They were already both aware of lodge portals.
Gordon is slightly more sensitive than others (he seemed to experience the opening far more violently than Albert).
The question I have is whether they were aware of the existence of portals prior to the events of the original twin peaks.
Depends on when Cole was briefed by Milford and brought into the overall investigations. His wall art seems to say he is aware of much of the history of this particular problem with the greys and Blue Book coverup.
Not sure about portals, but blue rose cases existed before the original Twin Peaks (it's the initial set-up for FWWM) for example.
And while Gordon is probably more open and sensitive, I think it required Gordon be in a specific location and Albert did not move there but stayed behind, being the more conservative and cautious of the two. Had Albert stood there long enough in Gordon's place, perhaps he would have had a similar experience.
Hard to tell how much openness or intent is required, but I would assume a fair amount. At least Albert was able to see the Woodsman spirit. That was an indication that he doesn't fully preclude the supernatural or that it was so physical it could have been seen by anyone.
They were already both aware of lodge portals.
Gordon is slightly more sensitive than others (he seemed to experience the opening far more violently than Albert).
The question I have is whether they were aware of the existence of portals prior to the events of the original twin peaks.
I'm betting they were aware of them before the original Twin Peaks. Part of Major Briggs mission was to look into the existence of the white and black lodge.
As far as Cole being more sensitive. I don't think that's the case. I believe had Albert been as far in as Cole was, he would have "crossed the line" and been in the presence of this "intercourse between two worlds." They asked Mr. Hastings "how far in" he went, and he responded with 15-20 feet (I think). Notice that Cole is farther in than Albert is. Albert has to approach Cole to yank him backwards, and thus out of the overlapping worlds.
I think Albert did not see anything except Gordon fading out.
When Gordon was talking about "bearded dirty men in a room" (oslt), Albert looked pretty puzzled.
That's correct. Only Cole saw the overlapping of worlds. However, I believe that had Albert been standing next to Cole, he would have seen the same thing.
I took it as Albert's well aware that there's strange shit happening, but sees it as his job to keep Gordon OUT of the strange shit...
I think Albert did not see anything except Gordon fading out.
When Gordon was talking about "bearded dirty men in a room" (oslt), Albert looked pretty puzzled.
Gordon also saw the lone Woodsman that wasn't in the portal.
Lynn, I agree, Albert probably feels that part of his job to keep Gordon from staring too long into the abyss or falling off the deep end, but he's probably seen enough inexplicable stuff to periodically ponder the absurd mystery of the strange forces of existence.
Gordon always makes me think of this image:
Remember he asked Albert to watch his back so I think Albert took a position to assist if Gordon was being pulled out.
Fire walk with