It’s been a week since the Fringe series finale and yet I think I still have enough tears to last me till 2167. Especially every time I think about the bittersweet highlights in that last hour of my most cherished sci-fi show. A lot can go wrong in a series finale but I have to say this one is right up there with shows like Lost and Chuck. It gave me emotional closure, stayed true to the show’s canon (and various timelines); it left me overjoyed to have met such beloved characters. In short, it was indeed “correct” as Joshua Jackson put it in a recent interview. I’m tearing up just thinking about it so without further ado, here my very favorite things about the Fringe series finale.
Astrid & Gene: It’s a testament to Fringe’s ability in showcasing all relationships between characters (main and supporting) when you can elicit a flood of tears watching a scientist, his lab assistant, and their cow together in a scene that just literally, melts your ambered heart. Astrid showing Walter that Gene was also ambered/preserved did “soothe” the old man who was dealing with his decision to sacrifice himself to save the world. In return for her years of caretaking, Walter admitted that Astrid was in fact a beautiful name. Sigh.
The Alternate Universe: Who doesn’t like seeing dear old friends? Revisiting the alternate universe one last time was a smart move by writers of the show. It gave us a chance to see that Fauxlivia and Lincoln did end up together and were very happy with their own family. It was also touching to see Lincoln and Olivia reflect on his choice to stay on the other side, even though our side ended up being invaded by Observers. And how about those crazy alternate universe bonuses like Chelsea Clinton running for president and the American dollar being the predominant currency in the world!
Fringe Outbreak & Saving Broyles: Philip was always a stone cold boss—never more so when he directly ordered his former team not to save him and instead continue on with the plan. But in a happy coincidence Broyles was being interrogated in an unventilated room in the same building Liv and Peter busted into (leaving a trail of Loyalists and Observers dying from Fringe-related infections). I was practically giggling with glee when I saw the tiny little bugs floating in the water and knowing we’d see them grow and eventually explode out of bodies. What a wonderful way to call back to previous episodes!
Donald/September: He’ll always be the O.G. Observer in our eyes and yet he’s the one that believed enough in humanity to help us save our world. The phrase “the boy must live” will forever mean so much and not only because September is the one who saved Peter and Walter all those years ago—but because September learns to truly understand the gravity of his statement as it refers to him and his own son, Michael. His wanting to lead Michael into the wormhole as the only way he can communicate his love for his son is both profound and heartbreaking. Moreover, it reiterates the themes of family, sacrifice, and love on this show. And even though Walter is the one who ultimately leads the boy, it kind of brings about the feeling of coming full circle to a whole new level, doesn’t it?
Olivia Beats Wyndmark: I should say Olivia kills the living ish out of Wyndmark. How awesome was it to see Olivia fully realize the potential Walter and William Bell saw in her so many years ago. With just 4 (albeit really painful) doses of Cortexiphan to her brain stem, her super human self picked up right where she left off—crossing universes, igniting explosions, and telekinetically kicking ass. It’s no wonder the child observer smiled when she came to save him. That little futuristic kid knew all along that Olivia always had the strength in her to beat the bad guys.
Walter’s Goodbye Tape: I just want to immediately break out in sobs as I type this subject. We could talk about John Noble’s always superb, incredibly tear-jerking performance. We could talk about that hug between a father and son that probably left John Noble, Joshua Jackson, all viewers and me breathless and in tears. Or we could even talk about Walter’s gut-wrenching reasoning that he must sacrifice himself so that Peter can give Olivia back Etta and ultimately give his own family a future. We can also talk about how Walter gracefully acknowledges he cheated fate once before and that this time he’s spent with Peter has always been “stolen,” but that he wouldn’t change it for the world. But the thing that takes the cake… is Walter telling Peter that he is his “favorite thing… very favorite thing.” That single moment made the finale and emphasized just how amazingly cool this show is. Yes, even cooler than anti-gravity bullets.
What were your favorite moments of the Fringe series finale? And if you already miss it like me, go on over and find out the things we’ll miss most about Fringe.
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