Could “Enemy Of My Enemy” continue the overarching story momentum from the winter premiere, deliver satisfying character development, and put us within sight of the season’s endgame? Read on for our take.
THE GOOD
- The episode picked up where the previous one left off, addressing the central storyline through the parallel universe medium, while containing meaningful character developments and plot twists.
- The parallels between Jones’ motivation in this timeline and the previous history of the story was engaging to pick apart, and had a certain internal logic to it.
- Jared Harris elevated proceedings as though he’d never left. He wasn’t alone, though, there were many strong performances.
- Another episode that zipped by, suggesting that EoME was far from a boring experience.
- The cliffhanger with Jones and Nina typing away in nefarious fashion was simply excellent, answering one question, informing others, and leading to several more.
- The episode was both action-packed and touching, speaking to some of the show’s strongest themes and breathing more life into the new timeline.
THE BAD
- Peter’s attitude towards the people in this timeline still sticks in the throat. I understand the initial need to ‘resist the call’ and I appreciate what he’s done to drive the story forward, but that doesn’t mean it’s not without problems. For someone who supposedly saved two universes because it was the right thing to do, he isn’t half selfish.
- I’ve said it before, I don’t mind Lincoln in small doses but the character still feels out of place and hasn’t earned his high amount of screen-time. Alternate Lincoln continues to work on a much better-level, so pick the bones out of that one.
- Fringe Division’s motivation for releasing Jones wasn’t as solid as the events that led to his escape in the original timeline.
THE OVEREVIEW
- I’m actually glad the episode picks up with Broylnate looking over security footage, seeing that Altlivia and Lincoln had stashed Lincoln in the broom closet. I guess they wanted to buy time, but they hardly covered their tracks.
- I’m waiting for more context on Broylnate’s motivations for joining Jones, but it certainly it doesn’t look good (including the fact he was going to kill Lincoln). But it’s interesting to consider that this man who was convinced to go against Walternate in the other timeline by believing in ‘hope’, has also been shifted in this timeline, perhaps under different aspirations, perhaps not.
- I have to wonder if Walternate suspects that Broylenate has shifted allegiance, as he did in a similar scene in the other timeline.
- Is Broylnate a shapeshifter? I just think it’s more compelling if he’s not one of the “47,” even more so given what we learned in this episode (though it could go either way).
- The formal re-introduction of Jones was great. His burning desire to be special has not abated in this timeline, instead its manifested through his ‘children’. It’s fascinating the way he notes how ‘dead’ they were when they were just human-beings, answering a burning question while in the same breath revealing so much about his character.
- That he sees himself as their father touches on some interesting themes. I recall speculating that Walternate would have such affection for his shapeshifters in the earlier seasons, but to see it manifesting instead through Jones is very interesting, and parallels his pain from the death of his ‘child’ with that of the Walters.
- It might be considered debatable how ‘real’ that pain/love is, but the shapeshifters are human — humans that Jones re-engineered — which just makes it all the more deliciously complex.
- Interesting also that Jones is feeling this sense of love for the first time, though it’s rooted in a different place, it has to be for him to kill his creation. He refers to them as “perfect,” which is intriguing given that he sent them in search of Dr. Truss’ expertise to stabilise their appearance.
- Olivia’s blood sample request. I’d be surprised if it’s not the Observer’s blood. Sure, we didn’t see him leave any behind but that’s not to say he didn’t. Pretty much any other explanation wouldn’t make much sense to me, since her request comes right on the heels of that harrowing prophesy.
- Peter’s contrived rush to get back home is somewhat lessened by the fact that he has Walternate’s blessing, but it slightly undercuts the “help us, Peter,” line from the previous episode. Despite efforts to build Peter up to be a hero, he’s been extremely unheroic up to this point. But I’m not surprised, I knew it would be a tough sell.
- Every scene with Jones was compelling to watch. His playful nature yet menacing threats bearing strong resemblance those we’ve seen before. He’s certainly one of the most intriguing examples of how Peter has impacted the world around him.
- Not much unhinged Jones in the other timeline, but Peter certainly got under his skin here. In many ways representing Jones’ own ‘external threat,’ the inexplicable variable he didn’t expect. I bet he Googled “Peter Bishop” the moment he left Fringe Division!
- But the reveal that Jones is a version of the one from ‘over here’ who Peter killed was neatly done. From Peter recounting the moment he sliced him, to the impressive detail of Jones’ facial scars following his crossing at Reiden Lake. There’s a whole story there of how Jones went on to survive his molecular disintegration, and this is it.
- Eliznate thinks today was a “setback.” She has no idea. Her scene with Walternate was a nice one though as it further illustrates their healthier relationship. Discovering early on that Peter died seems to have given them a sense of resolution (not that such a thing can ever truly be resolved, you understand). Walternate’s endless search for Peter in the other timeline contributed to a resentment-filled relationship that was ultimately too much for them to bear.
- The scene also gives Liznate a reason to go to the other side to meet with Walter — after touching on some nice moments such as Liznate telling Walternate that it was never his fault, and both parents committing to helping Peter. As I’ve noted before, as an exercise in wish-fulfillment and resolution, the timeline concept works. It may turn out to be both a concept and an actual experience that allows our heroes to move forward.
- Alstrid was interesting in this episode, there’s a slight difference with the character. How intentional that was remains to be seen, but she’s less within herself.
- It was also neat to see her struck by the awesomeness of Peter being from another timeline, while making wide-eyed-contact with him. She must see him in different context to everyone else and it was good to get a glimpse of her perspective in such limited confines of an already-packed episode. His hand on her shoulder later was also a nice moment, taking us back to where we’ve been before.
- The quarry scene was a nice bit of action, but Jones noting that the air on this side “tastes sweeter,” was such a great little moment. This is a character who could entertain just by drinking tea.
- The following scene was heart-breakingly good, as Walter for the faintest moment thinks he’s seeing his dead wife, lulled into the illusion made possible by another universe that he proved was not just an illusion.
- Walter’s realization that she’s “from the other side,” suddenly gives that phrase the spiritual connotations it holds outside of Fringe — and how apt, since the conversation would soon return to that arena.
- The strength of Eliznate, who “came here for Peter,” is made all the more apparent by Walter, who’s upright position is aided by his able Gene. The great thing about this encounter for me is that I can appreciate both perspectives.
- I’m with Walter on not wanting to make the same mistakes but I’m also with Eliznate on realizing that like Walter, Peter is scared and that versions of their respective sons exist within him. Leave it to Mother to help Peter contextualize his own journey!
- I would quibble over her notion that she’s come to ‘save Peter’s life’ like Walter once did — Peter’s life isn’t exactly at stake here — but I get the emotional context of what’s she saying and I don’t really want to argue with Eliznate
- I’m glad though, that Walter puts her straight on the fact that his motivation was largely borne out of hubris — something I’ve believed ever since that fateful night. I have no problem with Walter making a mistake (however costly), so long as he owns up to them and takes responsibility. He’s tested my patience, but this version of the character is showing the wisdom I knew he had in him. I’m conflicted about the prospect of him using the BBM again, but the groundwork has been laid, and importantly I believe that he’s learned.
- He might not have God’s forgiveness just yet, but it’s good to know he’s still looking for it. In the meantime, Eliznate — someone who’s forgiveness is not a given — has empowered him, allowed him to move forward, which (aside from Peter returning) is probably the best gift he’s had in quite some time. Could Walter’s life boil down to one single moment — helping this Peter? Life can be said to be made up of defining moments.
- And of course, Eliznate is a proxy for Walternate in many respects. That actual encounter is one that must wait.
- And after fumbling around for a while, Peter joins the fight. Well, right after he gets some sleep. The man needs his rest, the universe can wait, OK??
- It doesn’t take long for Eliznate’s magic to work. The Walter/Peter scene was nice. I have some reflex to Peter still seeing this version as Walter as inherently better than the Walternate brand, but what can I say, that’s Peter for you. At the end of the day it only goes to prove how big a role circumstances and ones experiences within those circumstances play in a persons outlook. That’s not to undermine the emotional attachment Peter has towards any version of ‘Walter’, but to inform it.
- If Peter loves Walter more, for me, it’s because the situation allowed him to — we all gravitate towards different sides of those we care about, those elements that most define them and therefore us. Importantly, this situation has enabled all three characters to come together in a way that wasn’t possible in the other timeline. This facilitation and progress is based on everything else that went before, and while these two versions of Walter aren’t privy to that sense of development, they are still connected to it. As for Peter, he now has the best of both worlds and the chance to get back to where he fits most snugly.
- The final scene with Jones nefariously communicating to his cohort/leader was a callback to cliffhangers of seasons past. Only this time, instead of Bell and Nina, it’s Nina and Jones up to no good. A nice moment that further ties things together and confirms that the painful, yet valuable, rebirth is evolving from a crawl to a walk.
CASE NOTES
- Lincoln thinks the Jones stake-out is a good time to explore Altlivia’s connection with Lincolnate. Something tells me his mind isn’t on the game, despite his early protestations about Peter leaving Dodge and the release of Jones.
- Eliz: “You made a mistake. That’s what being a man is.” Ouch, Eliz, ouch!
- I get that Olivia wants to thank Peter for saving her life, but she went in a bit hard there. I mean, if it wasnt for Peter she wouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place. Heh, I guess that’s what this is all about anyway — actions and choices. But still..
ANSWERS
- Altlivia has separated from Frank, in a similar vein to the other timeline (with obvious differences!).
- Jones has crafted 47 human shapeshifters. They were human first.
- Jones is working with Nina Sharp. Their next step is “Phase Two” involving Olivia and her Cortexiphan dosing.
MYSTERIES
- Who does the blood sample belong to?
- Did Jones kill the over here version of William Bell, as he sought to in the original timeline?
- What is Jones and Nina’s motivation and endgame? What do they need the quarry mineral/Olivia for?
FINAL THOUGHTS
An entertaining and meaningful episode that overcame its problems by putting so many good steps forward, delivering overarching story and engaging character developments, all within an ever-deepening basket of fruitful backstory. The only ribbon-tying here was Peter morphing into Dorothy before joining the cause.
Best Moment: Three-way tie between Elizanate and Walter’s talk, Peter and Walter’s love-in, and the Jones/Nina cliffhanger.
Best Performer: Jared Harris – the guy just gets Jones.
Best line: “I thought I was an expert on loss. Maybe that’s why you’re here. Maybe there are still things I need to learn.” — Walter to Peter.
Take-aways: Phase Two.
9/10 Seriable Stars
PERSON OF INTEREST Renewed For Season 2
TERRA NOVA: Season 2 Decision Delayed Until 2012
ONCE UPON A TIME: The Comprehensive Character Guide
BREAKING BAD: Bryan Cranston Confirms Season 5 Will Premiere In July
FRINGE OBSERVATIONS: 4.22 Brave New World: Part 2
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ONCE UPON A TIME OBSERVATIONS: 1.22 A Land Without Magic
ONCE UPON A TIME OBSERVATIONS: 1.21 An Apple Red As Blood
FRINGE OBSERVATIONS: 4.21 Brave New World: Part 1
ONCE UPON A TIME OBSERVATIONS: 1.20 The Stranger
{ 68 comments… read them below or add one }
I assumed that the blood belongs to September.
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So do I, but since it wasn’t confirmed in the episode it’s technically an open mystery.
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Roco could you give a guestimate as to when fringebloggers will be back up i am pining for it
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I’d rather not as I don’t want to put a fixture on it. But it shouldn’t be too long. I’ll post an update here once it nears reentry — apologies for the inconveniece.
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Fair enough.
This episode actually made me ok with the ‘new’ timeline. This is very exciting for me and makes me realize that ‘our timeline’ was not the ‘way it’s suposed to be’ or the original way either. I have so many things I want to say, but I can’t gather my thoughts into anything half way comprehensible at the moment, so I will try again later. 
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Damn. I just reread your rewiew. I missed the small paragraph where you already mentioned that you suspected it was September’s. Sorry. :-/
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Hey, no worries, it’s easily done!
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Roco,
I am still trying to gather all of my thoughts on this episode. I was going to reread your rewiews of ‘Ability’ but as the blogger page is down and I can only see the rewatch after season 3. I was wondering what your thoughts (or anyone’s for that matter) were on Nina’s hand/arm malfunctioning. I remember thinking at the time that perhaps it had something to do with Jones and his then-state, as it seemed to be in sync with his degredation. Like they had some kind of unseen force connecting them. This seems to have even more merrit after this latest episode. Does anyone else think there is something to that? Also it makes me wonder even more why Jones doesn’t have apear to have an alternate AND why we have yet to hear from Nina’s.
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Drenami, I like that idea. I had a similar thought at somepoint, that the high amount of energy used by Jones to teleport had interferred with Nina’s arm (or the battery inside her arm). How she got it repaired is another question, since Bellie was apparently trapped on the other side at this time. Did she take a small trip the overthereville?
In any case, I do think the writers are indirectly answering some of these ‘unsolved mysteries’ with this latest episode, and it’s pretty cool to see.
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Almost perfect.
I think Peter joined the fight when he saw Jones. He and Lincoln were about to be sent back, but he stayed to contribute to the interrogation. I wasn’t thrilled with how he handled it, but it paid off in unsettling Jones.
I doubt that Jones killed Bell, because I think he was still working for Bell (and his unknown bosses). Remember it was Nina who proposed the whole “Jones resents Bell for underestimating him” motive, which was unsatisfactory at the time.
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“I doubt that Jones killed Bell, because I think he was still working for Bell (and his unknown bosses). Remember it was Nina who proposed the whole “Jones resents Bell for underestimating him” motive, which was unsatisfactory at the time.”
You could be right, although didn’t Jones himself say he was going to the other side to show Bell exactly how special he was, or something along those lines? It certainly doesn’t prove that he killed him in this new timeline, but I recall his ‘special’ hang-up being legit.
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I think Peter’s “Peter’s attitude” ie his initial resistance to getting involved in something that is “not (his) fight” is perfectly in character. Recall the pilot and the early episodes of season 1; Olivia had to coerce, cajole and trick him to help until he finally came around in own time. His self-interest was his first response, which soon took a back seat to the greater good.
I find it interesting that Jones has no doppelganger in either timeline and he doesn’t show up in any databases in the alternate universe. Shouldn’t he have at least been born in all universes and timelines?
I also wonder what happened to William Bell in this timeline–there have been a few brief references to him this season, but where is he? Since Peter did not come into play, if he is dead, the circumstances around his death should be different.
Although this may be the obvious explanation, I would be very surprised if Broyles was NOT a shapeshifter, and probably Nina too. But then again, Fringe has a way of turning things around in unexpected ways.
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Ill probably just copy most of this over when fringebloggers is back up, and im just gonna write the bad stuff here, but to sum up my good stuff (i loved the episode, great acting) BUT nitpicks:
- I liked the scene near the end with alternates in one room, but the idea that the lincoln from our side has earned the right to sit there after what 2 months? being olivias agent/juniour is frankly absurd. All the othe characters are justifiable, i get altlincoln, but ourlincoln?, first he tracks the super secret fringe division down using a license plate, now after going against orders and infilitrating the other side, he takes part in monumental decision that will affect 2 universes!? fringe you can do better
Actually ill leave it there and add more on fringebloggers
but seriously 8/10
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My first question was about that scene “Where is Walter?” instead of “Why Lincoln is there”…second tougth was; Lincoln’s is sting there even Astrids aren’t.. Alt Charlie more deserves than him for me.
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where is charlie???
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I liked the episode so much that I can find almost no flaws, hardly even after reading Roco’s review, as always intense, which is usually less easy to please than me. Specially regarding Peter…
“Peter’s contrived rush to get back home is somewhat lessened by the fact that he has Walternate’s blessing, but it slightly undercuts the “help us, Peter,” line from the previous episode. Despite efforts to build Peter up to be a hero, he’s been extremely unheroic up to this point. But I’m not surprised, I knew it would be a tough sell.”
But, if I’m not wrong, he IS gonna help them, he’s gonna deliver Walternate’s message of armistice to the right ears over-here.
Okay, I understand that all we each have a least favorite character, and if when you include something into the “bad”, you mean something to improve, I can share that point of view on the behavior of Peter. But to some extent.
It is a trait of Peter’s character from the start: his reluctance to follow the agenda of others, perhaps because he feels his whole life has been this way. I’m not saying that I think that’s what he should do (people in these two “new” worlds are so much “persons” as those of his original world and its alternate) but I understand that he behaves like that and that that’s consistent with his character, which I don’t expect to be without flaws (like nobody is even Dunhamnator). And if that is the “path of perfection” that Peter must achieve, it’s okay it run its rhythm. And for me, that does well to the story’s narrative.
“I get that Olivia wants to thank Peter for saving her life, but she went in a bit hard there. I mean, if it wasn’t for Peter she wouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place.”
I do not know if I understand well what you mean, so maybe what I say it’s a nonsense. But Olivia is in danger because of Jones, and of wanting to pursue him. And that’s not the responsibility of Peter, nor of he wanting to cross to see W alternate nor that he’s so determined to go home. Unless we consider him ultimately responsible for having disappeared from the time line and thus undoing the previous death of Jones. And that it would indeed seem to me very unfair.
What it is clear to me is that Lincoln (any of them) with whom fits well is with AltLivia. I can see Chemistry there, not in the forced relationship with Olivia, that I still find on the best of cases, friendly fraternal.
Sorry for the typos. Blame my scarce english knowledge.
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I’ve got only one thing to say:
“Take me to your leader”.
9/10 fits the bill Roco
Amazing episode.
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This episode was so good. I loved every single character (and I loved that we SAW every single character). I totally lost it in that scene the two Fringe divisions were at the table!! And Jared Harris was creepily fantastic. Then the Walter scenes with Elizabeth and Peter- my heart just broke. So many beautiful scenes mixed with action packed scenes in a surprisingly seamless manner. My favourite episode so far!
9.5 stars.
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Ok, I’ve been pretty negative about season 4 so far, but this episode felt like the old Fringe, as in wayyy better. So I’m going to eat a little crow here. Firstly because this was a much improved episode, and secondly because I’d previously dissed the two writers for another episode they did – they did a sterling job here.
Credit to Jared Harris, he brought the mythology back to an intense level, and Orla Brady, in this episode, really brought an emotional dimension to this season that has been distressingly absent so far. Finally, it seems Fringe may get back on track.
Orla should be in Fringe a lot more. I know she has commitments to other shows, but here’s hoping the showrunners realise how much she brings to Fringe.
And the ratings boost is encouraging. I wonder what factors were involved in the upswing?
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These are my exact feelings. This was the best episode of Fringe probably since ‘Olivia’ or ‘Entrada.’ Jared Harris is so good. He’s just fantastic. Everything Jones says in the show is incredibly good. The only thing negative I can say about Jones is that ‘Take me to your leader,’ as good as it was, was no ‘Try again, please!’
Underseer, I remember you dissing the two ladies who wrote this episode, and at the time I couldn’t necessarily disagree, but when I looked and saw it was the same ones, I must say I was a bit surprised, given the quality of writing for this episode.
And is it just me, or is EVERY scene that Orla Brady is in is spectacular on so many levels? She just has that something between her and John Noble and Josh Jackson.
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”I get that Olivia wants to thank Peter for saving her life, but she went in a bit hard there. I mean, if it wasnt for Peter she wouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place. Heh, I guess that’s what this is all about anyway — actions and choices. But still..”
And it’s not like Peter screaming ”DO NOT FOLLOW JONES!!!” stopped her from following him anyway… :p The progress in Peter’s relationship with Walter seems a lot more natural to me.
Great post as always!
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Great review as always, Roco.
Solid episode.
The only thing I didn’t like about it, (apart from Lincoln, which is unfortunately immensely featured in this season.) was Walternate’s CTU “tactical” move to free Jones and monitor him…this has gone beyond the cliches, I think.
If god forbid, season 4 is the last, it’d be interesting in making Jones the arch-villian featured in the show’s 1st and last seasons – more pts. to the cyclical nature of Fringe !
I really liked how Jared Harris implemented a sort of a “pause” in his dialogues so as to emphasize on his disintegrating quality.
Also WHY doesn’t Elizabeth appear as old as she did in the season 2 finale??!
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“Also WHY doesn’t Elizabeth appear as old as she did in the season 2 finale??!”
The only explanation I can come up with that would make sense would be that since her relationship with Walternate is still in tact and almost thriving, it hasn’t worn on her as much in this timeline. Less stress. Whether this is true, or Orla just looks better in real life at this point time, I really don’t know.
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On the Elizinate aging topic:
I look at it like this; In the original timeline, she had the stress of knowong Peter was kidnapped, and then taken to the other universe. She had no idea when or if she’d ever see him again, so she was never really able to stop grieving for him. What’s worse, is that in that grief she also had uncertainty about what exactly this other universe wants with her son. All this helped to push her and Walternate apart thus creating even more stress, and grief. So she was doubly grieved and constantly under the stress of knowing her son was alive in some un-attainable place.
Conversely, this Elizinate was allowed to know that her Peter didn’t survive the trip across universes. As bad as the death of a child is, at least you have a sense of finality. Thought there is grief, you can find some peace knowing that there is nothing more you can do. With actual death you go through the stages of Grief and end up at acceptance at some point. This Elizinate was allowed to eventually accept the loss of her son, thus unhindering her emotional availability to Walternate, and in doing lessening the potential stress on their relationship. in a nutshell; She was able to grieve properly so that she could help Walternate grieve properly, and in doing they were brought closer together rather than farther apart as in the original timeline. All this contributed to her lack of premature aging in this timeline.
Didi any of that make sense?
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I agree. Elizinate has come to terms with the past and lives in the present. She has the ability to take joy in her life, and that makes her truly beautiful. Plus a little coloring, a la L’Oreal doesn’t hurt !
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Ah yes, multi-dimensional hair color
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@Pwnsauce @Rick, @Betty:
I agree with all your explanations, especially Rick’s.
But I guess on production-based point of view, they just preferred Orla as she appeared in the flashbacks.
And I’m glad she’s been featured in two episodes this season so far. She was amazing in Wallander too.
Yes, Betty, a little “Orla-Oreal” doesn’t hurt.
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That is a funny tongue-twister as well.
Try saying “Orla O’real” fast 5 times.
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Great review and I fully agree with your 9/10. This episode had me excited and enthralled the entire time. The one thing that I seem to get past that no one else can though is Lincoln. I actually do not have qualms with him and in the case of him being placed in that room with all the alternates – yes, he was insubordinate by going behind the back of his superiors (as was Olivia, probably more so for seeming to orchestrate and cover for them both) but he has a knowledge of what is happening that others within Fringe Division (our side) do not have, mostly because he was directly involved. He was brought on the team for a reason. Also, for all we know, Broyles may have protested it at first before the meeting and it was perhaps Peter and Olivia who made the case for his being in the meeting. In any case, when it comes to the shapeshifters, they’re going to need all the help they can get from any with knowledge of what they’re dealing with. It also helps that Lincoln was in the Jones Interrogation. While Peter was as well, it would serve Broyles to have someone who was with the other team to keep them honest. There is such a level of distrust among these teams, having someone you trust who was there is pretty helpful. And we can argue that he could have gotten that from Peter, but Peter doesn’t have to answer to Broyles and has his own intentions in mind, while Lincoln has shown a dedication to his new work and new team. It stands to reason that he would be involved in the proceedings.
Orla Brady DOES need to be in more episodes. She is always fantastic and really brought it in EoME. The performances were all really fantastic. This show is fantastic still. This season had a rocky first half, but these past two episodes have given me a great deal of hope for the rest of the season. I’m really excited to see this story play out.
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What a joy it is to watch this show when it’s focused on the real story and not wasting hour after hour on having Fringe Division tracking down tax cheats or serial bed wetters or whatever other nonsense cases they go on far too often.
I gave this a 9/10. The show at its best almost makes me forget that it used to be all about investigating fire-breathing dragons or giant radio-active goose droppings or 800 pound worms with feathers and Walter pissing his pants every week just before cutting something open and farting.
“Fringe” for grownups. Who could ask for anything more? Even Gene’s excited.
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Can I Get One of Those? Pretty Please?
I know the situation is unusual, but shouldn’t NerdLeed at least asked Peter if he had ever used or even handled a gun before handing him one like it was a party favor? Frankly, if Peter had told him the truth about some of the previous times he had used a gun on his Fringe team, NerdLee might have been a little more reluctant to arm Peter.
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If Peter had been in the car with Olivia, betcha he wouldn’t have gotten a gun!
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Olivia was actually in the same car.
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I stand corrected–but she didn’t give him the gun, in typical Olivia fashion–it’s usually somebody else who gives Peter a gun.
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Didn’t she give him a gun in one of the first few episodes in the first season? The Same Old Story I think when she leaves him to guard the father while she chases after the son.
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I was more worried with our Lincoln Lee, a junior agent, on the table helping to decide the future of universes with the Secretary of Defense. That was weird.
Peter, in a shooting without a gun would be even worst. If he is involved and helping, why not give him the chance to make it alive?
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Yeah i said that earlier, they trust him a huge amount for no apparent reason: its obvious why both broyles are there as respective heads of fringe division, the olivias and altlincoln are there because their respectives broyles’s top agents, BUT ourlincoln? wtf, its ridiculous to believe they would let him be at a meeting of such importance, also when walternate let ourlincoln have his say earlier saying “what do you think agent” HELLO hes an agent from the otherside who went against your agreement and crossed over without your knowledge in order to steal information from you!? and you let him on the jedi council!? really, really ridiculous. Did they just put him there because it would look pretty with the alternates sitting across from each other!?
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Did anyone happen to catch whose face was on the money that Jones was giving away ?
Say it ain’t so. Funny !!
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I saw that it wasn’t Ben Franklin on the $100…who was that? Looked like Jones, but I’ve also been watching so much GOP primary stuff that it also looks a little like Newt Gingrich? Help! Who is it?
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why who’s face is usually on the money???
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I’m a studying writing and trying to understand how a great series is formed, that said, this was one of the best episodes of the year. I don’t think this season has been that bad, actually much better that season 3. This is why:
Learning the impact of Peter in the “normal” timeline and seeing the subtle differences has made me like him more. Especially the last few episodes, where Josh really got the chance to show he’s a good actor and show how messed up Peter is.
The whole idea in and of itself. It’s one of the most bold things I’ve ever seen in all of television. Especially since the show has had trouble. They’re really trying to tell a complete story and I respect that beyond respecting it. Sadly, most shows that try it fail…
But I just wanna say, don’t judge Peter too harshly. Remember the finale of the last episode of season 3. He felt what his future self felt. The love of over 15 years, presumably, going through hell – a hell he caused – and losing the person who meant the most to him. Seeing Walter destroyed even more than he was in the first place, and still calling him dad. Then losing the universe he saved; the people he truly loved. And when the series started, he didn’t even want to be attached to any of them. To grow that much in 2 years says a lot. He’s just being human. He’s willing to get in a universe destroying machine to get back to those he loves and, emotionally, that makes sense. Even a hero must face his temptation and that’s what he did this episode. In the end, he started to look beyond it while, finally, showing how much he loves his Walter and Olivia. It all makes some since, to me at least, when you look at the series as a whole.
Thanks.
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Thanks Roco, I have to agree with you, the finale was out there close to the “Ability” typewriter “y”.
Here are my hoorays: Yes! to Orla Brady appearances, yes! to Walter finally stepping out of his pathetic state of mind (his guilt was consuming me too!), yes! for more Olivia’s impatient moments toward the menace (after all, Dunhamnator is in her DNA), and yes! for finally teaming the 2 universes together.
I’m just gonna say it with a big warning because it’s a long ugly rant…but it’s been bugging me from the minute the BOE appeared in the flesh in this timeline, and a tiny bit from the beginning of Fringe.
Isn’t Peter supposed to show us how much he misses Olivia and Walter?. his sorrow, his urge, his dismal amount of frustration with not knowing what the hell happened to his universes? Where is all of that?…I’ve just been hinted in his dreams, but is not enough. Is he not allowed to show some characterization? Why haven’t the writers taken advantage of this?, or am I being too harsh on Josh?. I just don’t believe his roll this season. I do believe that he doesn’t have it easy, because in the previous seasons, Peter had Walter and Olivia helping him built his character, but now he has the chance to develop the hero character by his own merits, and yet I’m disappointed. Am I supposed to believe his state of mind by just looking at his dreams?; one rant with Lincoln about who has the biggest penis isn’t working for me; his puppy eyes with Walter and Olivia aren’t either. I just think that it is about time they show how Peter feels when he is alone, frustrated, in a dark place when no one is watching him, because without that, I can’t believe the lines he speaks to Eliznate or Walternate or any other new character; these last awesome scenes with them became amazing because Orla and John are amazing, and I think they’ve wasted an opportunity to show Peter at its best and to finally get his struggles out there.
Now we are about to get into a big awesome plot in this new time line, and with
the only character left from the originals as a hero, but far from it. I find him unrecognizable without Olivia or Walter by his side. Is like Northwest Passage all over again, entering from one hole into another without even knowing his true commitments.
I’m sorry if I’m offending any of the Peter fans, but this is the first time I rant so badly and so early on any season, and my disappointment comes from this: I’ve seen why John and Anna deserve all the awards an actor can get for at least a dozen episodes trough out every season combined; and this being maybe the final year for Fringe, I really am hoping I can see all of the characters top the chart and become as epic as the series.
I’ve enjoyed Peter’s light character every single time, I like that he brings the fun parts along with Walter, but only a few times I’ve truly respected his deep characterization: 1.04 The Arrival with Olivia in the hospital (telling her about his change of hart), 1.20 There’s More Than One of Everything at the beach house with Walter (telling him about the pancakes looking through the window), 2.19 The Man From The Other Side in the lab with Olivia (telling her about his mother’s suicide), and in 3.21 The Last Sam Weiss at Liberty Island (one sentence did it all “There are two of you, aren’t there? I think I’ve been confused”)
So I hope if they indeed want to make the Peter character a hero for the series again, at least this time they can make him believable for the other characters’ sake.
I liked the episode of course, it was great fun. I did mind that Walternate wasn’t concerned about the Brandonate infiltration. How about submitting both teams to a scanner that shows if your body carries any SS disc, before an important meeting about the SS?. And yes, I admit that without the glasses and the outfit, the Lincolns act the same really. I guess we don’t know them that well to tell them apart. At least not like we did with our Olivias exchange.
8.5/10 because the plot advanced so much and great performances where out there. But in the character development arena it deserves no more than a 6.5/10 .They have way too much yet to accomplish and I’m afraid the best way they are going to do that are with the help of the standalone episodes.
So there you have it… My very first really bad ranting on any blog EVER
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I agree with a lot of what you said, Peter (Josh) hasn’t really shown up that often as much as you would like him to. But that said, I have to respectfully disagree with you about how Peter has reacted to it all. The last three episodes he’s shown, in Peter’s way, that he’s in horrible pain. Peter has always been an understated person, rarely showing any emotion -that’s just his way. Even when Olivia died in S3Ep22 “The Day We Died” he was still closed up. Suffering alone. He can’t show these versions of the people he knows/doesn’t know, the depth of what he feels. But it leaks out a lot thought the episode – “I lost a universe” and his interactions with Walternate throughout the past two episodes. He’s shown it subtly, as has always been his way, but you’ve seen the pain more lately. He is and has always been incredibly closed up. If he became someone different, it would be more upsetting. I’m not a big Peter fan, and I agree that Anna and John should have both won awards for what they’ve done. But he’s supposed to be a semi-static character, and he doesn’t have the chance to show his versatility because it’s only one of him. And he does it well. And in the end, he did what he’s always done throughout the series; put the greater good before himself. It just took him sometime. I’m not knocking you at all, just trying to give a different perspective. Thanks for even loving this show, not enough people do even though it’s one of the best on television.
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maybe we need to understand and accept that Peter doesn’t only have a high IQ, but an exceptional EQ as well. let’s not expect him to breakdown and go soap-opera-ish on us. his character is not like that, i think. if we want to see more than just subtleties, maybe we can get that from Linc.
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I agree that we could see more of Peter alone, his state of mind, his sorrow. But I don’t agree about Josh’s acting skills. I think that he was amazing in this episode, his scenes with John and Orla was wonderful because of him too. I don’t know, maybe I like too much of subtle reactions (my least favorite scene of Walter, for an example, is the chapel scene because is too much, so explicit that it loses its impact). And yes, Peter’s eyes and gestures to me, delivery very well what he feels.
Peter is a extremely rational character, I won’t expect that he cries on the floor as Olivia, an emotional character (and Anna was awesome in this too). Peter’s focus is get back to home and he’s staying strong so he won’t breakdown in front of everybody.
Yes, the writing doesn’t give him much, but Josh does the best with the little that he gets. I’m sorry that you can’t appreciate him.
Don’t apologize for your rant, we all do it sometimes
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Peters character has probably been the most consistent throughout the series, he has always been closed off and always subtly shows emotion, IMO we will see him break down over the season when he finds he cant get back home, as regards to josh’s acting ability, they havent given him a double so you just cant tell what it would have been like and what he could have shown, so i neither agree or disagree.
Ourlincoln up to this point had been different from altlincoln, but now there basically the same and its very hard to tell the difference, i dont know whether its seth gabel or writers who are at fault here. I just get annoyed because jasika nicole showed how well (and differently) she plays her astrids in this episode, and i just think her character should have stepped up instead of lincolns in season 4, such a missed oppourtunity.
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I can’t wait to see when the meet each other… if they ever do. Jasika (Astrid) has done an incredible job with her different characters. She deserves way more credit than she’s gotten.
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[spoiler removed. please post spoilers in spoiler topics only -- ed] jasika needs more screentime generally and has needed that since season 1, looking back now, over 22 episode seasons which they have had some awful episodes, they could have done so many broyles centric, astrid centric, nina centric episodes that will now (probably) never be done, instead we have lincoln, yay!
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You know some people don’t read press releases because its a SPOILER right? I don’t read the press release. :-/ Please don’t post spoiler content in the comments. Thanks.
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I definitely agree with what everyone is saying here. I, too, think that Peter has been the most consistent character, which makes sense since there is only one of him. He is extremely controlled when it comes to his emotions and sometimes, he has difficulty even feeling any emotions at all. And like someone said before, he is extremely rational. Sometimes I feel like his relationship with Olivia and Walter has forced him to control his emotions even more. Walter and Olivia depend on him to be a person that they can lean on or cry to. If he were to crack, it would be detrimental to Walter and Olivia and I think he would feel like he would be betraying them in some way. It’s a lot of pressure to always be the strong one in a relationship; controlling your emotions starts to become a irreversible habit. Also, he’s lived most of his life alone and independent (I believe he left home around the age of 16 or 17 since I know his mother committed suicide when he was 17 and he was away from home at the time) and so even when he was young, the “anywhere but here” mentally and the hesitancy to be involved with other people were both there.
His hesitance to help these new set of people can be explained by his devotion to those he loves and his urgency in getting back to them. But, his hesitance can also be explained by the type of person he is. At his core, he will always be someone who looks after his own self-interest and who finds it difficult to sympathize with the plight of other people (it took him almost half of the first season to be fully on board with the fringe team). He will never stop being who he is, but compared to season 1, in season 4, he is much quicker to get on board with this new universe and to help them and that, I think, is where the growth is.
I think that Joshua Jackson’s acting was very strong these last two episodes. He’s very subtle in how he conveys his anguish in being away from those he loves. Despite his eagerness to get home, you can tell that he’s already becoming a little attached to this Walter and Olivia. When Olivia was chasing Jones in the car, there was an extreme urgency in his voice that we’ve rarely heard and his eyes literally popped out their sockets as he waited to hear if she was okay. When she responded, he asked her so softly through the walkie-talkie if she was okay. Also, after their last conversation, there was almost a wistful look in his eyes as he watched Olivia walk away. No doubt, he was thinking about his Olivia. When he was talking to Walter, he got very emotional when he told Walter that he knew all along what a good man he was. So, anyone who says that he wasn’t emotional during these last two episodes, needs to seriously re-watch. Although Anna Torv and John Noble are absolutely brilliant, sometimes they over-act and it’s great to have Joshua Jackson there to balance that out. The opposite is the case as well.
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You could say that Peter is
” Carrying the weight of the world on one’s shoulders ”
Peter needs help. Now…
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You all are being very kind, and I agree that Peter has been consistent with his behavior and that Josh delivers with subtle expressions, and that he doesn’t have to go all the way down to a chapel or to the floor crying his life out.
I just think it would’ve been better (necessary) if I got the chance to see for a minute, a scene that backgrounds his state of mind, his inner struggles which would’ve help to believe his reluctance to help this world. Something for me to sympathize with him, before crossing over and before he got the help from Eliznate and Walternate and Olivia and Lincoln.
He doesn’t have to be that consistent all the time. I liked when Walter and Olivia weren’t consistent with their behavior, because their characters became more real. We all have our ups and downs. Like Walter injecting Astrid out of the blue to protect the beacon, or Olivia snapping at Walter at the dinner. Those were moments that weren’t pleasant but very necessary to sympathize with the characters, or even hate them a little bit.
I’m just hoping that I can get to know Peter’s motivations and convictions before he save all the worlds, and before he starts kicking all the doors down again, and I believe the writers can do better to help me understand Peter’s thoughts than “This is not my Fight” and “I lost a Universe!”. Go deeper!, that’s all I’m asking.
But I’m IN, and that’s what matters. I will continue to have patient because I love the mythology of the show, and because the entire cast functions with such a chemistry with the story and with each other that is a given jewel.
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I’m with ya Red Balloon
I really liked what you said about the inconsistency, I like that too, it makes the character more believable. Even writing that I feel like it’s a contradiction in terms, and most people do seem to complain about those “moments that weren’t pleasant” but I agree with you that they are “very necessary to sympathize with the characters”. And tend to really enjoy them, and am grateful for the character development.
Thank you for sharing!
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The showrunners have said that the audience and Peter share the same POV this season. I can see why they wouldn’t want to script his internal struggle because then they would be scripting what we are supposed to be feeling. I understand what you’re saying and yet I feel that through the dream sequences especially, we are very much seeing his state of mind without having it spoon-fed to us.
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I know that things have changed in this timeline, but Broyles in cahoots with David Robert Jones.
Did Jones pull off some kind of covert psychological manipulation over Broyles. Did Jones have Broyles’ son kidnapped in this timeline, and is using it as leverage to his advantage to blackmail Broyles to assist him.
Is the conspiring Nina trying to accomplish a different outcome with Broyles infiltrating Jones’ inner circle. There has got to be a reason, this late in the game, that Broyles would be knee-deep in enemy territory.
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My guess? Broyles-ernate is a shapeshifter. I’m about 99% sure in my mind that this is the answer.
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When Altlivia and Lincoln found DRJ, it seemed as though he had sort of ‘converted’ the shapeshifters from their previous human lives (which DRJ seems to believe are inherently worse than shapeshifter status) as opposed to scientifically engineering them like the mechano-human hybrids in the previous timeline. I wonder if they retain their previous life/’programming’ and also receive additional programming from being a shapeshifter, or if they become a fully converted soldier of DRJ’s. Broylnate seems to have very human reactions and emotions, even reservations of loyalty, that seem naturally embedded as opposed to gained the way Ray Duffy did. If he turns out to not be a shapeshifter, instead an unwilling traitor, then his mannerisms become moot. Shapeshifter Nadine seems to have inherently human mannerisms as opposed to learning them like a program. Either way, in this timeline I think it may be safe to say that they DO dream of electric sheep.
I hope all this sort of makes sense, haha.
Roco, I think you should do another piece similar to the DSDOES? piece you did two summers ago investigating these human shapeshifters.
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“Roco, I think you should do another piece similar to the DSDOES? piece you did two summers ago investigating these human shapeshifters.”
Pwnsauce, thanks for the suggestion — I’ll definitely consider it.
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But you are not 100%. Me too.
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Betty, I really like the idea that Jones is holding something over Broyles. When DRJ was driving off in the limo, Broyles did not look happy at all about helping him. For a man with such high integrity, Broyles must be waging a huge internal war! But I have to admit, it’s kinda fun seeing him as a bad guy.
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Fantastic review! You really hit on all the heartfelt moments in this episode that make it such a meaningful one apart from an entertaining one (lots of great action and storyline that’s come into play by having our favorite villain back!
)
“For someone who supposedly saved two universes because it was the right thing to do, he isn’t half selfish.”
This stuck out to me, because I think that Peter’s selfishness makes alot of sense given that I believe his motivation in the S3 finale was to save Olivia as much as (if not more so) it was to save the two universes. The Peter Bishop we got in S1 didn’t have much of a moral compass, and — as he said in his eulogy — it was Olivia who gave him a purpose, who gave him a reason to fight, who basically showed him to care about something greater than himself. With Olivia gone, with Walter gone, Peter is lost and afloat.
I feel Olivia is the one who is most interested in saving the universes (in “doing the right thing”), while Peter has always been most interested in taking care of the people that he cares about, namely Walter and Olivia (his “odd little family unit”).
Still, as we’ve seen in this episode, Peter is — once again — unwittingly being sucked into helping a cause he initially wants no part of. He can’t in good conscience leave the two universes to fend for themselves against David Robert Jones, not when he’s the only one who really knows what they’re up against.
The moment between Peter and Olivia at the end, when she thanks him for the quarry almost reminded me of them in S1 too, at the beginnings of their relationship where Peter is just this man who can’t help but look out for this woman who will just go careening after the bad guys with little to no regard for her own safety.
Anyhoo, I think this episode really showed me why it’s essential for the writers to get us into the head of Peter, to feel the loss that he feels. Peter standing at the head of the table where the two universes have met together also reminds me how foundational Peter was to Fringe Division in the original timeline. He was very much the “rock” of the team.
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Perfection!
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I just had a quick question: How did Walternate and Elizabeth find out that young Peter had died after he was taken? I doubt it that Walter would have crossed over again and told them after their Peter had died (that would be the last thing he would want to do). And the bridge was only recently created, allowing communication between the two worlds. Does that mean that, in this timeline, Walternate and Elizabeth spent 26 years wondering what happened to their boy? In the old timeline, they knew what happened, but they were unable to do anything about it. So, regardless of whether we look at the new timeline or the old timeline, there still would have been some strain on their marriage that could have potentially pulled them apart. I’m delighted to see how close they are in this new timeline, but I’m also a bit confused. Any help in answering this question would be great!
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My thoughts were that September notified them. Walternate seemed to know September slightly (from him distracting him in the lab), so I think it makes sense that September came to their home to tell them where Peter was and what happened to them.
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Hmm since fringebloggers.com is missing in action I’ll leave my belated thoughts here. The episode = excellent. Best I’ve seen in a very long time…David Robert Jones is bloody awesome. And so was Peter when they met face to face.
The thing I found most satisfying was the way this called right back to season 1 and answered several long standing questions for me all in one go. We always wondered…who was behind ZFT? Who was Sanford Harris, that Lawyer guy and ultimately Jones working for? It always seemed wrong that Jones was the man in charge..the way he talked to the ZFT guys after his teleport rescue seemed to say he was grateful for his rescue, but he was not the man in charge. So my impression is that Nina Sharp was the brains behind ZFT all along…it all adds up. How did ZFT know about the dis-ray to rescue Jones? Nina, of course. How did ZFT know where to find the cortexi-tots? Nina. She’s the head cheese, and her plans were STOPPED COLD when Peter hit the switch. Think about that: killing Bell was part of HER plan as well (jilted lover?). And it looks like in the new universe, she and Jones succeeded in doing just that. But that’s just my working theory now, feel free to disagree.
I’ll add one other thing…this season has been so dreadful that the other casual watchers in my house have drifted away. But this episode had them all back sitting on the edge of the couch. Producers take note: this is what Fringe should be!
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This is driven’ me crazy! Am I really the only one that thinks Peter’s in the right/normal/blue timeline. IE: this is our Olivia and Walter!
Peter never existed, so of course, everyone’s life is different, -the butterfly effect- especially Walter and Olivia. I appreciate everyone’s theories, and that’s what makes it fun, but I would also like to hear everyone’s reasoning for why this is a different timeline. Even Peter himself said in this ep. in response to Alt-Astrid’s question if he was from another timeline “I think so”.
Is anyone with me?!….
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“This is driven’ me crazy! Am I really the only one that thinks Peter’s in the right/normal/blue timeline. IE: this is our Olivia and Walter!”
I think it comes down to how we define “timeline”. Does a reset of a timeline result in a ‘new’ timeline or just a replay of the original under different circumstances? I think it’s valid to think of this as the original timeline sans adult Peter. Physically, this is our Walter and Olivia, just as the Bishopnates are Peter’s real parents. On the other hand, I would say that, for the sake of conversation, it’s probably easier to refer to this as a new timeline.
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The point I think keeps being made is that “some people leave an indelible impression on your soul”. The contrast in the major characters Olivia, Walter, and even Broils and Nina in Orange World and Blue world shows that having the experience of Peter in their lives makes them more secure, more confident, and happier than without him. Peter is a brilliant man, and his love for those in his life is demonstrated more and more. His character, too, has been enriched by his loved ones, each in their own way. This is a great message, and very reminiscent of what Roddenbury had accomplished with the crew of Enterprise.
Kudos to the team for a riveting and touching series that i hope will continue to spellbind us for seasons to come… on FOX or somewhere else.
“All complete in the sight of seeds of life with you.” – Jon Anderson
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