FRINGE: Olivia’s Message Is Heard

Hey, FRINGE fans! How insane was Thursday’s episode?

Holy moly.

The case was good — although it felt like it could have been played out in either universe — but we got a new look at alt-Broyles, Walternate and Olivia finally caught a break in her attempt to return home.

Let’s talk for a minute about alt-Broyles. Am I the only one who might be liking him a little bit more than the real Broyles? When I talked with FRINGE producers Jeff Pinkner, J.H. Wyman and Akiva Goldsman and I told them I found myself caring about the other side, I wasn’t thinking about alt-Broyles — I was thinking more about Charlie, alt-Astrid (who fascinates me), and the rest of the FRINGE team newbies.

But after last night’s episode, it certainly feels like we know more about him than our original copy, and I like this dude. Sure, he was knowingly keeping our Olivia here, but it wasn’t something he felt comfortable with. His interactions with his family were sweet and his reluctance to let Olivia talk to his son was understandable — all he wanted was for his son to be stress-free in whatever time he had left. Plus, once he realized Olivia knew who she truly was, he didn’t do anything to stop her or alert Walternate. Props to alt-Broyles!

Speaking of  Walternate, he was actually…nice? I found myself sympathizing with him when he told alt-Broyles, “I know what it’s like to lose a son. And even when they come back, the damage is irreparable. If you need someone to talk to Phillip, let me know.” He’s such a cold, evil character most of the time that I often forget that part of the reason he is that way is because Peter was stolen from him so many years ago. It’s always good to be reminded of that.

Of course, he undid all that good will with his cold order to “sedate her” when he caught Olivia in the tank trying to go home. Goodness, will someone give John Noble a freaking Emmy already??? I wonder if he realizes she actually made it to the other side and had an actual conversation with someone before they were able to bring her back…

However, the most important thing that happened last night? Olivia finally alerted Peter to the fact that the woman in his bed — quite literally — wasn’t her. As soon as Olivia crossed over and asked that lady for help, I had hoped the next episode would feature Peter getting a hint that Olivia was trying to reach him. But instead the episode ended with Peter taking a call from the lady, who said, “I’m calling from New York. I know this is going to sound crazy, but I just saw a woman disappear in front of my eyes…her name was Olivia, she has a message for you: she’s trapped in the other universe.”

Let’s just say that, even though I’m guessing we all figured it might be coming, once they flashed back to our side in the final minutes of the hour, my jaw still dropped and I once again was thankful that no one is there to witness me when I watch FRINGE. I don’t think any other show prompts me to talk back to my television as much as this one does.

For all the Peter-Olivia ‘shippers out there, what did you make of this exchange between Peter and the woman he thinks is his Olivia?

Fauxlivia: I thought you said it was a love story?
Peter: Well, aren’t all the best love stories tragedies?

Obviously things are going to take a tragic turn soon, but it also gives me a bad feeling for the long-term, too. Or maybe I’m reading too much into a discussion about CASABLANCA.

Anyone else hoping we can keep Andre Royo (Henry) for a bit on FRINGE? I love how he’s been Olivia’s ally over there, trusting her even when she wouldn’t tell him what’s going on, and I’d love it if we could could see him over on our side.

So what did you guys think about the episode? Are you dying for the next one?

Follow @GiveMeMyRemote and @marisaroffman on Twitter for the latest TV news. Connect with other TV fans on GIVE ME MY REMOTE’s official Facebook page.

And to be the first to see our exclusive videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel at youtube.com/givememyremotetv