FRINGE RECAP 3
Season 3: Episode 5 “Amber 31422
“In this house we obey the laws of Thermodynamics!”
Thank God the Giants won the world series so niftily, otherwise we would have had to wait another week for a new FRINGE, and I was already having withdrawals. It’s great to have the show back, and I’m loving all the FRINGE hype I’m seeing on FOX.
THE WOES OF THE WALTERNATE
So Walternate is more and more looking like a fascist dictator about to be overthrown by his people, as evidenced by his and Broyles’ discussion about a possible revolt by the masses if they learned that the people trapped in amber could be resuscitated. Combine that with his eerie comments about nature not recognizing good and evil and I think he might be a little bit further over the deep end that I had realized before. I would still like to hear more about his plan regarding the “doomsday” device that Walter and Peter are building in Earth A, but seeing his work and dealings with Olivia “Over There” is still pretty fascinating, as it shows how brilliant and powerful our Walter could have been by now if he hadn’t been thrown in the nut house.
OPERATION OLIVIA
I recently read a recap from EW’s Ken Tucker than mentioned how Olivia’s mental projections of Peter are very similar to her projects of John from Season 1, claiming that part of her mental powers are her mind’s ability to retain these various personalities and use their specters to teach her things. I really like this idea, especially as it gives precedent to the whole “her mind is projecting an image of her lover to help her along” thing, and suddenly Peter appearing to her and telling her she doesn’t belong “Over There” makes a lot more sense.
I am also very curious to see what other powers she will demonstrate and use, as so far in the show they’ve hinted at or shown her capable of starting fires (Jacksonville), having a photographic memory (may or not be from cortexiphan), ability to see things from “Over There,” and lastly the ability to travel safely from one universe to another. Will she eventually have control over the fire ability? Will she ever get the ability to force her emotions on people like that Nick guy had?
Story wise, I’m pretty sure by this point that Olivia has once again remembered who she really is, but is now smart enough to know that she’s trapped and has to continue to pretend to be Folivia otherwise they’ll try to brainwash her again. I’m excited to see what direction this takes her cases with the Fringe Division from “Over There,” as she can now operate very much like her alternate self in our world, in that she helps solves the case but has an ulterior motive for doing so, and is more vested in her own interests.
BATTLING BROYLES
Alternate Broyles is to me, one of the most intriguing characters “Over There” as he knows everything that’s going on, but unlike Walternate, doesn’t seem entirely at ease about it. He seems almost exactly like his Earth A (Our world) counterpart in that he’s a good person who’s only trying to look out for the safety of the people around him and to protect his country. I’m very interested to see where he draws the line in terms of Walternate’s ultimate goals, especially with his dealing with Olivia, who I think Broyles has a certain respect for, regardless of where she came from.
Do I think Broyles will eventually rebel against Walternate and the DOD? For sure, I’d love to see him as some kind of rebel leader “Over There” fighting against the corrupt government, freeing people from amber, and, alongside Lee and Charlie, forming the core of Olivia’s allies “Over There” who will help her stop Walternate’s plans. But who knows? Maybe he’ll end up being spineless and just go along with whatever Walternate tells him, proving that the Broyles from our side is far superior.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I still want to know what Alternate Astrid’s deal is, and whether she has some kind of super-brain or what. I hope we get a back-story soon.
I really liked the idea that Olivia’s brain’s rebellion took place on her niece’s birthday, and that her love of her family is what will restore her identity. It ties in nicely to a lot of the themes in FRINGE about what one does for family, no matter the consequences.
Lastly, I want to bring up the idea of FIRST PEOPLE, a concept that we first saw in the red titles for season 2 finale, and which the producers have stated is part of the overall mythology of the show. Some theorize that the FIRST PEOPLE made the “doomsday” device that Walternate has blueprints for, some that Sam Weiss (Olivia’s Yoda from season 2) is one of these FIRST PEOPLE and cannot be trusted, and I personally cannot help but wonder if perhaps The Observers are FIRST PEOPLE. Only time will tell, but it’s something to think about, and something to look for clues about as the season progresses.
Alright, I think that’s it for this week, it’s good to be back, and I look forward to the rest of this season!
NICHOLASGRAFF.com 