Fringe (TV Series) Unearthed (2010) User Reviews

Why confuse us?

[Hayden86 · 8/10 · 24 January 2010]

I'm giving this an episode 8 out of 10 for the story and the acting. That being said, I don't understand why Fox decided to play the unaired 21st episode from the first season as episode 11 in season two.

After being off the air for a month our minds are a little foggy to remember all of the details from the previous episode and then we see Charlie alive and well... This was very confusing to me until I researched what happened.

Is it just me or should they have not aired this episode at all? When a character is killed off in a show that should be the last time we see them. Although with Fringe anything is possible, but a little explanation would be nice!

I say "boo" to you Fox for this episode. You shouldn't both airing a 7 month old episode as a new one when everything in the story line is out of sync, but that's just my opinion!

Confusion solved

[goffball33 · 7/10 · 13 January 2010]

I just watched this episode, which is clearly out of sync with the storyline as we see it now in Season 2. When I went into the fox episode discussion board, where Unearthed is listed as season 1 episode 21 - an unaired episode of season 1. So the deeper meaning behind seeing Charlie again is... well... not that deep. Fox really should have said something to make it clearer on the front end, but it seems the mystery is solved. Overall, I thought it was an engaging episode (and, as others have said, the teenage girl gave a very good performance), but it didn't seem to do much to contribute to the overall mythology of the show. I wish there had been more of a reason to air it - filling in a blank from season 1 or something. But still, I found it enjoyable and interesting.

How is Charlie alive again?!

[dorydiaz · 7/10 · 12 January 2010]

*KIND OF A SPOILER, SORT OF* Seeing Charlie alive in the first 10 minutes threw me for a loop. I paused the DVR and searched the Fox site thinking I must have missed an episode where he was suddenly resurrected somehow, but no. Maybe it's a repeat from last year - no, original air date says 1/11/10.

Why didn't Fox just tout this as a "never-before aired" ep from Season One? It would have allowed me to enjoy this without distraction so much more easily.

Other than my utter confusion at seeing Charlie, it was another strong episode. And fun to catch the Observer walk by behind Olivia on the Cathedral steps.

Agent Charlie?

[david-siguenza · 9/10 · 22 April 2011]

This episode was actually a lost episode from Season 1. They never aired the episode because they feared that it might cause some controversy concerning religion and politics. So, that episode wasn't meant for this season but was given to audiences as a bonus!

This is just a quote for what it seems a strange jump in the story time line, hopefully this will help you understand why strange things happen in this episode that has no continuation with the others!

Apart from this... the episode is quite interesting, but I don't really understand the fear of the controversy. Let's see what happens on the next episode of Fringe.

Unaired Episode

[soulsavor-641-922736 · 7/10 · 21 January 2010]

I agree with the other reviews that this is unaired episode. Agent Charlie Francis is dead in the first universe and Peter Bishop was taken from the second universe so neither of those universes are accurate in this episode. It doesn't follow the story line and seems like a filler episode.

I noticed that Astrid's Hair style is still the same from season one. In season two her hairstyle changes and is shorter.

If the story later reveils that there is a third universe this would be a good cover up for not releasing this episode last season although Astrid's hairstyle is still the same.

Either way the episode was enjoyable.

'Special' Episode

[ianmakowski · 8/10 · 4 March 2010]

Just watched it in the UK. Sky told us it was a special unaired episode in preparation for the continuation of the second series, so I kinda guessed it wouldn't fit in with the rest. Not a bad episode I thought, and was a standalone episode (like a Pilot, perhaps?).

Regarding one reviewer asking why Lisa telling Olivia in the end of the episode, that she's going to be 18 (next month or next year, can't remember), and then finishes off saying: "Don't wait too long to make your move"?

I presume it's because she fancied Peter, and jokingly saying she would make a move for him, if Olivia didn't

obviously from season 1

[rodneymckayissexy · 7/10 · 10 February 2010]

It's plain to see that this is from season one, because if you look closely at the pepsi billboard in times square it says "Happy 09", and is therefore from the '09 new year, and therefore season one. It has also already been noted that if it was the 'other' reality, then Peter wouldn't be there. I suppose it could yet another reality, but that is highly unlikely. Other than the whole 'why is Charlie there' thing, this episode was very standard, very run-of-the-mill, and not that exciting. I was a little disappointed that they chose to air a previously unseen story rather than create a new one that helped explain the other universe more.

What is going on !?

[LaflammesMind · 8/10 · 14 January 2010]

Agent Charlie Francis was dead, wasn't he? It is another universe? if is it another universe why everything is same except Agent Charlie Francis..........

Creator said here's another mystery: is it an unaired episode from Season One, or is it from an alternate universe? we are waiting for new episode long time, but it is little disappointment.. what ? they need agent Charlie or he have got friend at court :) ?!?! Good guys never die even if another universe.......

bye the way it is a little detail, Observer walk by behind Olivia on the Cathedral steps. this observers observe every universe ?!

still, I found it enjoyable and interesting.

All signs for season 1 episode that didn't fit

[trevorbausman · 7/10 · 26 January 2010]

The episode appears to be an unaired from season 1 for the following reasons: 1) Charlie is still alive, 2) Astrid's hair is longer / look is less refined than season 1 for Astrid and the other cast members, 3) possessed girl asks Peter about Olivia being his girlfriend- the flirtation was more present in season 1 between the two, but not in season 2. There is a mention of an observer at the church, but no dialog - therefore much more in line with season 1, and not season 2 where they are given more airtime (and actual speaking parts).

Other thoughts - I did not see the ads for this episode, but it basically seems like a filler - its midway in a 20+ episode season, where all shows (especially Fox and FX) seem to wain and then pickup when the writers have a more clear direction toward the end of the season/ want to introduce new themes going into the next season.

Therefore my vote is a old episode that did not fit the exact storyline from season 1 (and overall was not that "exciting"), therefore it was shelved and resurrected when Fox needed to fill a time slot. My guess is that the marketing people insinuated the "alternate universe" to have people watch the episode - but it the alt universe were true, the scenes would have that "older" look - remember when Olivia was in the two different Broyles offices? that look. Lastly the whole episode is kinda dark - very similar to Season 1 - while the season 2 is more crisp (aka more budget). We'll see if they try to develop this side story of mind transference / maybe even the church aspect.

One problem easy to fix. Plus another

[Jackbv123 · 5/10 · 9 June 2019]

Unaired episode? OK, I'll buy that. But on a series where all physical laws are constantly challenged, it is a little unfair to the audience to appear to raise someone from the dead, but no, that's not it at all. My first thought was that a fake Charlie was inserted and everyone hypnotized to believe that it was normal and he belonged. It's been done, for example on Star Trek:TNG. But that's not it either. It was simply a mistake. Apparently an intentional one with no explanation Here's how you fix it: insert a scene where someone is remembering the experience.

Here's the biggest problem I had. Olivia would never have had to argue with Mom. That girl, and probably her mom too, would have been slapped deep into custody on National Security concerns until they both signed so many NDA's that would have had writers cramp for a month. And that only after a year long background investigation. The government doesn't take it very well when people have nuclear codes. Actually, Oliva's problem would more likely have been getting access to the girl from the NSA or the Navy. Mom would have been begging for Olivia's help. And a lot of the people on this show touch evidence without gloves.

Other than that, it was a good episode. Fairly classic early Fringe. Call it an 8 and penalize it by 3 for the unexplained Charlie confusion.

It's more likely an unaired episode from season 1!

[bcleverguy · 8/10 · 12 January 2010]

If this episode was "lived" in the other universe...

WHAT THE HELL IS PETER BISHOP DOING THERE?!? The Peter Bishop from that universe was brought to our universe by his father Walter when the Peter from here died.

So, this episode is an unaired one from season 1.

They are just saying "it's an unaired episode or it's from other universe" to make some sense in broadcasting one episode of Fringe in a Monday. The TV channel had an hour to fill in with something and someone thought: why not that episode from Fringe's season one that was never aired?

What's Charlie doing on this one??

[carlosmorenop · 7/10 · 12 January 2010]

Good episode.. but I think probably from season 1... why is Charlie on the screen?

Thought we left him behind on "Dream Logic" episode. Maybe could have been a great story to give him some kind of re-birth in any way writers can make it happen.. but really was very distracting to see agent Francis working back at the Fringe division without any backup story.

However.. very nice acting by the guests, specially the girl who plays the victim of the spirit.

As usual the rest of the cast they all were great. Can anyone give a clue about why Charlie's character is back on this episode?

Unearthed

[theothersarahinak · 5/10 · 12 January 2010]

Interesting episode. But feels like an unaired episode rather then some type of unexplained "alternate reality" episode as they were suggesting it is. For a J.J Abrams show, this show seems have less of the mystery riddles then some other of his creations, i.e, Lost. Lost has this huge cult following with no end in sight of the possibilities of what has happened and what should be. This episode seemed to be exactly what it was. An unaired episode that didn't fit with what we know to be the Fringe universe as of now. Obviously they couldn't air it before for some reason and now could. If it had been some sort of easter egg filled bonus episode, we would have seen subtle differences in the characters and how they interacted with each other. Not to mention how the world looks. Charlie was there acting normal, and that was the ONLY thing that made me say Huh? and watch this ep again.

I think JJ must have multiple people working with him on his other shows and they have abandoned him on this one. This episode could have been amazing if they had just incorporated a few of the things we want to expect of the show. Yes, in the "other alternate universe" Peter doesn't exist there since he was taken to ours. But, obviously the alternate universe theory means there are more then just ours and the other one we have been shown on the show. Maybe we are supposed to assume this possibly takes place in one of those? Maybe I'm just crazy, but I expect more from this show then I get. Don't get me wrong, I love it, I just don't feel like the people writing and directing are giving their all. Hopefully I will be proved wrong soon.

Unaired? Alternate universe?

[sirius-sothic · 10/10 · 18 January 2010]

Well, I guess we're all dying to find out for sure.

On the fox message boards it's said to be an unaired episode. Can it be so, that people forgot that maybe Fox is in on the mysteries too? Because all in all, things may turn up being more complicated and mysterious than we think. Lets not take what we read for granted. Let your eyes and mind concentrate on what the episodes offer instead.

Now, I'm not going to speculate on the other mentioned mysteries, regarding agent Charlie Francis and a possible alternate universe - These questions are as obvious as can be. They may never be answered. All I know is this: The episode was stunning, and I can not see why it wouldn't fit into the first season - or any season for that matter. Plenty of "what's going on now?" is going on. What puzzled me the most, which by the way is not listed in any reviews of this EP so far, and I may well have slipped this information, why does the girl, Lisa, tell Olivia in the end of the episode, that she's going to be 18 (next month or next year, can't remember), and then finishes off saying: "Don't wait too long to make your move"? At first I thought she was a curious teenager regarding girl/girl love. Makes more sense than following: She asked if Olivia was Peters girlfriend, but he promptly said she's a girl who is a friend. This however does not make sense at all, in context of what she said to Olivia. It really puzzles me.

All in all a good episode that brought up many questions. We may all have been fooled a bit, and maybe not. Time will tell!

Made me think

[gmorad · 8/10 · 13 January 2010]

*******SPOILERS***********

After reading some of the other reviews, I've come up with this:

(a) If if is the "normal" universe, why is Charlie there? (b) If it is the alternate universe, why is Peter there? (c)There seems to have been no warning from networks or producers that an unaired Season 1 episode would be shown (perhaps this was intentional...)

Could they be laying the groundwork for a third universe???? That was my thought at least.

The episode itself was quite good and gripping at times. It seemed to fit the mould of Season 1 episodes.

However, I've learned from watching this series closely to look for clues and patterns in the show. The question I ask myself is what makes the world of this episode different to the others.

Goodtime Charlie's Got the Blues

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 1 November 2023]

Charlie is back, but forget about it. This episode is a stand alone, and should not have been show at this point. This is a about a teenaged girl who slips into a coma and whose mother pulls her from life support. She dies but then when her organs are about to be harvested, comes back to life. The plot then gets pretty thick with her channeling some soldier and exchanging life forces. It gets into religion and faith and that sort of detracts at times. Of course, this would be seen as a controversial episode and needed to be dealt with kid gloves. I'm glad the mother was no more zealous than she could have been. Anyway, the way things end up is pretty hard to fathom and really contrived. It's anything goes.

Every top series needs a baseline

[A_Different_Drummer · 4/10 · 17 April 2015]

.... which is a point I have made in other reviews.

You basically need to see a really poor iteration of the series to appreciate the good episodes.

So, for the record, and this is written in 2015 when I am watching the whole series sequentially, REGARDLESS of the fact that this was aired in Season 2 and features a "dead" regular (see all the prior reviews)...

If you judge this on its own it is STILL likely the worst episode in the series. The dialog is terrible. The story trots out every possession cliché since the Old Testament. It simply does not engage. I couldn't wait for it to be over.

Walter is given an "aside" off the top about what happened to some of the participants in his early experiments (they were paid off by the university and never had to work again, since they possibly could never work again anyway) and it is ironically the funniest throwaway line in the series.

Walter's respect for Religion

[XweAponX · 10/10 · 4 June 2012]

Obvious 1st Season Episode: Mainly because it is clear that this episode was filmed in New York, especially with the Times Square location at the end.

Lisa Donovan (Alice Kremelberg, "The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3) is on full life support. Her mother Maureen (Amy Carlson from "Blue Bloods") tortuously has her taken off so they can use the organs for transplants. As the transplant doctor makes his first incision, Lisa wakes up and starts screaming numbers.

The numbers are secret launch codes for a specific Submarine: and only one man in the world would know these codes: Andrew Rusk (stuntee Chazz Menendez). So why is Lisa Donovan spouting them? This is a question not only for the Department of the Navy, but for Fringe Division as well.

But approaching Lisa's mother is a delicate matter: She is highly religious. She thinks Fringe Division's influence is causing Lisa to Hallucinate seeing Andrew Rusk in a Mirror. But that does not explain why Lisa is showing signs of an illness she never had. So she forbids Walter from having a look at Lisa.

Until Lisa is drawn to an Auto Wrecking yard, she calls Agent Dunham and when they get there, they find Rusk's body stuffed in the trunk of a car. At the Hospital, Walter is challenged by Maureen's Priest (Sean Dugan) which irritates Walter, who sites Bible Chapter and Verse to support incidents of demonic possession, which the Catholic Church believes is now "superstitious nonsense" - But Walter's willingness to explore this avenue turns Maureen to Walter who promises to fix Lisa - Even though he doesn't really know how at that point.

Walter originally thought Lisa was "Psychically Connected" to Rusk somehow, but his being dead would prevent that from being the case. When they determine that the time of her "resurrection" coincided with the exact time Rusk was killed, he has to come up with a different theory. So he has Peter read "The Tibetan Book of the Dead" to try to find clues as to why this happened.

But Olivia finds a reason why Lisa is sick: Because Rusk was sick, and the "official" Navy Medical Record omitted that little thing. Peter says, "You know me, if you say the government is covering up something, I'll say it must be Tuesday."

Rusk in fact had been irradiated for 16 hours due to being trapped in a reactor accident on the Sub, and the Navy used an experimental treatment on him. One which gave him the ability for his "Dispersed Energy" to inhabit Lisa Donovan's body at the moment she was taken off Life Support.

If the Navy is keeping secrets, then Rusk is as well: And he has an Agenda with his wife Theresa (Annie Parisse who is to be in "The Amazing Spider Man"). She hired a guy to kill him (Robert Duncan MacNiel from Star Trek: Voyager*). In fact, he told Rusk as much before he shot him: Bad Move: Never tell a guy who can come back from the dead WHO wanted him that way!

Rusk, pretending to be Lisa, escapes and returns to his house and gets his gun out of a locked box: And is apparently going to burn his wife with gasoline: But Peter shows up and keeps addressing Him/Her as "Lisa" which distracts "Rusk" long enough for Agent Charlie, who was in this originally 1st-Season Episode, to shoot her in the buttocks with a knock-out dart.

A very well thought out and respectful Episode which should have been shown in Season 1: Although if you consider the time-line of Season 1, where did this happen, certainly not during the time of the Sanfordizing of Olivia? Possibly before Loeb helped JonesJonesJones use Walter's Trek- Porter.

As I've said: Fringe treats Religious subject with great care and respect. And Walter himself tells Maureen: "As a scientist, sometimes I have to rely on Faith" which was a very comforting thing to say to Maureen.

*My Bad, it's really Scott William Winters as Jake Selleg - The two actors look a lot alike.

More like Unaired

[plikistheone · 4/10 · 19 January 2012]

The episode is pretty much the typical Fringe episode. Something unexplained happens, the crew sets out to figure it out, they figure it out, the end.

Now here are the problems. This episode is not in sync with the episodes preceding and succeeding it. In fact, it has nothing to do with them whatsoever. It does not contribute to the overarching plot of the series one bit. Then comes the major inconsistency of a character that's supposed to be dead reappearing.

If that wasn't enough, a Christian thematic is played up in this episode to the point where the way characters act does not make sense and is not consistent with the rest of the series. It's done in a way that would've worked with The X-Files, which deal with all sorts of paranormal, as opposed to Fringe, whose name itself refers to Fringe SCIENCE.

If you, the reader, are for some reason reading this review before seeing the episode, don't watch it. It's easily the worst of the series, and by watching it all you'll do is waste 40 minutes of your time.

Who the heck was she?

[joe-122-733668 · 8/10 · 3 March 2021]

I suppose this review is about 10 years too late, but, Just finally got around to watching this episode. A good episode, although, like everyone else, seeing Charlie was confusing. But the entire time, in the back of my mind, I kept thinking i'd seen Lisa Donovan (Alice Kremelberg) SOMEWHERE before! Then finally it hit me, she looked just like Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) from 'The Craft'! An enjoyable episode, thank you!

Charlie

[mejay-15418 · 2/10 · 30 December 2020]

Why does still here? His doppleganger shapeshifter was killed on episode 4.

Should have been left in the "lost episode" category. Terrible episode.

[aesackett2 · 1/10 · 21 November 2020]

Exorcist nonsense. What a distraction to see Charlie again.

Flawed Episode

[popsalicious · 1/10 · 1 December 2019]

Even though I've Fringe binged a dozen times now, I've just realized Agent Francis is in this episode and yet he died a few episodes before, at the hands of a shape shifter! So what now?

Sc-fi show episode focusing on being "open minded" with single minded approach

[themoondweller · 1/10 · 28 January 2023]

It is always the christian god that is THE god and their religion whenever it is "god" one is referring to in movies/shows! If one is open minded it should mean you give equal chance to all the gods, spirits whatnots and religions out there to have the possibility of being true! Especially in a sci-fi show!

Oh and like everyone have already mentioned, it was very confusing to see a dead agent running around.

Once the popularity of the show increased, I believe they decided to air a "fail" episode they had put aside to cash in some extra $

It was the acting and the show's general atmosphere that made it watchable. It may not deserve the lowest 1 point I gave it but I don't like religion (with obvious agenda) being forced into shows where it doesn't belong, where it is a neutral element, not even a concern either under positive light or negative one!! But this episode moved the show out from the neutral zone and put a certain religion in the center of it in a way saying science is something within the context of this particular religion, not outside of it, this religion is still the dominant factor!

Unfortunately this episode was seriously a very low point of otherwise a great show!

Third Universe?

[jenn_1586 · 13 January 2010]

If this is a never-before-aired episode, I agree, they should have said something somewhere letting us know instead of wondering. But that's why I like this show: it has the X-Files vibe that I enjoy so much.

If it is in fact, a third universe, is Peter's Mom/Walter's wife going to show up, too?

Or what if it's still the '1st' universe, did they bring Charlie over from the other 2nd universe? Again, will Ma show up?

Or are they going to pull over Oliva's partner/boyfriend (sorry, I can't think of the guy's name at the moment) from some universe, where he was a good guy, thus ending any hope for the near future of a Peter+Olivia hook-up?