Lost 2.19: "SOS"

Written by Leonard Dick and Steven Maeda
Directed by Eric Laneuville

In which Bernard decides that the survivors have gotten too comfortable on the island, Locke struggles with his faith in the island, and Jack decides to confront the Others…


Status Report

The tensions continue to rise and the mysteries continue to evolve as the season draws towards a close. Like the previous episode, this is largely transitional in nature, though it does touch on one of the primary mysteries of the island itself. If Hurley’s circumstances brought up questions about the reality of the island and the scope of the Dharma Initiative, this episode brings up some interesting connections to other projects mentioned in “Orientation”.

In particular, Isaac mentioned to Rose that his “healing ability” was nothing more than the channeling of pre-existing electromagnetic properties in that very part of the world. This immediately brings to mind the comments about the “unique magnetic properties” on the island, as mentioned in the orientation film.

The implication is that the island’s physical properties can and do bring about miraculous healing, which resonates with Locke’s experience immediately after the crash. Rose understands that being on the island has changed her and Locke, and given her religious background, she must also assume that there is a reason for them to be on the island. That said, it’s certainly not the same kind of faith that Locke struggles with in this installment.

As expected, Locke is finding it harder to maintain his faith in the island’s promise of destiny, especially in light of the “button” and whether or not it actually has meanng. “Henry” has been very good at playing people, and he has outdone himself with Locke. Locke gets himself really worked up, and there’s a reasonable enough reason for it. The “island” gave him an answer in the form of that mysterious map, and he’s quickly losing his memory of the event. Locke is beginning to suspect that the map’s appearance (via the black light) was related to the possibility that the “button” wasn’t pushed.

So Locke has a crisis of faith, which could continue to escalate over time. Rose’s comment about the island had an effect that may have been unintended. Rose places her faith in God and has a sense of peace, that things will happen as they are meant to happen and she shouldn’t stand in the way. Locke takes the same information and continues to interpret it as the island’s will. In a way, they might both be “mistaking coincidence with fate”, but it’s not quite as disturbing in Rose’s case.

That’s not to say that Rose continued to be all goodness and light. In certain scenes, her adamant stance on her circumstance was a bit smug. It was a lot easier to handle, however, than Bernard’s attitude. One can understand Bernard’s desire to act, to do something proactive instead of reactive, but he went about it the wrong way and assumed too much. And Bernard is right to point out that the survivors have become a bit too comfortable with their current existence.

This makes the combination of Rose/Bernard a lot more complex and interesting. Bernard isn’t really a man of faith. Or rather, if he is, he operates on the concept that “God helps those who help themselves”. Where Rose is resigned and content with her fate, whatever it might be, Bernard needs more. He needs to make things better and fix things that trouble his worldview. It’s actually amazing to think that they have managed to retain any relationship, let alone a short-term marriage!

If this were simply a commentary on Rose and Bernard, it would be pleasant enough. But it’s quite clear that this is also another commentary on faith and reason, parallel to the struggle between Jack and Locke. Bernard and Jack are on a similar wavelength, especially when it comes to acting instead of reacting, interpersonal relationships be damned. Rose, of course, calls on a strong sense of faith.

The question thus arises: what would happen if Locke would simply explain his point of view and experience to Jack and see if they could find a common ground? Locke often assumes that Jack is blind to some obvious meaning behind it all, or worse, that he ignores the signals and the signs. Jack, of course, thinks that Locke is allowing his emotional side rule over his ability to think rationally. If Rose and Bernard can find common ground, shouldn’t Jack and Locke have the same ability?

While Locke is struggling with his faith, Jack feels the need to get a little proactive, since “Henry” has gone on a hunger strike. One gets the sense that the Others might have been waiting for just this kind of opportunity. But that also assumes that Michael was released by the Others, which may not be the case.

Regardless, the jaunt through the jungle gave Jack and Kate an opportunity to get a little closer and remember why they were attracted to each other. Frankly, the idea of being trapped in a tight net with a sweaty Kate is not particularly unattractive. Certainly Jack felt the same way! That entire scene was brimming with sexual tension, which at least offers some kind of future plot thread involving Kate. That’s a good thing, because thus far this season, her character has been a complete waste of time.

It is finally confirmed that Eko is building a church, which fits his character and also sets him up as a credible challenge for Locke. Locke’s place as the tribe’s “medicine man” has all but vanished since the hatch was opened, and Eko could be a compelling alternative to those seeking a sense of purpose in their shared experience. This could give some additional meaning to the conversation between Locke and Rose in this episode, since Rose is a natural candidate for Eko’s initial congregation.

Speaking of which, Charlie’s determination to help Eko continues to suggest that his redemption will be used to generate more tension between Locke and Eko in the future. Locke tried to help Charlie and failed miserably; symbolically, Locke tried to convince Charlie to believe in a “false faith”. Charlie could find Eko’s brand of faith more in line with his past and his needs, and if Charlie’s redemption is gained with Eko’s help, Locke could be quite bitter.

One thing that would be enormously helpful, for the tribe as well as the audience, is a map of the island. Not Locke’s version, but something scribbled together by the people who have been around the block a few times. Locke probably should have started with that a little while ago, especially after the arrival of the AnaLucia Tribe, but now it’s more important than ever. He could convince people (especially Jack) that such a map is necessary, given that the Others have drawn a line in the sand. Then Locke could begin comparing the map he saw to “master sketch”. (Imagine how useful such a map could be in terms of a storytelling device!)

So does the island possess specific electromagnetic properties that can facilitate healing? Or is there more to the story? Given how ubiquitous the Dharma Initiative appears to be, there are plenty of possibilities. For that matter, Isaac could have been connected to Dharma (though that could be an association made thanks to the actor’s role as Scorpius on “Farscape”). Could all of the intended survivors be people with specific physical and psychological issues?

For that matter, since everything has a meaning or purpose when presented, why all the long tracking shots on the obscure code stamped on everything air-dropped by Dharma (“DI9FFTR731”)? For “X-Files” fans, the “731” portion is highly suggestive of a eugenics program, which fits into the Dharma mold rather nicely. The “DI” is obvious enough. It’s telling that the “numbers” don’t seem related at all. It could be a red herring, but much was made of the food and that code, so it probably means something in the overall mythology.

Michael’s return should help to escalate the impending conflict between the tribe and the Others, and if the plot continues to move in the current direction, both Jack and Locke will have competing reasons to stage some kind of action. It could easily get to the point where the rest of the survivors need to decide who to follow, and it may be neither obvious choice. Even Rose questions Jack’s leadership in this episode, and Locke has sidelined himself completely. The writers could be heading towards another major shift that could force the third season (now official!) to start as slowly as this season, but given how things have been lately for “Lost”, there’s reason to think it will all come together beautifully.


Final Analysis

Overall, this episode is another nice transitional piece, continuing with the exploration of the mysteries of the island by expanding the underlying context. It’s great when the writers focus on the less prominent characters and explore familiar themes in different ways. There’s the feeling that pieces are being staged in position for one hell of an endgame, and there’s still quite a ways to go!

Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 1/4

Final Rating: 7/10

(Season 2 Average: 7.3)