Jacob tells the Losties why he chose them, Jack accepts the role of protector

Around the fire, Hurley, Kate, Jack and Sawyer sit across from Jacob. Hurley asks Jacob why he brought them to the island. Jacob says that he brought them there because he made a mistake, accidentally creating the smoke monster, which could lead to the deaths of all of them and everyone they care about. He says that monster has been trying to find a way to kill him for a long time, so he brought them all there because he would need someone to replace him once the monster succeeded.

Sawyer pipes up and asks why they have to be punished for Jacob's mistake, saying that he was doing fine before he was brought to the island. Jacob says that none of them were plucked from a happy existence. He says that he chose them all because they were flawed and alone like he is. He adds that they all needed the island as much as the island needed them.

Kate then asks why her named was crossed off of the cave wall. Jacob says it was because she became a mother, but adds that it's just a line of chalk in a cave and the job is hers if she wants it. Jack asks what the job is, and Jacob says that the job is to protect a light at the center of the island by making sure it never goes out.

When Sawyer says that the smoke monster (Locke) said that the island doesn't need protecting, Jacob says that it has to be protected from the monster. Jacob adds that they have to do what he could never do, and Jack jumps in asking "You want us to kill him?" and if that's even possible. Jacob says that he hopes they can find a way to kill the monster, because he's certainly going to try and kill them.

Hurley then asks Jacob how he's going to pick, and Jacob says that he's not going to. He adds that he's going to give them what he never had, and that's a choice. Kate then asks what happens if no one takes the job, and Jacob says that "Then this ends very badly." Jack steps forward and says that he'll do it, adding that this is what he's supposed to do. Jacob asks him if that was a question and Jack says "no." Jacob says "Good... then it's time."

This was easily one of the most satisfying scenes of the series. We finally learn why Jacob chose who he brought to the island and he gets to tell the remaining candidates directly. Simply awesome.

Locke is ready to 'let go,' Jack is pleased, but questions fate

At Jack's office, he gets an unexpected visit from Locke. Locke enters and sees a photo of Jack, David and Christian. Jack says the photo was taken at Thanksgiving and Locke says that David looks just like Jack.

Locke then runs off a list for Jack. He says that they were on the same plane from Sydney, but he threw away the card Jack gave him when they met. Then he says that he was hit by a car and taken to Jack as his doctor out of all the doctors he could have seen. Then he mentions how Ben was beaten up by Desmond, who said that he was trying to help Locke "let go," which is the same thing Jack told Locke in "The Candidate."

Locke then says that maybe all this is happening for a reason, but Jack drops a season 2 line from Mr. Eko by saying "I think you're mistaking coincidence for fate." Locke says no matter what it's called, he thinks he's ready to get out of the wheelchair.

Jack, Kate & Sawyer meet Jacob

Hurley leads Jack, Kate and Sawyer to the campfire where Jacob is waiting for them. Jacob says hello to each of them and Hurley starts to tell everyone what Jacob said until Jack points out that he heard him. Sawyer and Kate confirm that they can see him too.

Kate gets angry and asks if Jacob's the one who wrote the names on the wall including Sayid, Sun and Jin. He confirms that he is and then Kate asks if that's why they're all dead. Jacob says "I'm sorry," and then Kate demands to know that they didn't die for nothing.

Jacob tells them to come sit down and he'll tell them what they died for and why he chose all of them. He then says that once the fire burns out, one of them will have to take over as protector of the island. Kate and Sawyer look skeptical, Hurley looks worried and Jack looks ready to go. We'll continue with their fireside chat a little later.

Locke slits Zoe's neck, Ben shoots Widmore

At Ben's old house at the barracks, Ben leads Locke into the house and tells him that Charles Widmore and Zoe are inside and that Zoe is armed, but he assumes that doesn't matter dealing with smoke monster Locke. Locke tells Ben to wait outside because he doesn't need to see what's going to happen, but Ben says that he wants to see it.

As they Locke enters the room, he says to Widmore that it's nice being able to talk without the fences. He asks Zoe who she is and as she's answering, Widmore tells her not talk to him. Locke swiftly pulls out his knife and slits her throat. She falls to the floor, bleeding and quickly dies. Widmore asks him why he killed her and Locke says that since he told her not to talk to him, that made her pointless.

Locke then tells Widmore that if he doesn't tell him what he wants to know, then the first thing he'll do when he leaves the island is kill his daughter Penny. Widmore says that he'll kill her either way, but Locke gives him his word that he won't if he cooperates.

Widmore then tells him that he brought Desmond Hume back to the island as a "last resort," then says that he won't say anymore in front of Ben. Locke tells him to whisper it and as Widmore leans in a whispers, Ben fires three shots, killing Widmore. Ben says "He doesn’t get to save his daughter!" Locke says that Ben never ceases to amaze him and adds that Widmore had already told him what he needs to know. Ben says that's good and asks "Did you say there were some other people to kill?"

So Ben finally got what he wanted by killing Charles Widmore, apparently forgoing whatever rules they were playing by that were addressed in "The Shape of Things To Come" in season 4. Ben certainly seemed to let his jealousy surface again, making another rash decision. He certainly doesn't like the idea of Jacob talking to Widmore and not him. This jealousy is what led to Jacob's death.