I don’t know about you, but I spent most (59 minutes) of tonight’s Fringe, thinking, “Huh?” And, based on friends who were watching at the same time, I don’t think I was alone. Nothing made any sense. While watching … I was a bit annoyed; but, I don’t think we were supposed to understand; instead we were meant to be confused.
In the end, I think it played out brilliantly. The confusion kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what the heck was going on. The parallels between Roscoe Joyce’s and Walter’s lives were nicely revealed; and, for perhaps the first time, Walter finally gets what he has done. I think in the past he knew that he changed the natural order by bringing Peter across universes, but this time he finally, truly understood the ramifications to others.
One important revelation that had been mentioned before, but I never really comprehended, was that the observer’s mistake with Peter was not that he was brought from the alternaverse, rather that the observer didn’t let him drown.
The story about Victoria, Peter, the firefly and Bobby was touching. Even though I am partial to Peter and Walter, it was told in such a way that even I was willing to let Peter die if necessary. Okay, perhaps not, but I did consider it. Ultimately I’m not sure that Walter in different circumstances would be willing to let Peter die. I think the observers were wrong about that. In the moment, yes, Walter gave Peter the keys; but, the keys were only a symbol of the potential path that could lead to Peter’s death. And, it was Peter, not Walter, who ultimately made the decision in that moment. If anything, I think this “experiment” will lead Walter to cherish and protect Peter even more in the future. In effect, instead of proving Walter would make the right choice in the future, I think the observers have caused the opposite.
While only a side story, I have to mention Peter and Olivia. I was happy to see Olivia listen to Peter and open the door for them to move forward. The pain and regret that Peter has is clear and time has allowed Olivia to see through her own pain to see Peter’s. I look forward to them getting past this situation and moving forward. Though, I have a feeling there will be a few more bumps in the road for them.
While the episode was annoying to watch in many respects, in the end, the story was told in an extremely effective manner. The confusion was well worth it in the end.
Other stuff:
Clacked by Carla Day 
on Jan 22, 2011 @ 00:16 EST5EDT
I thought it was a good episode and really liked how it all tied together in the end. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next week though! I’m sure at some point when Peter is in real, mortal danger Olivia will realize that she can’t lose him and all will be well. I just hope the show gets far enough on Fridays to give them a future together.
See – I think what the Observers learned is that Walter will let Peter die because he will do whatever Peter needs him to do.
I wanted more Olivia. Got the Observers instead. Looking forward to next week, as always!
Good review of a harrowing episode, mi Amiga! :-)
And the good news is it got a 1.9 demo and 4.83 million viewers.
Much better than people were thniking. :)
It would’ve been nice to see some better numbers, but those numbers were still good. If Kevin Reilly’s statement that if Fringe can hold on to 80% of it’s audience after moving to Fridays it’ll have a future is true then we may have the joy of another season.
Man, I hope so. Best show on TV, hands down.