The Story: Olivia keeps having recurring dreams of killing people. When she gets to the bottom of things she discovers she’s being forced to watch the actions of Nick Lane, a young man who can influence people to do things based on his feelings. As Olivia investigates deeper the experiments that were tested on her as a child, namely giving her the mysterious Cortexaphan, she finds out her and Nick were paired together in the testing as children.
Pros: This episode was all about story and damn was the story great. What started off as Olivia being in some guy’s dream turned into a more intense plot about the government testing that happened to Olivia as a child. We haven’t learned much about Cortexaphan or Olivia’s experimentation since it was revealed but what little was revealed was done with a big bang. The scene with Nick and several people on a ledge was thrilling and intense. Him calling her Olive was subtle and spoke volumes. Government experimentation is a seldom used plotline in television dramas, hopefully Fringe will delve more into that next season which seems to be where we’re headed. Olivia’s slow disintegration into insanity is also being alluded to, with Broyles wondering if she’s capable and her finally looking into some time off. I’m also inclined to wonder about the niece, if we’re not being led to look at her a bit closer (that whole vaccination subplot seemed a bit too convenient). Walter had some funny one-liners this week. His desire to go see Pippin was hilarious, a jab at the fact he’s still in the wrong time. The ending scene knocked me out because I didn’t expect it. The Olive name came back when Walter is watching a tape of him and the mysterious William Bell experimenting. Who thought Walter was implicated in Olivia’s childhood? What happens when Olivia finds out Walter knows more than he’s telling?
Cons: Not enough Walter and Peter this week. Peter has been relegated to the back lately but here it was all about Olivia. I prefer when the group is working closer together since they have better chemistry. I also thought the big girl-girl kiss was a tad inappropriate. FOX is notorious for resorting to this tactic but here it doesn’t do zilch to the storyline and just seemed like a grab to get guys channel surfing.
Overall: Strong episode that gave viewers what they always enjoy, answers. Walter and Peter tend to be the sidekicks this week but that’s fine because the writing and plotline was engaging and enticing. Hopefully this government experimentation angle will be discussed far deeper than it already is…do I smell a flashback episode? This week gets a 4.5/.5.
Entertainment News International (ENI) is the popular culture network for fans all around the world. Get the scoop on all the popular comics, games, movies, toys, and more every day!
