“S.O.S.” is an episode that confronts issues of faith – and the clash between blind faith and the need for action. This is done by way two stories, each with their own perspective on the issue. But once again, the explorations of these ideas are very minimal, especially compared to the heavier focus on exposition. In other words, the episode is more interested in conveying information – past and present – instead of asking questions, and following wherever the answers may lead.

The primary focus of the episode is Rose and Bernard, including some flashbacks to their first meeting, their proposal of marriage, and their honeymoon. Each incident displays a different kind of faith … and a different approach to taking action. The first scene, involving Rose being stuck in a snow bank is a very simple sketch of her character as compared to Bernard. Rose keeps spinning her wheels, certain that, sooner or later, she will break free. Bernard – who at this point is a complete stranger – is unwilling to just stand by and watch her. Instead, he convinces her to try it his way and, sure enough, they free the car from the bank (though Bernard, ironically, falls flat on his face). But this scene is important for establishing Rose’s faith (that she will become unstuck all on her own) and Bernard’s need for action (his insistence on trying to get the car out of the bank).

When we next see the pair, they are having a romantic dinner at Niagara Falls. Bernard proposes, but Rose hesitates and confesses that she is terminally ill. But the two share a moment of faith when they agree to get married anyway. On their honeymoon, Bernard takes Rose to see a faith healer – but she is initially unwilling to go through with the procedure. Once again, the conflict of doing something (Bernard) vs. accepting the status quo on faith (Rose) arises. To complicate matters, Rose tells Bernard that the faith healer cured her, even though she isn’t healed.

However, she is healed when she arrives on the island. And she notices that Locke, too, was healed.

This brings us to another element of the episode in which the issue of faith is tested. Locke has put his faith in the need for the number sequence to be input into the computer in the hatchway. But that faith is shaken by Henry Gale who has told him that the sequence wasn’t inputted. It is Locke’s encounter with Rose that calms his inner turmoil about the matter.

The other element of faith in the episode comes by way of Jack’s decision to try and exchange Henry Gale for Walt. He has to have faith that such a deal would be honored by the Others. He even has to have faith that they won’t simply kidnap or kill him, instead. As if to underscore this, Michael appears out of nowhere.

Overall Grade: B-

“S.O.S.” is a slightly above-average episode that benefits from the return of Michael. Otherwise, once again, the thematic elements are, for the most part, overshadowed by the narrative exposition.

Topics: Sci-Fi, TV Reviews
Filed under: Lost
Modern Myth: Lost In Faith and Science

Related Articles:

• Lost In Faith and Science - Modern Myth
• 2.17 - Lockdown - Lost
• 2.20 - Two For The Road - Lost
• 3.22 - Through The Looking Glass - Lost
• 2.18 - Dave - Lost
• 2.16 - The Whole Truth - Lost
• 3.13 - The Man From Tallahassee - Lost
• 4.07 - Ji Yeon - Lost
• 2.23 - Live Together, Die Alone - Lost
• 3.02 - The Glass Ballerina - Lost