FRINGE Still Needs a Little TLC
September 24, 2008 by Kath Skerry
“Like mosquitoes in amber.” – I’ve heard this phrase before, buy only on FRINGE would this description be associated with people found “frozen” on a city bus. Welcome to another day of living in ‘the pattern’.While I’m still waiting for that break out episode of FRINGE, I found last night’s episode quite interesting. It seemed the writers pulled back from the scientific mumbo jumbo and went straight for the crazy. But it kind of worked. I might not be on board enough to really buy the idea of the ‘ghost network’ (Skype for the undead?) but the characters seemed to be invested enough in it that I went along for the ride. And that my friends is half the battle.
Dr. Walter Bishop continues to walk the edge of crazy. Wacky Walter spends his days concocting illicit drugs and self medicating but no one seems to have an issue with him putting some device on some guy’s head and drilling holes into his skull. We are asked to forgive or maybe ignore a lot on FRINGE, and I’m willing to do so, but there’s got to be a line. There has to be a real sense of realism embedded within these outrageous stories for us to become emotionally invested.
Anna Torv isn’t doing much to make me like Olivia. In the pilot I found Olivia to be a strong woman, worthy to stand next to J.J. Abrams’ other leading ladies of the past. But since that first episode I have found Olivia to be a bit unstable, too emotional and not very pragmatic. She’s a little too whiny for me. Pull it together woman.
Unfortunately, I still find that Joshua Jackson is wasted. The writers need to give us a little but more about Peter. What we do know of him seems to come out of a place of writing convenience – almost filler. He’s a great poker player so he can read people – great. But what else does he do? Being a genius with little regard for his natural abilities has certainly gifted Peter with some interesting life experience – tell us about it. Stop using Peter as a prop to remind us all the absurdity of the situation. Believe me, we see it.
The exploration of the fringe science is interesting enough but the real meat of FRINGE lies within the connection to Massive Dynamics. Just what are those brainiacs up to over there, why are they so closely connected with the Government, and why is Nina so interested in Oliva Dunham? Was Nina as interested in Agent John Scott – we know she is after his death. What’s the connection?
I criticize because I care. Just because mommy may be a little frustrated with you doesn’t mean she’s going to leave you. Just try to behave better in the future.
Your feelings on last night’s FRINGE? What’s your take on the series thus far? Are you totally committed…on the fence…talk to me!
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Filed under Fringe, Fringe Recap
I feel like this show hasn’t figured out what it is trying to do and therefore it’s failing to do anything truly well. It’s trying to be a procedural, a serial and a character dramedy all at once and the only level it’s succeeding on for me at least is Walter’s nuttiness. Some places it tries too hard like the freshman joke. Others it doesn’t try hard enough like how quickly Olivia spotted the missing backpack, but not the missing man on the bus.
I’ll be out of town 2 Tues. from now. Unless next week grabs me, Fringe may start to be a malingerer on my DVR.
I like the show, but agree with many of your problems.
I am taking the position that it is early days yet and they are still shaping up the show.
They have a lot to do just to establish a premise that people will accept.
So … okay. I continue to not like Anna Torv. Also, is English not her first language? She has a very subtle, weird little accent when she says certain words. I love me some Walter (last night when he told Pacey “that’s preposterous” I about died), and that’s probably what’s keeping me with the show more than anything else. Well, that and a deep desire for it to be good.
But the thing is, I know they keep calling Fringe a “smash hit”, but I’m having some serious doubts about how long this show is going to be on the air, because:
a.) even the “fans” are iffy
b.) I have never heard anyone say anything about Anna Torv other than what a dud she is, and how can a show sustain a following with that kind of reaction to the “heroine”?
c.) it’s on Fox, which we all know is cancel-happy
SB – I believe Anna Torv is Australian.
I like but not love it so far. I am distracted by odd things like the fact that a priest would not call the authorities after Roy’s ‘confession’ — that is not allowed. And as a Bostonian would they please fly here and get some good set shots? That was not South Station.
Anna Torv is Australian. I was wondering what was wrong with the way she talked about half of the way through the second episode so I looked it up. It was driving me crazy! Now all I can hear is her terrible American English accent! I am glad I am not the only one who can hear it.
I’m liking the show and it keeps me interested. Still I do feel like there’s something missing. But like I said I am enjoying the show and I’m not going to give up on it because I think it has the potential to be a great show. Just as long as FOX doesn’t cancel it…..
I agree. We need a little more character development, especially on Olivia’s side. The assistant gets more emotion from me than her. I was enthralled with the first episode but the others have a slow side for me. I want to see more of the characters and back stories and conflicts. Even just emotional conflicts with each case!
I’m enjoying the straight man act of Josh Jackson, though. Sorry I can’t agree with you on that one!
I like it ok. I thought, wow they’re doing brain surgery in a lab in a basement with no kind of sanitation of any kind. Then it wasn’t really brain surgery but drilling holes in his head. Seemed absolutely crazy, but i’ll go with it for now.
About the girl- she reminds me of that girl on gossip girl but all grown up. That’s pretty much what I think of when I see her.
Anna Trov = Poppy Montgomery (Without a Trace) except I like Poppy better…
i agree with almost all of you. she is a DUD. i can’t get attached to her at all, and agree with courtney especially, about liking the assistant better than her.
but PACEY will keep me tuning in, along with the interesting premise…. let’s just hope it gets better!