Novation (4 Nov. 2011)

In the aftermath of recent shocking events, things really escalate when the translucent shapeshifters return. As the threat and circumstances intensify, former Massive Dynamic scientist ... See full summary »

Director:

Paul Holahan

Writers:

J.J. Abrams (creator), Alex Kurtzman (creator),

Stars:

Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, Lance Reddick

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Anna Torv	...	Olivia Dunham
Joshua Jackson	...	Peter Bishop
Lance Reddick	...	Phillip Broyles
Blair Brown	...	Nina Sharp
Jasika Nicole	...	Astrid Farnsworth
Seth Gabel	...	Lincoln Lee
John Noble	...	Dr. Walter Bishop
Arye Gross	...	Malcolm Truss
Michelle Krusiec	...	Nadine Park
Umberto Celisano	...	Gas Station Attendant
Clayton Chitty	...	Patrol Officer
Paula Giroday	...	ND Agent Jill
Jeremy Guilbaut	...	Agent Warrick
Paul Lazenby	...	FBI Agent #1
Kurt Max Runte	...	Man

Storyline

In the aftermath of recent shocking events, things really escalate when the translucent shapeshifters return. As the threat and circumstances intensify, former Massive Dynamic scientist Malcolm Truss enters the fold. Meanwhile, Nina Sharp pays Walter a visit in the lab.

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Genres:

Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 November 2011 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bad Robot, Warner Bros. Television

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

Did You Know?

Trivia

While driving with the shape-shifter, Malcolm Truss stops for gas at "Newhart Gas" in Rutland, Vermont. The TV series, Newhart, takes place in Vermont and the inn that posed as the one owned by the characters is about 30 miles from Rutland.

User Reviews

Jaw dropping shapeshifter, convincing guests, exciting ripple effect, perfect format, promising season but lazy security

How dare they leave us for two weeks after such a cliffhanger ! But Novation didn't disappoint, as expected. So far I had been quite pleased by the visual effects but this time they pushed the barrier even further because the shapeshifting was just mind blowing ! It actually reminded me of Terminator 2 : Judgement Day but in a more disturbing way. As for The Matrix-like walking on the wall it was quite surprising ! Also the actress was convincing in her dual role and it also applies to the guest playing the scientist. Discovering things through the eyes of Peter is also quite promising. From the new breed of shapeshifters to all the rippled characters the journey was exciting. As always the episodic story also served the main one so it proves that Fringe has merged the best of both worlds and its format should be a model for future productions. The reunion between Peter and Walter was also quite moving and I'm glad the writers made the second not to repeat the same mistake as his other personas. So it's intriguing to determine who will trust Peter enough to help him. Olivia ? Probably but when it comes to the show there're an infinite number of possibilities to consider. Still the Fringe Division security system is cheap and Broyles and his team left Peter way too much freedom. It would have been far much more interesting and thoughtful to see him struggle for a few episodes. Last but not least it was nice to have the vintage typewriter back and I can't wait for the shapeshifters to arrive. I'll be back !

Note : This review was first posted on Kritikenstein, my weblog.