Fringe is a show that can make you think if the writers want you to. When cutting-edge of science and beyond is juxtaposed with the world today, thought-provoking moral and/or scientific questions can be brought up and can make for long discussions.
"Amber 31422" doesn't try to do that, instead presenting a case which not only parallels Olivia's plot, but also is spelled out in its entirety as if the audience needed a personal guide to led them to the obvious answer. Not only that, the case itself is extremely boring and if not for some good acting by the twins, would be a total wash.
The whole Peter telling Olivia everything she needed to know seemed far too obvious. For the viewers and Olivia, Peter explains the connection between the brothers and Olivia and then tells her that she belongs in the other universe, giving her huge clues as well. How about some subtlety? I'm pretty sure the viewers could have made the connections without Peter explaining every step,
While most of "Amber 31422," isn't worth caring about, it does have some interesting points. Those trapped in amber are still alive and thinking. Walternate, however, doesn't care, because the ends justify the means. He'll do anything to defeat the other universe, even if it means trampling over everyone else.
By the end of the episode, the plot starts revving up into high gear. Olivia, pumped full of drugs, manages to cross over long enough to call Ella and reveals nothing to Walternate. Now the question is exactly how much she can remember on her own and whether she can keep the guise up--just as the other Olivia who needs to remember large amounts of information and keep her cover.
Score: 8.4/10
