As fans of mythology and Fringe, we thought it would be helpful to newer viewers who are eager to catch up with Fringe but only want to know which episodes they absolutely NEED to watch in order to be bang up to date.
We’ve provided such a list – containing the 14 main storyline episodes that you need to watch to understand the main mythology of the show up to season 3 episode 9 (3.10 airs tonight). You do not need to watch any other episode of Fringe to get the meat of the Fringe mythology. Though of course, it is only by watching all of the episodes you will get the most out of the show.
Give our list a try, and if you love what you see, perhaps you’ll consider going back for the others?
Note: This list is geared towards new/casual viewers of the show, so all references and descriptions are done in a way to not give away too many details. However, hopefully experienced fans can also find some value in this list.
1.01 Pilot
Why: This is where it all began – our way in to the story that would go on to become an epic journey. Meet the characters you’ll come to love and find out why they are compelled to stick together.
1.07 In Which We Meet Mr. Jones
Why: The plot begins to broaden with an international case that introduces us to one of the most appreciated characters in the show’s mythology. An important episode in what was to become one of the season’s most interesting plot threads.
1.14 Ability
Why: If you’re not invested in Olivia’s journey by this point, “Ability” should change all of that. If you are, then you’ll just love “Ability”. It’s one for the mythology fans as we’re introduced to the ZFT manuscript, the Cortexiphan drug trials performed on Olivia as a child, and hints at the whereabouts of the mysterious William Bell. All of this ties into Olivia’s backstory, while moving the plot forward in interesting directions.
1.19 The Road Not Taken
Why: To say that the show leaps into another world would be an understatement. You really have no business watching the first season of Fringe without experiencing “The Road Not Taken”. 
It paves the way for key storylines.
1.20 There’s More Than One Of Everything
Why: If you want to know why Peter is so important to the show’s mythology, while gaining traction on the implications this has for Walter and the wider universe of the show, not to mention how Olivia’s story is taken to another level (literally), you simply can’t afford to miss this one.
2.04 Momentum Deferred
Why: This episode ties together events from the season 1 finale, manifests a deeper connection between Olivia and Peter, and introduces a new and important enemy.
2.08 August
Why: The second ‘Observer’ episode, if you will. If you missed the first introduction to one of the show’s major mythology components, you should really see this one. You’ll come to learn important things which will broaden your perception.
2.14 Jacksonville
Why: Olivia’s backstory. Unmissable because it provides important character details, while ramping up the arc that would define the second and much of the third season.
2.15 Peter
Why: Peter’s backstory. One of the show’s most resonating episodes. Continuing where “Jacksonville” left off, this largely flashback episode lets us in on the reality-changing decision that Walter made many years ago. This is the ‘Zero Event’.
2.18 The Man From The Other Side
Why: Peter wakes up to the truth about his origins and comes face-to-face with a blast from his past. You need to see this to better understand what follows in subsequent episodes.
2.21 + 2.22 Over There
Why: The show opens up to a whole new reality. Further character drama and mythology building make the consequences even more severe. Keep an eye on what happens towards the end as it will shape much of the third season. A simply unmissable two-parter.
3.01 Olivia
Why: Olivia’s world quite literally turns upside down. “Olivia” is main arc-heavy with powerful themes and an emotional core. This one is important in adjusting you to the events that follow in the third season.
3.04 Do Shapeshifters Dream Of Electric Sheep?
Why: A poignant episode that invites us to question the nature of the soul and identity. We see the lengths that man and machine are prepared to go to preserve their way of life. A key development takes place between Peter and another character which will impact dramatically on his relationship with Olivia, and consequently the show’s main arc.
3.08 Entrada
Why. By watching this episode you’ll understand why Olivia now accepts the role that she was ‘created for’, while seeing the simultaneous threat to her ability to achieve her goals.
Episode Stats:
- Season 1: 5
- Season 2: 6
- Season 3: 3 (so far)
It killed me to leave out “The Arrival” and “Bad Dreams”. I cannot tell you how difficult that decision was. Two of my favorite episodes. But as the worlds of Fringe continue to grow, something needed to give. Why those two episodes? I feel that while the former is my favorite Observer episode to date, if you watch “August” you can fill in the blanks while discovering more about the Observers, particularly in regard to their capacity for emotion and propensity to change the events of time to suit. As for “Bad Dreams”, it was either that or “The Man From The Other Side”, and in the end I felt that the latter is more of a ‘must-watch’ in order to understand the events that springboard from Peter’s realization. If not for that one detail, I would have chosen Bad Dreams, without a shadow.
I also feel the need to explain my exclusion of the season 2 premiere – “A New Day In The Old Town”. Another tough decision. Ultimately it boiled down to the fact that much of this episode is actually repeated (or explored) in “Momentum Deferred”. So I felt a new or casual viewer could perhaps get away with just watching Momentum - though obviously to fully experience and enjoy Fringe, I would advise watching every episode (well, most of them) and engaging in community discussion.
Are you a new Fringe viewer – will you be catching up with Fringe? What have you made of the episodes you’ve seen (if any)? If you’re an experienced Fringe fan; do you agree with my choices – if not, how would your list look, and why?
PERSON OF INTEREST Renewed For Season 2
TERRA NOVA: Season 2 Decision Delayed Until 2012
SHERLOCK: Reichenbach Fall -- Explained
ONCE UPON A TIME: The Comprehensive Character Guide
CBS Coughs Up Fall Schedule: Where Goes PERSON OF INTEREST?
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ONCE UPON A TIME OBSERVATIONS: 1.22 A Land Without Magic
FRINGE OBSERVATIONS: 4.22 Brave New World: Part 2
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
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice
I would only add The Arrival
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regardless of the recap in August, it’s the most intriguing episode so far and would rope people in, plus for an even 16 (8+8) throw in (for obvious mythology reasons) Bad Dreams
I swear I was thinking these two episodes too. Osmosis?
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When I saw this post, I decided to take a minute to make up my list of “14 main storyline episodes that you need to watch to understand the main mythology of the show” before looking at the ones you picked. This is what I came up with:
Pilot
The Arrival
Ability
Road Not Taken
There’s More Than One of Everything
Momentum Deferred
August
Grey Matters
Jacksonville
Peter
Man From the Other Side
Over There (1 and 2: I knew you would combine these into one spot, and I agree that it only seems fair…)
6955 kHz
Entrada
As I examined my final list, I felt pretty comfortable with it. I think it pretty much includes all of the key episodes that focus largely on the mythology of the show. So I went ahead and looked at your list. All considered, we essentially chose the same episodes: 11 of the 14 were the same. But the episodes you left off and the ones you chose instead REALLY surprised me.
For example, I know you love “In Which We Meet Mr. Jones” but I couldn’t believe you picked that one over something like The Arrival. The Arrival is such a crucial episode: It was the first one to introduce us to the Observers, not to mention the Beacon (which I still believe will come into play sooner or later). It was the first time we heard about the “accident” at Reiden Lake. It was the episode where things really started to pick up and get interesting. It introduced many of the promising story points that caught the viewers’ attention. It was huge. And, as wonderful as Mr. Jones is, there really isn’t much in that episode that can’t be missed. I didn’t even come close to including that one on my list. I would have included Bad Dreams before I included Mr. Jones. I just don’t see how it’s a “must see” episode, despite being a fantastic one.
As for the other differences, you included Olivia. That was one that I originally included, but had to get rid of to keep it down to 14, even though it was really hard to do so. Same with A New Day in the Old Town. Both episodes are memorable, significant episodes, but I ultimately decided you could get by if you didn’t see them. And you included Do Shapeshifters Dream? I know this is one of your favorites, but I just don’t see how it is that crucial for a new viewer to see it. Personally, I think it’s one that only a more involved fan would truly appreciate.
In place of those two, I had Grey Matters and 6955 kHz. I felt like Grey Matters was important for both the story of Newton and the Shapeshifters, and it gave a lot of background into Walter/Bell and developed the relationships between our three main characters. It continued with Newton’s mission and showed how committed Olivia was to stopping him. As for 6955 kHz, I was really shocked that it didn’t make your list. That episode, while not the best episode, was full of mythology. It had shapeshifters, the Weapon, plus it was the first real introduction to the concept of the first people. I don’t know, Roco… I think there were a couple of instances where you mistook sentimental value for truly significant value…
But, despite those differences, it’s still a very good list, and any new viewer wanting to see what Fringe is all about would be smart to stick to such a list. Thanks for putting it together!
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“I know you love “In Which We Meet Mr. Jones” but I couldn’t believe you picked that one over something like The Arrival. The Arrival is such a crucial episode”
Hey, at this point, I love “The Arrival” more than I do “In Which We Meet”! I just don’t believe it’s quite as important (for a new viewer) as you make out – not when we have “August” that introduces us (again) the to Observers and gives us more. We’re always going to lose ‘something’ by leaving out TA, but I find it difficult to justify including both episodes, given that I wanted to keep the list down to a reasonable size and give it a structure (an order) that facilitates their understanding of the show.
IWWM sets of an entire arc that included mythology items such as “Little Hill”, and ZFT (although, as mentioned in the article, it is more thoroughly introduced later). While it’s not as necessary as some, I would squeeze it in there for a new viewer. “The Arrival”, while containing high levels of mythology, is a somewhat ‘contained’ episode – a new viewer coming into the show could just watch “August”, and go back for “The Arrival” if they dig what they see.
“And you included Do Shapeshifters Dream? I know this is one of your favorites, but I just don’t see how it is that crucial for a new viewer to see it. Personally, I think it’s one that only a more involved fan would truly appreciate.”
“It had shapeshifters, the Weapon, plus it was the first real introduction to the concept of the first people. I don’t know, Roco… I think there were a couple of instances where you mistook sentimental value for truly significant value…”
Come on now, mlj. Surely you know that I leave sentiment at the door! Honestly, I feel that DSSDOES? is an important ‘mythology’ episode. Let’s not forget that the shapeshifters are a fairly major part of the show’s mythology – this is essentially ‘their episode’, how could it not be included? It explains a lot of what you need to know about the shapeshifters. Granted, it does even more than that for the hardened fan, but for a ‘new viewer’ who has arrived at this episode with bright, shiny eyes, I think it will greatly help their understanding. Not to mention it contextualizes the Peter, Olivia, Altlivia story (and it’s impact on the mythology) – giving the viewer a better sense of the upcoming episode on my list, “Entrada”.
I didn’t mention it specifically, but leaving out “Grey Matters” was difficult. But one of the things I did in the construction of this list was to provide a narrative from 14 episodes. I would love to include a few more episodes, but given the limits, I think the 14 that I chose represent the most effective ‘zero to Fringe’ ladder for a newer viewer.
I also disagree with the notion that just because something is the ‘first’, means that it’s the most effective – “The Arrival”, for example. Furthermore, I do tip my hat to a couple of your suggestions, and would certainly consider switching ‘In Which We Meet..’ with “6955kHz”.
All of this being said, it’s very interesting to see how our perception of ‘important mythology episodes for the new viewer’ differs at certain points. I’m not disregarding your list – as mentioned, I see one or two shouts that I’d consider. Furthermore, a newbie using your list, certainly wouldn’t end up in any trouble!
It’s the old ‘road not taken thing’. It would actually be interesting if we had two..erm..test subjects.
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“Come on now, mlj. Surely you know that I leave sentiment at the door!”
I know that’s your intention, and that you usually do a pretty good job with doing just that… But I think there are occasions when even your best attempts at an unbiased and impartial post are just slightly influenced by your personal preferences. You see two equally significant episodes, but since you can only pick one, you go with the one you like better (not to mention the one where you likely influenced the title…
). That’s natural. I agree that Do Shapeshifters Dream is a fantastic episode and that it contains a large amount of mythology… I just don’t see it as being as crucial for the new viewer as you suggest it is. Yes, I think a new viewer would do well to watch episodes like Do Shapeshifters Dream, Mr. Jones, A New Day, etc., but since you’re keeping this list down to a reasonable 14 episodes, something had to go, and I think other episodes like Grey Matters and The Arrival are more significant in the long run.
As for the issue of The Arrival vs. IWWMMJ, you argue that there’s nothing in The Arrival that the new viewer couldn’t get from later episodes. I could similarly argue that there’s nothing in IWWMMJ that a viewer couldn’t get from watching Ability and There’s More Than One. Yes, IWWMMJ had some important developments, but in the long run, I don’t see it as being as crucial to the overall story as what is presented in The Arrival. And in many ways I see it as being more contained than The Arrival was.
“I also disagree with the notion that just because something is the ‘first’, means that it’s the most effective”
That’s a fair point, and maybe I did get a little carried away by the notion of a first introduction being significant. But you have to admit, those first introductions are substantial and important. Yes, you could likely figure out all that information from watching other episodes, but there’s just something about discovering it with the show. I remember the first time I saw The Arrival, and reading reviews of other peoples’ responses from watching that episode, and I think it’s a big stepping stone episode along the way that shouldn’t be skipped. I just think it’s a crucial episode for discovering the show and becoming invested in the story that’s being told.
Well, we may not agree on everything, but this is still pretty close. Besides, it’s probably a good thing… I was starting to get a bit concerned that we were in agreement so much of the time!
“It would actually be interesting if we had two..erm..test subjects.”
Oooh, I like that idea! Do we have any volunteers? Anyone? This could be epic!
(P.S. ndolo: Thanks for your kind comment. I really appreciate it!)
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“But I think there are occasions when even your best attempts at an unbiased and impartial post are just slightly influenced by your personal preferences. You see two equally significant episodes, but since you can only pick one, you go with the one you like better”
Can’t agree with you there, mlj. For example, I adore “The Arrival” and “Bad Dreams”, yet they are nowhere to be seen on my list. I wouldn’t have trouble dropping DSSDOES? if I didn’t genuinely believe it to be an important mythology episode within the structure I’ve put forward. Rather than it being about my undying love (heh) for the episode, I think it boils down to our different perspectives – which is nothing new, and certainly not a bad thing. Not to go all ‘Olivia’ on ya, but I just thought you’d know me better than that (Tee-hee-hee). In all seriousness, I love GM, but given the list structure, I don’t find it as necessary as DSSDOES?. Remember, William Bell spells out that Walter asked him to remove pieces of his brain – indeed, he reveals more than what we initially discovered in GM. Why would we need GM in a list featuring “Over There”? Sure, it would be nice, but it wouldn’t add a great deal to the understanding of a newer fan within the limited scope of our list, in my opinion.
“But you have to admit, those first introductions are substantial and important. Yes, you could likely figure out all that information from watching other episodes, but there’s just something about discovering it with the show.”
No doubt, I can definitely appreciate that. I just think that, in terms of the compiling a list, it’s important to stay on track and look at it from what a new viewer would need to know to understand/experience the mythology. While opinions will always divide on that front, I think we have to disregard where an episode falls in the mythology, and examine what it adds to the mythology. Seriously, TA will always be a much loved episode of mine. But “August” (and the others listed) would give the new viewer what they need to know. But..I get what you’re saying.
“I was starting to get a bit concerned that we were in agreement so much of the time!”
So was I, mlj. So was I.
Again, I think you’ve put together a cracking list and I appreciate the fact that you actually take the time to explain your thinking. Now, I would possibly be open to switching ‘In Which We Meet’ with “6955kHz”, but I’d need more convincing on that front. That said, there’s nothing wrong with agreeing to disagree.
“Oooh, I like that idea! Do we have any volunteers? Anyone? This could be epic!”
Yes! There must be a couple of willing participants out there.
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“Not to go all ‘Olivia’ on ya, but I just thought you’d know me better than that (Tee-hee-hee).”
Ouch! Even if you were just joking, that one really hurt! I didn’t expect you to take it so literally. I was merely suggesting that you’re as human as the rest of us (and if I’m wrong on that one, then perhaps you’re right that I don’t know you as well as we think…). I know that you make every effort to be unbiased, and that’s one of the things I love about reading your reviews and such, because it is honest. But even the most impartial reviews have individual preferences that factor in to the choices made. It all comes down to personal opinions — which we’ve said here many times. So it doesn’t seem unreasonable that a tiny bit of sentimental value would factor in to one’s choices, does it?
I know you’ve explained a couple of times why you chose to include “Do Shapeshifters Dream” on your list, but I still don’t get it. Yes, it gives insight into the shapeshifters and the lives they lead and their feelings. And there was some important character development. But I think a new viewer could skip over that episode and be no worse off for it. They wouldn’t be missing anything crucial. Perhaps it’s because I’m relatively new to mythology and seriable TV (I’m certainly nowhere near the expert that you are!) but I don’t see how Shapeshifter Dream adds a significant amount to the mythology of the show. It certainly adds to the depth of the appreciation for the story of the shapeshifters, but I don’t think it’s essential for the new viewer to get that perspective. At least not in the first handful of episodes they would be recommended to see. Later down the road after they’re already hooked, sure. But not as an introduction.
“Now, I would possibly be open to switching ‘In Which We Meet’ with “6955kHz”, but I’d need more convincing on that front.”
I don’t think I’ve ever been successful at providing what you consider to be a convincing argument, but I’ll give it another shot here. 6955 kHz may not be my favorite episode of Fringe, but I can’t deny that it was loaded with key information that moves the plot forward. In many ways, I feel like the things presented in that episode will continue to take on deeper meaning as we progress in the story. First, it has the focus on the weapon and how they found where the various pieces are hidden around the world, leading to over here being able to assemble and study the weapon. We also saw Walter coming to accept the fact that they need to investigate the weapon further. Plus we had the connection into the first people, which brings up all sorts of promising future stories and questions about who they are. You yourself have created several posts focusing on topics that were the focus of this episode. This episode provided valuable information and insight and progression that we wouldn’t necessarily have access to without it. And since, at this point, that episode is really the only reference we have to the weapon being built and the First People, I would suggest that it is a key episode for the new viewer to see. There was also the issue of creation and destruction, and Peter putting forth the hope that there is a way to save both worlds: it doesn’t necessarily have to be one or the other. I think it would be important for a new viewer to understand the perspective that over here has in regards to the war they’re fighting and what is motivating them. I think this is going to become a key episode for things that are to come in the last half of this season (and beyond).
It’s interesting trying to put together a list like this because you can see how Fringe has progressed over the seasons. Season 2 was very cut and dry in regards to the mythology. There really isn’t much of a question which of those episodes are key to the mythology aspect of things. But this season they’ve been blending the mythology in with the standalones more, and the mythology is more present in each individual episode. That makes it harder to distinguish between the crucial episodes. In a lot of ways, I think an argument could be made for all of the episodes this season and why they need to be seen. I think that fact makes it a lot less clear which episodes are “must see” which is why we disagree more on those ones… But that’s a good thing, right?
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I agree mlj… “grey matters” is a must watch episode for any fringe fan (new or old).
“Peter” has been my favorite since the moment the 80′s style intro aired but grey matters unspooled the mythology to an exciting new place (to think a man would go so far to keep a secret/change himself).
Always enjoy your posts mlj…keep it up!
fringe fan forever! from van city
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“grey matters” is a must watch episode for any fringe fan”
ndolo. I’d love to see your list. I agree that GM is a fantastic episode, but what would you leave out?
“Peter” has been my favorite since the moment the 80′s style intro aired but grey matters unspooled the mythology to an exciting new place (to think a man would go so far to keep a secret/change himself).”
It sounds to me like you’re basing your view on which episodes are your personal favorites? I could be wrong on that, so please feel free to let me know if I am.
That being said, I wouldn’t fight tooth and nail against GM. It’s a candidate, I’m just not seeing it’s all-importance in terms of this guide.
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I just think that GM gives us a big reference point for who walter is as a person and how he “became” the person he is.
For me, the episodes that examine Walter and his journey in this specific timeline are the endearing ones and therefore make them relevant to any new viewer trying understand the state of current fringe events.
GM and 6955 kHz would be the episodes I would add to your list.
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As much as I love “In Which We Meet Mr. Jones”, I would include either “The Arrival” or “Bad Dreams” instead. In my opinion, both are more important to the mythology.
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If someone is just starting by watching these episodes, then they will probably need to include ‘the arrival’, ‘safe’, ‘bound’, ‘A new day in an old town’, and ‘grey matters’. Otherwise what you have recommended to them won’t make any sense at all.
And it’s probably safe that they watch all of the season 3 episodes.
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I would disagree with “Safe” and “Bound” in particular. They’re unfortunate victims of ‘the season 1s’, when Fringe was still denying it’s seriable roots. (even though they are two of the more serialized episodes from the first season).
I mean, if we’re keeping it down to a reasonable 14 episodes, which episodes would you leave out to make room for “Safe” and “Bound”? It’s tough, I agree, but something has to give. I’d rather it be the episodes that would add less to a new viewers understanding of the main arc mythology.
Of course, it’s all subjective, but I’d need to hear a really good argument to be convinced to alter my initial list.
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As the article point out, you don’t need to watch all those or any of Fringe episodes to understand the most important dynamic of each episodes. They each have their own episodes with a beginning a middle and an end.
Frankly, while I watched all, or almost, all the Fringe episodes up to now (season 3), but I didn’t remember half of the mythology from past seasons, but I still enjoyed season 3 because it was beautifully written and all episodes had great stories to tell even if knowing more about the backstory bring another layer to the story.
Here’s my minimalist list of episodes that non-Fringe fans who want to get into the series should watch:
Solution A:
- None. Every series, even the most episodic one, got some kind of backstory which its fun to discover as you go along. Since they tend to repeat what happened in the past, over and over again, you don’t need to watch any previous episodes.
Solution B:
That’s my preferred solution.
1: Watch the pilot
2: Watch another fringe episode to get into it. Maybe: The Road Not Taken (1×19) while you’re at it.
3: Watch the episode Peter (2×15) Yes, it’s the zero event and a great episode.
4: Watch Season 2 finale: Over There (2×21 2×22).
5: Watch the Season 3 premiere: Olivia (3×01) to get to know the parallel universe. It’s the first time we get to know them.
6: Enjoy Fringe!! Maybe you will want to watch Entrada to know how Olivia came back to her own universe, but it’s not essential, since now she’s back and it’s what is important.
Solution C: Watch the 14 episodes in this article or watch all the series on a rainy weekend.
As I said I don’t remember much of the 14 episodes in this article and I really enjoy the Season 3 episodes. They are all great. But after a couple of season 3 episodes I rewatched the episode I stated above (beside the pilot and the road not taken) to enjoy Fringe more. That is the episode Peter, the season 2 finales, then I was settled for season 3.
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“They each have their own episodes with a beginning a middle and an end.”
Yep. It’s something that used to frustrate me about Fringe in terms of wrapping every episode in a tidy bow, but I’ve gotten used to it, partly because they’ve modified the formula somewhat. That said, I wouldn’t mind a bit over-spill between episodes every now and then. (“Jacksonville” > “Peter” is probably the closest we have in that regard, season 2 finale aside).
Your ‘Solution A’ is an interesting one. I agree that it’s possible for a new viewer to just jump right in without watching any of the previous episodes. Indeed, many of the show’s newer fans most likely experienced the show like that initially. Will they have a ‘better chance’ of understanding the mythology/remaining engaged? Unlikely.
Solution B is a decent shout, especially if time is limited. Solution C wins though.
In all seriousness, there are definitely alternatives. What I tried to do with my list is provide a structure that a new/casual fan could use to understand the meat of the mythology, while also experiencing as much of the show’s nuance as possible. That said, I’m open to more lists, or alternative suggestions.
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What about the Molebaby? Why is he not on the list, Roco?
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Yeah, I had considered including “Bound” for our introduction to Rachel, but in the end, something had to go… I guess Roco had a similar experience compiling his list.
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“something had to go..”
And that something was indeed a no-brainer.
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@ Alex: He’s #15 on the list. Honest.
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Wow, only 14 essential episodes to choose from!! lol Seriously, both you and mlj102 make convincing arguments, Roco.
Pilot
The Arrival
Ability
Bad Dreams
The Road Not Taken
TMTOoE
Momentum Deferred
Grey Matters
Jacksonville
Peter
The Man From The Other Side
OT Pt 1 and 2
Olivia
Entrada
Well, I don’t agree with either you Roco, or you mlj! lol I realized just one of the early Observers was enough to understand (the little that we know) about them…..because I’m cheating and would add last night’s episode of Firefly!
I really debated between The Man From the Other Side and A New Day in The Old Town in terms of importance, and decided that Grey Matters and Momentum Deferred would cover the shapeshifters and Olivia there and back angle, whereas Peter discovering he is from the other side at the same time as showing Walternate coming over here – and how difficult it is – is more important overall. I still would add A New Day in the Old Town in terms of #15 importance, I think. I picked Bad Dreams because it shows how powerful the cortexiphan affected these kids, and Olivia admitting to Peter and Walter who she is. I would have picked Olivia.In the Lab, except Bad dreams also shows the green, green red symbolism and the connection between Peter and Olivia, all of which Olivia.In the Lab expands on, but Bad Dreams is my first choice to draw someone into Fringe.
I am glad you asked this question, since I often find myself grabbing one or two of the above episodes to watch if I want something from Fringe to watch and my DVR isn’t available (for current season to rewatch….). It’s fun to see everyone else’s choices too and compare notes.
I do have to admit I am surprised at your choice of In Which We Meet Mr Jones, Roco – I really enjoy this episode too, but I don’t think of it as integral to understanding the mythology of Fringe. Not when Ability is for me, the overwhelming #1 episode for me. I think I measure every other episode in Fringe to this one!!
mlj: it’s a toss up for me between Olivia and The Plateau – because really, Olivia saving herself is so important, and how she does it. Can we have 15 episodes to pick from?
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I think I’m up to 17 episodes now, what with trying to sneak in ANDITOT, The Plateau and Firefly. If I drop The Arrival for Firefly….drat, I really don’t want to. Can’t we have 16 crucial episodes to see in Fringe??? lol
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Personally, I’m more of an episodic kind of guy. I like when every episodes got a beginning a middle and an end. But even the most episodic show got some kind of serialized elements (especially characters arcs). I like to watch a mini-movie every week. Serialized show tend to overstretch their storylines and it becomes boring and redundant. Every episodes feel the same. Many should be made into mini-series instead. Only Lost had many twists and turns and enough mystery in every episodes to keep it going. Unlike say The event, flash-forward and a few others. Which were still enjoyable to some degree.
But I think Fringe is great this season, better than the first 2 season since it’s more serialized and we get to know the “enemy”, the other universe. It’s now a tangible threat and not a conspiracy theory. The episodes still got a beginning a middle and an end but also add to the overall mythology and storylines of the show in every episodes. Lost fans who followed Abrams would be much more happy now than they were in Season 1. A perfect mix.
For people who truly want to get into the mythology of the show without missing a beat but without watching all the series, I think the 14 episodes listed above are very good as far as I recalled them (I had to reread some synopsis). I still wanted to make a shorter list posted above for people who got less time. Especially since I don’t remember much of the 14 episodes listed.
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Roco–
Recommended this list to a newbie. Someone suggested substituting “Bad Dreams” for the pilot, but I knew you left the pilot in because of Olivia’s rooftop chase–mandatory viewing.
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Peanut,
Thanks for passing on the list! I am rather partial to that rooftop chase, and I think the pilot is important for introducing viewers to the world of the show, but “Bad Dreams” is a great episode.
I personally wouldn’t substitute it for the pilot (maybe “IWWMMJ”), but there’s nothing wrong with different perspectives!
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Thanks for putting together this list. After the season 3 finale I immediately wanted to rewatch the mythology episodes and googled it. This was the first and best thing.
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Roco,
Is there any chance this might be updated during this hiatus? (between 4.14 & 4.15) I don’t know how many would be a reasonable number to try to condense to. I really want my dad to start watching. All he has seen is the pilot and he didn’t like it (couldn’t get in to it), but I have heard there are other fans out there that didn’t like the pilot, so I am holding on to my hope. I have convinced him to give it another try if I sit and watch with him (I ALWAYS love a good rewatch
I am pretty sure given the preview for 4.15, The Arival would probably make your list now, but beyond that I am lost. Thank you.
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