Hurrah! Fringe is back at long last. How I’ve missed Walter and the gang, yes even that old cow, Gene.
Thoughts a-bound:
Looking back at the previous 10 episodes, my out and out favourites were those laced with mythology, action and a sense of urgency – The Arrival and Safe were two outstanding episodes. Everything just seemed to make sense, characters blended well, the story-line meshed and they had the “wow-factor” that “LOST” has on the regular.
Along the way Fringe has grown in confidence, it’s brash and it’s bold, with cool science (yes, science!) and thought provoking moments. Far from being just a clinical science-orientated show, it’s also warmed our hearts on occasions – the father/son relationship has been wonderful, and the Olivia/Broyles relationship (not given enough credit, in my opinion) has also been great to watch – especially when both of their guards are down. And let’s hear it for Olivia’s solitary tear as she saw John Scott’s melted body for the first time. Everyone forgets that tear because it was so long ago, but I still remember it, a very underrated tear. I would, however, love for them to introduce more spirituality and philosophy – the show is crying out for it. I’m not looking for “Lost 2.0″ (seriously, I’ve got that base covered), but I think Fringe would excel to the next level if they found a way to incorporate more of those, shall we say, ‘reflective’ elements. Just look at Walter in ‘Equation’ and ‘Dreamscape’. Who wasn’t moved by some of those scenes? I like bad-crazy-mad Walter, but redemptive Walter is the one I’m batting for.
Olivia has been my favourite character though. There’s just something about the girl. Nina Sharp has probably been my favourite ‘wild card’ character. Seriously, this woman is great fun to watch, and she has an iron fist. Sorry, but that’s just too cool – she can smile to your face and then rip your spleen out with one motion. Twisted? Maybe, but I’m betting on her using that arm as a weapon before the season is over! The spectre of William Bell reminds me of a certain character in LOST (no, not Jacob, but it wouldn’t surprise me if something similar has afflicted our dear “Bellie” – especially after seeing the Alter-Walter). I do hope that we meet Bell by the end of this season though – if we haven’t already, that is.
The Observer. What can I say about this character? He’s like the Fringe version of the island’s Smoke Monster. Such a great idea, I’m sure he’s hooked many people into the show with his outrageous personality. The good thing is, I think they know exactly what they’re doing with him. He’s far from a gimmick, and the possibilities are exciting!
My hopes for the second half of this first season, is that they keep on taking risks and continue making new ground. Before the break, they were getting better and better, and even though I would prefer a more serialized format, I can understand why they want to try a more hybrid episode structure. As long as they keep fusing in those arcs and the mythos, I think they will continue to do good things.
David Jones could be my new Benjimen Linus. No one can beat the legendary Michael Emerson, but the actor who portrays Jones is surely a keeper?
Oh, a word for Astrid. No, really, please give her something to say, do, whatever!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This latest episode is by far the best one YET from Fringe! I was hooked the whole way through. And the ending has SOOOOO many possiblities! I’m excited to find out more.
It sure does!
Action, danger, suspense, all in one episode. “Fringe” broke new ground last night. Olivia’s only previous fight was at the Red Castle (is that what it was called?) and it was a bit girlie for my taste. She upped the fighting skills a notch or two last night, but she still doesn’t want to meet up with Sydney Bristow in a winner-take-all match (or in a parking garage).
Those girls and their single tears. I can’t help but think again of Agent Bristow at Danny’s funeral. A single tear running down her face, gathering for a moment on the bottom of her chin and then free-falling to the ground. Gimme that in Blu-ray super slo mo.
Finally, they put Olivia in danger in someone’s house. What took so long? Remember when she and Peter went to the Bishop’s old house? No one even pulled in the driveway when they were inside. Sure that might be a cheap thrill, but in the absence of any other thrills……
I wish the FBI office was staffed with a few semi-regulars, so at least these people would look familiar from one week to the next. I got a little queazy when Olivia said “Hey, Mitch” on her way out of the office. I’ve never seen her exchange any kind of friendly banter with anyone at work (let alone with Loeb), but suddenly ‘hey Mitch’? That felt really fake to me.
The portable lab in the truck was a nice touch. I get a little bored with the lab at Harvard.
I liked Walter more in this episode. His behaviour was less bizarre and his humour was welcome (i.e. “things like this used to happen in the lab all the time, it makes me nostalgic”, or words to that affect).
Obviously the cliffhanger was only a one-time event in honour of the Christmas break. Too bad. Overall though, I feel that the last few episodes have shown a desire to move the plot along, which is a good thing. Freak-of-the-week just isn’t my style, I want action, danger, conspiracy, double-dealing, in other words, the good stuff.
Excellent review Page 48, really enjoyable read. You hit many things right on the head, in my opinion – the episode did break new ground as several of the ‘weaker’ elements of previous episode were improved upon. I also enjoyed the fight scene – looks like Olivia’s been doing some training since the Ostler encounter.
Whilst the scene wasn’t perfect, I really enjoyed the Charlotte/Olivia ‘game’. It was great to see Olivia in danger whilst knowing that she’s in ‘enemy territory’. A notch up on “The Cure” equivalent. Although the common theme being breaking and entering – or attempting to
The “Hey Mitch” did soud really forced – I know she saved his life, but has she really had any time to get to know him since? She didn’t seem to know who he was before that, as you said.
I felt like asking those ’strangers’ in the office where they were when Olivia got abducted? Or rather, what happened to the other people who responded to Charlie’s rally cry!? I guess a lot of desk-hopping goes on in that office? ..or those people also got kidnapped, never to be seen again.
I’m being picky, but it would be nice to see some familiar faces, as you say.
Walter was brilliant. I think that was the funniest moment – him trapping the slug then following up with his “nostalgia” comment. Good stuff