Whose funeral?

So Jack shows up at the funeral parlor. There are several things going on here all of which are relevant but could be treated in separate discussions. I will mention them here and discuss them mostly in the context of determining who is in the casket. Of course I reserve the right to digress at any moment.

I will go through each of what I consider to be the possibilities and rule them out as necessary.

Ben - I have heard several opinions, perhaps even the prevailing opinion, that it was Ben in the casket. Supporting that argument is Jack's refuting that this person was either friend or family. Additionally, we know that Ben's health has been questionable so it would not at all be surprising if he died shortly after returning to "civilization". Also, it would not at all be surprising if noone showed up for his viewing. So there is pretty good evidence suggesting it is him right? I do not think so. Jack seemed pretty upset when he saw the article that this person died. Upset enough that he needed some sort of closure by attending. Upset enough that it threw him in a funk that nearly pushed him to suicide. I hardly think Ben's death would have had that much impact. Also, Ben seemed to have power and influence and, possibly, access to funds that could be used for his funeral. Therefore, if there were a viewing at all, it would probably not be in run down seedy area that this viewing was held. I would be surprised, too, that his daughter Alex, despite her feelings towards him, would not at least show.

Sawyer (Ford) - While it would not completely all surprising that no-one would attend and that it would be in a bad area for him, I think Kate would end up going even if they did not have a relationship. I don't think he fits. My supposition is that he is together and is the other person to whom Kate is referring but I have no real proof of this. I could see Jack saying he was a friend or not as an equal possibility.

Locke - As it seems that Locke has alienated everyone it is easy to see that noone would come to his funeral. Given his recent interaction and nearly constant conflict with Jack, Jack would probably not see call him a friend. He would though, probably show some interest in his death and be upset by it. Especially since he did not want them to leave and Jack seemed to be developing a relationship and dependency with the island. The location seems to be consistant with somewhere you would find Locke. He seems a pretty good canditate though I am not at all sure his "work is done" as Walt put it. Perhaps leaving the island killed him? While that seems a possible scenario, his leaving the island is questionable except, maybe to convince everyone to return. I am hanging on that a bit though it seems a long shot.

Michael - Sure it has been quite some time since we have seen him but I do not think he is gone for good. We just saw Walt so it may make sense that Michael is gone. Of course you might expect that Walt would attend but he may be elsewhere per his mysterious appearance to Locke. I don't have a strong feeling for or against Michael especially since we have not seen him. I suspect that he did not really get away and is held in a station or prison somewhere so he probably would not have gotten off the island but who knows...

Desmond - He is another character who is not real popular with the other folks both at home and on the island. Penelope would probably visit him though, especially if it was in the newspaper thus he is pretty unlikely.

Charlie - Ok since I don't think Charlie died under water does that mean he couldn't be here? Well, he would probably be buried in England so he doesn't fit well.

Jack's Dad - Well given that his dad is apparently alive, it doesn't really fit. Plus he is family so he does not make a whole lot sense.

Hurley - Not only do I think the other survivors would visit, but I don't think he would fit in the size casket shown.

Sayid, Claire, Jin, Sun - All would have someone show for the funeral.

Of course it could be one of the peripheral characters such as Rose or Bernard, they just wouldn't have the pull or significance to Jack or to the views so I rule them out.

So, I would say, though not conclusively, that it was Locke. Yes, he wanted to stay but if you build a whole scenario where he tries to bring everyone back to the island where they are supposed to be, it makes more sense. Plus, he seems most dependent on the island where leaving it may be to his serious detriment. I think Jack would be affected by his death even if they are not close. What do you think?

The question: Who was in the casket?
The answer: Locke (low confidence)

Of course there is a more important question of whether any of the stuff with Jack actually happened... that is the next discussion...

J