Season 3 catapulted Fringe among sci-fi stars like The X-Files. From beginning to end it was a stellar journey the audience isn't ready to forget. I had expectations but they weren't high. My only wish was that season 4 would be at least as good as the third. Indeed I really didn't see how they could possibly top its blue mind and red space bending formula. Sadly when Olivia, season 3 first episode, was brilliantly executed this premiere had many flaws that prevented the fan within from clapping his hands once the session was over. Hopefully some other elements were more satisfying but in the end it just didn't feel like a premiere. However considering how creative and talented the individuals behind the show are I'm convinced the upcoming episodes will gradually improve and wow us with all these jaw dropping moments season 3 was filled with.
My first major complain would be about Lincoln Lee. In the past installments I didn't mind Seth Gabel's character and performance as he was only recurring but apparently he's now a regular. Of course they had to fill the gap now Peter Bishop isn't here or there but Lee's introduction was awkward and forced. His geeky look isn't engaging but it's really his role that disappointed me. It felt like the Fringe division had no security, when it's supposed to be top secret, unaccessible and not an open bar. In fact part of the story felt like a lazy recap to help newcomers comprehend what it's all about. Olivia had similar elements and as I skipped season 2 they were welcome but here they encroached the main story.
It leads us to the freak of the week recipe that was back when I had imagined something more original. The investigation was conventional and only a light twist saved it from joining some season 1 episodic apples. Peter opened a portal between the two universes but I really hope it didn't affect the brave souls running the show. Still the few scenes featuring both Olivias were exciting because it felt like a dream coming true and their editing was well executed. It was smoother than in Ringer for example and the last sequence should even wow you if you're picky when it comes to visual effects. Otherwise all along I questioned Anna Torv's acting as Prime Olivia because it was like Peter never vanished. Shouldn't she be sad or something ? She could have done mistakes betraying what was really going on inside her for instance. Of course I'm conscious she's supposed to be the perfect special agent but come on, it's Peter we're talking about.
Am I too demanding ? Maybe the truth is that I had very high expectations. Now I'm even skeptical when it comes to my judgment so it shows how much this premiere confused me. But as an optimistic and fan I think it's wiser to finish this review by enumerating what went right. First at least two season arcs were introduced and both of them have potential. One was puzzling and only covered for a few split seconds so I can't wait to learn more about it. As for the other I have to admit that it increased the episode re-watchability because once it was over I realized that the writers had left plenty of breadcrumbs to guess what was really going on. So in a way it offered two layers, one for dummies like me and an other for supreme beings. The second thing you should enjoy is the villain of the week because its frightening make-up and visual effects were in the same vein as the ones in episodes like Marionette and Immortality. Plastic ? Not so fantastic ! On the third floor we have the Observers. They brought enough mystery to make us believe that season 4 could be quite mysterious ! The fourth element that I liked was the anecdotic role Bolivia had and also the absence of Walternate. It made me curious about the upcoming episode. Will they serve us with a green title sequence considering this one was orange ? What about a Walter versus ? Both naked and fighting to the death in a mud pool ! Seriously as expected John Noble's performance was both impressive and delightful. Some of the jokes were reashed but overall Walter's strange and gentle crazy behavior increased this premiere entertainment factor.
My first major complain would be about Lincoln Lee. In the past installments I didn't mind Seth Gabel's character and performance as he was only recurring but apparently he's now a regular. Of course they had to fill the gap now Peter Bishop isn't here or there but Lee's introduction was awkward and forced. His geeky look isn't engaging but it's really his role that disappointed me. It felt like the Fringe division had no security, when it's supposed to be top secret, unaccessible and not an open bar. In fact part of the story felt like a lazy recap to help newcomers comprehend what it's all about. Olivia had similar elements and as I skipped season 2 they were welcome but here they encroached the main story.
It leads us to the freak of the week recipe that was back when I had imagined something more original. The investigation was conventional and only a light twist saved it from joining some season 1 episodic apples. Peter opened a portal between the two universes but I really hope it didn't affect the brave souls running the show. Still the few scenes featuring both Olivias were exciting because it felt like a dream coming true and their editing was well executed. It was smoother than in Ringer for example and the last sequence should even wow you if you're picky when it comes to visual effects. Otherwise all along I questioned Anna Torv's acting as Prime Olivia because it was like Peter never vanished. Shouldn't she be sad or something ? She could have done mistakes betraying what was really going on inside her for instance. Of course I'm conscious she's supposed to be the perfect special agent but come on, it's Peter we're talking about.
Am I too demanding ? Maybe the truth is that I had very high expectations. Now I'm even skeptical when it comes to my judgment so it shows how much this premiere confused me. But as an optimistic and fan I think it's wiser to finish this review by enumerating what went right. First at least two season arcs were introduced and both of them have potential. One was puzzling and only covered for a few split seconds so I can't wait to learn more about it. As for the other I have to admit that it increased the episode re-watchability because once it was over I realized that the writers had left plenty of breadcrumbs to guess what was really going on. So in a way it offered two layers, one for dummies like me and an other for supreme beings. The second thing you should enjoy is the villain of the week because its frightening make-up and visual effects were in the same vein as the ones in episodes like Marionette and Immortality. Plastic ? Not so fantastic ! On the third floor we have the Observers. They brought enough mystery to make us believe that season 4 could be quite mysterious ! The fourth element that I liked was the anecdotic role Bolivia had and also the absence of Walternate. It made me curious about the upcoming episode. Will they serve us with a green title sequence considering this one was orange ? What about a Walter versus ? Both naked and fighting to the death in a mud pool ! Seriously as expected John Noble's performance was both impressive and delightful. Some of the jokes were reashed but overall Walter's strange and gentle crazy behavior increased this premiere entertainment factor.