TCA Press Tour: Ben Linus is a Puritan

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When we last saw Benjamin Linus (Michael Emerson) he was loitering outside The ‘Lost’ Church of Everlasting Light and Life -- or whatever it was called -- and declined to enter the spiritual place.

Ben, who lied, manipulated, punched, kicked, stabbed and killed -- including a man who extolled the virtues of faith, never a good idea if you want to get to heaven -- explained that he had some issues to work out first.

Well, apparently, Linus has time-traveled back to Colonial America, where he’s cleansing his tortured soul as a Puritan! In a brief clip from the six-hour series ‘God in America,’ shown during an afternoon panel at the semiannual TV Press Tour, Emerson is shown portraying a frothing Puritan who castigates a fallen member of the flock. (Talk about instant dharma -- you thought it was rough back on the island wearing jumpsuits, Ben -- wait till you have to visit the Puritan dentist.)

The Frontline/American Experience co-production examines the historical role of religion and the way it shaped the nation. The series, which will air over three consecutive nights, begins Oct. 11.

-- Martin Miller

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