Was Walt tested?

[Jeremy]

As you probably know, in Cabin Fever we see young Locke being tested by Richard, given a set number of items to choose from that were already "his." If I'm remembering right, Richard said that this school Locke could go to was for "special" kids.

Back in season 2, it was stated once or twice that Walt was "special" as well. Perhaps that was part of the whole "let's dress like homeless bums so the islanders underestimate us" deal, and Richard wasn't even introduced until season 3 so there's a chance they wouldn't have thought it up yet, but do you think it's possible that Walt was tested in the same way as Locke?

Of course, he was eventually allowed to go with his dad to civilization, so it seemed that he wasn't THAT special...but future Tom did say that the Others were keeping tabs on them. Whether that meant just getting Michael on the freighter or something more, I can't be sure.

I think this brings up the question of whether the comic book would have been the right item for Locke to choose. In season 1 we see Walt reading a similar comic book to the one that Locke was given to choose from. Would it have tempted Walt? Or would he know that it was "already" his?

[suzisunshine1]

I think you have posed an interesting question.

Didn't Walt say something to Michael like 'they make me doing things'. Something that led us to believe they were testing him? or am I imagining that?

[Jeremy]

I remember that. I also remember Klugh threatening Walt by telling him something along the lines of "I'll take you back to the room," in 3 Minutes, but I don't know what that would be referencing.

[Brother Desmond]

I remember that. I also remember Klugh threatening Walt by telling him something along the lines of "I'll take you back to the room," in 3 Minutes, but I don't know what that would be referencing.

I think she meant Room 23.

[suzisunshine1]

That would be my thought too. Take him back to the brain washing room that Carl had been in when Sawyer, Kate and Alex rescued him.

[bunnydixon]

hey may well have been and perhaps richard & co had something to do with walts mothers death?

[ortrules]

Interesting thought about the comic book. It makes me think that Richard put out all the items, and those items belong to specific people.

Comic book - Walt
Book of rules - Ben (He kept mentioning rules when Alex was killed)
Baseball glove - Jack? He always talks about the Red Sox

Compass?
Vial of granules?

[Lenae7]

Interesting thought about the comic book. It makes me think that Richard put out all the items, and those items belong to specific people.

Comic book - Walt
Book of rules - Ben (He kept mentioning rules when Alex was killed)
Baseball glove - Jack? He always talks about the Red Sox

Compass?
Vial of granules?


That is a really great thought. I have been kinda wondering about the testing as well. I seem to remember something along the lines of them testing Walt and the other children (the ones that disappeared from the first few episodes) as well.

My guess is the Vial of Sand is Locke (at one with the Island though we know he chose the knife. I think Sayid is the knife.) and Compass for Kate (She was on the run never in one place for long).

[Four-Toed Statue]

when Michael talks to walt while he is held captive by the others. Walt tells him "the make me take tests." which I thought of as the same test that they gave young Locke.

[hogwild96bob]

Perhaps Walt was rejected for the same reasons as Locke. What kind of kid is Walt? Is he going to be a leader or a follower? He went through similar circumstances of being misunderstood. Locke's mother gave him up; Walt's mother died leaving him with a step-father (the only father he knew until that time) who did not want him. If Walt was tested and chose wrongly (according to Richard), then he has already experienced being rejected.

As far as Locke chosing the items, Richard said, "What already belongs to you." Locke wore a compass on his vest during season 1 until Sayid needed it. He brought a case of knives (which I assume he purchased for his walkabout). As for the vial, I don't know. But what if the knife and the compass are Locke's, and Richard zaps to 1961-ish to see a young Locke with items that he recovered from Locke after he died?

[werlost]

Interesting thought about the comic book. It makes me think that Richard put out all the items, and those items belong to specific people.

Comic book - Walt
Book of rules - Ben (He kept mentioning rules when Alex was killed)
Baseball glove - Jack? He always talks about the Red Sox

Compass?
Vial of granules?

I agree that the compass could belong to Kate.
The vial of granules reminded me of the sand or whatever that was on the ground when Ben took Locke to see Jacob back in season 3.

[sparklin_skittles]

I thought about this theory too but the comic books are different, and Walt didn't have the book, Hurley gave it to him...

[silverana]

I thought about this theory too but the comic books are different, and Walt didn't have the book, Hurley gave it to him...

Actually if I remember correctly it was Hurley's but Walt found it.

[Lenae7]

Actually if I remember correctly it was Hurley's but Walt found it.

Ahh good call, we do know that Hurley is special and has seen Jacob or whoever was in the cabin.