Usually by Season Three, very rarely does a show actually improve upon itself. And if it does, it is usually overlooked. Fox’s Fringe is a perfect example of such a show. And if you have missed exactly what’s been going on, let’s play catch-up, shall we?
Anna Torv’s Olivia Dunham has been replaced with her doppelganger, who has infiltrated the Fringe division of the FBI in our universe, helping Walternate plan something big, and even worming her way into the heart and soul of Peter Bishop. Meanwhile our Olivia Dunham has been brainwashed, (or so Walternate thinks) and is placed ‘back’ into the government’s departent of defense (also called the Fringe Division). While our Olivia is stuck and continues to work a way back to our world, she plays the part that has been given to her.
This week’s case for the team is that of the Candyman’s return. The Candyman is an individual who kidnaps children and when they are found, they are more worse for wear. Not beaten or what not, but frail, and sometimes, sick. In some cases, they return with cancer. Almost, like they are getting older. But the Candyman case hits home with Fringe Division, as Agent Phillip Broyles, so far in the alternate timeline as a underling baddie who doesn’t trust the other Olivia, knowing her purpose on the team, as per Walternate’s orders, had his son kidnapped by the Candyman years ago. His son Chris is not doing well since being returned from the Candyman. His organs failing him, his eyes already gone. While we don’t know what else has been lost for Chris, it is known that him, like any child found from the Candyman’s reign of terror, might not make it past 18 years old, dying from whatever cancer or old age that is descending on this kids.
It’s a horrifying prospect, a child dying of ‘old age’ when they are only twelve, and so imagine Broyles’ anger when Olivia wants to bring back old wounds for his son. The case is solved with another member of the other universe’s Fringe Team discovering Olivia’s realization that she is our Olivia, and not their own, is discovered (though, I best not ruin it. To watch the episode online when it goes live on Friday, click here).
As always, Fringe works best when it works with the heart strings and deeper motivations of our characters, no matter what universe we play in. While each episode has flipped back and forth, one episode in our universe, another in the other universe, it is still no exception. For all we know in our universe, not much is really known about Broyles, but Lance Reddick brings a real sense of urgency and parental yearning that really raises him up to our Walter Bishop. It seems Fringe as a whole can be summarized about the give and pull between parent and child, and when foucsed upon, is always when Fringe shines brightest. While usually that part of the show is taken by the our Walter and Peter Bishop relationship, it is nice to see Reddick stretch his wings so to speak.
So what did you think of FRINGE which airs on Thursday at 9:00 on WTTE Fox 28, examiners? Did you enjoy it? Did you hate it? Let us know your thoughts about the show and we may read your comments on Nick’s podcast, the Good, The Bad & The Geeky! You can comment below or send your thoughts via e-mail or heck, if you have twitter, tweet us! Also, If you like what you hear, please subscribe on iTunes!
Comments