Maybe Locke had finally discovered who his REAL father was and took that man's last name. Locke appears to be his mother's maiden name. She went by Emily Annabeth Locke.

__________________

I've noticed that a few of you are hung up over Jack's response when the man at the funeral parlor asked wether or not he was friends or family with the deceased. The thing to consider, is that just because you're trapped on an island, and go through such a trying time period with a group of people, doesn't neccesarily mean you are friends with each and every single one of them. That being said, however, that doesn't mean a person can't be an acquaintence or someone Jack respected.

I mean think about it. I'm sure all of us have been forced into a situation where we've had to deal with people we don't like, don't know, or otherwise, but have rallied together with them for the "greater good". I'm almost positive that it's not Ben, and I'm just as easily convinced that it's not Walt, Juliet, or anyone else we've seen thus far on the show. Remember, the final scene was a flash forward to the shows present date. With that being said, is it that much of a stretch to assume it's someone that we, the viewing audience, haven't been introduced to yet?

There are still MANY unanswered questions and subjects that have been touched on slightly, and then quickly disreguarded. All I know for certain, is that the writers of the show are aware that people are going to drive themselves batty over the news paper clipping, trying to cypher out clues as to what's going to happen next. It's a very smart thing to do, considering it will keep people talking about the show until the fourth season starts. As to where it plays out in the "big picture" of the series, it could be a crucial part of the storyline, or it could be a vessel used to show the relationship between Kate and Jack and how it's evolved since they made it off the island. After all, Jack is definitely looking worse for wear in the flash forward....

Bottom line : No one will know for certain until the next season(s)

I like the idea of Locke since he was and wasn't a friend, which would connect with the "neither" thing Jack said.

I think the person in the coffin was someone who will be introduced to us during the next season.

Seriously.

Someone we will meet between the time Jack makes the satellite phone call and the time that they are finally rescued.

That would be diabolically clever.

__________________
charlie98210
"Whoa!" she said. "Cry 'Havoc!' And let loose the dogs of war!"
And, like Banquo's ghost, they just won't go away.

I was thinking Micheal.

Wonder if it is a character we haven't even met yet. Wonder if it is a Season 4 character! What possibilities!

__________________

too many posts to read so i'll just say it.
i think its ben too. no true friend or family.
every1 he lied to or betrayed.
i think locke takes his place.

and i remeber at bens birth whenhis mum died she asked to call him somthin. maybe th name is related or somthing

oh and look at the cofin size

It could be someone we've already seen but only briefly, like how Ana Lucia was introduced to us at the end of Season 1 (in what seemed like a throwaway scene) and then became a major character in Season 2.

Personally and this is all in my own opinion.

I believe its Jack in the Coffin... how? well the whole flashback is questionable... in my opinion its all like one long day dream from Jack..

For one there is an accident of a women who looks remarkably (from what you see) to his ex-wife, also when his wife comes to visit she is pregnant, and there is a child with the women who was involved with the accident.. It all seems a bit to Past, future present with all the references in the flash back..

And the bit with Kate at the end of the flashback again seems very mysterious and seems to have a glowing effect that makes me think this is part of the day dream.

I am probably wrong but its my theory

i think maybe Micharel is in the coffin...crazy as he is long time gone but Walt will be back i think...too important early on to be ditched me thinks....i also think ben is a good bet as he would not surtvive(the tumour? and "normal civilisation") doubt any of the Losties would go to see him apart from jack who has a close link to him - also said after they had escaped would kill him...possibly why he is drugged up, hguilt ridden? i very much doubt all these ramblings of mine though... Jack for president...maybe they were on a post castro cuba..?!?!?!?!