Fringe delivers yet another great episode as it turns the old ghost story cliché on its ear. Supernatural phenomena are occurring at the Rosencratz building in New York City. The latest event is six partygoers falling to their deaths, forcing residents to move elsewhere. The one who stays is the owner of apartment 6B, a quiet widow named Mrs. Alice Merchant, who is still grieving the loss of her husband Derek.
The Fringe Division eventually investigates Mrs. Merchant, discovering that she can see the ghost of Derek. Peter (Joshua Jackson) cannot see Derek’s ghost, but Olivia (Anna Torv) can. Thus Walter (John Noble) concludes that they’re not dealing with ghosts, but a crack in reality, which allows Mrs. Merchant to see the Derek from Over There. In turn, Derek is mourning the death of his wife, Alice. Walter states that it’s a quantum entanglement between the two universes.
With each subsequent supernatural event badly damaging the structure of the apartment building, Walter fears there is no other recourse but to seal it in amber like the Fringe Division from Over There does when quarantining buildings to prevent vortexes in the fabric of reality. Thankfully, it doesn’t come to that as Olivia and Peter convince Mrs. Merchant to let Derek go, but Walter is horrified that he’s thinking along those lines.
It was smart of the creators to include a scene from Over There, where Lincoln (Seth Gabel) and Fauxlivia (also Torv) investigate supernatural phenomena over at Derek Merchant’s apartment building (is it called the Guildenstern building Over There)? However, there’s nothing of the sort since it’s been resolved in the main reality as Derek is seen looking at photos of his late, lamented wife and his daughters… something Alice Merchant never had in the main reality with her Derek.
At the end, the creators reward the characters – and the audience – with a happy ending (albeit temporary, odds are), something that needs to be done ever now and again, as Peter and Olivia make love. No Over There doppelgangers, no shape-shifters, clones, robots, ghosts – just the real Peter and the real Olivia.
From a ratings standpoint, this episode of Fringe had 4.1 million viewers, up 7 percent from last week’s episode. Thanks, FOX, for the genius move of putting a great show into your Friday night suicide slot.
Dear Fox,
Ditto what he said................
This is easily one of the best written and smartest shows on TV. But since crap like American Idol and Survivor, has "dumbed down" America, Good shows like Fringe and Human Target get moved around. I see a slow death for Fringe. And it's a shame.
Oh my I couldnt agree more!
I actually see no point in the American Idol shows, the people who win in the end, only get hyped up and popular for a short period of time. Then they're all forgotten.Anyway, I REALLY want Fringe to get renewed,along with many other good shows!
Oh yes, this episode was real good, I loved it! The thought that they could've ended up having to seal the building with amber was real cool, but what would that mean for the two worlds?I mean things that usually happen over there,dont happen here,thats why its OVER THERE. What makes it different then?
Oh well theres alot of stuff to put in.Anyway,overall the episode was good and Fringe rules!
(Tired rant)
I agree with you two. Every time I hear about a cool show comming to FOX, I cringe. They have had a lot of cool shows end way before their time. I could run down the list but whats the point. They need new managment. Like yesterday!! I'm actually scared to get into a show on FOX. I just know they will find some way to screw it up.
I also agree with everything said above.
Now onto the episode. I thought this one was fantastic. Was getting bummed out that I thought it was just a haunting episode but when Walter explained what was happening and they brought out the amber and the dilemma in using it I thought this episode was a home run. Especially with the ending.
I really like where this show is going , screw Fox and until it gets cancelled I'll be watching on whatever day they move it to
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Dear Fox,
Thank you for ruining every good show that was ever doomed to your management, and spending all your effort preserving shows like American Idol. I hate you.
Sincerely,
-Dave