I can't imagine will be opposed to the Losties now... it was really only Ben who hated them), the "Temple", the four-toed statue, etc.

Thirdly, the newspaper article says that "J[fold in the paper]...antham of New York was found dead shortly after 4 AM.... Grand Avenue." It's not Michael, because Walt and his ex-wife would be at the funeral. Unless Walt is on the Island with Locke. It's not Locke either, because Helen would be there. I imagine it's either Ben, using a fake name, or perhaps Jacob himself.

Fourthly, whoever got off the island was paid off to lie about what happened. I have no other details, but that's why Jack said that he no longer wanted to lie. I think that, in exchange for keeping her mouth shut, some rich folks bought Kate a new life, perhaps taking the identity of Joanna, the woman who drowned in season one.

Quote Originally Posted by Croyles
Ben was probably right (forget for a minute that he's annoying and the actor kinda sucks too, and that a character with so little charisma can still manipulate so many people) that they shouldnt get off the island yet. The writers have definitely set it up so Ben does have a masterplan in the end, however unethically carried out.
Michael Emerson as Ben is CARRYING Lost right now. The role has been carried out superbly.