Written by Samantha
September 27, 2010
Season Two of Fringe managed to do what Season One should have done - take off running, and never look back.
Season One of Fringe didn't exactly hit the ground running. In fact, it took the better part of the season to build a solid foundation and become a show that I didn't feel like I was wasting my time watching.
I am so glad that I decided to stick it out. Season Two managed to do what Season One should have done - take off running, and never look back.
The season opens with the aftermath of a car accident in New York, involving Olivia Dunham's SUV. Dunham (Anna Torv), however, is nowhere to be found. Not until a few moments later, when she bursts through the windshield of the aforementioned SUV. Meanwhile, the audience learns that the driver of the other vehicle is a shapeshifter from the parallel universe that Olivia had traveled to at the end of Season One. The shapeshifter is sent to discern what, if anything, Olivia remembers from her trip. After admitting to having no memory of the event, the shapeshifter attempts to kill her.
Most of the season focuses on the alternate universe that we saw a glimpse of in Season One, and we learn just how involved in things the entire Fringe team is. Most importantly, we learn how and why Olivia Dunham plays such an integral role in the course of Fringe events. We also learn a lot about Walter (John Noble), and where exactly his mind has gone.
Without giving too much away, I'll just say that everyone has an 'alternate' in the parallel universe, which really comes into play toward the end of the season.
One episode of note is "Brown Betty," a detective story that comes to life through a tale told to Olivia's niece by Walter. Set in the 40s, the episode turns into a film noir musical that is at times intentionally silly, but ultimately offers a lot of insight into the relationship between Walter and Peter (Joshua Jackson).
The only thing about Season Two that I could have done without is the completely unnecessary romantic business between Peter and Olivia. Because really, the show doesn't need it. The mythology of Fringe stands up perfectly well on its own, and promises an eventful third season.
DVD NOTES
The Unearthed Episode - Originally aired on 1/11/10 - "A teenage girl awakens after an incident leaves her brain-dead...but she now starts reciting submarine launch codes in Russian."
The Mythology of Fringe - Featurette
Fringe: Analyzing the Scene Sidebars on 6 Key Episodes - These short clips offer a sneak peek into the special effects and stunts involved in filming specific episodes.
In the Lab with John Noble and Prop Master Rob Smith - A cute look at some of the props in Walter's lab
Commentary on 4 Episodes by Series Stars and Creative Team
Unusual Side Effects: Gag Reel
Dissected Files: Unaired Scenes
