Occasionally I get obsessed with a new story, be it manga or TV that I just can’t help the urge to keep thinking and talking about it. Since Fullmetal Alchemist has ended, Fringe has filled the void. I really, really want to spread the love for this US TV series that’s woefully relatively unknown.The premise of this show: FBI agent Olivia Dunham, mad scientist (really- he was locked up in a mental institution for 17 years) Dr. Walter Bishop and his son Peter Bishop work in the Fringe division, which investigates cases involving fringe science - weird and often gory pseudo-science stuff like liquefied brains, mind control, giant virus slugs etc.
Initially I was not very invested in this series – I was wary of how a vague mysterious bad force seems to be behind the incidents (called “The Pattern”), and the first few episodes sort of felt like they weren’t sure where the plot was going. I was worried that it would be unresolved in the end and I’ve been burnt by other shows like John Doe and Jake 2.0 before. So I just watched it on and off like it was a procedural show, like CSI with weird science.
Meanwhile, there were glimpses of the interesting places the show was going – there were quite a few mini cliff hangers in episodes that had my hair standing on end, such as the ominous scene with the typewriter in S1E14 Ability, where you realize that the characters might actually be involved with the Pattern themselves.
It was really till the season 1 finale that I was hooked for good. For me, it really defined the WTH?! quality the show has at the best of times. Spoilers ahead! (highlight to show) The ending really delivered on the WTH?! aspect – [spoilers] Leonard Nimoy as William Bell! (And Spock was even mentioned the episode before. Oh, show.) World Trade Center in an alternate universe! Peter is Dead?! (So Walter took this Peter from the alternate universe?!) [/spoilers][sorry for the overuse of punctuation, but that was really my whole reaction XD] The cliff hanger was just breath-taking and scream-worthy and had me itching for season 2.
Season 2 started strong, and really picked up the pace in its second half when it focused on the main plot. And it’s when the show is concentrating on telling the story that it really shines. Season 3 has continued on the premise built by seasons 1 and 2, and the story is really layered, thought-provoking and exciting.
Indeed, the overarching story has been well-planned so far and it’s reassuring to see that the writers are not making up stuff as they go. If you pay attention, you’ll see the little hints they give (some way back in season 1), and it’s satisfying to see the payoff. There are just so many layers to the story with lots Easter eggs*, it’s fun to analyze and discuss them in forums.
There’s also great character growth - if you re-watch season 1 now you’ll see how much the main trio of characters have grown. Relationships are also handled realistically and maturely, including the father-son relationship of the Bishops and the dynamics between Peter and Olivia.
The nuanced and expressive acting just makes it all the more enjoyable. John Noble (Walter) and Anna Torv (Olivia) really shine in season 3. They can speak volumes with just their body language and changes in expression. This is the first show where I’ve actually started paying more attention to the actors, and I really love the whole cast both in and out of the show. They seem to have a good sense of humor and enjoy themselves a lot.
Which brings me to another Fringe goodness: the funny moments, most of them involving Walter being Walter and saying inappropriate things, or asking for junk food, or being high**. S2 Brown Betty was a noir detective story concocted by a very high Walter, and totally a hoot. S3E17 Stowaway looks set to be a hilarious ride, and I suspect S3E19 will be too based on spoilers.
And just in case you think I’m a biased fan who’ll gush at anything the show does (well, I’m biased, but I’m trying to be as objective as I can), there are also times when the show fails to deliver as well as it usually does. The main complaint I’ve seen is you have to suspend your belief sometimes when the writers take convenient shortcuts for the sake of the plot (eye roll at how the shape-shifter in S2E1 escaped).
tl;dr version:
Oh, the engaging plot! The characters! The relationships! The crazy science! The acting! The WTH?! moments! The lulz! XD
In short, Fringe is a show about a dysfunctional family unit, drama, humor, romance and action in a sci-fi setting. It might be a sci-fi show, but in the end, it’s the story about the characters that grips you.
And hopefully, the show will be renewed, because there’s still quite a lot of the story to tell! If you’re in the US, please watch it live on FOX, Fridays 9/8c!
And hopefully, the show will be renewed, because there’s still quite a lot of the story to tell! If you’re in the US, please watch it live on FOX, Fridays 9/8c!
* including spot the observer, next episode hints, and glyphs. Hehe, now you’ll be searching for them too, that’s my dastardly plan ;)
**kids, drugs are bad for you. This is just a show, please DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.
Edit (24/3/2011): Fringe has been renewed for a 4th season! Fans worldwide gave a collective sigh of relief, and now we can look forward to the S3 finale without worrying about being axed =D
**kids, drugs are bad for you. This is just a show, please DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME.
Edit (24/3/2011): Fringe has been renewed for a 4th season! Fans worldwide gave a collective sigh of relief, and now we can look forward to the S3 finale without worrying about being axed =D
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