On Thursday night, J.J. Abrams’ sci-fi series, Fringe, returned after a two-month hiatus with a new episode called “Peter.” Currently on season two, FOX’s Fringe is a witty, thought-provoking and exciting look into the FBI’s Fringe Division, a group of federal agents and scientists investigating unexplained and terrifying phenomena, including (but not limited to) teleportation, alternate universes and genetic engineering.
Think The X-Files, but remove Mulder’s obsession with aliens and add Dr. Walter Bishop, a mentally unstable yet brilliant scientist whose discovery of an alternate universe may potentially cause a inter-dimensional war.
The majority of “Peter” is set in 1985. We learn that seven-year-old Peter is dying of a genetic disease that despite his best efforts, Walter has been unable to cure. In an effort to save his dying son, Walter uses his “window” into the other universe to spy on his alternate self (who he affectionately names “Walternate”). It turns out that Walternate is also trying to save his son from the same disease, and given the technological superiority of this alternate universe, he is more likely to discover the cure.
Despite lacking the usual thrills associated with solving an unnatural phenomenon, the episode still had me on the edge of my seat. “Peter” provided clarity around some of the show’s big mysteries, like Walter’s first journey to the other universe, why Walter didn’t return Peter to the alternate world, and how Nina Sharp lost her arm.
Nevertheless, the episode also left us with some new questions, like: Why did the Observer refer to Peter as “important?” And will Olivia tell Peter that he’s from the alternate universe?
Overall, “Peter” was a great episode. I enjoyed a break from their usual episodic format and the detailed look at a younger, more coherent and affectionate Walter.
And just in case you need a refresher on all things Fringe, make sure to watch “10 Things You Need To Know About Fringe.”
