Ah, Fringe...

[fogsblue]

Yep, new episode of Fringe. Much love for this show.

Oh yeah, for the sake of what little sanity I have and my patience, all characters will be normal or alt, cause I'm not gonna try to figure out who they might really be. Plus typing alt!alt! or alt!alt!alt! is just messy :P


The story here, of the guy offering mercy to those who will suffer isn't too bad. The fact that he wanted to die was interesting. Overall I didn't mind the plot, but seriously all that was really a background too the real interest in this episode as far as I'm concerned, which was alt!Astrid and everything she bought to universe.

 Poor thing though, trying to deal with an emotional side she obviously isn't used to. I just want to hug her. The conversation she had with normal Astrid regarding the love of her father, pretty much broke my heart. Actually, full credit to Jasika Nicole, I think she did a brilliant job playing both Astrids wonderfully. Astrid does rather seem to be taken for granted by Walter though, it's odd seeing him so caring about alt!Astrid while continuing to almost ignore his Astrid. Her take on a couple of the relationships was perfect as well, such as Walter and Peter. 

Seriously though, it's been a long time coming in getting a more Astrid centric story. So very happy about it.
(Also, like that alt!Astrid  has as much clearance as her Broyles, very impressive).

Seriously though, I think this episode was all about the dynamics between characters both from the same universe and those that spread across the universes. Walter working with Peter, they have a great relationship. It's something I've adored about this show from the beginning. I don't know why, but the fact it's alt!Olivia that suspects where alt!Astrid is going is sort of nice, though one is curious why she wants to be the one to cross. Given she can't be expected anyone to like her? That said, the discussion between Olivia and alt!Olivia was interesting. Always love watching those scenes, absolutely brilliantly done. Walter and alt!Olivia... Can feel the love there. But was interesting seeing how it developed over the episode.

Can't say it was entirely without overall arc development though, there was the fascinating conversation between Observers at the end of the episode say "Peter Bishop has returned". Now by the use of the word returned I wonder if they're suggesting that these are the original universes with the different time line and Peter does actually belong there? Oh well, will be interesting to see.

Comments

[sweet-anise.livejournal.com]

It's about time Astrid got some backstory! Really, though, the most heartbreaking part for me was the scene at the end when we realized that Astrid was lying to her alternate.

I'm glad we're getting back to the plot point of September as a semi-rogue Observer. (Not as much as August, but still).

As a huge Lincoln fan, though, I'm worried that they're starting to gradually write him out. I wonder if they're trying to smooth the transition from Amber back to Blue by slipping Peter back into the role of Olivia's partner and potential love interest. I also noticed that the "previously on Fringe" section included scenes from the Blue/Red 'verses, which struck me as odd (although perhaps necessary for the casual viewer).

[fogsblue.livejournal.com]

Actually, I do have to agree that scene was pretty damn heartbreaking. Poor alt!Astrid. Pretty much every interaction between them had a somewhat heartbreaking feeling. But so amazing.

I like the idea he's a semi-rogue observer. And it does in itself raise a bunch of questions, like how much has he actually done wrong. I mean we know Peter was meant to be gone, but warning Olivia, how bad is that?

Yeah, I did notice a distinct lack of Lincoln this episode and does make you wonder if they're moving him to the background to prepare for a transition to Blue/Red. Personally I'd see that as a distinct shame, I really like Lincoln.

I'm not sure Fringe would work well as casual viewing... But it's possible. Hopefully next episode will give some hints where they're heading with it.

[sweet-anise.livejournal.com]

Oh, I totally agree re: casual viewing-- I think that's why ratings are so low. Even if they rarely lose viewers, they can only really gain new ones if the person watches 3 1/2 seasons of catch-up.

I guess by "casual viewers" I meant people that might actually need "previously on Fringe" because they don't pick apart and rehash the episodes like we do.

[fogsblue.livejournal.com]

Ahh I understand what you mean. Sorry. I guess it's one of those things. Someone says casual viewer I automatically think of one thing. In the sense you mean though, yeah that kind of viewer would probably need the "previously on..".

It is a shame really, I mean I love the show and don't want it too change but it is admittedly a risk having a show the typical casual viewer can't really jump into.

[phoenixrising06.livejournal.com]

I have so much love for Jasika Nicole. She did an incredible job. Somehow the actors on Fringe always manage to make me forget the normal characters and the alt!characters are played by the same people.

[fogsblue.livejournal.com]

Agreed! They all do such an amazing job playing 2/3/4 (yeah, that's an interesting question) versions of the same character in such a way that you forget they're all played by one person.

Good thing too, the show would be a disaster otherwise.