What's Ben's story?

[solt]

Hello

I am sure this has been discussed before and I have missed it but just wanted some clarification (if there is such a thing in this show!)

Ben Linus. He killed his Dad in the purge. And he didn't, because he got shot by Sayid and taken to the temple by Richard.

So where do we stand on this. In the main timeline 2004 - 2007 which of the above is true? I mean, when we saw him kill his Dad, it was us learning about Ben's back story. So is that just a back story that is now defunct?

Im not explaining myself very well but im confused as to what we are supposed to be thinking about Bens past.

Eg. If I started re-watching from the beginning, the first time we see Ben which version of his past has he experienced? Why? :confused:

[Dzbabykel]

Yes Sayid shot Ben and Ben was taken to the temple but we don't know if that is what ALWAYS happened? Perhaps once Ben returned from the temple (changed as Richard had said) he still ended up killing his father? At least that was my interpretation of things :)

[JohnQ]

Ben is Ben BECAUSE of Sayid shooting him as a boy. Filled with anger and mistrust and hatred and vile murderous thoughts and actions. So, good going Sayid! ;)

[bunnydixon]

i think there has only been one past for ben so he always got shot and always killed his father.

[Here'sLOCKEing at you,Kid]

i think there has only been one past for ben so he always got shot and always killed his father.

I agree with Bunny. (and probably most people, I assume)
Whether Sayid shot Ben or not has no bearing on Ben killing that no good son of a b wretched excuse of a father.
Before we saw Sayid go back and shoot him as a boy, we saw Richard begin to recruit Ben to eventually take part in the purge.
After we saw Sayid go back and shoot young Ben, Ben was STILL becoming part of the Others, having been taken to the Temple.
Either way, Ben was almost always an Other.