6x07 "Dr. Linus" Alternate 2004

1. Elba is where Napoleon was exiled, but "what was truly devastating to him was the loss of his power." Sounds like Ben after having to leave the Island.

2. In this reality, Ben is stuck at what he feels to be a dead end teaching job. He even pulls detention duty all week.

3. Ben feels like he cares more about his job then principal Reynolds.

4. Dr. Arzt teaches science at the same school as Ben.

5. Back home Ben cares for his ailing father.

6. According to this episode, the Island does in fact exist. This is a universe in which the bomb went off, and everyone who was evacuated in 1977 never went back.

7. Ben still has Alex, however as her mentor and tutor.

8. Alex is a potential student at Yale University, lacking only a letter of recommendation from a Yale alumni.

9. Principal Reynolds has been having an illicit affair with the school nurse. Now Ben sees his opportunity to seize power.

10. It's funny to watch Ben and Arzt hatch their scheme to oust the principal.

11. "Linus you're a real killer." Oh Arzt, you have no idea.

12. Linus puts his blackmail scheme into effect, only to find that Reynolds is prepared. He can have the principal job, but Alex won't get her letter of recommendation.

13. Ben has chosen to back down from his coup in favor of Alex's future and he seems more content with it. I believe this choice stems from a subconscious recollection of the original reality in which he stayed on the Island.