I've officially stopped blogging regularly, so I'm just going to point something on last night's Fringe episode.
What's most interesting to me is Peter basically admitting that he doesn't belong and will try to get back to his own world. Are the writers considering sending him back to a perfect world, where Walter and Olivia know him? If not, there are still enough episodes left in this season, probably the final, for Peter to get reacquainted with everyone.
Showing posts with label Fringe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fringe. Show all posts
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 4 Episode 5 Novation
After four episodes sans Peter, "Novation" is a pretty low-key episode considering the circumstances. Peter is off to the side for majority of the episode, interrogated a couple times but in his cell the entire time. The characters' response to him is actually realistic; they have no clue who he is, but he's not an imminent threat, so they don't make a big deal out of him. It's also good that Peter is a smart guy and figures the situation out almost instantly, and does cause a big raucous trying to convince everyone they know him.
The problem with the episode, though, is that the new shape-shifters don't really make good enemies. I like that Peter helped on the case, but the conclusion of the episode is rather tepid: now they can't know who's a shape-shifter unless they perform surgery on them. I'm sure they'll come up with a solution sooner or later. The larger problem is that they're part of the larger mythology of the show--something that's always been nebulous at best, changing at the writers' whims. It's pretty obvious the writers make stuff up as they go--evidenced by the random forays into the pattern, the Bible, etc--so it's hard to gauge anything about the plot.
Score: 8.7/10
The problem with the episode, though, is that the new shape-shifters don't really make good enemies. I like that Peter helped on the case, but the conclusion of the episode is rather tepid: now they can't know who's a shape-shifter unless they perform surgery on them. I'm sure they'll come up with a solution sooner or later. The larger problem is that they're part of the larger mythology of the show--something that's always been nebulous at best, changing at the writers' whims. It's pretty obvious the writers make stuff up as they go--evidenced by the random forays into the pattern, the Bible, etc--so it's hard to gauge anything about the plot.
Score: 8.7/10
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 4 Episode 4 Subject 9
I don't know about everyone else, but this season hasn't been doing it for me. Hopefully this changes with Peter's return, though the first four episodes give me little confidence.
My biggest problem has been the lack of momentum in this opening arc. There's no urgency. Now that Peter isn't in this world, what has changed that makes it so necessary for Peter to return? Nothing. Olivia is doing fine, Walter is a bit kookier but Olivia is there for him, and the two worlds aren't at war anymore. Peter could be taken out of the show completely and it'd be a lot like the first season.
I think point this out every week already, but the third season had a much better start with the immediate predicament of Olivia trapped in Earth-2. That was a human struggle where both sides were understandable. In this season, though, there just a big mystery hanging over the season regarding Peter's disappearance. And really, we have no idea what's going on because only the writers know how the sci-fi mechanics work on the show.
"Subject 9" is a pretty slow episode and not much happens, but like the rest of the episodes this season, it has stellar scenes of Olivia and Walter. We get a look back at the Cortexiphan kids and the harm Walter caused in the past. The episode ends with an expected twist, the return of Peter, which should bring some much-needed excitement to the next episode.
Score: 8.5/10
My biggest problem has been the lack of momentum in this opening arc. There's no urgency. Now that Peter isn't in this world, what has changed that makes it so necessary for Peter to return? Nothing. Olivia is doing fine, Walter is a bit kookier but Olivia is there for him, and the two worlds aren't at war anymore. Peter could be taken out of the show completely and it'd be a lot like the first season.
I think point this out every week already, but the third season had a much better start with the immediate predicament of Olivia trapped in Earth-2. That was a human struggle where both sides were understandable. In this season, though, there just a big mystery hanging over the season regarding Peter's disappearance. And really, we have no idea what's going on because only the writers know how the sci-fi mechanics work on the show.
"Subject 9" is a pretty slow episode and not much happens, but like the rest of the episodes this season, it has stellar scenes of Olivia and Walter. We get a look back at the Cortexiphan kids and the harm Walter caused in the past. The episode ends with an expected twist, the return of Peter, which should bring some much-needed excitement to the next episode.
Score: 8.5/10
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 4 Episode 3 Alone in the World
A lot of the dialogue in "Alone in the World" is very on the nose, making Peter front and center during the normal case of the week. There's not much subtlety, but John Noble knocking it out of the park and the freaky fungus were enough for the episode.
The one thing that's still bugging me is why the writers choose to disappear Peter. Yeah, he's gone and people are missing him, but the show doesn't have much urgency in finding him. The cases still go on and Lincoln fills the role Peter once had. In the third season, there was great urgency because the Olivias were switched and it was clear bad things would happen with the war and all that. In this season, however, there doesn't seem to be much going on other than Peter not being there.
Score: 8.7/10
The one thing that's still bugging me is why the writers choose to disappear Peter. Yeah, he's gone and people are missing him, but the show doesn't have much urgency in finding him. The cases still go on and Lincoln fills the role Peter once had. In the third season, there was great urgency because the Olivias were switched and it was clear bad things would happen with the war and all that. In this season, however, there doesn't seem to be much going on other than Peter not being there.
Score: 8.7/10
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 4 Episode 2 One Night in October
After a shaky start to the season last week, Fringe gets back on track with a fascinating episode highlighting the major plot points and problems going ahead. I had my doubts, but I'm on board and expecting a great final season (baring any ratings miracles).
"One Night in October" ties everything together with the case of the week--Olivia bringing a professor to the other world in order to profile his counterpart, a serial killer. This interesting reversal hinges on the fact that the professor had a woman in his life, Marjorie, who helped him while the killer did not. Bringing the two worlds together, we see some engrossing interactions with the doubles--both between the professor and the serial killer, and the two Olivias who seem to be warming to each other (or at least they understand each other better).
Paralleling the extraction of the memory of Marjorie, Peter has been erased from everyone's minds. But as Broyles suggest, though the memory may be erased, they may also leave an indelible mark on the person. Indeed, this looks to be true, as every character indicates they have something missing. Walter, however, tries to ignore this by drowning himself in music, blocking out Peter's cries.
Score: 9.2/10
"One Night in October" ties everything together with the case of the week--Olivia bringing a professor to the other world in order to profile his counterpart, a serial killer. This interesting reversal hinges on the fact that the professor had a woman in his life, Marjorie, who helped him while the killer did not. Bringing the two worlds together, we see some engrossing interactions with the doubles--both between the professor and the serial killer, and the two Olivias who seem to be warming to each other (or at least they understand each other better).
Paralleling the extraction of the memory of Marjorie, Peter has been erased from everyone's minds. But as Broyles suggest, though the memory may be erased, they may also leave an indelible mark on the person. Indeed, this looks to be true, as every character indicates they have something missing. Walter, however, tries to ignore this by drowning himself in music, blocking out Peter's cries.
Score: 9.2/10
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 4 Episode 1 Neither Here Nor There
I don't want to say this... but that just wasn't very good. After an excellent third season--the best, most consistent season of science fiction perhaps since Supernatural a few years back--Fringe had a lot prove and the season premiere did not deliver. I'm sure the writers have a long-term plan and it'll get better later on, but for now color me unimpressed. (And yes, I know my expectations for the show were probably too high, which makes me think the episode is worse than it actually is, but that's how I roll.)
If the writers are going to write Peter out for the being, the show should still be as entertaining as it was last season.. However, "Neither Here Nor There" is pretty bland, calling back to the first season when people dealt with freaky things. Lincoln tagging along made things slightly more interesting, but at the end of the day, the case was like many others, except with the added twist that the translucent people are human shape-shifters.
The third season also changed the fundamental DNA of the show, alternating between the blue and red worlds. That worked because there was continuity in the blue world while forging new paths and conflicts fro m the red world. The changes this season are very radical and, from the season premiere alone, not interesting. That's a step back in my book.
The other parts of the episode pertaining to the longer term arc didn't reveal much either and seemed like exposition more than a forward-driving narrative. September is tasked with erasing Peter from time and Peter's image pops up occasionally, with Walter freaking out at the sight of Peter, whom he does not recognize.
Score: 8.2/10
If the writers are going to write Peter out for the being, the show should still be as entertaining as it was last season.. However, "Neither Here Nor There" is pretty bland, calling back to the first season when people dealt with freaky things. Lincoln tagging along made things slightly more interesting, but at the end of the day, the case was like many others, except with the added twist that the translucent people are human shape-shifters.
The third season also changed the fundamental DNA of the show, alternating between the blue and red worlds. That worked because there was continuity in the blue world while forging new paths and conflicts fro m the red world. The changes this season are very radical and, from the season premiere alone, not interesting. That's a step back in my book.
The other parts of the episode pertaining to the longer term arc didn't reveal much either and seemed like exposition more than a forward-driving narrative. September is tasked with erasing Peter from time and Peter's image pops up occasionally, with Walter freaking out at the sight of Peter, whom he does not recognize.
Score: 8.2/10
Friday, May 6, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 22 The Day We Died
Wow. Good thing this wasn't a series finale or a rift would've formed in the universe.
Set in the future, "The Day We Died" immediately puts viewers in the deep end. We know it's the future, we know something bad has happened, but we don't know much beyond that. For someone who isn't familiar with the show, it probably made no sense, no matter how much context was given. But I'm guessing this wasn't a big problem since most people watching like the show and have a clue what's going on story-wise, as opposed to someone who sits down to randomly watch CSI: New York.
There are pieces of information along the way--Peter and Olivia married, Olivia able to control her powers, Walter in prison, Broyles missing an eye and being a senator, Ella in the Fringe Division--but we don't really know where everything is going until Walternate shows up--and kills Olivia. At this point, it's assumed that the fourth season would not be set in the future since Olivia is an integral part of the show. Walter reveals that he somehow sent the machine to the past and that the problem could be fixed by sending Peter's consciousness to the past (our present). I'm not sure how all this works, but Peter returns to the present, knowing everything that needs to be done. The two worlds merge, leaving Walter, Waltenate, Olivia, and the other Olivia in the room, Peter gives a speech about how everyone needs to cooperate.
In a most perplexing way to end the episode, the Observers are gathered outside the Statue of Liberty and talk about how they don't remember Peter and that he served his purpose. What does that mean? Weren't they just there with him?
In any case, this brings up more questions regarding the structure of the show in the fourth season. The second season ended with Olivia trapped on the other side and despite this, the show was able to proceed with the procedural, monster of the week route with a few deviations. Now, with the two universes seemingly merged, will the writers draw this out through the entire season or will they resolved it in a few episodes and return to solving monster problems?
Perhaps even greater than the plot twists is how the writers approach the episode. Yes, there is a lot going on, but they never lose sight of the characters. There is ample time to draw out the emotion and we get a good sense of the toll inflicted on everyone since Peter entered the machine.
Score: 9.4/10
Set in the future, "The Day We Died" immediately puts viewers in the deep end. We know it's the future, we know something bad has happened, but we don't know much beyond that. For someone who isn't familiar with the show, it probably made no sense, no matter how much context was given. But I'm guessing this wasn't a big problem since most people watching like the show and have a clue what's going on story-wise, as opposed to someone who sits down to randomly watch CSI: New York.
There are pieces of information along the way--Peter and Olivia married, Olivia able to control her powers, Walter in prison, Broyles missing an eye and being a senator, Ella in the Fringe Division--but we don't really know where everything is going until Walternate shows up--and kills Olivia. At this point, it's assumed that the fourth season would not be set in the future since Olivia is an integral part of the show. Walter reveals that he somehow sent the machine to the past and that the problem could be fixed by sending Peter's consciousness to the past (our present). I'm not sure how all this works, but Peter returns to the present, knowing everything that needs to be done. The two worlds merge, leaving Walter, Waltenate, Olivia, and the other Olivia in the room, Peter gives a speech about how everyone needs to cooperate.
In a most perplexing way to end the episode, the Observers are gathered outside the Statue of Liberty and talk about how they don't remember Peter and that he served his purpose. What does that mean? Weren't they just there with him?
In any case, this brings up more questions regarding the structure of the show in the fourth season. The second season ended with Olivia trapped on the other side and despite this, the show was able to proceed with the procedural, monster of the week route with a few deviations. Now, with the two universes seemingly merged, will the writers draw this out through the entire season or will they resolved it in a few episodes and return to solving monster problems?
Perhaps even greater than the plot twists is how the writers approach the episode. Yes, there is a lot going on, but they never lose sight of the characters. There is ample time to draw out the emotion and we get a good sense of the toll inflicted on everyone since Peter entered the machine.
Score: 9.4/10
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Preview of Week 5/01/11 - 5/07/11
Law & Order: Criminal Intent - USA, Sunday, May 1, 9:00pm ET
In Plain Sight - USA, Sunday, May 1, 10:00pm ET
Criminal Intent returns for its final season with Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe back in tow while In Plain Sight begins the season with Mary McCormack's pregnancy written in the story.
NCIS - CBS, Tuesday, May 3, 8:00pm ET
We finally get to see how Gibbs met Tony!
Justified - FX, Wednesday, May 4, 10:00pm ET
The penultimate episode of this season ended with Raylan's decision to spare Dickie kicking him in the butt. With an episode named "Bloody Harlan," we can pretty much imagine what will happen.
Fringe - FOX, Friday, May 6, 9:00pm ET
After the marvelous ending to the last episode, Peter in an apocalyptic future, the season finale this week should be a good one.
In Plain Sight - USA, Sunday, May 1, 10:00pm ET
Criminal Intent returns for its final season with Vincent D'Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe back in tow while In Plain Sight begins the season with Mary McCormack's pregnancy written in the story.
NCIS - CBS, Tuesday, May 3, 8:00pm ET
We finally get to see how Gibbs met Tony!
Justified - FX, Wednesday, May 4, 10:00pm ET
The penultimate episode of this season ended with Raylan's decision to spare Dickie kicking him in the butt. With an episode named "Bloody Harlan," we can pretty much imagine what will happen.
Fringe - FOX, Friday, May 6, 9:00pm ET
After the marvelous ending to the last episode, Peter in an apocalyptic future, the season finale this week should be a good one.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 21 The Last Sam Weiss
If anyone had problems with "The Last Sam Weiss" before the last minute or so, they probably changed their mind. The episode doesn't move very fast and a lot of the dialogue is mired in "mysteriousness," with Sam Weiss talking about the previous Sams and Peter looking for his father, the Secretary of Defense. Because the characters themselves are wading into unknown territory, the writers have significant leeway over how things play out and not everything has to make sense at first, though we may never get some of the answers we're looking for.
Then the ending hits--Peter entering the machine after Olivia turns the other one off. We see a montage of Peter's life and he steps into the machine--and an apocalyptic future where everything has gone amok and Fringe division is trying to keep things under control.
Score: 9.0/10
Then the ending hits--Peter entering the machine after Olivia turns the other one off. We see a montage of Peter's life and he steps into the machine--and an apocalyptic future where everything has gone amok and Fringe division is trying to keep things under control.
Score: 9.0/10
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 20 6:02 AM EST
Whether the big plot movement was a result of possible cancellation or that it was the intended path of the show, "6:02 AM EST" really stepped things up and made sure the audience knew that the season finale would be big. The episode begins with sheep obliterated and soon sinks the world into an apocalyptic situation, with the machine turned on in the other world, by Walternate using Peter's half of the baby's DNA, which in turn activates the machine in our world.
The other Olivia makes her fateful choice, deciding to try to cross over to stop Walternate, but gets caught. Peter touches the machine to get it to stop, but is thrown to the ground and is in bad condition in the hospital. I guess the only person whose plan goes the right way is Walternate. These actions cause lots of angst for the other characters, especially Walter, who prays to God (or a god, however you want to interpret his actions).
What's up with Sam Weiss? Given how much he's been hyped up, he could provide an explanation for everything, which would be far too easy
Score: 9.2/10
The other Olivia makes her fateful choice, deciding to try to cross over to stop Walternate, but gets caught. Peter touches the machine to get it to stop, but is thrown to the ground and is in bad condition in the hospital. I guess the only person whose plan goes the right way is Walternate. These actions cause lots of angst for the other characters, especially Walter, who prays to God (or a god, however you want to interpret his actions).
What's up with Sam Weiss? Given how much he's been hyped up, he could provide an explanation for everything, which would be far too easy
Score: 9.2/10
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 19 Lysergic Acid Diethylamide
Whatever one may think about "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide," there's no denying that the writers are as bold as ever. While most shows lie back and return to normalcy after large events, Fringe pushes forward in its own unconventional way. "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide" doesn't advance the plot of the two worlds fighting, but it does resolve the issue of William Bell and has plenty of humor along the way.
The episode is one long LSD trip--a cartoon with zombies and zeppelins, Broyles tripping, and wacky stuff in general. But the writers never forget that they have a purpose, and the episode is quite emotional with the return of Olivia and the departure of William Bell. Of course, the last line of the episode, Olivia casually remarking that the man in the drawing will kill her, is the type of cliffhanger we've come to expect.
Score: 8.9/10
The episode is one long LSD trip--a cartoon with zombies and zeppelins, Broyles tripping, and wacky stuff in general. But the writers never forget that they have a purpose, and the episode is quite emotional with the return of Olivia and the departure of William Bell. Of course, the last line of the episode, Olivia casually remarking that the man in the drawing will kill her, is the type of cliffhanger we've come to expect.
Score: 8.9/10
Friday, March 25, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 18 Bloodline
I'm sure you've all heard by now, but Fringe has been renewed for a full 22-episode season, which means we'll see more of this incredible story play out. It would be a shame if we didn't see a conclusion since the writers really went out on a limb with all the twists and developments they threw in, and now we don't have to worry about the possibility of that happening.
"Bloodline" returns the show back to the other universe where Olivia is pregnant and troubled by the high likelihood she has a condition which will leave both her and her baby dead. Quickly, the episode spins into high gear with Olivia kidnapped by a group of shadowy doctors.
While the episode is Olivia-centric, as we spent a lot of time seeing her react and escape, but the reactions of her colleagues are perhaps the most interesting. As we've seen by now, they're not bad people, following orders based on the assumption that the other universe is at war with them, starting with Walter's theft of Peter. And as Charlie and Lincoln learn more about where Olivia was and how Walternate was involved, they begin questioning the ethical issues.
Other than that, I'm not too keen on this episode. I know I was supposed to be feeling something when Olivia was delivering the baby, but I was oddly unsentimental, not caring about Lincoln, the baby, or Olivia, even when she might have died. Maybe it's because the baby being born was sprung too quickly or that Lincoln was a little creepy. The final twist of Walternate receiving the blood, following the Observer fake out, was nicely done, but the episode, overall, didn't have the kick of a top-notch Fringe episode.
Score: 8.7/10
"Bloodline" returns the show back to the other universe where Olivia is pregnant and troubled by the high likelihood she has a condition which will leave both her and her baby dead. Quickly, the episode spins into high gear with Olivia kidnapped by a group of shadowy doctors.
While the episode is Olivia-centric, as we spent a lot of time seeing her react and escape, but the reactions of her colleagues are perhaps the most interesting. As we've seen by now, they're not bad people, following orders based on the assumption that the other universe is at war with them, starting with Walter's theft of Peter. And as Charlie and Lincoln learn more about where Olivia was and how Walternate was involved, they begin questioning the ethical issues.
Other than that, I'm not too keen on this episode. I know I was supposed to be feeling something when Olivia was delivering the baby, but I was oddly unsentimental, not caring about Lincoln, the baby, or Olivia, even when she might have died. Maybe it's because the baby being born was sprung too quickly or that Lincoln was a little creepy. The final twist of Walternate receiving the blood, following the Observer fake out, was nicely done, but the episode, overall, didn't have the kick of a top-notch Fringe episode.
Score: 8.7/10
FX cancels Lights Out, FOX renews Fringe
Both Fox Entertainment Group channels, FX and FOX announced important renewal decisions yesterday.
Lights Out, FX's critically acclaimed but low-rated series about retired boxer Patrick "Lights" Leary's return to the ring. This comes less than four months after FX canceled Terriers, a PI show in much the same position as Lights Out.
Fringe, FOX's science fiction show about the Fringe division, was placed on Friday nights after underperforming on Thursdays, and received considerably lower ratings. Still, the series was renewed for a complete 22-episode season (and I'm guessing there will be budget cuts).
Lights Out, FX's critically acclaimed but low-rated series about retired boxer Patrick "Lights" Leary's return to the ring. This comes less than four months after FX canceled Terriers, a PI show in much the same position as Lights Out.
Fringe, FOX's science fiction show about the Fringe division, was placed on Friday nights after underperforming on Thursdays, and received considerably lower ratings. Still, the series was renewed for a complete 22-episode season (and I'm guessing there will be budget cuts).
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 17 Stowaway
I like "Stowaway" as a single episode. Anna Torv, following on her William Bell/Leonard Nimoy impression from the end of last week's episode, maintains the gravely voice and inflection for the entire episode, along with various physical ticks. Bell's interactions with Walter are just priceless. The plot this week has an interesting concept, a woman trying to kill herself after her family is murder but can't. She gets on a train, knowing a bomb is on, seeing all the people who'll die alongside her. In the end, she takes the bomb off the train once the police come and she does die.
However, Bell proposes a new theory of the universe, that destiny is guiding people, which is troubling to say the least. Maybe Peter will end up in the machine despite Walter's best efforts. Maybe Dana (the woman who couldn't die) couldn't die because she was fated to save those on the train. This seems very reminiscent of Lost, where the supernatural weirdness is explained through destiny. Plenty of stories through the ages has explored this concept, as well as recent sci-fi shows, so I'm a little disappointed Fringe may be headed this way. Fringe is supposed to be a show about science (or at least the first 60 are about science), and this isn't science. We also have to remember that this is Bell's opinion, supported only by meager empirical observations and wild speculation, not science. After lots of interesting themes and plot developments in the past two seasons, hopefully Fringe can continue the streak.
As Dana's condition was being revealed, I kept wondering why she was only trying to kill herself physically. I don't want to sound like a wacko, but my impulse from watching so much television is that she should have tried to drown herself or overdose on pills. However, it's not shown whether she tried that or even if that would work. That's part of the problem of Fringe's psuedo-science, because the writers don't need to explain everything.
Score: 8.8/10
However, Bell proposes a new theory of the universe, that destiny is guiding people, which is troubling to say the least. Maybe Peter will end up in the machine despite Walter's best efforts. Maybe Dana (the woman who couldn't die) couldn't die because she was fated to save those on the train. This seems very reminiscent of Lost, where the supernatural weirdness is explained through destiny. Plenty of stories through the ages has explored this concept, as well as recent sci-fi shows, so I'm a little disappointed Fringe may be headed this way. Fringe is supposed to be a show about science (or at least the first 60 are about science), and this isn't science. We also have to remember that this is Bell's opinion, supported only by meager empirical observations and wild speculation, not science. After lots of interesting themes and plot developments in the past two seasons, hopefully Fringe can continue the streak.
As Dana's condition was being revealed, I kept wondering why she was only trying to kill herself physically. I don't want to sound like a wacko, but my impulse from watching so much television is that she should have tried to drown herself or overdose on pills. However, it's not shown whether she tried that or even if that would work. That's part of the problem of Fringe's psuedo-science, because the writers don't need to explain everything.
Score: 8.8/10
Friday, March 11, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 16 Os
As I'm writing this, "Anna Torv" is trending on Twitter and has been for a few hours (though there are sporadic patches when she isn't). That's saying something because when the series began, I remember loads of people attacking Torv, criticizing her wooden acting and lack of personality. It was a valid criticism, magnified by the fact that J.J. Abrams had earlier cast the ultimate kick-ass heroine in Jennifer Garner. But as the series progressed and Olivia's role expanded, Torv was able to show she could do more, which partially puts the burden on the writers to trust that she can handle the responsibilities.
Olivia doesn't really do that much in "Os," the most notable thing being her mood change due to being with Peter. It's the final twist everyone will remember, a near-perfect rendition of William Bell's coarse voice, because William Bell is now inside her body. As ridiculous as the soul magnet sounds, it actually works.
Plot-wise, the episode features a standard case about people floating. While it's not particularly exciting, we once again see the significance of the father-son relationship as well as the lingering effects of Walter crossing those years before. Apparently, now that the universes are unstable, the physical world no longer functions as it once was, and the two heaviest elements can combine to be lighter than air.
Score: 8.7/10
Olivia doesn't really do that much in "Os," the most notable thing being her mood change due to being with Peter. It's the final twist everyone will remember, a near-perfect rendition of William Bell's coarse voice, because William Bell is now inside her body. As ridiculous as the soul magnet sounds, it actually works.
Plot-wise, the episode features a standard case about people floating. While it's not particularly exciting, we once again see the significance of the father-son relationship as well as the lingering effects of Walter crossing those years before. Apparently, now that the universes are unstable, the physical world no longer functions as it once was, and the two heaviest elements can combine to be lighter than air.
Score: 8.7/10
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 15 Subject 13
Going into the past has lots of problems, notably the urge to draw distinct connections between characters, in essence retconning. The seminal season two episode "Peter" tells the complete story of how Walter stole Peter from the other universe and doesn't introduce anything contrary to our assumptions.
"Subject 13," however, shows us that Peter and Olivia knew each other as children, and not just in a passing moment since they talk and hang out for a while. And not just that, Peter knows he's from the other universe, making a big fuss about it. In present time, it's weird and confusing to look at these characters and realize they'd already met and were friendly. The writers have to chalk it up to, "Oh, both Peter and Olivia forgot their entire childhoods," which is ridiculous unless we see Walter wiping their memories. I guess the writers want to create some kind of cosmic connection between Peter and Olivia, spanning time and universes, but it's too hokey for me to buy.
But aside from that, "Subject 13" is a fantastic episode, as we see exactly what Walter was up to in Jacksonville, how important Olivia is, and how her abusive stepfather stimulated her to crossover. And in crossing over, Olivia handed her sketchbook to Walternate, cluing him in to another universe. The highlight of the episode is the acting. The kids are great, John Noble was great as usual, and Orla Brady was out of the world, with her wonderfully nuanced performance as Elizabeth, who is deeply troubled the entire episode.
It's a real shame Fringe has to air opposite Supernatural, because as good as "Subject 13" was, nothing could even touch Supernatural's ultimate meta episode.
Score: 9.3/10
"Subject 13," however, shows us that Peter and Olivia knew each other as children, and not just in a passing moment since they talk and hang out for a while. And not just that, Peter knows he's from the other universe, making a big fuss about it. In present time, it's weird and confusing to look at these characters and realize they'd already met and were friendly. The writers have to chalk it up to, "Oh, both Peter and Olivia forgot their entire childhoods," which is ridiculous unless we see Walter wiping their memories. I guess the writers want to create some kind of cosmic connection between Peter and Olivia, spanning time and universes, but it's too hokey for me to buy.
But aside from that, "Subject 13" is a fantastic episode, as we see exactly what Walter was up to in Jacksonville, how important Olivia is, and how her abusive stepfather stimulated her to crossover. And in crossing over, Olivia handed her sketchbook to Walternate, cluing him in to another universe. The highlight of the episode is the acting. The kids are great, John Noble was great as usual, and Orla Brady was out of the world, with her wonderfully nuanced performance as Elizabeth, who is deeply troubled the entire episode.
It's a real shame Fringe has to air opposite Supernatural, because as good as "Subject 13" was, nothing could even touch Supernatural's ultimate meta episode.
Score: 9.3/10
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Epiosde 14 6B
"6B" has two distinct ideas/plots, and the writers aren't quite able to reconcile the two, leaving me once the fence about the episode. The first is the old woman who sees a "ghost" of her husband, and it turns out her husband is actually from the other universe. It's rather sweet and advances the notion that emotion and love can linger across any boundary in a more scientific sense than just metaphysical. The second is end of the world, which is imminent because the old lady is causing a vortex to open up. This allows for major development between Olivia and Peter, which is what the writers were going for since the second season.
Coupled together, however, the two don't work as well as they would individually. That the end of the universe could be caused be a woman yearning for her husband takes away most of the gravitas of the end of the world and omits the other world entirely. The result is that the middle part of the episode is ginned up drama and not that compelling (though the morality stuff is interesting). In this respect, "6B" is a below average episode.
On the other hand, the scenes between Olivia and Peter are really terrific, with Olivia finally letting go in the end and allowing love to do its thing. While we don't learn anything about the machine or whether Peter was changed by it, the relationship between Olivia and Peter takes one step ahead, and the dilemma presented at the end of last week's episode, Fauxlivia's pregnancy, is amplified.
Score: 8.7/10
Coupled together, however, the two don't work as well as they would individually. That the end of the universe could be caused be a woman yearning for her husband takes away most of the gravitas of the end of the world and omits the other world entirely. The result is that the middle part of the episode is ginned up drama and not that compelling (though the morality stuff is interesting). In this respect, "6B" is a below average episode.
On the other hand, the scenes between Olivia and Peter are really terrific, with Olivia finally letting go in the end and allowing love to do its thing. While we don't learn anything about the machine or whether Peter was changed by it, the relationship between Olivia and Peter takes one step ahead, and the dilemma presented at the end of last week's episode, Fauxlivia's pregnancy, is amplified.
Score: 8.7/10
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 13 Immortality
Since the Olivias have returned to their own worlds, Fringe has stayed in the original, following Olivia as she tries to reacclimate herself in a world, knowing that Peter had been with the other Olivia. This week, however, Fringe returned fully to the other universe, complete with the red credits.
It's very interesting to see how this team operates. For the most part, the investigating methods are the same, the biggest difference being that they go to outside experts versus an in-house mad scientist. But the people are vastly different. With a full episode dedicated to the other world's crew, we get a much better idea who they are. Olivia is playful, but has doubts about herself and Frank. Lincoln doesn't think he can fill Broyles's shoes.
The case is pretty interesting and somewhat thoughtful. Dr. Silva is kind of like Walter. He has a goal to save mankind through an influenza vaccine by cultivating an enzyme. Unfortunately, all the sheep have died out, leaving humans as the only viable hosts. So we see Silva systematically kill of random people in pursuit of scientific ends, immortalizing himself for the future when his great scientific treatment. Along the way, though, it's obvious he's gone off the deep end like Walter, taking things a step too far and losing track of his humanity.
The recurring theme of "Immortality" and Fringe in general is the paternal instinct, how far a father is willing to go to retrieve his son. Now, with the other Olivia with Peter's baby, this concept is at the forefront. To save his child, will Peter sacrifice the world he knows and loves?
Score: 9.2/10
I don't want to make anyone feel bad, but Fringe's ratings have dropped the past two weeks and is now at a low 1.4. Although we'll have to wait a bit longer to see what happens, it looks like Fringe is in trouble.
It's very interesting to see how this team operates. For the most part, the investigating methods are the same, the biggest difference being that they go to outside experts versus an in-house mad scientist. But the people are vastly different. With a full episode dedicated to the other world's crew, we get a much better idea who they are. Olivia is playful, but has doubts about herself and Frank. Lincoln doesn't think he can fill Broyles's shoes.
The case is pretty interesting and somewhat thoughtful. Dr. Silva is kind of like Walter. He has a goal to save mankind through an influenza vaccine by cultivating an enzyme. Unfortunately, all the sheep have died out, leaving humans as the only viable hosts. So we see Silva systematically kill of random people in pursuit of scientific ends, immortalizing himself for the future when his great scientific treatment. Along the way, though, it's obvious he's gone off the deep end like Walter, taking things a step too far and losing track of his humanity.
The recurring theme of "Immortality" and Fringe in general is the paternal instinct, how far a father is willing to go to retrieve his son. Now, with the other Olivia with Peter's baby, this concept is at the forefront. To save his child, will Peter sacrifice the world he knows and loves?
Score: 9.2/10
I don't want to make anyone feel bad, but Fringe's ratings have dropped the past two weeks and is now at a low 1.4. Although we'll have to wait a bit longer to see what happens, it looks like Fringe is in trouble.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 12 Concentrate and Ask Again
"Concentrate and Ask Again" offers two great, diverging images--the hideous flopping bodies and an amazing Anna Torv in the dress--and that's kind of what holds the episode up. The main plot turns into the usual "stop the bad guys", while the addition of an undocumented Cortexiphan offers a too-obvious reflection on Olivia and the possibility she may be broken, and that she needs to communicate better.
Peter's choice of Olivias will determine the fate of both universes in a yet to be seen way, but I have a hard time seeing how this is a tough choice. This is the Olivia he's known longer, and this is the universe containing everyone he knows. Would he give it all up for the other Olivia who originally deceived him?
Bowling alley guru Sam wrote the books? What?? I'm so confused.
What happened to the implication in the last episode that Peter was changed by the machine?
Score: 8.7/10
Peter's choice of Olivias will determine the fate of both universes in a yet to be seen way, but I have a hard time seeing how this is a tough choice. This is the Olivia he's known longer, and this is the universe containing everyone he knows. Would he give it all up for the other Olivia who originally deceived him?
Bowling alley guru Sam wrote the books? What?? I'm so confused.
What happened to the implication in the last episode that Peter was changed by the machine?
Score: 8.7/10
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Review - Fringe Season 3 Episode 11 Reciprocity
In and of itself, "Reciprocity" is an average episode in line with those of the first season. But this is the third season of Fringe, which has become more serialized over time, and everything that happens has an implication for the future. With this in mind, "Reciprocity" becomes a fairly exciting episode as shapeshifters start dying.
The final revelation that Peter is the killer is really awesome, enhanced by Walter's suggestion that the machine somehow changed Peter. While we don't know exactly what's going on, Peter is different, changed by the machine or extra angry from the Fauxlivia fallout.
Score: 9.0/10
The final revelation that Peter is the killer is really awesome, enhanced by Walter's suggestion that the machine somehow changed Peter. While we don't know exactly what's going on, Peter is different, changed by the machine or extra angry from the Fauxlivia fallout.
Score: 9.0/10
