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Fringe
May 14, 2012 16:03:13 GMT -5
Post by Sara on May 14, 2012 16:03:13 GMT -5
Squeeage over the season finale which could have been a series finale: Big "whew!" over Astrid, and "awwww" when Astrid pulled out that bag of red liquorice and Walter called her by her real name. As for the Observer telling Olivia that in all the universes, she has to die... They pulled a Buffy! THEY PULLED A BUFFY! The prophecy said she had to die, and die she did, but the prophecy didn't take into consideration advances in science in that universe, not to mention Walter Bishop. I'd call it a perfect storm - the right version of Walter and brave enough (and crazy enough) to do what had to be done, the right Olivia getting the right dose of cortexiphan, Peter, it all worked. "I was only gone for a minute." *snicker* And our Olivia is pregnant, and we get another season to wrap things up. Not to mention that Bell is still out there somewhere... It's going to be a very long summer. Anne, rather incoherent, squeee ETA: However, "Stasis Runes"? Seriously, did we cross over into Middle Earth? Agree with all. Really, they did a pretty decent job of wrapping it all up for a series finale. Quick but neat, even taking away (probably) her super powers (which concerned me greatly). So good that I'm almost worried about re-opening a can worms and then having to re-tie it up again. [Also agree re the runes -- my thought was "when did we wander onto the Supernatural set?"] Incredible that Walter had the guts to shot her like that. [Still a bit sad that this Walter doesn't have all the memories of Peter's childhood but you can't have everything.] They really did think this was the end, didn't they. Broyles, Nina, everything. I said to Greg and Matthew that the particular genius of the whole shooting Olivia thing is in how smartly they took advantage of the finale being a two-parter when it came to Olivia's survival. If we'd had the lemon cake scene early in the same hour as Olivia's seeming death, most viewers would have gone, "Oh, but we just saw how the lemon cake made with cortexiphan-laden brain matter healed itself: she'll be fine." But because the lemon cake moment happened a week ago, it was no longer right at the forefront of the viewer's memory (other than the brief visual reminder at the start of part two when Peter picks the cake up). So we could both be worried and freaked out about Olivia dying, yet as soon as Walter mentions letting her brain fix itself we also get to enjoy the aha! moment of, "OMG THAT'S RIGHT—THE LEMON CAKE THING WILL SAVE HER!" Another bit of excellent advance plotting: leaving Olivia out of the flash-forward ep, yet never stating anything specific about what happened to her. Everything the characters say leads us to believe that's she's dead because of Bell (Etta's bullet necklace was a particularly clever way of implying Olivia's fate), yet they never state it outright. Just two great examples of using episodic storytelling to fake out the audience and make the final payoff that much more rewarding.
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Fringe
Oct 27, 2012 22:10:53 GMT -5
Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on Oct 27, 2012 22:10:53 GMT -5
Season 5 Episode 4, "The Bullet That Saved the World".
Wow. I did not see that coming.
I need to think on this some more, but for now, just... wow.
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Fringe
Nov 3, 2012 22:24:17 GMT -5
Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on Nov 3, 2012 22:24:17 GMT -5
So, from sad and disturbing to heartbreaking and more disturbing. And yet I can't stop watching...
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Fringe
Nov 4, 2012 19:00:44 GMT -5
Post by Sue on Nov 4, 2012 19:00:44 GMT -5
It is like watching an entirely different show each season, isn't it? I liked the parallel worlds a lot.
Early seasons the observers were mostly an afterthought, now they are front and center.
So -- they come from one of our possible futures, right? Why do I feel like it's political commentary on the possible future where the big business wall street white males in suits who got to role back emissions standards took over the world.
Not totally right wing (at least not the religious fanatic part because they are clearly big on science), but still ....
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Fringe
Jan 7, 2013 16:50:59 GMT -5
Post by Spaced Out Looney on Jan 7, 2013 16:50:59 GMT -5
So I'm catching up on Fringe because it's free via amazon prime, and it's supposed to be ending soon, so I won't get into the fan angst of a currently airing show. On this first run through, I think I will post thoughts by season since I'm not finding enough to merit a separate post fo each episode. Since the horror aspects do much for me, I find myself glossing over a lot of the monster of the week stuff and tuning back in for all the arc and character drama stuff. Maybe that will change for the later seasons; we'll see.
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Fringe
Jan 7, 2013 17:32:33 GMT -5
Post by Spaced Out Looney on Jan 7, 2013 17:32:33 GMT -5
Anyway, season 1. Typical genre establishment of character, setting, premise, into to story, and baseline relationships.
The show is clearly is a successor to the X-Files. The interesting change is that in the X-Files, there were 1-2ish people in the establishment who recognized all the weirdness under the surface and they were constantly under threat of being shut down; whereas in Fringe, there's a whole suboffice with dedicated funding and a lot of leeway to investigating the weirdness, and the few threats to shut them down aren't that serious. In as much as the horror genre reflects our fears about ourselves, it's an interesting meta commentary.
I like all the characters. But I keep thinking that Broyles is going to turn evil because of his character on Lost. John Noble is fantastic, as one would expect. Joshua Jackson is a pleasant surprise; that'll teach me to underestimate actors from mediocre teen dramas. Leonard Nimoy is an excellent bit of stunt casting. Anna Torv is great, too.
I like the hints we get that all these characters living on the fringe, as it were, have very good reasons for the various acting out they do, Olivia's extreme impulsivity, Peter's history as high school drop out and a con artist, and Walter's inappropriate behavior and conversation, etc.
More on signs of the times. The presence of Homeland Security, whose extended powers are presumably the reason the Fringe team gets so much leeway to do pretty much anything they feel the need to do. Frequent references to plane crashes/disasters. Mega corporate power, though I like that Massive Dynamic seems to be set up as the evil corporation to be fought against, but the team seems to be cooperating with them. And of course, the non destruction of the WTC in the parallel universe.
Love the floating title card effect.
Note on the whole extracting info from people within hours after they've died: the cranial rhythmic impulse, an additional vital sign detectable with osteopathic training or a special finger doppler thingy, is palpable for several hours after pulse and respiration have ceased. It's actually not known how long after death it's palpable, and raises questions about the definition of death. So the concept that with the right equipment you can "interrogate" a "dead" person is not as out there as it might seem.
Last note, I'm betting the cow in the lab is actually more than just a running gag and actually becomes important to the show at some point, yes?
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Fringe
Jan 13, 2013 18:24:33 GMT -5
Post by Sue on Jan 13, 2013 18:24:33 GMT -5
Anyway, season 1. Typical genre establishment of character, setting, premise, into to story, and baseline relationships. The show is clearly is a successor to the X-Files. The interesting change is that in the X-Files, there were 1-2ish people in the establishment who recognized all the weirdness under the surface and they were constantly under threat of being shut down; whereas in Fringe, there's a whole suboffice with dedicated funding and a lot of leeway to investigating the weirdness, and the few threats to shut them down aren't that serious. In as much as the horror genre reflects our fears about ourselves, it's an interesting meta commentary. I like all the characters. But I keep thinking that Broyles is going to turn evil because of his character on Lost. John Noble is fantastic, as one would expect. Joshua Jackson is a pleasant surprise; that'll teach me to underestimate actors from mediocre teen dramas. Leonard Nimoy is an excellent bit of stunt casting. Anna Torv is great, too. I like the hints we get that all these characters living on the fringe, as it were, have very good reasons for the various acting out they do, Olivia's extreme impulsivity, Peter's history as high school drop out and a con artist, and Walter's inappropriate behavior and conversation, etc. More on signs of the times. The presence of Homeland Security, whose extended powers are presumably the reason the Fringe team gets so much leeway to do pretty much anything they feel the need to do. Frequent references to plane crashes/disasters. Mega corporate power, though I like that Massive Dynamic seems to be set up as the evil corporation to be fought against, but the team seems to be cooperating with them. And of course, the non destruction of the WTC in the parallel universe. Love the floating title card effect. Note on the whole extracting info from people within hours after they've died: the cranial rhythmic impulse, an additional vital sign detectable with osteopathic training or a special finger doppler thingy, is palpable for several hours after pulse and respiration have ceased. It's actually not known how long after death it's palpable, and raises questions about the definition of death. So the concept that with the right equipment you can "interrogate" a "dead" person is not as out there as it might seem. Last note, I'm betting the cow in the lab is actually more than just a running gag and actually becomes important to the show at some point, yes? Oh, so lovely to have the retrospective. I was not sucked in immediately during season one and only came back at the very end. Excellent thinky thoughts and I can't wait to hear what you think of subsequent seasons. It's a pretty unique show.
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Fringe
Jan 19, 2013 20:32:03 GMT -5
Post by Sue on Jan 19, 2013 20:32:03 GMT -5
Personally, I found that very satisfying.
I'm sure there are probably nits to pick (myself, I thought that maybe it was a bit padded at times) but it made me weep with both sadness and gladness.
I loved that they pulled in so many 1st season mysteries to help them at the end. Although, man, if they hadn't managed the reset they sure did screw up their current present with that bio-hazard.
But the joy of loss and NOT LOSS. And so appropriate for it to end with Walter leading "the boy" into another universe.
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Fringe
Jan 20, 2013 1:03:20 GMT -5
Post by Anne, Old S'cubie Cat on Jan 20, 2013 1:03:20 GMT -5
Personally, I found that very satisfying. I'm sure there are probably nits to pick (myself, I thought that maybe it was a bit padded at times) but it made me weep with both sadness and gladness. I loved that they pulled in so many 1st season mysteries to help them at the end. Although, man, if they hadn't managed the reset they sure did screw up their current present with that bio-hazard. But the joy of loss and NOT LOSS. And so appropriate for it to end with Walter leading "the boy" into another universe. I think you said it better than I ever could. This was a satisfying ending to the series. It hit all the right notes for me. I was really pleased that we got to see Bolivia and Lincoln again, and even more pleased that they've had a good and happy life together. Is it just me, or was Walter leading the boy into a tunnel of light, like those reported by people coming back from a near-death experience? Also, when the Observer was reporting to Widmark about the boy's being advanced beyond their comprehension, or whatever it was, anyway - am I the only one who said "Star Child"? As in 2001?
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Fringe
Feb 9, 2013 15:17:31 GMT -5
Post by Spaced Out Looney on Feb 9, 2013 15:17:31 GMT -5
So. Season 2.
Whoa. So...this show is turning out to be something completely different than we were initially led to believe. Definitely becoming more interesting. Most of the episodes this season I found more interesting than not.
More meta thoughts: The show exploring the idea of not being clear who we're fighting, difficult to tell who is one who's side, the exploitation of children. The alternate reality as reflection of ourselves...or cautionary tale, reflecting our greatest fears for our our society ( militarization, creeping technology). Monsters that appear are human made, creating a "hell of our own making."
The production clearly moved to Vancouver. And while Vancouver's very pretty and I have a fondness for it because every other show I love seems to be filmed there, it's um...not New England. And that comes across fairly obviously in the show.
Walter's love for Peter is one of the highlights of the show.
I'm also appreciative of the fairly honest depiction of mental illness.
The typewriter communication thing is nifty.
The bowling alley therapist awesome, but I'm wondering what is his deal, really?
This alternative realty is turning out to be far more confusing and interesting than I ever could have imagined.
Episodes that stood out for me
Of Human Action (episode with mind controlling teenager)
August, (episode with all The Observers) -I love the explanation of nonlinear perspective on time
Grey Matters (episode when its revealed that Bell lobotomized Walter)
Jacksonville (where Olivia re-unlocks her ability to see shimmery things and Peter almost kisses her (hot!!!))
Peter (the flashback/backstory episode) -this episode blew me away. -John Noble's acting chops. AMAZING. -Absolutely love the redone credits and title cards -Excellent prequel/flashback episode. Even the flashback hair was ok -the only big missing piece was Broyles' connection to everything
White Tulip (time loop episode) -this was one of the best resolutions to a time loop episode that I've ever seen. Wonderful.
Brown Betty (experimental drug trip episode) -Um, this one really doesn't stand out in a good way, it really felt more like a big WTF? I'm all for experimental episodes, but I felt like either it didn't work or I'm missing something. I'm wondering whether this fits in better in retrospect.
Over There (the 2 part season finale) -Wow.
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Fringe
Feb 21, 2013 13:48:02 GMT -5
Post by Spaced Out Looney on Feb 21, 2013 13:48:02 GMT -5
Season 3 thoughts.
Wow. What. A. Crackfest.
So, by the end of the season, everyone's having an existential crisis. Or two. Or three.
The paths that Olivia and Fauxlivia (?) take are quite compelling.
Walter's love for Peter continues to be a major theme. Also interesting to see Peter beginning to take after Walter with his dark obsessions, and megalomania. Story seems to draw from the story of Jacob and Isaac, the Judgment of King Solomon, and stories of changelings. Also Peter is a 3rd culture kid.
More on the meaning of the title. Not only referring to the boundaries between the 2 universes, but also the boundary between life and death.
Love the development of the alternate universe. The complexities, parallels, the tiny differences and contrasts. I like that they seem to be more "advanced" in some ways and not in others. I like that we end up caring as much about them in the end as our 'verse.
Strong theme of romantic love this season, as well as "going home." Not as much about exploitation of children, though there's still some. Also development of the theme of what we pass on to our children and leave behind as our legacy.
Loved the return of bowling alley therapist. And he is indeed in deeper than initially appeared.
I like the cab driver guy.
I enjoyed the cameos from Jorge Garcia and Kevin Weissman
Intriguing idea that Olivia and Peter were separated from each other at the beginning of the season and didn't even know it.
Episodes that really stood out for me:
*Do Shape Shifter's dream of electric sheep? (Where we learn that shapeshifter are emotional beings even if not human; very compelling love stories)
*The Firefly (where we learn that The Observers have a fascination with Rube Goldberg machines; very poignant and elegant depiction of chaos theory) -"It must be very difficult. Being a father." -Also I found this exchange to be significant: Peter:You ever feel like every time we get close to getting the answers, somebody changes the question? Olivia: So why is [If You Meet Buddha On The Road, Kill Him] your favorite book? Peter: Because it talks about not depending on other people for answers. That you can only find the answers inside yourself....which given our current situation is kind of amusing if you think about it.
*Reciprocity (where we learn that Peter has a dark side and was the one killing all the shapeshifters!!! didn't see it coming, though it should have been obvious. Intriguing and troubling development)
*6B (sweet love story about emotion quantum entanglement) -Also, Peter and Olivia really get together for real. Boo-yah!
*Subject 13 (flashback episode follow up to Peter from last season) -always a sucker for flashback prequels -nice follow up reference to White Tulips -2 quotes from Peter's mom that seem significant, not only to Peter's storyline and the show in general, but nice meta commentary on the interplay between science and science fiction: "[The scientist] used his brain and his imagination to turn the world into what he wanted it to be. How would you change the world if you could, Peter? What would you wish for?" "Sometimes the world we have is not the world we want. But we have our hearts and our imaginations to make the best of it." -Big question that this episode leaves us with is, why do Peter and Olivia have such significant gaps in their memories of their childhoods?
*Stowaway (where William Bell possesses Olivia with hi-larious results) -love concept of the soul magnets and william bell coming back in olivia's body, -also loved the the bell- Bell pun that I didn't see coming until Walter rang it
*LSD (where the whole team is on drugs, rather than just Walter, Hee!!!) -How many times have we said that the writers must have been on drugs when writing Alias and Lost? So now the writers just come out with an episode that's all about taking drugs. Ha!!! -Also, I'm always a fan of mindscape episodes. And I loved the animation.
*6:02 EST, the last sam weiss, the day we died (aka, the season finale) -whiz bang boom. Although the Peter's vision of the future didn't really compel me as much as the rest. -Peter blinking out of existence is very intriguing
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Fringe
Mar 3, 2013 16:46:54 GMT -5
Post by Spaced Out Looney on Mar 3, 2013 16:46:54 GMT -5
Season 4 thoughts.
Watching this show is like doing algebra. I like it.
Season 4 all about building bridges, mending fences, and healing. Has very much a denouement feel. The scenes involving all the doubles were really well done.
I like Lee joining our Fringe Team. His journey this season is very moving this season.
Character development on this show occurs in ways I never would have expected. And I love that Peter is always Peter. The reversal of Walter and Peter's relationship is very touching. Peter and Olivia's relationship likewise
The alternate timeline is very intriguing. Though I'm still not entirely understanding how no Peter leads to all the changes, particularly certain fringe cases not occurring.
Episodes that stood out
One night in October (the one with the serial killer and the forensic scientist) - excellent illustration of how the alternate realities work. The guest actor did a fantastic job with his role.
Subject 9 (the one wth yet another cortexiphan subject) -Olivia and Walter's relationship in a Peterless world is very neat. -James Little very compelling character -the return of Peter!
And those we've left behind (where stephen root creates a time bubble to freeze the pre-Alzheimer's moment for his wife) -mostly I love stephen root and the love story was very sweet and sad
Back to where you've never been (where Peter goes to the alternate reality for help) -love that Peter's real mom recognized and accepted him right away
enemy of my enemy -reconciliation between walter and peter, beautiful scene surprised to find he's not he man I thought he was. not surprised to find you are.
Making angels (the astrid centric episode) -love alternate astrid
Everything in it's right place, (Lee centric episode)
letters of transit (the future flash -whoa. Worked better for me than the vision of the vision of the future in the season 3 finale -Desmond from Lost! -great casting job for etta -reworked credits, fringe ideas of the future, hopes and dreams of a people tells a lot about who they are
worlds apart, brave new world 1 and 2 (season finale) -the scene shutting down the bridge was very moving
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Fringe
Mar 13, 2013 12:41:22 GMT -5
Post by Sue on Mar 13, 2013 12:41:22 GMT -5
Liz -
I really love readying your season recaps.
Just thought you should know.
sue
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Fringe
Mar 16, 2013 12:40:04 GMT -5
Post by Spaced Out Looney on Mar 16, 2013 12:40:04 GMT -5
Liz - I really love readying your season recaps. Just thought you should know. sue Thanks!
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Fringe
Sept 26, 2013 23:10:55 GMT -5
Post by Spaced Out Looney on Sept 26, 2013 23:10:55 GMT -5
Fringe season 5 thoughts
So they jumped forward to the future place for the whole season. Interesting choice. Still not sure about how I feel about it.
Nice film noir feel to the season. I much appreciate the lack of NotScary "horror" monsters of the week.
Excellent casting job of casting Etta.
Lots of shout outs to Star Wars and Lost and Blade Runner.
Nice use of little Etta blowing dandelion seeds as a bookend
Intriguing plot with Peter implanting the observer tech in his brain
The finale was actually sort of rushed and anticlimactic. And I still don't understand how preventing The Observers from coming into being means that Peter and Olivia are together in the end...oh never mind.
*Episodes of note (almost every episode this season is well above the average episode of season one, this list is a result of raising the bar)
-The Bullet that Saved the World
-An Origin story
-Through the looking glass and what walter found there (love the pocket universe, with the glyphs!)
-5 20 10
-The Human Kind
-black blotter
-XB-6783746 if only for Nina Sharps death scene and the montage at the end
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