Newcomer Amy Jessup joins "Fringe"
What do we learn from the “Fringe” premiere? One, that having Anna Torv in a bed the entire episode does not do her justice. Two, that “Fringe” has far more to offer than simple one-shot storylines.
Like one should expect from J. J. Abrams (the episode is written by him and Akiva Goldsman), the episode starts off with a bang, and a confusing one at that. The episode introduces a new shape shifting character, a soldier from an alternate universe with a mission still unknown to viewers. However, it is clear that his mission is deeply tied to William Bell and whatever secrets he may have relayed onto Olivia. Not much is known about this character at the moment, but he should make a formidable opponent, both because of his disguise and his apparent invincibility.
While the arc of the episode revolves around this new enemy, the episode also takes its time reintroducing all the major characters of the show. Fans will welcome these able-minded individuals back while newcomers should comfortably transition into the world. While the pacing of the premiere is slower than “Fringe” in its usual form, the episode does an excellent and necessary job of catching viewers up. Will newcomers still be lost? Hell yes, but the same goes for avid fans as well (again, it’s J. J. Abrams). Take Nina and Broyles’ kiss, for example.
With Olivia inactive the entire episode, the premiere also attempts to fill the void with a new character, FBI agent Amy Jessup. New to the madness, she helps the Bishops and the collapsing Fringe division with the investigation throughout the episode. This is a smart tactic, but is Amy worth keeping around? The jury is still out on that one, but what I do know is that without Olivia Dunham, the show would not be worth watching. While the void hurts the episode, it also shows just how important the characters are to the show, even if they are way too smart to be normal.
For doubters still on the fence about the show due to its one-shot format, Agent Jessup also comes with a religious perspective on the mysterious happenings. Could the cases be signs of the coming Apocalypse from Revelations? I will have to go through season 1 before I can agree on this theory, but it does add a new layer to the seemingly random occurences.
And speaking of keeping characters around, the shape shifter also kills Agent Charlie Francis and steals his identity. Although a predictable turn of event, it is still sad to know that actor Kirk Acevedo’s time on the show is numbered at best. Doesn’t this remind you of Locke from “Lost” or Nathan from “Heroes”? Well, this is science-fiction.
For the most part, the episode follows one major plotline and goes with it. Most of the episode is about interpreting all the strange events and saving Olivia’s life. A surprisingly simple story for a premiere, it still manages to hook and surprise viewers. Still, if you don’t care about the characters as much as the mystery, the episode may not have as much impact. For a season-starter though, “Fringe” performed capably and sets up a new season with a new tone.
Rating: 9/10
Promo for next week:
Comments
Actually, Charlie's death and replacement seems more like a borrowed plot device from Alias where Francie was killed and replaced by a duplicate. I suppose it must be ok for JJ to borrow ideas from himself.
I disagree with you on Olivia - I found her character ten times more interesting when incapacitated and vulnerable and sparingly used than when she's all over the place. Her character is honestly not nearly original enough to warrant the amounts of attention she usually gets. In this episode she was used well - the character was put in an unusual situation for her that builds and explores her character, and the plot and the remaining characters didn't have to be overshadowed by Olivia needing to save the day every time.
Episode was decent and entertaining - better than I'd dare hope, but not quite great either - with its main strengths being the lack of a one-shot plot and the surprising and painful character death at the end. And Peter was great.
"Will newcomers still be lost? Hell yes [...] Take Nina and Broyles’ kiss, for example."
That was new? I was so sure the latter half of season 1 was littered with kisses they had a personal relationship. Did I just dream that up?
Oh, and it should be said while the "we're shutting you down!"-plot is incredibly unoriginal, the chance to see some more politics on the show is very welcomed. It will suit Broyles a lot more than what's come before, and will give his character more to do, which is good, as the stellar actor has been grossly underused so far. Should also open the window more to Nina and Massive Dynamic, which can't be bad, either.
And I'll repeat my love for both Bishops. So the show's by no means without merit, even if I'm still lukewarm.
(A small nitpicky note, why were we never told why Astrid kept showing up for work in the lab if the division was shut down?)
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