Air Track

The case of the week is not one of my favorites.  For some reason, the various traits of the toxin reminded me a great deal of last week’s case.  Perhaps it is the similarities, but the episode felt more procedural than ever before.  Somehow, the crime, the investigation, the follow-up and the resolution has slightly decreased in entertainment over the past few weeks.  In any case, Fringe has had much more interesting cases in the past.

Interestingly enough, the case does provide an Easter Egg for fans still paying attention to the symbols during commercial breaks.  The sea horse has officially made its way into the show.

Walter Bishop

Aside from the regular investigation, the episode does show a darker side to Walter Bishop, one that is reminiscent of the original Walter Bishop before his hypocampus was removed.  For cutting edge science, the ethics behind experimentation is always explored on Fringe.  So many villains on the show agrees with the philosophy that the end justifies the means.  It is surprising that Broyles would let Bishop’s murder go so casually.

It is another day as usual on Fringe this week.  Despite my lackluster reception of ‘The Bishop Revival’, what does excite me is the promo for next week’s episode.  Once again, Fringe comes back with another mythology-driven episode right as I am about to be bored.  Good riddance.

Rating: 7/10

The Virus Before Time

Although the symptoms of the virus is reminiscent of rabies and similar viral diseases, Walter’s sudden extrapolation of a possible explanation for its dormant state seems like a stretch to me.  Indeed, it is not all the scientific flair around him that gives him the ultimate solution, but a simple conversation with Astrid that saves the day.  Not that I have a problem with this tactic, but the episode keeps up the tension only to climax on something as mundane as horseradish.

I would categorize ‘What Lies Below’ as one of the lesser science fiction-esque episodes of the show.  For a theory that cannot be tested in a lab, viewers will have to have faith on Walter’s assertions.

Olivia and Peter

Thanks to a hefty amount of insinuation that’s been underlying season 2, the sexual tension between Olivia and Peter is at an all time high.  Suddenly, every gaze becomes a subtle sign of yearning, not to mention the rather stimulating fight between Olivia and Peter.

What’s interesting is that it is not entirely clear why the pair do not come out with their feelings.  Perhaps it is professional courtesy; perhaps it is the nature of their insecurities, but it’s difficult to tell at this point.  What works for me is that neither character have a definitive obstacle, so viewers can never tell when these feelings might rush out.

‘What Lies Below’ is yet another entertaining episode from Fringe.  Given its lack of every overarching element that Fringe is famous for, the episode has successfully continued its subtle development of characters whilst tackling another near-death situation.

Rating: 8.1/10

Father and Son

Season 2 has been incredibly focused on the relationship between Peter and Walter, to the point where Olivia feels out of the spotlight.  While the episode remains on the case at hand, Walter’s connection to another scientist who wanted to save his child is distinctly heartfelt.  The theme of sacrifice for the advancement of science has always been prevalent, but to illustrate it to such a large scope is what makes the episode an exciting incident.

‘Johair Window’ feels like an entry from The Twilight Zone.  Walter’s insistence on keeping the town’s secret safe makes the entire ordeal a mysterious incident that will now disappear into legends, only the viewers know the truth behind the masks.  From what I can recall, the scientific explanation behind the case is somewhat original, but fans looking for serious plot development will have to wait.

The Connection

What the episode lacks in plot development it makes up for in small moments of character connection.  Astrid continues to become more involved in the Fringe division, and her teamwork with Walter is almost as cohesive as Peter and Olivia.  The only downside to supplementing side characters with screentime is the downsizing of Olivia.  Though she’s clearly the central character, her position as the “lone warrior” waiting to go into battle with the other side comes to a halt whenever the main arc disappears into the background.  One-shot storylines is the beacon of sci-fi television series, but without a continuing evolution of the characters, viewers cannot care about the consequences of their actions.

‘Johari Window’ goes into the category of forgettable for Fringe. although the case is a personal favorite of mine.  The show has the ability to really wow the audience with fantastic episodes like ‘Grey Matters‘, but they also allow viewers to really feel the disappointment when cases like these come and go.

Rating: 8/10

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

Father and Son

In addition to a very interesting case, the episode also manages to squeeze in a very touching storyline between Peter, Walter and Astrid.  The one upside to the demise of Agent Francis is that Astrid is starting to come up to the foreground as a character.  She lacks the sharpness of field agents like Olivia, but her connection to Walter as well as her intelligence really makes her a likable character.

‘Snakehead’ continues to develop Peter and Walter’s relationship.  An often off-kilter father-son relationship, the episode emphasizes Walter’s lack of survival skills, to the point where viewers feel pity for him as one would a child.  Despite his genius, Walter has to struggle with something everyone else takes for granted: humanity.  Walter has always been my favorite character (Nina Sharp being a close second), but this episode really rakes in the sypmathy points.  Of course, John Noble’s poignant performance doesn’t hurt either.

For an episode that seems jam packed with action, gore and slithery parasites, it’s amazing that such a touching storyline can be developed in the midst. From a storytelling standpoint, I very much admire the effort.

The Mad Doctor

While the cases usually don’t require too much analytical attention, I do find this particular case very interesting in that the intentions behind the crime wave is one of healing.  Fringe cases normally target villains through and through, but it would be interesting to follow up on the immune-dificiency patients after the fact.  After all, cracking this case is not necessarily a win-win; either way, people will be dying as an outcome.  Also, while Fringe is always at the top of its game in terms of CGI, I especially enjoyed their rendition of those vicious parasites.  Something about them (perhaps the tentacles) really made me uncomfortable, and that does not happen often for me.  I am more than relieved to not have to see it swim around in that tank anytime soon.

While structurally I prefer ‘August‘, ‘Snakehead’ is a fine addition to the show with lots of emotional moments outside of the action.  Given the promo for next week, Fringe seems to have developed a rather comfortable pacing in terms of storytelling.  Despite its weakness in viewership, I am hopeful that the show will continue its consistency.

Rating: 9.2/10

The Course of History

Given our very limited knowledge of the Observers (yes, there are more than one), the one thing that doesn’t take much guessing is to assume they observe the course of history.  What they are looking, however, is still unknown.  Still, it is their relationship with Walter, Peter and Olivia that really makes this episode hit close to home.

It’s often difficult to establish anything concrete when all the facts have to be kept under wraps.  Still, with the help of their physical differences and the notions established in ‘Inner Child‘, the episode is able to illustrate these enigmatic people without losing the audience.  The expected tragic end of dear August makes them even more intriguing.  Indeed, they are the ‘Others’ of Fringe and I have no gripes about that.

Peter and Walter

For some reason, the last conversation between Walter and Peter suggested to me a danger around Peter.  Due to Walter’s deal with the Observer, it seems the natural course of things is to correct this irregularity.  For now, Walter’s constant anxiety over the matter seems self-fueled, but perhaps Peter is not completely safe yet…

Using the best gimmick of Fringe, ‘August’ works best because not only do we get a better idea of the Observers, they’ve become more than just archetypes.  In time, perhaps they will become characters altogether, albeit very dry, bald ones.

Rating: 9.7/10

The Dynamic Duo

Despite a fairly tame case this week, the episode ultimately centers on the relationship between Peter and Walter.  Seeing Walter without Peter is like seeing a baby without its blanket.  It definitely makes you appreciate the duo more.  ‘Of Human Action’ is a forgettable episode otherwise, but the strengthening bond between the father and son is an important step for the show.

Multiple Massive Dynamics

The varying faces of this mysterious company is a major plot point for Fringe.  While Nina has gradually become more comforting as a reliable source of information, this episode takes one step back from that persona to explore the more sinister color from season 1.  As the nature of science progresses, apparently so do the stakes.  This twist is a nice way of justifying the case to further establish Massive Dynamic in an antagonistic position.  Also, it makes Nina Sharp all the more awesome.

Here’s to hoping Fringe remains on the air, because the series has a lot of offer.  ‘Of Human Action’ is yet another good balance of personal relationship versus science.

Rating: 8.1/10

Fringe

The Cosmonaut and the…?

First of all, this week’s case is particularly interesting.  Sure, there’s little explanation to the ’shadow figure’ and its cosmological origin, but there’s still enough scientific flash to make it somewhat believable.  I can’t recall another story involving a shadow figure who steals radioactivity, so kudos for illustrating something original.

The Life of Phillip Broyles

The episode also pleases the character-centric fan inside of me (I blame Lost for this).  The episode successfully integrates a snapshot of Broyles’ life and the sci-fi elements of the show.  It explains his apathetic personality and also creates sympathy, not only for him but for others in his field (in other words, the other characters on the show).  Nothing felt forced or contrived.  Finally, I have a few new adjectives for the guy.

Although it seems unlikely this case is related to the Pattern or the bigger picture, it is an important piece to the show on a emotional and character level.  While I can’t wait for more Leonard Nimoy, ‘Earthling’ is a nice comeback for Fringe after a hiatus.

Rating: 9.2/10