Tag Archives: William Bell

May 16 2012
2 Comments
Fox, Fringe, Recaps

fringe recapping: brave new world, part two

Previously on Fringe: Brave New World, part one

Fringe, my love! What a great closing season finale. We find out almost immediately that Astrid is fine. (Of course my Astrid is fine. She had to be okay. After all, she was in Letters of Transit!) Belly has taken Walter captive, where he proudly shows a horrified Walter the new world he’s created. (Oddly enough, Bell’s perfect world has room for only one human: himself. He is perfectly content with the human race dying out, and letting his hybrid animals live peacefully by themselves.) Bell claims to have gotten the idea from Walter. Walter did indeed being thinking of working on an entirely new universe, but the idea so scared him–that is, his own brilliance–that he begged Bell to take out parts of his brain.

Olivia gets a call from Jessica, from part one, who is terrified that someone is following her. Upon her and Peter’s arrival, they find that Jessica works for Bell! She’s managed to capture September with the help of Bell’s magical weapons, which can best the Observers. Poor September is immobilized, and Jessica shoots him with a high-speed gun, directly in the chest (so that’s when September was shot!). Olivia uses her magical powers to stop the second and third bullets, using her hand as a ricochet, instantly killing Jessica. Jessica is then taken back to Walter’s lab, where Peter and Nina work on temporarily bringing her back to life to find out where Walter’s been taken. (This scene is the one of the creepiest things I think I’ve ever seen. Second only to the Marionette episode last season. Those who dare can watch it here.)

Nina comes to the realization that Bell’s power source is Olivia; with all the cortexiphan in her body, she is the one triggering the collapse of both universes. With this information, they manage to triangulate Bell’s location: on a boat (no swim trunks and flippy floppies on this one, unfortunately). As the two universes are collapsing, the ship Bell and Walter are on can has already disappeared into the other universe, meaning only Peter can see it. Luckily for them, Olivia has the power to cross between universes. They jump from their helicopter into the parallel universe–and onto the boat–where they storm the cabin where Bell and Walter are. Bell has been reciting Yeats, and Walter manages to stealthily load Bell’s gun.

Peter points his gun, stolen from the helicopter at Bell, who happily announces that it’s too late–even shooting Bell will not stop it. Then Walter turns, says, “Forgive me,” and shoots Olivia point-blank, effectively cutting off Bell’s power supply–and the collapse of both universes. Craziness! Bell rings his bell and vanishes to who-knows-where. Peter is distraught, but Walter brusquely tells him to help lift Olivia to the table. Apparently there’s so much cortexiphan in her system that if they get the bullet out, her brain will be able to heal itself. They perform the “operation” successfully, and our Olivia’s okay again!

The final moments include: Broyles being promoted to General; Fringe getting extra funding from the government; Walter telling Peter that all the cortexiphan needed to heal Olivia’s brain could have exhausted all the cortexiphan from her body… maybe; and Olivia telling Peter that she’s pregnant! The last scene has Walter making food when September comes to see him and says, “We have to warn the others. They are coming.”

(Ignoring everything I know thanks to Letters of Transit), my mind is officially blown. Again.

Thoughts: 

  • This episode has been on my mind for a few days, and I’ve come to the realization that it was a good episode–especially part two–and I have to accept it the way it is. I still wish the episode 19, Letters of Transit, didn’t give so much away, but it was still a pleasure to watch. Although some of the answers seemed too tidy, I’m guessing that it’s either because it will be addressed next season, or they were having a hard time transitioning to a maybe-season-five when originally writing this episode.
  • I don’t really understand Olivia’s powers; they seem to come and go at will. Why couldn’t she have prevented September from being shot? And the fact that she now might not have cortexiphan in her system seemed too… intentional. My way of thinking usually goes: if I could have thought of the scenario (for example, of a spike of cortexiphan to have Olivia “die,” then save her, and then her “death” use up all the extra cortexiphan), then I’m not impressed.
  • I was also unimpressed with Peter’s ability to get September out of his magical rune with a little rubbing of a 2 by 4. Also, why didn’t they call back-up? Or were they just ahead of the other FBI agents…by like 30 minutes?
  • I find it interesting that Observers cannot see their own futures. Or September can’t, anyway. How would one go through their future memories?
  • I loved how they were on a boat–like Noah’s ark, only Belly’s crazy, demented “ark.”
  • If Walter was so unemotional when shooting Olivia, why couldn’t he do the same to Bell? Was he out of bullets? Surely he didn’t want to let Bell get away–after all, Bell was going to destroy two universes.
  • I didn’t like the “cliche-ness” of Olivia being pregnant. Plus, it’s like 4 years too early if the child is Henrietta. But maybe these questions/quibbles will all be answered next season.
  • Now we know where Etta’s bullet-necklace came from!
  • I’m ready for season five now–bring on some more awesomeness 🙂
Quotes: 
Bell:  The Bible tells us God created his universe in seven days. It’s taken me considerably longer. Beautiful. Isn’t it?
***

Olivia: Well, what are we gonna do about finding Walter? Our only lead is dead.

Peter: That doesn’t mean we can’t still question her.

***

Bell: Yes, Walter. We cut those ideas out of your head to literally put ‘the Genie’ back into the bottle. Then I grew older. I grew cynical. I grew cancer. Then I realized that dosing myself with Cortexiphan would slow it down. But slowing is not stopping. For me, it’s just a matter of time. The clock is ticking. Tick, tick, tick, tick. And that’s when it occurred to me. You were right, Walter. Walter, you were right, right, right. Every rant you ever went on made perfect sense. Suddenly, I understood not just you – but everything. God made us in his image. If that is so, if we are capable of being Gods, then it is our destiny to do so.

Walter: No. No, William.

Bell: My dear friend, even if you deny it now, you have always been playing God. I am.

***

PETER: It’s gonna be okay.

OLIVIA: You know, for the first time, I don’t think that it is. I remember being in that lab in Jacksonville when Walter and William were doing the Cortexiphan Trials. I remember how it smelled, how I felt, how scared I was, how all alone I was. And now, you know, years later, nothing’s changed. I’m still that little girl, and William Bell is still doing experiments on me. I’m just still being used.

PETER: No. Something has changed. This time, you’re not alone.

***

Walter: Forgive me.

Peter: You killed her!

Walter: I’m so sorry, Olive.

Peter: Don’t touch her.

***

Walter: Excuse me, Miss. Is that Lemon Jell-o?

Orderly: These are urine samples.

Walter: Oh, well, in that case, no, thank you. I’m more peckish than thirsty.

***

Walter: I don’t suppose you’re here for a sandwich.

September: We have to warn the others. They are coming.

Walter: Who’s coming?

“The Two B’s,” as they affectionately call themselves!

See more behind-the-scenes with Leonard Nimoy and John Noble here and here.

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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May 10 2012
1 Comment
Fox, Fringe, Recaps

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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May 01 2012
2 Comments
Fox, Fringe, Recaps

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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Apr 25 2012
4 Comments
Fox, Fringe, Recaps

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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Apr 24 2012
2 Comments
Fox, Fringe, Recaps

fringe season four: where is peter bishop?

As Fringe was on the bubble for most of Season Three, the excitement of a new season was wrought with the tension of “Where Is Peter?” which swept the planet (of Fringe fans). From fan-made videos to the season four promo banners, fans eagerly waited for the return of Fringe–which was apparent in the first episode, which had almost 3.5 million viewers, a season high. With less than five episodes left in the season, being a Fringe fan’s are on the edge of their seats–not only during the episodes, but all day, everyday. As Fringe hasn’t been renewed, fans and producers are unsure where the episodes will go. Orci and Kurtzman have stated that if this is the last season, they are ready to give Fringe a proper ending–unlike Firefly, and hopefully different than Lost!

The simple facts are that FOX isn’t making any money with Fringe anymore–which is typically what happens when you send amazing shows to the kill spot, FOX–but they’re hesitating on canceling for many reasons. The main one being J.J. Abrams’ involvement with the show. Abrams’ credibility and popularity in film and television right now reaches all audiences, and includes two new tv shows this year: Person of Interest on CBS, and Alcatraz on FOX. Alcatraz has been touted as a revamped, less-intriguing Fringe. Both Alcatraz and Fringe have yet to be renewed–or cancelled–but it would be in FOX’s best interest to keep at least one of Abrams’ shows. Plus, if Fringe is renewed, Abrams says that he will direct an episode, which will be the first Fringe episode directed by Abrams.

New Characters:

As of yet, there are no new main characters–however, characters which were previously killed or disappeared are back! These include Alt-Charlie, Alt-Broyles, and David Robert Jones. While the new timeline–as this world where Peter never existed is called–is missing a few familiar faces, Walter’s trusty steed-like animal, Gene, is one
constant in all timelines. Yay Gene!

The Plot:

Fringe season four started out quite slow, which was disappointing for many fans, but fit with the “Fringe” way of doing things. Instead of coming out and stating all the differences, both the subtle and stated changes were–and still are–being addressed. We see what everyone’s lives are like without Peter–Walter is out of the mental institution, but lives in his lab–and is afraid to leave. The Olivia we’ve come to love has regressed back to pre-Peter Olivia–an impersonal yet competent FBI agent. Even though Peter’s been erased from everyone’s memories, his actions have stayed the same–the two universes are still connected in one room, and Fauxlivia is still hated by Walter and Olivia for her deception.

It is clear that Peter is the staple holding everything together. When Walter begins hallucinating, seeing a man talking to him in his lab, he fears that he will be sent back to St. Claires. But Olivia’s been seeing the man in her dreams, so he’s not going crazy. An Observer is supposed to completely erase Peter from this timeline, but he does not. This is the reason everyone’s memories of Peter are returning. Peter eventually appears from the bottom of Reiden Lake, where he drowned as a boy, as the Observer did not save him.

Peter is ecstatic, as he’s returned home–however, no one remembers him. The next few episodes detail the pain Peter feels and his desperation to return to his home. Walter and Olivia are noticeably freaked out, as this man claims to know their secrets and details of their lives, yet they know nothing about him. Besides other things, Peter’s extensive knowledge on classified information (i.e. Walternate, the other universe, Observers, and shapeshifters) gets him into trouble with the FBI  before everyone learns to trust him.

Readers–and Peter–are unsure if he is really in an alternate timeline, or he has simply been erased from our timeline. Adding to the confusion is the fact that Olivia’s memories have inexplicably begun to fade away–and are slowly being replaced by Peter’s Olivia’s memories. Peter, unwilling to fall in love with the “wrong” Olivia again–and hurt his Olivia’s feelings–continually pushes this Olivia away. However, Peter is given the chance to go inside an Observer’s mind during episode 14 “The End of All Things,” (as amazing as it sounds!) and all the last questions are answered. He is in the right timeline, and this Olivia is his Olivia. Peter also learns about his son Henry, who was erased from time along with him.

Fun Facts:

  • The amazing Anna Torv has played multiple versions of Olivia Dunhum: our Olivia, Fauxlivia, future Olivia, Bell-livia (where Torv impersonates the mannerisms and voice of Leonord Nimoy), this new timeline’s Olivia, and this new timeline’s Fauxlivia. Each version has unique characteristics and traits, showing off Torv’s wonderful acting skills.
  •  In this timeline Walternate is a good man with honorable intentions of trying to save both worlds.
  • Here’s a fun letter from Peter Bishop, clarifying that the reports of his deletion from time are “greatly exaggerated.”    Yay for Peter’s return!

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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