Go Back to SALEM

Article first published as TV Review: 'Salem' - Series Premiere' on Blogcritics.

WGN America enters the original programming game this week with Salem. Set in the town of the same name during the famous witch trials of the 1600s, it claims to be based on real events, though in the first hour, “The Vow,” it quickly becomes clear that what’s shown can only be true if you believe actual magic was present at that time and place. Still, it’s an interestingly built period piece, far more enjoyable that I expected.

As Salem begins, John Alden (Shane West, Nikita) goes off to war, leaving behind the backwards town of Salem, which is run by the cruel George Sibley (Michael Mulheren, Rescue Me). Years later, John returns to find the love who is supposed to be waiting for him, Mary (Janet Montgomery, Made in Jersey), married to Sibley and the town panicked by a witch invasion. To that end, Cotton Mather (Seth Gabel, Fringe) comes to help out, using his preacher’s pulpit to decry the dark arts.

One way Salem could go, would be to tell historical happenings as close as they can, letting paranoia and small-mindedness run the mood of the citizens. Instead, Salem chooses a different tact, immediately outing Mary to the viewers as a powerful witch. We don’t yet know how Mary became what she is, having seen her run off into the forest to try to get rid of John’s baby that she carried, then, years later, keeping Sibley under her command and palling around with the creepy Tituba (Ashley Madekwe, Revenge). We also don’t know if John’s return could possibly save her soul, which appears lost.

On one hand, I’m glad Salem does this. The machinations of the ladies with their spells and manipulations make for a driving story. We have Mary torn between what she is and what she used to be. Women of that time period often were not strong figures, and giving this power to them changes that. With real magic on the side of the witches, they have a fighting chance of persevering against the awful injustice that a handful of folks, Sibley chief among them, is reigning down on Salem. Plus, Salem is superior to some other recent witch-centered shows (Lifetime’s Witches of East End springs to mind).

On the other, this is sort of a bastardization of history. Many of the people, including John Alden, Cotton Mather, and Tituba, are actual figures, now being twisted in strange ways. Not to mention, the real events are intriguing enough, a cautionary tale of what happens when the population buys too far into superstition. Someone could make an incredibly complex character study on the emotional mindset of those involved, and how innocents might be taken down by lies and rumors.

But, Salem is what it is. It keeps the time period, which makes it different than most of the other supernatural series populating the airwaves, and adds its own elements. It has a pretty decent cast, with the actors, who have often been weak in other series, suited to the characters they are playing here. It looks neat, and the effects are well done. It also sets up a consistent tone and some simmering arcs that can play out over the course of the season or longer. It feels like the love child of AMC’s Turn and FOX’s Sleepy Hollow, but also has its own perspective.

I am not yet confident enough in the quality to truly recommend Salem as appointment television. But I am intrigued enough to set my TiVo to catch the next couple of episodes and see where it goes. Salem airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET on WGN America.

On the Fringe no more

Article first published as On the Fringe no more on TheTVKing.

I have been a fan of FOX's Fringe since day one. I liked the first season, and then grew to love the show as it deepened, building a rich, complex world, and making bold moves, constantly resetting themselves.

And then came season five. Yes, the concept of jumping into a future where the Observers have taken over the world, virtually enslaving the entire human race, is supremely cool. But, somehow, our team found a way to get around in this world. Observers can jump to any place in seconds, but they couldn't find those deemed most dangerous to them, even though the rebels just hung out in their old lab. Episodes became boring, as our central gang searched for piece after piece of Walter's (John Noble) forgotten plan, and barely made any progress. And many beloved recurring characters were entirely absent.

I'm not saying the whole year was terrible; there were some great moments. But overall, it lacked something that had worked very well these past few years, and I began to watch with my eye on the end, just waiting for things to pick up as the finale approached, making it all worth it.

Sadly, I can't say that the two hour "Liberty; An Enemy of Fate" redeemed the series. Again, there were great moments. Emotionally, the episode really worked because it served a few characters, and touched on elements of the past, using nostalgia to make it seem better than it was. Old cases the team investigated are used to attack the Observers. We get to see Olivia (Anna Torv) with powers again. We see Faxulivia (also Torv) and Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel), and that they have a happy family. September / Donald (Michael Cerveris) calls upon his old friend, December (Eugene Lipinski), to assist. Broyles (Lance Reddick) gets his shining moment to face down Captain Windmark (Michael Kopsa), just as Nina (Blair Brown) previously did. Michael bests Windmark with seemingly no effort. Walter says goodbye to his cow, and calls Astrid (Jasika Nicole) by her real name. Peter and Olivia get their daughter back. And, best of all, Peter (Joshua Jackson) has his best father/son moment to date with Walter, and even says "I love you, Dad."

Sadly, though, that is the surface stuff. There are so, so, so many plot holes and bits that don't make sense, that as much as I loved all of the things I just listed, the finale rings a bit hollow. If the Observers could jump to the alternate universe any time, why haven't they taken over that place, too? Where are the alternate universe Observers? Why do the Observers not try to capture and question Fauxlivia and Lincoln? Why not interrogate Broyles immediately about the whereabouts of the team, instead of wasting time by trying to follow him first? Why do the main characters take so long to abandon the lab, having discussions and watching videos, when they know that Windmark will soon be closing in? Why don't any of the many, many soldiers they pass while trying to catch a train recognize them? Why don't they park the van at the shipping lane sideways to provide cover from gun fire? Why don't they worry about bullets being fired under the trucks? Why don't September and Michael go through the shipping lane more quickly? How come the Observers don't appear and sabotage the equipment, rather than fighting man to man, thus defeating the good guys?

And the biggest question, if Michael prevents the Observers from becoming who they are in the first place, they never send scouts back, and September never grows protective of Michael, so the Observers don't have any reason to be stopped from becoming evil, so they still invade, which creates Michael again... It's all destined to happen in a loop. Telling us the universe allows such a paradox, with the only penalty to be to delete Walter from the timeline in 2015, is pretty ridiculous, and feels like a total cop out.

In short, I don't want to forget everything about the finale or the final season, but for reason, it just does not live up to the brilliance of seasons two through four. I don't know why more notice wasn't taken with the details of the story, as it has been in the past. Maybe the delicious concept they chose for the last adventure just painted the writers into a corner. Whatever the reason, Fringe will forever remain a solid and memorable show over all, with a disappointing ending.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

On the Fringe of the series

Grade: 87%

FOX’s FRINGE has tackled several universes and timelines, with characters existing, then not existing, being killed off, and then being alive again. For the fifth and final season, the series faces yet another reboot, this time moving events more than twenty years into the future.

The season premiere, “Transilience Thought Unifier Model-11,” continues the plot begun in last season’s episode “Letters of Transit.” Peter (Joshua Jackson), Walter (John Noble), and Astrid (Jasika Nicole) have been freed from their self-imposed amber prison by Peter’s daughter, Etta (Georgina Haig). Walter tells them that they must find Olivia (Anna Torv), as she has an important device that would allow Wallter to defeat the Observers, who have taken over the world.

Believe it or not, it isn’t that hard to find Olivia, and Etta is soon reunited with her mother. But in the process, Walter is taken prisoner by the Observers, and his brain is damaged severely. Will he still be able to save everyone? And why has the music died? Are songs what Walter needs to figure things out?

The futuristic world of FRINGE owes allegiance to many sci-fi stories. While it is a new, original creation, there are lots of illusions its geeky fans will recognize. The Observers say “Resistance is futile” like Star Trek’s Borg. Videos are played back on flickering blue projects, a la Star Wars. Banners and posters of an Observer hang from buildings just as they did for Big Brother in 1984. Why so many borrowed ideas? Is this purposeful, a clue meant to provide insight into events? Or have the Easter eggs included for the nerds just grown too obvious?

There are so many unanswered questions in “Transilience Thought Unifier Model-11.”  Even before the team was put in the amber, several years had passed since the previous episode. How did the Observers conquer mankind? Why was William Bell (Leonard Nimoy) in the amber with the Fringe team? When did September (Michael Cerveris) implant Walter’s brain with the key to stopping his people? Why have the Observers taken over in the first place, when previously they had only watched?

The episode itself is kind of tantalizing because it does fill in a couple of the gaps, such how Olivia and Peter came to break, and why Olivia isn’t with the rest of the team. But not a lot else happens. A plan is revealed, only to be yanked away again. Olivia is found way too easy, and the Observer’s base is infiltrated just as smoothly. Overall, it is not a strong return.

Even more regrettable is what is missing. Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel) has been dropped from the cast, and there is no mention or glimpse of the other universe. This is an important element to FRINGE, having spent years developing that place and Lincoln’s character. To have them just disappear is disconcerting, and hopefully both will be revisited before the series makes its final bow. In fact, given the unsettling time and space jump, maybe some of these final episodes will be set back in the present day?

Broyles (Lance Reddick) and Nina (Blair Brown) are also missing. Does this allude to a shrunken universe in season five? Will the show now just concentrate on Peter, Olivia, Walter, Astrid, and Etta? These are all wonderful characters with fantastic stories, and the Bishop family (including Astrid, who is practically a member) is the heart of FRINGE. But that doesn’t mean that fans are ready to give up the rest of what is familiar about the show.

Which means that “Transilience Thought Unifier Model-11″ is disappointing. A large part of me trusts the people who make FRINGE to do right. After all, for four seasons they have not let us down, crafting this brilliant, original series. But the first installment of season five is less than promising, taking away many of the trappings fans have grown comfortable with, and revealing a whole different kind of adventure. Should the series be continuing a couple more years, this would be cool. Since there are a scant dozen episode left, it’s worrying to be taken so far off the trail FRINGE was previously on, with no signs pointing the way back.

FRINGE airs Fridays 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

Fringe stops a "Brave New World"

Time is running out for both universes featured in FOX's Fringe in the climatic "Brave New World." William Bell (Leonard Nimoy) intends to play god, creating his own reality, but to do so, he is going to destroy everyone else. Not only that, he is using Olivia (Anna Torv) to power the destruction, so as September (Michael Cerveris) told them months ago, Olivia must die. Which is why Walter (John Noble) shoots her right between the eyes, in front of his son, Peter (Joshua Jackson), who loves Olivia.

Could this have been a heart wrenching series finale for the strange sci-fi show that has surprised and delighted viewers for four years? No. No Fringe fan would have been satisfied with such a tragic end, Olivia dead, son hating father more than ever, and Walter sinking even deeper into a mire of guilt. We care too much about these characters, and what happens to them. It is beyond cruel to leave all three central people in a bad place.

And so, as Bell escapes, Walter finds a way to bring Olivia back. She learns she is pregnant. They all celebrate in the hospital, where Astrid (Jasika Nicole) is recovering nicely from her own wound. Happiness for all!

Or is it? What happens in "Brave New World" concludes many of this season's plots, including stopping David Robert Jones (Jared Harris) and saving the world. It's a nice, and understated, two part episode, lacking the big cliffhangers from years past. It's exciting enough, and features a wonderful guest spot by Rebecca Mader (Lost). Tt doesn't change too many rules, other than draining Olivia of the powers she once possessed.

But just a couple of weeks ago Fringe revealed its final mission, slated to play out next year, the last season there will be of the show. In the future, The Observers rule mankind harshly, and a couple of survivors, Simon (Henry Ian Cusick, Lost) and Etta (Georgina Haig, The Elephant Princess), who happens to be Peter and Olivia's daughter, pull Peter, Walter, and Astrid from amber to help save humanity. This is the final conflict, the last great challenge the Fringe team must face. This is what hangs over "Brave New World."

How did Peter, Astrid, Walter, and William Bell get frozen in amber in the first place? Where is Olivia? Why must they wait decades to stand up to their oppressors? Is this a future that can be stopped before it happens? And, in this episode, the future is shown with a blue theme song. Does that mean things will be restored to Peter's universe, where everyone remembers him, before going down this path? And if that is the case, how could William Bell still be alive? Will we even see the red universe and Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel) again?

On top of all these questions, why isn't this future episode the season finale? Why tease fans with it, when it didn't really fit within this season's mythology, other than to build appetite for next year?

It's a strange game Fringe is playing. It pushes and pulls in unexpected directions, keeping people on the edge of their seats, always wondering what is going on. With only thirteen episodes left to tell the story, it's sure to be a wild ride. If the first four years are any indication, it will also be a highly satisfying one, full of things no one can predict except those who write the show. I can't wait!

Fringe will return to FOX for its final season next fall.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To catch up on the Fringe you missed, buy DVDs or watch episodes instantly on Amazon.com

Article first published as Fringe stops a "Brave New World" on TheTVKing.com 

Fringe hunts the "Wallflower"

     FOX's Fringe ends its fall run with "Wallflower." A body turns up, nearly all pigmentation gone, and apparently, it's just one of several like this. The Fringe team tracks the bad guy, who is slowly, and unintentionally, killing himself, trying to become visible by stealing pigment. He was the subject of lab experiments, and is now too badly damaged to trust anyone. In the midst of this case, Lincoln (Seth Gabel) struggles to sleep after seeing Fringe events, Olivia (Anna Torv) has strange migraines, and Peter (Joshua Jackson) looks for a way back to his timeline.

     While perhaps not as action-packed as other Fringe episodes, especially mid-season finales, there are many important things going on in "Wallflower." At the top of that list is Peter's realization that he is an alternate timeline. Reality hasn't just been altered by his disappearance, but he is now in a whole different world. This supports the changes that Peter did not cause, as well as the new orange theme song. If Peter gets home, Peter's vision of being in the park with Olivia last week could possibly be a time jump, rather than a dream.

     Of course, this world and Peter's are much more similar than the alternate universe and ours. Both still exist in this both timelines. But there are also notable differences, and this may be best observed by the absence of strong attraction between Peter and Olivia.

     In the regular Fringe timeline, there is something between Peter and Olivia almost immediately after they meet. Even if it takes three years to come to fruition, the flirt and interest is there. Not so in this version of Fringe, where Olivia prefers the geeky Lincoln Lee instead. And he likes her. Peter isn't jealous, knowing that as similar as the two are, this is not his Olivia. Perhaps he finally learns his lesson after being fooled by Fauxlivia last year, and can now tell the subtle differences, since he is intimate with the "real" Olivia.

     Olivia's migraines are a very important clue to something going on in this world. Could they possibly be connected to the experiments Walter (John Noble) ran on her when she was a girl? Certainly Nina (Blair Brown) is involved. As to how long this has been going on, that's anyone's guess, but it could easily be Olivia's whole life. With Nina raising Olivia, she has always had access to her. And viewers know that Nina currently leads a team to drug Olivia in her sleep. This is a really interesting, dark story, and I have no idea where it will go from here.

     Olivia realizes in "Wallflower" that she is not as affected by the Fringe events as her teammates, especially Lincoln, and even Astrid (Jasika Nicole). This could also be linked back to childhood, given that Olivia grew up around strange events and people with unusual abilities. Olivia wonders if there is something wrong with her, but the real issue may just be that exposure breeds complacency. No one has more exposure to the weird than Olivia. Thus, not only this Olivia, but likely the "real" one, too, have a different outlook than most people. This makes her unique, and serves her well in her job.

     At one point in "Wallflower," Olivia expresses sympathy for what the killer goes through. She understands the adverse side effects of being a lab rat, and can understand his reticence to return to a lab, even if it is to help him this time. As such, she offers him assistance, rather than just trying to arrest him. Hopefully, this is just a ploy, since he has her gun. She may understand some of the emotions involved, but as someone who overcomes much, she cannot possibly justify murder, no matter what reason this guy gives for it.

     All told, "Wallflower" is a finale that gets much better upon reflection. Fringe will return to FOX in January.

     To catch up on the Fringe you missed, buy DVDs or watch episodes instantly on Amazon.com

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Article first published as TV Review: Fringe - "Wallflower" on Blogcritics.

A Double "Novation" for Fringe

     After being delayed due to baseball playoffs (completely unacceptable, but that's a whole other article), FOX finally returns Fringe this week with "Novation." Peter (Joshua Jackson) is locked up, and no one is quite sure what to do with him, as they don't remember anything about him. Especially not Walter (John Noble), who feels too guilty for destroying the two universes to allow himself any joy about seeing his deceased son grown. But then Peter proves valuable when the team investigates a shape shifter who has kidnapped a scientist. Peter shows Fringe Division how to track the shifter. They find the kidnap victim, but the shifter gets away, with a new formula that will solidify its DNA, making it virtually indistinguishable from humans.

     The threat posed in "Novation" is an extremely scary one. With no way of knowing who might be a shape shifter, short of cutting them open, things become very risky for everyone in the world. Anyone could be replaced, and no one would know it. World events may be influenced, nuclear weapons could be fired, or worse. If anyone in the Fringe Division is taken out, this opens up the potential for an undetected invasion from the other side, as is clearly the goal. At the end of "Novation," the shifter prepares for "others" to come join it.

     How can Fringe protect against such an invasion? Perhaps an x-ray could be done to identify the disc, but what's to stop the shifters from finding a way to move the disc within the body? Not to mention the harmful effects of radiation from multiple x-rays. This is where Peter might really come in handy. As he understands the shifter disc technology, he could possibly build some kind of detector that might pick up the chip from outside the body. This is the only possibility that jumps to mind, and that doesn't stop the shifters from coming over. Instead, it only prevents further incursion when the shifters get near the device.

     Given the new shifters' ability to replicate DNA, how soon before the Fringe team starts thinking that Peter might be a shifter, built from the DNA of Walter's dead son? It's a logical conclusion, given Peter's appearance now, and his knowledge of shape shifters. He could be just trying to trick them. However, that doesn't explain Peter's wealth of classified knowledge about Fringe Division, and thus, he should be wiped of suspicion.

     So will Peter's name soon be cleared so that he can join the team? They've seen their share of strange things over the years. Surely Peter's truth is something that they can eventually accept, when his story isn't able to be proven wrong. There are signs that even Broyles (Lance Reddick) is grudgingly beginning to tolerate him, like the funny moment when Broyles notices Peter's escape attempt, but can't say anything about it, because he needs Peter's help. Lincoln (Seth Gabel), the person least connected to Peter-related events, seems least concerned, and most willing to work with Peter. Prediction: Peter will be permanently out of a cell by next week, two weeks at the latest. As it should be.

     Walter is punishing himself for connecting the universes when he kidnaps alt-Peter as a boy, twenty-five years ago. Despite Nina's (Blair Brown) insistence in "Novation" that this might be a second chance for Walter, he sees it only as temptation, or a reward that he doesn't deserve and cannot accept. The Walter of the first three seasons isn't so mired in self-loathing because part of him is glad that he succeeded in saving Peter, no matter the cost. But this Walter never has that taste of partial victory, and thus, allows himself to be mired down in the negative feelings. While Peter is good at handling Walter, without Walter's part of the connection, it may prove nearly impossible. While makes for a more erratic, unpredictable Walter, an enjoyable circumstance for Fringe fans.

     Olivia (Anna Torv) has an even bigger conundrum than Walter. She understands why son would appear to father, but not why Peter haunts her dreams. Viewers know that the pair love each other, and certainly so does Peter, though there is no good way to broach this to a woman who thinks of him as a stranger. But sooner or later, Olivia will have to put together the pieces that he means something serious to her. There is no other way to explain their connection when Peter didn't fully exist in the universe.

     And why is Peter appearing now? The Observer (Michael Cerveris) is ordered to destroy any trace of Peter left. Instead, Peter is allowed to take solid form again. How does this come about? Why aren't the other Observers swooping in and getting rid of him? It makes sense that Fringe doesn't know about the Observers, since their connection was through Peter. But surely these bald watchers have a way of getting to Peter! It's curious that they don't do it prior to Peter being found by the government.

     The Peter issue is only part of what is going on. When Peter appears as a ball of blue energy to Olivia, she experiences small time jumps, repeating a minute or so. It is assumed that this is some kind of side-effect from what is happening with Peter, until it occurs again this week, with some paperwork. So that time jumping is its own problem, one that will need to be addressed before it becomes more serious. Given the preview for next week's episode, it appears that the poop is about to hit the fan in a huge way.

     There is one more major mystery pertaining to things that change in a Peter-less world, and that is Nina taking in Olivia and her sister as children. Could it be because she sees the pain Walter experiences from losing Peter, and wants to help a child? Whatever Nina's reason, this gives Nina and Olivia a different relationship than they have previously, and makes Olivia much more trusting of the woman. The implication here is that if Nina is hiding something, and she is surely hiding many things, Olivia is less likely to distrust her and look for those secrets. How much this will hamper future investigations is anyone's guess, but the Fringe writers wouldn't act randomly. There is some real danger in this revelation, and it will manifest itself at some point, likely sooner rather than later.

     The changed dynamic between Walter and Nina, on the other hand, explained in "Novation," is nothing to worry about. The reasons were predictable before the discussion happens, and they shouldn't matter towards anything important. Other than that Walter no longer owns Massive Dynamic. Nor is he in any position to capably own any corporation.

     One small complaint is that, so far in season four, Fringe is sticking to a more procedural format than last year. However, "Novation" isn't too procedural, and indications are that it is leaving the formula behind again soon. The reason the show may have reverted back to cases of the week could be to allow the differences in the world to creepy up slowly, and see a new normal. But several episodes just didn't love up to the usual high standard. The series is always much better as a heavy serial, which is what it should be.


     Watch Fringe, easily one of the best shows currently on television, Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX. Fringe also stars Jasika Nicole.

     To catch up on the Fringe you missed, buy DVDs or watch episodes instantly on Amazon.com

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published as TV Review: Fringe - "Novation" on Blogcritics.

Fringe is "Neither Here Nor There"

    FOX's Fringe is back! The fourth season premiere, "Neither Here Nor There," finds Olivia (Anna Torv) and Fauxlivia (also Torv) exchanging Fringe files. Olivia is interrupted from studying them when an agent is killed. The agent's partner is Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel, now a series regular), whose alternate version works with Fauxlivia. Olivia and Lincoln track the killer, who claims many more bodies. They are disturbed to discover it is a new type of shape shifter, casting doubt on their truce with the other side. Also, the Observer (Michael Cerveris) is tasked with wiping Peter (Joshua Jackson) completely out of existence when a flash of him keeps appearing to Walter (John Noble).

     It is a little odd to not have Peter on Fringe. Yes, it's only going to be temporary. And sure, while Walter and Olivia are a bit different without ever having had him in their lives, they are still recognizable characters. But what Peter brings to the team, the compassion, and calming influence, is missed. He is more than just his effect on people. He is an important element in solving the Fringe cases. Without him, Olivia may still save the day, but she won't have as easy a time of it.

     Perhaps that explains why Lincoln joins the Fringe team in "our" universe. Besides already being a familiar face, he has some of the same characteristics as Peter. Plus, there wasn't a Peter on the other side, so fans have already gotten to see what Lincoln brings to the table. Surely he is a welcome influence. He won't be the same as Peter, of course, and doesn't share the history with Walter. But he does care about others, something Olivia needs in a partner.

     It is likely there are other things that are different without Peter around that aren't immediately obvious. What those things are is hard to predict, but they will probably show up little by little as this season plays out.

     The Observer was tasked with making sure Peter served his purpose, and then was gone. Since the first part happened, but the second didn't, is it possible that the Observer has something to do with why Peter keeps appearing? Might he have done something improperly to preserve Peter, intentionally or otherwise? Could he have formed an attachment to the man he has watched all of these years? The Observer seems to be readying himself to wipe out Peter once and for all, but maybe, just maybe, he has another plan.

     And what of these new shape shifters? Is Walternate (Noble) moving against "our" universe, or is there a new villain that has not yet been revealed. Either possibility is intriguing, and could have far reaching consequences. The thing with Fringe is that it is never predictable. Which is fine, because it certainly keeps stories interesting.

     Plus, cool new yellow theme song!

     Watch Fringe Fridays at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.

     To catch up on the Fringe you missed, buy DVDs or watch episodes instantly on Amazon.com

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Fringe shows us "The Day We Died"

     Last night, FOX's Fringe delivered a truly game changing finale. "The Day We Died" is set in 2026, with the alternate universe long destroyed, and "ours" rapidly deteriorating. Fringe Division is led by Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv), and her agents include husband Peter (Joshua Jackson), niece Ella (Emily Meade), and Astrid (Jasika Nicole) with a new hair do. A terrorist by the name of Moreau (Brad Dourif, Deadwood) is setting off explosives in New York City, and the team soon discovers that the villain behind him is old foe Walternate (John Noble), who is trapped in "our" universe, having come to ask for help shortly before the destruction of his. To stop Walternate, Peter must ask Senator Broyles (Lance Reddick) to let Walter (also Noble) out of jail. But it may already be too late.
    

     This episode is not what is expected at all, and the preview aired last week is certainly misleading. While many thought Peter has traveled in time 15 years into the future, Peter soon becomes less confused, and has all the memories of the past fifteen years. So it's not a standard time travel story. Instead, it's a look at what happens because of a choice Peter makes fifteen years ago. The choice to step into the machine, which leads to the annihilation of the alternate universe from whence he came.

     There are a couple of notable absences in the future scenes. Nina (Blair Brown), who never gets enough screen time, appears only at the funeral. Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel) is missing entirely. While the Lincoln in "our" world has only been seen once, he has become quite enjoyable as part of the alternate universe Fringe Division. It is disappointing that circumstances are not set to draw him deeper into the group. Since he isn't seen, we don't know where he is. Perhaps he does work for Fringe Division, and just is somewhere else during the episode. However, with much more important stories to tell, Nina and Lincoln are just not vital enough to be included in "The Day We Died."

     This is the story of how Peter destroys the world. Following in his father's footsteps, as Walter is the one who creates the first tear between the two worlds in the first place, Peter is the one that ends their war. But his ending is flawed, as once he destroys the alternate universe, "ours" is doomed, too. They are not separate entities, but rely on each other for survival.

     What a fascinating concept! While months have been spent worrying that whichever side won, billions of innocents would die, in the end, that is not the issue at all! The main characters all think the universes can not both co-exist, but instead, they now discover that they must co-exist. What a turn!

 
     The First People are finally explained. The whole episode is part of a paradox. A machine destroys the world. In the future. Walter learns that, and so he and others, the First People, build and take the machine back through time. Presumably, they use the wormhole in Central Park, which explains that particular disaster's necessity in this story. It is not explained how the second machine gets into the alternate universe's past. Yet, once Walter takes the machine back, and somehow gets Peter's 2011 consciousness to live through the 2026 events, then use that knowledge to save the world, both doomsday and Peter are wiped from time and history.

     What does this mean for Fringe? Obviously, this is a good storytelling device to get the characters from the two universes on the same page. "The Day We Died" ends with Walter, Walternate, Olivia, and Fauxlivia in the same room, reluctantly ready to cooperate. Apparently, season four of Fringe will focus on both sides working together to save their worlds. They are now in a position to do so, with Liberty Island allowing free passage as a bridge back and forth. This also exposes Fringe Division to the public, and makes known the events going on, leading to many more possible stories. A rich trove ready to mine!

     But what of Peter? No one remembers him, so no one is even poised to search for him. The Observers know Peter is gone, but as he served his purpose already, they have no reason to bring him back. Did they, or one in particular, create Peter to save the world? Or is Peter an anomaly that threatens destruction, until he changes course and fixes things, thus negating his own existence? What would the return of Peter mean? Would things reset again? Can Peter survive in a fixed world? Does Peter's son, Henry, still exist? Is Fauxlivia still will the previous boyfriend? The questions are endless and far from answered.

     However, Joshua Jackson is part of the central trio the series is about, and Peter is a very popular character. The producers have already confirmed he is still under contract for next year. The last has not been seen of Peter. Will the one Observer most often shown (Michael Cerveris) experience sadness at losing the man he spent so much time watching and seek to return him to life? He has shown a willingness to break the rules before. Will the others try to stop him? The Observers seem the most obvious element to use to bring Peter back, but that is not at all confirmed by the creative team behind the show, which have repeatedly proven how good they are at delivering the unexpected.

     In the future, Peter and Olivia are married. This backs up the hope of many fans that they will end up together. On screen, we have now been shown a stable, long-term marriage existing between the two. Once Peter finally is restored, which is inevitable, will the show pursue it wholeheartedly? Even when Peter comes back, will she remember him? They have just begun their relationship as season three ends. Is this a sign from the writers that they plan on keeping that romance alive? If so, it is a welcome one.

     Ella, Olivia's niece, is also introduced as an important character, working with her aunt. It is surely disappointing for the actress playing her that the series jumps back to its present at the end of the episode, thus negating any need to continue to use her. But, in a jam packed episode, this is not just a feel-good insertion. It is a sign that Ella will be more involved somehow moving forward. Considering how deliberate Fringe is with what they choose to include versus what they leave out, it is a remote chance that Ella's story is over. This has to be a major clue to the future.

     Will we ever get to see the future again? Or the First People in the past (Imagine that theme song!)? Fringe shows a willingness to go where the story is, often in way that viewers cannot predict. The writers will only take the story to the future or past if it is necessary for the continuation of the series's plots. Considering that the distant past has now been fully explained, they will probably not go there. Yet, by mentioning it, a door has been opened. A lot of fans will want to see those events. How can they become relevant again, so there is a necessity to see them?

     The same can be said for the future. The 2026 in this episode will no longer occur, so all the future versions introduced are now gone. Peter changed the course of history majorly. The positive aspect is that Olivia didn't die at Walternate's hand. But that also means a carefully constructed world will only appear in one episode. That is a crying shame. Hopefully, there will be reason to get around the quandry. Could next season go back and forth in time, as this season did between the universes?

     Olivia's death at the hands of Walternate says much more about his character than hers. In fact, despite one of the central trio getting hit dead square in the forehead by a bullet, the moment holds no tension. There are no tears evoked. No strong emotional reaction. Even the funeral scene is more ripe for curiosity than grief.

     Is this simply because events are already on course to be corrected? Olivia is killed fifteen years into a future that will not happen. Sure, the characters are sad, but as a viewer, the moment seems insignificant in this episode, which is highly surprising. For Olivia's death to be a minor thing in "The Day We Died," it really demonstrates just what an earth-shattering episode it is.

     Walternate, on the other hand, is shown as pure evil. Yes, he has his reasons. His son chooses the version of Walter that kidnapped him as his beloved father, turning his back on Walternate and destroying his world. That would be enough to make anyone angry and long for revenge. But Walternate has kept up this attitude for fifteen years. He has truly crossed beyond any ability to redeem himself. He is chock full of malice, and must be stopped.

     Watching Walter and Walternate has been very interesting because they are the same man shaped by very different circumstances. To see Walternate take such a drastic turn to the dark side means that Walter is capable of it, too, under the right conditions. How much will Fringe explore this? How much can they, without ruining a character who has shown so much growth? Now that they are together, will they begin to rub off on one another? The convenience of Walternate allows a consideration of the options without reflecting poorly on Walter. Truly brilliant. Which makes Walter's jail sentence in the future, as well as all of humanity's hatred for him, most regrettable, though under the circumstances, understandable.


     Fringe has been renewed for a fourth season and will return to FOX next fall.

     To catch up on the Fringe you missed, buy DVDs or watch episodes instantly on Amazon.com

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Article first published as TV Review: Fringe - "The Day We Died" on Blogcritics.

JWTV Quickie: Fringe - "Bloodline"

     The Observer (Michael Cerveris) is back! That means something big is stirring on FOX's Fringe. Of course, that is no surprise, considering that Faulivia (Anna Torv) just gave birth to Peter Bishop's (Joshua Jackson) baby. The fate of both universes hang in the balance, supposedly the decision resting in Peter's hands. While Peter is in love with Olivia (also Torv), not of his universe, learning that Fauxlivia has had his (age accelerated) baby just may shift the balance. A showdown seems imminent, as the season finale will be called "The Day We Died", and chances are, one universe of the other may be dead for good soon.

     What will that mean for characters we've come to love? Sure, Olivia, Peter, Walter (John Noble), and the like are much cherished. But I have also gotten attached to alt-universe counterparts, especially seeing Charlie (Kirk Acevedo) back from the dead, and alt-Fringe leader Lincoln Lee (Seth Gabel). While we have now seen Lincoln (Gabel) on our side, I don't want alt-Lincoln to die either. Could we possibly stage a little rescue before a universe implodes? You know, let a few people immigrate over from one side to the other? Peter did it. Let's have a few more. Or everyone. Can you imagine the possibilities if there was an en-masse evacuation?! It could fuel three more seasons, easily!

     As for this week's episode itself, it was hell-a-citing! Fauxlivia is kidnapped and medical procedures are done to her. While we think she is in danger, Walternate (Noble) is actually saving mother and baby. Why did he do it so secretly? If there is a way to save the baby, surely Faulivia would be on board. Losing her sister to the condition that now threatens her, the threat is more than hypothetical to her. I'm glad everyone is all right. Walternate is showing more and more to like, rather than just being a flat villain, but sneaking around is not going to help his case. Especially odd considering the secrets that Walternate did let out of the bag.

     Also of note, adored Lincoln, Charlie, Henry (Andre Royo), and weird alt-Astrid (Jasika Nicole) (what is up with her, anyway?) teaming up and sharing Walternate's secrets. It was great fun, and wonderful for so many reasons. They could be their own spin-off! Or a Fringe B-Team if they come over to stay. Now that we're getting to know them through a few separate adventures, I'm liking them more and more. Please don't take them away.

     Fringe airs Friday nights at 9 p.m ET on FOX.

Click here for an alphabetical list of all of Jerome's Current Season Reviews.

 

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Fringe "Amber 31422"

    Five episodes into the third season of FOX's Fringe, and it's already been spectacular. The major game changing play this year, alternating each week which universe the episode takes place in, has been wonderfully successful. While Fringe toyed with the alternate world in the first two seasons, seeing those other versions of our favorite characters in major arcs is incredibly rewarding. I love the red theme song for alternate weeks, and the cast of characters that appear over there, but not (yet) back here. Plus, seeing John Noble as Walternate is very satisfying.
     Last Thursday was an alternate week, however, aspects of it were a call back to previous episodes on our side of the universe. Olivia (Anna Torv) was once again drugged up and put in the sensory-deprivation tank, although this time it was Walternate's much more sophisticated version. Her powers have been dealt with on and off for years, and this episode confirmed that whatever Walter did to Olivia as a child plays a huge role in what she can do. It's sort of been a question of mine if Olivia is special because Walter did experiments on her, or if Walter's experiments were so interesting because she was special. This episode seemed to confirm that Walter was responsible for many of her gifts. Plus, now Olivia is not only realizing that she's in the wrong universe, but also that she can travel back and forth under the right circumstances. As Olivia continues to grow as a person, and gains knowledge and confidence of her abilities, this particular talent is sure to play a substantial role in the story.

     If you'll indulge, a quick side trip here. Unlike Walternate, whose alternate name has been widely accepted very quickly, there is much argument over what to call the alternate version of Olivia, currently carrying out some secret mission in our world. I firmly fall into the camp of Fauxlivia (sometimes seen with a dash, as Faux-livia), as it makes the most sense to me, and I will refer to her as such in my tweets and reviews. Other popular suggestions have been Alter-Olivia or Altlivia, which seem clumsy. Bolivia is how she is referred to in the script, because she was called B-Olivia (as opposed to A-Olivia, our Olivia). However, while I guess I understand how that would work on paper (though shouldn't it be Olivia-B, instead of B-Olivia?), Fauxlivia just sounds better.

     Whatever you call her, Torv is doing a bang up job capturing the subtle differences between the two characters, making Fauxlivia a bit dumber (she doesn't have the photographic memory or chemically-enhanced abilities). Fauxlivia is tough, but seems to value muscle more than science. Clearly both versions have potential, but without the same experiences shaping them, they became two different people.

     I have found it sort of odd that Peter (Joshua Jackson) keeps appearing to Olivia. Yeah, I get the explanation that he represents her true self, and that he is the part of her figuring our what's really happening after Walternate brainwashed her into believing she belong in the alternate universe. But honestly, to me it seems like a ploy to keep the third leading character, the one who doesn't have a living counterpart, in each episode week after week. I'm not exactly complaining, as I'm quite fond of Peter, and Olivia has to externalize the conflict somehow. However, let's just admit that it's been done to benefit the actor more than the story.

     This week's guest stars were also fantastic, as they played out a fascinating self-contained story. Aaron Ashmore (Smallville) and his real-life twin Shawn (the X-Men movies) played twins, one of whom was a bank robber and one was an accountant. The accountant was frozen in amber (that's how the alternate universe tries to contain disturbances in the fabric of their existence), but the authorities believed that the victim was his brother. Four years later, the criminal brother rescues his innocent brother, and the Fringe team try to contain the implications. If society at large found out their loved ones could be revived from the amber, they would want to rescue everyone. Ultimately, Olivia's true nature asserts itself, and after the bad brother is re-ambered, she allowed the good brother to live his life in peace.

     Walternate claims that rescuing people from amber threatens the stabilization of the effort. As the Secretary of Defense he is more concerned with security that innocent lives. He has been shaped by a tough existence, though, losing his son, and dealing with a series of disasters caused by Walter's original cross over. I don't excuse his callous nature, but he is more than a two-dimensional villain. What's unclear is if there is any science to support his hesitation to un-amber people, or if he just doesn't want to take any risk at all that might come back to bite him and the people he is trying to protect. It's obvious that he doesn't care about lives in our universe, but at least some of his motivation is to help the people in his world.

     I'm also loving the alternate universe Fringe team. It's so good to have Charlie (Kirk Acevedo) back on a regular basis. I don't think he will be promoted back to main character, as his part has been handled in a reduced role. But the third member of the team, Lee (Seth Gabel, Dirty Sexy Money, United States of Tara), has also been enjoyable. It would be great if our-universe Lee popped up, or if Olivia found him when she returned, and he could be added to the cast. My only hesitance in supporting this move is that Astrid (Jasika Nicole), who is one of my favorite characters, and already gets too little screen time in both universes, would likely lose her precious moments by the addition of other cast members. The screen time surely won't be cut for Jackson, Torv, or Noble.

     I'm content to wait for most of the plot to pay out this season, because although it's been a tad slow unfolding, the writing and acting has been incredibly strong, as is consistent with this great series. However, there are two burning questions that I don't know if the writers ever plan to address, and I'd really like to know the answers: Where is the alternate universe Nina Sharp (Blair Brown), the only main character we haven't seen a second version of? And what happened to F.B.I. Agent Jessup (Meghan Markle), who was sort of put up as Charlie's replacement in season two, but only appeared in two episodes last fall? I'm sure most fans don't care about my second question, if they even remember Jessup, but I liked her, and I'm curious. Even if I'd rather have Lee.

     Fringe airs Thursday nights at 9pm on FOX.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional tv news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

Article first published as TV Review: Fringe - "Amber 31422" on Blogcritics.