3rd season of the J.J Abrams sci-fi kicks off with a return trip 'over there'
What's it about?
Olivia, captured on "the other side," attempts to escape and return to her home world. However, the other side's Walter has other plans, and Olivia soon discovers that she must face a threat from within.
What we saw
A should-be-Emmy-nominated-performance from Ann Torv as a scared and confused Olivia Dunham trapped 'over there' and struggling for freedom from both herself and the sinister Walternate. Meanwhile 'over here' Walter, Peter move on with lives having escaped home with the evil-doppleganger Altlivia in place of their friend.
Review
Once again I have to note that I am an obsessive 'Fringe' fan so expectations for this episode were relatively orbital in height and thankfully I was not disappointed with the results.
To recap the events at the end of last season: Peter had discovered he was really from 'over there' and was kidnapped back by his real dad. Walter and Olivia, along with other Cortexiphan test subjects went over to rescue him with the help of William Bell. Returning home at the end of the two-part season finale were Peter and Walter and a not so friendly Altlivia in disguise. This all left our Olivia being held captive by Walternate.
As we have been made aware the first half of season 3 will split its time between the two universes with odd numbered episodes taking place 'over there' and even numbers 'over here'. All this meaning that the producers needed a quick way to define which universe we're in (other than the colour of Olivia's hair) and so the opening credits take on a whole new meaning. As with the finale of season 2 the credits are red for 'over there' and blue for 'over here' and this episode was most definitely a red!
I'm really enjoying the exploration of the alternate universe although in this episode I could not help but notice the lack of the double decker cars that we've been told about in previous episodes. Considering the effort put in to add Zeplins, the bronze Statue of Liberty, twin towers etc... it seems odd to have left out the cars which were a standout item from the 'over there' world.
The technical and cultural differences displayed in this world will clearly open a whole new avenue of story telling opportunities for the writers and the inclusion of dual Olivia's means that we never have to forget one universe for the other.
One of the most appealing things about 'Fringe' is its lack of fear when it comes to pulling the carpet out from underneath the viewer and leaving you with your jaw on the floor saying 'WTF?' and this episode does just that by revealing the very nasty plans Walternate has for Olivia.
There is a very tragic undertone which has been woven in to the science fiction of this show and the two are mixed very well in this episode as we watch our Olivia losing herself to the memories of her 'over there' counterpart. Add to this the appearance of Mrs Dunham towards the climax of this episode and as suddenly the seemingly invincible Olivia has been broken down and become almost unrecognisable.
Ann Torv has long proven that she can front the show as the kick-ass version of Olivia Dunham but here we get to see her show a much wider range of emotions and her portrayal of Olivia as being lost in her surroundings and fighting for her identity are equally, if not more, compelling than ever before.
A large amount of respect also have to be thrown in the direction of John Noble who was wrongly left empty handed at last years Emmy awards despite his outstanding performance as Walter. Throw in his now regular appearance as Walternate and the man deserves a trophy case full of awards. Here we get to spending further time with Peter's real father and further see just how cold and evil he really is. At no other point is this universe shown to the an exact opposite of ours but the Walter's are truly polar opposites.
The supporting cast, as always, provide a brilliant support for the leads and no true 'Fringe' fan can complain about having Charlie Francis back on our screens albeit a worm ridden, scarred, alternative version and thanks to the miracle technology of 'over there' the character of Lincoln Lee has returned for more action.
It's clear that splitting the season between the two universes will serve a further purpose than satisfying my science fiction needs. At this point I can only surmise that developing the characters and atmosphere of 'over there' will serve as yet another heartbreaking story point when the two universes are thrown together at some point in the near future. Why not split audience opinion by having us identify with characters on both sides.
Throw in the usual amount of JJ Abrams universe easter eggs and you have the beginnings of yet another mind blowing season and all that remains is to see what more this new universe can throw at us. The war has not yet begun!
Next week...
"Over here" Bolivia turns up the heat on Peter while he and Walter try to solve a case involving a mysterious box causing trance like states resulting in death. Walter goes to Massive Dynamic for the reading of William Bell's will.
Overall rating:
Story 4.5
Mind-bending awesomeness 4.0
Easter Eggs 3.0
Overall 4.0
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