I was afraid Carl was just a ploy, but when Alex mentioned him, I knew that that couldn't be true since Alex isn't truly one of the others.

Alex doesn't have to hide from the others when she is doing her "normal" duties (whatever they might be). But she needs information The Others don't want her to have... so she hides to ask Kate. I'm sure talking to the captives is a big No-No.

I think carl being in the cage was a "test/experiment" to see what Sawyer would do. Maybe Alex making contact is also a test

Maybe she got voted off :D This is all a terrible taping of survivor.

I also think Carl was in a relationship with Alex and that the Others disapproved and this is possibly why Carl is in the cage.
Ben said he has been on the island all his life, we know Alex was born on the island too as Rousseau (sp?) said she had her and she was taken and judging by the age Carl appears to be Id say he too was born on the island.
I think its a fair assumption to say that Carl's dad is on or has been on the Island, most likley not one of the Others but another castaway. Maybe he is Radzinski's son or his father is an Other and dosent mind his son being caged and beaten.

has anyone wondered why alex was hiding?? i mean she was in charge of bringing out kate in season 2 so i assume shes an other or other in training w/e but maybe others banished her or something else???

I think Alexandera and Carl were in a relationship that the others didnt approve of. Maybe they wanted to leave the Island...They are probably sick of Petula Clark!As am I

She seems to be another Rachel Blake, showing up where least expected...

She is going to be helpful to our lostie.s