“How can I fight what I don’t understand?”

The episode to capitalize on many pieces of the puzzle introduced on Fringe, ‘Grey Matters’ is perhaps the most rewarding episode of season 2.

The Butterfly Effect

Although the show has many questions left to answer, what I enjoyed most about ‘Grey Matters’ is the gathering of many elements into a clearer origin of the conflict at hand.  It’s hard to imagine the sarcastic, slightly boyish Peter as the catalyst to a potential universe-clashing catastrophe, but I can’t help but appreciate the suggested power of a father’s love for his son.  While the opening of the door between universes has now been sufficiently explained, it is Peter’s reaction to the truth that I cannot wait for.  Sooner or later, he will learn his origin and the consequences of Walter’s actions.  I can only imagine what that will do to Walter and Peter’s relationship.

The more I learn about the door, however, the more I find it to be interpretive.  So far, the actual crossing between dimensions has been shown three times: at the lake, with Olivia in the elevator, and inside Olivia’s car.  Three different occasions, three very different scenarios.  Something tells me it will be some time before the common root behind these instances are revealed.

A Dangerous Mind

‘Grey Matters’ also introduces the Blight, something that has apparently desecrated Newton’s home dimension.  While the idea of stealing another civilization’s territory is cliche–especially in science fiction–I am very much intrigued by this other world, one that has far superior technology and a propensity to remain painfully cryptic as a whole. The episode better establishes the relationship between William Bell and Walter Bishop (same initials).  Add to that the revelation that Walter’s mind is the greatest weapon and danger of all, the scattered gate-opening parts that Jones found, the manuscript that either Bell or Walter wrote as a warning, and Walter’s hypocampus removal really start to add together.  Ergo, ‘Grey Matters’ rewards viewers with more satisfaction than what is normal for Fringe.

The Road Ahead

As seasonal villains go, I prefer Jones to the equally cordial Newton.  Although this is most likely coincidence, the fact that both are played by English actors makes me snicker at the stereotyping.   The word biblical is used to describe the incoming conflict.  Whether this is simply an allusion or true foreshadowing remains to be seen (speaking of which, whatever happened to the bible-studying Agent Jessup?).

In any case, ‘Grey Matters’ works closer to the mythology-driven episodes of Fringe than its typical one-shot cases, something I immensely appreciate.  It serves to make the light bulb go off with better clarity, but after finishing the episode, it stayed with me as I attempted to extrapolate as much information as my brain could muster from all the scenes and inferences.  With another appearance by Leonard Nimoy, the show definitely ends on a strong note before the hiatus.

Rating: 9.5/10

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