A quick web search on the definition of "orientation" returns:
1. an integrated set of attitudes and beliefs
2. position or alignment relative to points of the compass or other specific directions
3. a person's awareness of self with regard to position and time and place and personal relationships
4. a course introducing a new situation or environment
Is it any wonder "Orientation" is one of my favorite titles in LOST, not to mention one of my favorite episodes of Season 2?
This is the chapter which finally takes a serious plunge into the intricacies of the Swan station, as well as the circumstances which led to John Locke as we know him. The debut of Dr. Pierre Chang and the Swan Orientation film is compelling on its own merits. It provides significant background information on the DHARMA Initiative, but the real intrigue (for me anyway) is how this episode so beautifully constructs a theme that would exist throughout the rest of the series.
The Locke-Helen relationship, which is very smoothly written, eventually presents a problem for Locke. He's prompted to make a choice — his father or Helen. If he expects Helen to stay at his side he'll need to conquer his fears and take a leap of faith. Sound familiar? It should, because that's exactly what Locke asks Jack to do later in the episode.
It's tempting to trivialize the Locke/Jack dynamic as a simple collision of faith and science, but it's more complex than that. I certainly don't think either character deserves such a narrow definition. It's true that they each lean heavily toward their respective ends of the spectrum, but they both have moments when — for the sake of their own health and sanity — they borrow from the other side.
Desmond bails for God-knows-where and Sayid fixes the computer in the nick of time. Before the clock is reset, Locke implores Jack to push the button, leading to one of the most quoted exchanges in the series:
Locke: why do you find it so hard to believe?
Jack: why do you find it so easy?
Locke: it's never BEEN easy!
Turns out Locke was telling the truth. Helen was instrumental in getting him to rely on faith to a greater extent than he ever had before. One could say it's what ultimately led to his demise down the road; it could also be credited for renewing his sense of purpose upon arrival on the island.
Terry O'Quinn predictably blows me away in Orientation, an episode which firmly establishes Locke as a symbol of the treacherous and unpredictable path that is faith. He's practically a kid in a candy store as he uncovers more of the Swan secrets, notably the orientation film.
I have to continually remind myself that I'm watching the same man between flashbacks and scenes in the Swan. I have to remind myself that the man screaming at Jack is the person who broke down crying after his father told him he wasn't wanted. It's the same man who was momentarily tamed by a woman named Helen.
Speaking of whom, there couldn't have been a more perfect casting choice for Helen Norwood than Katey Segal. Coming from me that's really saying something considering I loathed Married With Children, but I had no trouble separating the roles. Helen and Locke felt like a natural couple right from the start thanks to stellar acting from both.
Henry Ian Cusick stepped up his game as well, particularly in the scene where he shares that tale of Kelvin. You see, the two of them saved the world for a while — and that was lovely.
... THE END!
It's becoming a little redundant to say Jack Bender is a master of his craft, so until I say something to the contrary you can assume that's the case (especially with Orientation).
The biggest visual gem of this episode is clearly the Swan Orientation film, which is constructed like something you'd expect from the late 70s — film scratches, jump-cuts, cheesy music and all. It truly felt like we were watching something unearthed from long, long ago.
Hey, Locke wasn't kidding when he said, "We're gonna have to watch that again."
The Swan Orientation film alone is reason enough to watch the episode on a continuous loop; it's just a bonus that Locke happens to be my favorite character and I love seeing his flashbacks as well.
The storyline with Jin, Sawyer, and Michael held captive by Ana Lucia's group does drag a little on rewatches, but only because I'm historically adverse to prolonged captivity scenes (see early Season 3).
A healthy portion of the episode takes place in the Swan, which is all the atmosphere I could ever ask for. The scene with the sharpest emotional impact was between Anthony Cooper and Locke, but that's not to say I wasn't completely engrossed in the faith-science angle that was so prevalent.
This is undoubtedly a case where an episode is greater than the sum of its parts. Orientation, much like the series itself, can be viewed from a very literal/empirical perspective if one so chooses. Personally, I started to recognize and embrace the spiritual themes and concepts that began developing in Season 1. Orientation happens to be the episode where spiritual parallels become blatantly obvious. It was clear that Locke would symbolize a walk of faith similar to what so many of us have experienced.
What's especially interesting is that the orientation film describes a group which is founded exclusively on science, yet it paradoxically bolsters Locke's faith and sense of purpose.
