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Originally Posted by Supreme Olajuwon
Yeah but Richard appears to be something above the rest of the Others. Like how in the last episode he knew Locke was shot but Locke never told him. The writers on this show have never been subtle about foreshadowing so I have to assume that this scene means Richard is something special.
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from Lostpedia...
"In the Season 3 DVD commentary for "The Man from Tallahassee", Richard Alpert is described as someone who is not interested in leading the Others but is very influential in finding and selecting a leader. In the commentary for "The Man from Tallahassee", he is described as being similar to a Panchen Lama choosing the next Dalai Lama. He and Ben keep each other in "check" by having the power to pick/veto each other's replacement on the Island. Ben's role would be to pick the next Panchen, should the need arise. This keeps the two in a sort of balanced power relationship. They are allies, yet they have some measure of control over the other should one get out of hand."
also...
"Richard is the only living Other known to have belonged to the Hostiles who has been identified by name."
Im not sure if Richard is one of the original inhabitans of the island, but I imagine most of them are like him, except he just happens to be the one with the most power (among the original Hostiles)