Tag Archives: Fauxlivia

fringe recapping: brave new world, part one

Previously on Fringe: Everything in Its Right Place

We left off last week with a twist so huge I’m surprised it wasn’t the season finale. Part one of the season finale started off with a bang–semi-literally. Multiple people died spontaneously combusting upon movement. This means all the survivors had to stand still for hours while Fringe figures out what happened, and how to save them. Guest star Rebecca Madder (who starred on Abrams’ hit show Lost)  plays one of the temporary survivors, Jessica Holt . She bravely volunteers to let Walter move her to his lab and run tests on her. While synthesizing a cure, Jessica’s body begins combusting. As the cure is not finished, Olivia tries to calm Jessica down, but instead manages to cure her with her cortexiphan powers. (Think that’s strange? Just wait.)

Onto the subplot: Walter is convinced that the device was created by William Bell–yes, that William Bell, who we thought had died in a car crash (in this timeline). Nina tries to dissuade him from this idea, begrudgingly telling him that Bell had Lymphoma, which is why he killed himself Christmas day, 2005. However, Walter is adamant that not only is Bell alive, but that Bell visited him at St. Clair’s on New Year’s Day, 2006–a week after everyone believes he has died. A visit to St. Clair’s proves inconclusive, other than Walter taking a guest logbook. He bakes a page of the logbook in a miniature easy-bake oven lemon cake which has been drugged with cortexiphan, and it shows fingerprints with almond oil on it. Walter declares that Bell’s favorite food used to be Chilean almonds–and he and Astrid are off again to the warehouse which Bell used to buy his almonds from.

While this is happening, Bell meets with Jones, who we learn is merely a pawn in this new, evil Bell’s masterplan. They turn on two satellites, which has narrowed a beam of the sun onto an underground landmine, continuing with their plans to blow up the earth. Olivia and Peter arrive just in time to turn off the satellites, but Peter is attacked by Jones. Watching from atop a nearby building, Olivia is horrified to see that Jones is gaining the upper-hand, so she does what any sane, cortexiphan-laden girlfriend would do: she channels her powers and telekinetically controls Peter’s body, which includes relocating his shoulder for him. (I told you it only got stranger. If it sounds strange, just imagine how it looked on screen.) Jones dies, and comes to the sad realization that he was Bell’s bait–that Bell had planned for his death all along.

The end of the episode shows Walter and Astrid in the warehouse. They hear some suspicious noises and go to investigate and are shot at. Astrid shows some pretty kick-ass moves, but in the end they are trapped, Astrid has been shot in the chest, and Bell comes out of the shadows to talk to Walter.

Welcome back, evil Bell!

Thoughts: 

  • Although it makes me a bit sad an embarrassed to admit this,  I didn’t really like this episode. But I’m going to say that’s simply because we’re in an awkward spot right now. As no one was sure if Fringe would get renewed, they had to film two endings to the show. I really think that if Fringe had been renewed a little bit sooner, Episode 19 would have been much different. As it is, it was pretty easy to guess that Bell was back–evil enough for Walter to ruthlessly cut off his hand–and that Astrid will be fine. Maybe Olivia will find some new powers and manage to remove the bullet and heal the wound.
  • On that note, either this timeline’s got some crazy stuff floating around in the air, or my favorite writers are going slightly over-the-top with Olivia’s powers. Even if Olivia did have the power to control Peter’s actions, why didn’t she simply control Jones? Plus, what will this mean in the future? It sounds like she’s pretty unbeatable in a fight.
  • And what about the other people who had been about to spontaneously combust? Did I miss something, or was did Olivia manage to cure them all–despite not knowing how she cured Jessica?
  • All these questions and what I feel might be plot holes make me sad, because usually Fringe episodes are never like this. I’m really, really hoping it’s just a “wow, now that we’re renewed, the first half of this episode won’t really fit” kind of moment. We’ll see.
  • I never would have said I’d be sad that Jones dies, but I do have to admit that it was much more heartbreaking than I would have thought; especially when he realizes that he is Bell’s “bishop piece.” Poor Jones. But not really.
  • Yay for Leonard Nimoy’s temporary return back to acting! I knew you’d be unable to resist the lure of sci-fi, despite the less-than-stellar episode.
  • Fun fact: Doctor Benlow was played by John Noble’s daughter, Samantha Noble! If nothing else, I loved Nimoy’s return and the amazing guest stars this episode.

Quotes: 

Walter: Maybe the deaths are associated with this mobile transaction.

 Astrid: No, Walter, this is just how people pay for things now.

Walter: Huh. What will they think of next?

***

Jessica Holt: What are you?

Walter: What am — I’m human. What are you? Is this some sort of alien invasion?

***

Walter: No. No. My hallucinations were rarely biped and never men.

***

Walter: You brilliant bastard, Belly.

***

Jones: I got it wrong. I was the sacrifice. I was the bishop.

***

Walter:I know this is a ‘wild goose chase’, a fool’s errand, and I’m a fool,but no one is asking you to join me, Alex. It’s my hunch, and I’m quite capable of pursuing it on my own, so peace out.

Walter: I don’t–

Astrid: drive. Alex?

Walter: I was on a roll.

***

Walter: I’m not sure I ever thought I would see you again.

Bell: Hello, old friend.

Emily enjoys all mediums of speculative fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi–especially reading, writing, and watching them. A Fringe fanatic, she is convinced that one day she will meet her parallel self, aptly nicknamed Femily (Fake Emily), and save both worlds from their inevitable destruction.

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fringe recapping: the consultant

Previously on Fringe: Letters of Transit 

This episode was incredibly crucial to Fringe’s overarching plot. Although not my favorite episode it set up what I think’s going to happen in the season finale and next season. The camaraderie between characters had never been more apparent–which made the last few minutes even more sad.

The episode starts out with earthquakes happening simultaneously across the globe–and in both universes. Both Fringe divisions–and Walternate–are meeting, as Walter has had a dream about Jones. He believes that Jones is planning on crushing the two universes together, then waiting in the epicenter–or the eye of the storm–so only he and his survivors will survive and live on the new earth. While talking it over, they find out about the earthquakes, which are being caused by adults from the same cortexiphan trials as Olivia. Jones is pulling the two universes together through the cortexiphan subjects, who are connecting with their dopplegangers in the other universe.

They manage to capture Nick Lane–who still remembers her as “Olive”–and whose devotion to Jones is uncontested. However, his capture does not stop the second wave of earthquakes from occurring. After the second ones Walter admits that he’s surprised the universes are still in place. In order for both universes to survive, they must stop the earthquakes. There is one other way they know to stop the earthquakes from happening–but that is to shut off the machine, which connects the two universes. And once off, it is unsure if we’ll ever be able to connect again. Both Walter and Walternate also worry that because the doomsday device brought Peter here, it will also remove Peter from existence.

Nick tells Olivia where Jones is hiding out, but it’s just a trick for his eventual escape. With no other option, both universes decide that the best thing to do is to turn off the machine. A sad farewell between everyone takes place; Walter and Walternate connect through their fears about Peter’s disappearance and their pride in the man he’s become. After some wise words from Peter, Lincoln decides to follow his heart and stay with Fauxlivia in the other universe. Peter, of course, will be staying with our Olivia. Walter turns the machine off, and long seconds pass as we’re unsure if the universes will separate, and whether Peter will still exist.

Suddenly, the machine turns off. The room is filled with eerie silence. The red-verse is gone–but Peter is still here. Walter sums it up perfectly, saying, “I think I shall miss them… more than I imagined.”

Thoughts: 

  • I don’t know why Fringe keeps erasing and killing off all my favorite characters! And now an entire universe is gone. Only, I’m hoping that they’re only temporarily gone.
  • My prediction is that Bell is working with Jones and that he somehow causes Olivia’s disappearance. I’d say death, but I just can’t imagine Fringe without Olivia. Or Peter. Or Walter.
  • I also can’t imagine my life without Fringe. I’m bracing myself for the season finale–as well as the soon-coming series finale.
  • On a slightly happier note, I’m renaming Fridays Fringeday. Don’t forget to watch the part one season finale this Fringeday–in just three short days!

Quotes: 

Walter: It’s horrible and deranged, but you have to agree, it’s really quite ingenious

***

Fauxlivia: Look, I appreciate what you guys have been doing to prevent closing the bridge, even if it’s a long shot. The truth is I like coming over here. Especially after it rains. Wh — when my world started to break down, the conditions in the atmosphere changed. And the light doesn’t reflect through moisture the way it used to. We haven’t seen a rainbow in over twenty years.

Olivia: Oh, I didn’t know that.

Fauxlivia: As our world started to repair itself, I began to imagine that the people from my side would start to see them again. You know, something so beautiful. So perfect. I still find myself looking up after it rains.

***

Walternate: He’s really quite a remarkable boy, Peter. Man, actually.

Walter: Yes, he is.

Walternate: Smart… Noble… Kind… all the things I would’ve wished for him.

***

Walternate: I know what you’re afraid of. It occurs to me, so I’m sure it occurs to you too, that if The Machine stops working, Peter may disappear.

Walter: I believe it may have brought him here. There’s no reason it can’t take him away.

***

Lincoln: Remember how you said, “Home is where the heart is”? This might be crazy, but… I think I found mine.

Peter: It’s been a pleasure working with you, Lincoln. And getting to be your friend.

***

Fauxlivia: You know, there’s a lot of things about you that I wish I had. There’s a lot of things about you that I admire.

Olivia: That’s funny. I was about to say the same thing about you. Keep looking up. After it rains. Keep looking up.

Fauxlivia: I will.

***

Walter: I think I shall miss them… more than I imagined.

Emily enjoys all mediums of speculative fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi–especially reading, writing, and watching them. A Fringe fanatic, she is convinced that one day she will meet her parallel self, aptly nicknamed Femily (Fake Emily), and save both worlds from their inevitable destruction.

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fringe recapping: letters of transit

Previously on Fringe: The Consultant 

For Fringe, epsiode 19 is always an important one. In season one, it was one of the crucial episodes which turned the show from a regular sci-fi show to become the unique show it is right now. Season Two’s episode is actual number 20, because “Unearthed” is from season one, but aired later on. “Brown Betty” was a musical dramedy episode, where Walter entertains Olivia’s niece, Ella. Season Three’s episode, fondly called “LSD,” was similar to Inception due to the fact that, with the help of a little LSD, everyone was going into Bellivia’s mind. This season was no exception. We went into the future—where the Observers rule the earth!

The Observer’s true intention and reasoning for making sure that everything on earth goes “according to plan” has never been known. Until now. The Observers kill humans off in 2015, referred to as “The Purge;” they are no longer content with simply watching the earth’s history pass by. In one of the most eerie moments on Fringe, we see the Observers using their powers for… well, evil. Eart’s inhabitants have become a sort of sect, ruled by the Observers and the humans who have joined the Observers.

However, it is rumored that “the original Fringe team” (how cute is that?!) found a solution to getting rid of the Observers. But it’s also rumored that they were killed years ago. In 2036, where this episode takes place, a young woman named Etta, played by Georgina Haig, and Simon Foster, played by famous Henry Ian Cusick, have found them! They help free Walter from the amber, which appears to have encapsulated all of the original team. When Walter is freed, he is exactly the same as before—however, additional parts of his brain have deteriorated, leading him to act even more quirky than usual. It’s clear that while Etta and Simon have heard about Walter’s brilliance, no one bothered to tell them about his odd habits. However, in order to retrieve the rest of the team, they need Walter’s help.

With the help of Nina, Simon and Etta take the brain pieces Bell originally removed from Walter and replant them into his brain. And just like that—his actions and mannerisms revert from lovable Walter to those disarmingly similar to Walternate. They are able to rescue Peter and Astrid from the amber at the cost of Simon’s temporary life—he pushes Peter out, but becomes stuck in the amber himself.

Later Walter, Astrid—whom Walter calls “Astro”—Etta and Peter are leaving, unscathed by the Observers who were close on their tails. Astrid questions Walter about his choice to leave Bell—he’s back? YES.—and Walter angrily asks if she remembers what Bell did to Olivia. When Astrid adds that we need Bell’s help, Walter calmly replies that he’s got it covered–and stealthily pulls one of Bells hands, still encased in amber, out of his backpack. Creepy. Meanwhile, Etta and Peter are talking–but more like staring into each others eyes. Peter finally asks her if they know each other. Then, using his brilliant deduction powers, he realizes that Etta stands for Henrietta (like his son Henry!), to which she replies, “Hi, dad.”

Thoughts: 

  • This episode fit perfectly with the other episode 19s. And, actually, I like it better than most of the other episode 19s. Usually, they are irrelevant to the overall plot. But this one foreshadows what’s to come next season! And on that note:
  • Yay! Fringe was renewed for a final season! I didn’t think it would happen, as FOX isn’t making any money with the show. I’m just happy that Fringe is getting a proper finale, J.J. Abrams will finally direct an episode, and that the last episode will be their 100th one. How cute is that?! And here’s the season five teaser. And I LOVE the beginning, with the multi-colored theme opening. LOVE.
  • I’m also worried about where Olivia is. Not only does ‘Etta wear a fired bullet around her neck, but Bell clearly did something horrible to Olivia.
  • Etta’s role as Peter and Olivia’s daughter was somewhat predictable, but I still loved it. I’m glad that Peter finally got his child—as in the season three finale Olivia was unwilling to bring children into their world.
Quotes: 

Etta: We just removed you from Amber, Doctor Bishop. You were inside twenty years.

Walter: Twenty years? It’s no wonder I’m so hungry. Do you have anything to eat?

***

Walter: What do you call it?

Simon: We don’t know. We — we thought it was some kind of Beacon.

Walter: No, no, no, you Silly-Billy …this.

Simon: The same as you. we call it licorice.

Walter: Licorice. Licorice. Li-cor-ice. Who are you? You’re quite pretty. Li-cor-ice. Do you have Ring-Dings?

***

Walter: I hope we’re going to the circus!

***

Walter: These are not the droids you’re looking for!

***

Walter: I am not a number. I am a free man.

***

Walter: I’ve eaten it once. It was sweeter than you’d think.

Simon: Feces?

Walter: God, no. Brains. And LSD. I love LSD.

***

Peter: Do you…

Etta: Know me?

Peter: I don’t know how I could. I’ve been stuck in that Amber for over twenty years, you barely look old enough — Henrietta?

Etta: Hi, Dad.

AWESOME. (Kind of predictable, but still. AWESOME.)

Emily enjoys all mediums of speculative fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi–especially reading, writing, and watching them. A Fringe fanatic, she is convinced that one day she will meet her parallel self, aptly nicknamed Femily (Fake Emily), and save both worlds from their inevitable destruction.

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fringe recapping: everything in its right place

Previously on Fringe: A Season Four partial-recap

This episode showed the parallel universe, something that we haven’t seen in a very long time. I forgot how much I enjoy the camaraderie of Faux-livia and Alt-Lincoln. In our universe, Walter believes that his beloved Gene is depressed, so he–along with Peter and Olivia–are off to take Gene to graze.Our glasses-wearing Lincoln travels to the parallel universe to drop off some files, and is caught in one of their cases.

Upon closer inspection of the case, our Lincoln decides to stay and help with the case, as he believes that the attacks are being led by a shapeshifter. Lincoln knows more about shapeshifters than anyone else–his partner was killed by one, and he wants to stop them from killing anyone else. However, unlike other shapeshifters, this one kills only those who are hurting others. Fauxlivia, Alt-Lincoln, and Lincoln work together and capture the shapeshifter. Once caught, Lincoln questions the… being’s motives, but all he gets out of it is the shapeshifter’s unwavering belief in David Robert Jones.

Unbeknownst to them, Broyles has made a call to Alt-Nina. Alt-Nina ensures that a sniper is in place to kill the shapeshifter before he is taken back–that way nothing can be traced back to Jones. The sniper misses, and shoots Alt-Lincoln in the chest instead, and Fauxlivia kills the sniper. Alt-Lincoln is taken away via ambulance, but not before telling Fauxlivia to look for a connection between the sniper and the FBI–clearly, some high-ranking officer knew what was going to happen, and wanted the shapeshifter to die before he compromised Jones’ team.

The shapeshifter finally realizes that Jones will not come for him, and agrees to help the Fringe division. He transforms into the sniper–with new technology, as these new shapeshifters are more advanced-looking than the ones previously seen–and helps capture Nina.

In a move I was completely unready for, one of the final scenes shows Fauxlivia breaking down and crying–Alt-Lincoln died on the way to the hospital. It is one of the first times Fauxlivia shows her tender side, and it is heartbreaking. Our Lincoln also decides to stay in the parallel universe to help capture the other shapeshifters.

Thoughts: 

  • I feel like each episode of Fringe is a child of mine, in a very non-creepy, normal way. Instead of splitting my love, it multiplies it.
  • This made me sad for many reasons. I love the alternate world–and the alternate people. Alt-Lincoln’s death was so sad–I loved his character so much more than our sad, mopey Lincoln. However, it does make sense that Alt-Lincoln should have to die. Our Lincoln has much more room for development, and it leaves open the possibility of an eventual romance between Fauxlivia and Lincoln.

Quotes: 

Lincoln: Maybe Batman’s moved to the Bronx.

Fauxlivia: What’s a Batman?

Lincoln: The Caped Crusader, the Dark Knight. Billionaire playboy puts on a cape to clean up the streets of Gotham.

Alt-Lincoln: Oh, you mean Mantis.

Lincoln: Seriously? Your superhero is an insect?

Fauxlivia: Oh, what, ’cause nothing says badasslike a flying rat?

***

Alt-Lincoln: Back at the church, Olivia tried to arrange for your return trip to the other side, but you weren’t having any. There a problem?

Lincoln: No problem, just… they can handle things fine without me.

Alt-Lincoln: Well, that’s the difference between us. My world wouldn’t survive without me.

Lincoln: Yeah. I noticed that about you. Your unwavering confidence.

Alt-Lincoln: Thanks.

Lincoln: Bordering on self-aggrandizing narcissism. Don’t get me wrong, I could use some of that myself. We’re not much alike, you and me.

Emily enjoys all mediums of speculative fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi–especially reading, writing, and watching them. A Fringe fanatic, she is convinced that one day she will meet her parallel self, aptly nicknamed Femily (Fake Emily), and save both worlds from their inevitable destruction.

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fringe season three: in which we meet our parallel universe

Season three brought about many changes for Fringe. As our Olivia was stuck in the parallel universe with no way to contact home for help and no one thinking to look for her, as Fauxlivia successfully replaced her. Changes outside the Fringe-world included a move halfway through the season from Thursday nights to Friday evenings at 9 p.m.–bitterly called the “Death Slot,” a sad place where FOX frequently sends amazing Sci-Fi shows to slowly die away (amazing shows have included Firefly, Wonderfalls, and Dollhouse). All this worry created a frenzy similar to avid fans bringing back Chuck  for season three with Subway’s help. Thankfully, Fringe was renewed for a fourth season, momentarily evading the cancellation which usually follows being put in the Death Slot.

As amazing as the first two seasons were, they almost felt like they were leading up to this season. And the ingenuity of the writers is clear in this season–from little, minuscule things like BIC pens to larger themes and ideas as intangible as hope, love, and forgiveness. This was definitely my favorite season of Fringe–it seemed to bring everything together in a way that satisfied even the most picky of viewers (not me. I’m already excited when the theme song begins playing. But more on the theme song later).

New Characters:

Because episodes showed an almost equal amount of the universes, many beloved characters previously killed off came back. It was fun seeing a different side of these familiar faces–a few differences are seen in the fact that Alt-Broyles has a wife and son, and Walternate is exactly what Walter feared he’d turn into. Although the Secretary of Defense, Walternate is a scheming man, and his skewed versions of justice are what push him into action.

Lincoln Lee: Played by Seth Gabel, Lincoln is the team leader of Olivia and Charlie in the other universe’s Fringe Division.  He becomes head of the entire Fringe Division partway through the season.

The Plot:

Our Olivia is trapped in the other universe, and Walternate is drugging her with Fauxlivia’s memories. Unfortunately, they are not successful in replacing her own memories. She eventually escapes, but the adrenaline she exerts forces some of Fauxlivia’s memories to replace her own. Only a select number of people know that the Olivia’s have switched places–even her mother, who did not die in this universe, and her co-workers to not realize what’s happened. Similarly, Peter has begun dating Fauxlivia in our universe–and no one suspects anything! Fauxlivia’s role in our universe revealed later in the season.

Both universes have the parts to make a “Doomsday Device,” believed to be buried by the “First People”, and was briefly shown on drawn out in the season three finale. Whichever universe successfully puts together their device can destroy the other one. Back to the parallel universe–Olivia’s memories from our universe have affected her job at work, and everyone notices these differences. Eventually Olivia remembers all of her memories and with the help of a friend, is able to briefly come back to our universe with a message to Peter before being captured. When Peter receives the message, he tests Fauxlivia–who fails his test, then drugs him before escaping. Once awake, Peter is frustrated at himself and uses his brilliance and quick thinking to capture Fauxlivia. Alt-Broyles helps Olivia cross back over to our universe, and Fauxlivia is rescued via teleportation by her universe.

Although Olivia is back in our universe, she is devastated by the fact that no one could tell the difference between Fauxlivia and herself. Fauxlivia is also affected by her time in our universe–she comes back pregnant. When Walternate finds out, he kidnaps Fauxlivia and speeds up her pregnancy, wanting Peter’s blood to try and activate the Doomsday Device. Baby Henry’s blood works; however, the Doomsday Device begins breaking apart both universes–something Walternate did not expect.

While this is happening, Olivia and Peter are tentatively beginning to rekindle their relationship in our universe. Of course, when things are going somewhat normally in the Fringe universe, that means something huge is about to occur. This is no exception. Bell–yes, the Bell that previously died!–comes back and takes possession of Olivia’s body–earning the nickname Bellivia (Bell + Olivia)–to the disgust and horror of Peter and the delight of Walter. After much confusion and hysteria, Walter tries to move Bell’s consciousness into a computer, as both Bell and Olivia’s consciousnesses cannot be in the same body,  but he is unsuccessful. At least Olivia is back!

Fauxlivia, realizing that Walternate is only furthering the deterioration of their universe, tries to cross over to beg Peter for help stopping his father. She is captured and put in jail, similar to the season two cliffhanger with our Olivia. Our universe begins deteriorating as well. To try and slow down the destruction, our machine is moved in the exact spot the other universe’s is–on Liberty Island. Sam Weiss reveals that he is the descendant of the “First People” and helps our Fringe team uncover another diagram of the Doomsday Device–one that depicts Olivia. Because Walternate activated his machine, Peter is unable to get inside ours. However, Olivia’s telekinetic powers allow Peter to step into the machine.

The Cliffhanger:

Once inside the machine, Peter flashes forward fifteen years. The other universe–the one he was originally from–has been destroyed, but that has not solved the environmental problems or natural disasters. Walternate, who managed to escape his universe before its collapse, kills Olivia, who was Peter’s wife. Peter is understandably devastated. Together he and Walter realize that there is a wormhole in Central Park–one that goes back 250 million years. They send the Doomsday Device back in time, and Peter wakes up. He connects the two universes in a room–the room which the Doomsday Device is in. Outside, the Observers state that Peter’s purpose has been fulfilled–and because of that, it will be as if Peter “never existed.”

Wait, what? (A slow mind-exploding cliffhanger stated by the monotonous, expressionless September).

Fun Facts:

  • Although Fringe was renewed for a fourth season, the finale was seen by only 3 million viewers. Upon hearing the news that Fringe had been renewed, ecstatic fans showed their support in a very Walter-worthy way–by sending FOX boxes upon boxes of Red Vines. Aww!
  • Fringe has an amazing sound effects team–from background music, to the sound when switching between universes, these guys do it all. “The Firefly,” guest starring Christopher Lloyd, ended with an acoustic version of “If I Only Had a Brain,” sung by Jeremy Little. A touching rendition that perfectly describes Walter.
  • Besides the cool sound signaling the switch between universes, the opening theme’s colors changed for each universe they have been in. Blue for our universe, red for the parallel universe, one for the futuristic one, another for the flashback episode, and so on. As the colors change, so do the words, indicating different ideas of “fringe” science being tested.

Emily enjoys all mediums of speculative fiction, fantasy, and sci-fi–especially reading, writing, and watching them. A Fringe fanatic, she is convinced that one day she will meet her parallel self, aptly nicknamed Femily (Fake Emily), and save both worlds from their inevitable destruction.

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