- To keep Terry O'Quinn as an actor on the show....
hahaaa...yeah, this is probably the most likely explanation......there was a point there where when you saw Terry O'Quinn as the MiB it was very sinister feeling and looking....- Because Ilana burned down Jacobs cabin when MIB was appearing as Locke.
I assumed Ilana did this because she didn't want the MiB to use the cabin any more to manipulate people because people were thinking the MiB (or his image) was Jacob.
It appears the cabin was Jacob's second home, and living under the statue was his primary residence....It appears he only used the cabin for a short time, if at all....   See 6 other replies

I just want to mention that's my theory why MIB can no longer change - the show never explains when or why.With LOST, some questions you just have to use the most logical explanation to answer. When could he no longer change?
- MIB and Jacob where on the island for around 2000 years.
- MIB could change form for around 2000 years (as far as we know).
- 1 or 2 days after Jacob dies MIB can no longer change form.
Logical conclusion: Jacob dying is the starting point.Why could MIB no longer change form?
This question is harder to answer. It could be:
- To make it easier on the audience.
- One of the Rules states MIB can't change form after Jacob dies.
- Because Ilana burned down Jacobs cabin when MIB was appearing as Locke.
- The ongoing symbolism of Jack vs. Locke for their final battle.
- To keep Terry O'Quinn as an actor on the show.
- Or other reasons.   See 6 other replies

Thanks....missed that distinct point of change....but the question as to why is still open....like Last October said, maybe it's just as simple as allowing the candidates and audience to know who the MiB is in the final few shows.....   See 6 other replies

Below are spoilers from future episodes (episodes after Namaste)...When MIB first took Locke's form he was still free to change appearance. After MIB had Jacob killed is when he could no longer switch forms. MIB appeared as Jack's father and as Alex after taking Locke's form, but before Jacob died. After Jacob died he only appeared as the smoke monster or Locke.   See 6 other replies

Thanks. Yeah, I'm still confused by this. He appears to take on human form later in Season 6.....so, while he didn't take over Locke's body, it appears he did take on the human form of Locke, a clone if you will....I'm still trying to figure out Jacob and the MiB (Black Smoke).....   See 6 other replies

He also appeared as Ben's daughter after taking the form of Locke. I think it was decided later to announce that he couldn't take any other forms anymore, so that the audience could trust what they were seeing. Locke did not come back to life. The MiB took his form. He didn't take over his body.   See 6 other replies