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The Fate of Fringe
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Last week's episode of Fringe (Earthling) premiered with dismal ratings, starting a firestorm of speculation that there may not be a third season. Some may argue that with the arrival of 'V' and 'Flash Forward' fans have lost interest in Fringe. 'V's ratings were a shock, even to ABC, who was careful not to advertise the show as an 'Alien' show. But 'Flash Forward' isn't faring so well. So what gives?
According to fans and critics alike, Fringe is suffering from the 'Thursday night death stamp'. Fox's surefire way to kill a show. Thursdays are notorious for dwindling ratings, and if Fringe is ever going to reclaim its former glory, Fox will have to step up and decide what's more important.
'V' has two more episodes in the pipeline before its winter hiatus and Flash Forward is just too weak in characterization to keep any science fiction fan vaguely interested. But Fringe is J.J. Abrams other powerhouse. No 'Lost' fan can deny the impact of the show set on an 'island-of-wonder', but Fringe caters to the homebodies. Fringe caters to the (ex)X-philes and mostly, it caters to the science fiction fans that like bigger mysteries, but enjoy contained stories that end in one episode.
Monster-of-the-week episodes never grow old, but if Fringe fails on Fox's worst night, MotW themed shows may go the way of the dinosaur that was The X-Files. And so will the opportunity to see great actors like John Noble, Blair Brown, Lance Reddick and Leonard Nimoy. (Say it isn't so!)
For now, we have J-brams word that Fox actually cares. Whatever that means. "The mood on set and in the writer's room is as good as the ratings are bad, which is to say, wonderful. Luckily, Fox has been insanely supportive, for which we are deeply grateful... [G]iven that we're on one of the hardest [nights] on television, we're just focusing on making the best show we possibly can. What else can we do?" J-brams said in an official interview with Entertainment Weekly.
*But if you want a quick antidote, just watch the show. If you love it, watch it! Watch it when it airs. Watch it all the way through. Let Fox know what you want: Good shows that last. (Preferably on a better night!)
For those of you looking to play catchup, you can watch all current episodes, as well as Season 1 of Fringe here.
Sneak peek Season 2 Episode 7: Of Human Action
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