Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
My favorite hobbit.
My favorite hobbit.
Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discussion
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Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
How much you want to bet that Sam not only wrote the book, he's one of them?
How much you want to bet that Sam not only wrote the book, he's one of them?
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
I wonder what that's about.
I wonder what that's about.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
I don't know how I feel about the salvation of one of the universes being dependent on which of the Olivias Peter wants to be with. It sounds kind of flimsy.
I don't know how I feel about the salvation of one of the universes being dependent on which of the Olivias Peter wants to be with. It sounds kind of flimsy.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
I actually have been having some hope for Fringe the last two weeks given the focus on mythology and the upswing in terms of quality of the episodes. Add to that the interview I read today on zap2it suggesting that the writers are being given more freedom by FOX to go all out on serialization due to the show's move to Friday and focus on maintaining its core fanbase.
Needless to say this episode dashed those hopes for a more consistent run for the series. We get another pointless standalone that only very lightly touches on the more interesting mythology elements despite the deceptive recap hinting a more substantial focus on mythology. Nothing in the episode's plot was the least bit new or fresh. I've seen the lonely telepath on TNG's superior "Tin Man" with Tam. I've seen the whole telepathy dilemma before and done better even more recently on Heroes. And I can't count how many times I have seen the "military soldier experimented on and wants revenge" so this was very unengaging and predictable made even moreso by Frine's obligatory action take down of the bad guy--Yawn.
I thought the hour might be salavaged by the return to the First People and the three books but the whole BIG revelation that Peter's "frequency" based on his mood would determine the weapon's purpose was lame but it only got lamer with the whole idea that Peter The Mood Ring would furthermore be determined by who loves more--Olivia or alt-livia. Stuuuuuuuuuuuuuupid. I have never cared for Fringe's lucy goose scifi mumbo jumbo but on such a critical mythological mystery as this I find it very weak and disappointing. I made no bones about not caring for Peter/Olivia--I find it about as compelling as the whole Trip/T'Pol pairing from ENT. But I could deal with it--now though the whole idea of it influencing the mythology so heavily makes it all the more silly.
Average.
I actually have been having some hope for Fringe the last two weeks given the focus on mythology and the upswing in terms of quality of the episodes. Add to that the interview I read today on zap2it suggesting that the writers are being given more freedom by FOX to go all out on serialization due to the show's move to Friday and focus on maintaining its core fanbase.
Needless to say this episode dashed those hopes for a more consistent run for the series. We get another pointless standalone that only very lightly touches on the more interesting mythology elements despite the deceptive recap hinting a more substantial focus on mythology. Nothing in the episode's plot was the least bit new or fresh. I've seen the lonely telepath on TNG's superior "Tin Man" with Tam. I've seen the whole telepathy dilemma before and done better even more recently on Heroes. And I can't count how many times I have seen the "military soldier experimented on and wants revenge" so this was very unengaging and predictable made even moreso by Frine's obligatory action take down of the bad guy--Yawn.
I thought the hour might be salavaged by the return to the First People and the three books but the whole BIG revelation that Peter's "frequency" based on his mood would determine the weapon's purpose was lame but it only got lamer with the whole idea that Peter The Mood Ring would furthermore be determined by who loves more--Olivia or alt-livia. Stuuuuuuuuuuuuuupid. I have never cared for Fringe's lucy goose scifi mumbo jumbo but on such a critical mythological mystery as this I find it very weak and disappointing. I made no bones about not caring for Peter/Olivia--I find it about as compelling as the whole Trip/T'Pol pairing from ENT. But I could deal with it--now though the whole idea of it influencing the mythology so heavily makes it all the more silly.
Average.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
I agree, I think there's far more to it that that. It also still begs the answer to the question of why it's Peter who can effect it, and apparently not anyone else.
That we know of, yet.
I agree, I think there's far more to it that that. It also still begs the answer to the question of why it's Peter who can effect it, and apparently not anyone else.
That we know of, yet.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
I can't stand it--it is like one of those silly B-movies sci-fi notions SyFy and not worthy of a serious sci-fi drama.
I can't stand it--it is like one of those silly B-movies sci-fi notions SyFy and not worthy of a serious sci-fi drama.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
You pretty well summed up my thoughts on tonight's outing with your larger post above. I'm really beginning to get bored with the stand-alone eps, because they have very little connection the 'big picture'. The most interesting part of the whole ep was Nina and Sam, and that was too brief and offered a very silly explanation.
Sam knows far more than he's telling. Clearly, Nina should know this.
You pretty well summed up my thoughts on tonight's outing with your larger post above. I'm really beginning to get bored with the stand-alone eps, because they have very little connection the 'big picture'. The most interesting part of the whole ep was Nina and Sam, and that was too brief and offered a very silly explanation.
Sam knows far more than he's telling. Clearly, Nina should know this.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
I've been thinking of that since they introduced the first people earlier in the season. In fact, since the quote on the chalkboard in Walternate's Harvard lab in "over there" ("A Demon's Twist Rusts" or something) is an anagram for "Don't Trust Sam Weiss", I've suspected him for some time.
I've been thinking of that since they introduced the first people earlier in the season. In fact, since the quote on the chalkboard in Walternate's Harvard lab in "over there" ("A Demon's Twist Rusts" or something) is an anagram for "Don't Trust Sam Weiss", I've suspected him for some time.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
If that is actually the case then the only way to save both universes is to be with both Olivias? Poor Peter.
If that is actually the case then the only way to save both universes is to be with both Olivias? Poor Peter.
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Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
Eh. Definitely one of the low points in the season. For a season that started out as strong as this one did, it's a little frustrating to deal with episodes like this one that isn't quite on par with the rest of the season.
I like that they kept the First ones, the cortexiphan kids and many other arc-based story lines into this episode, but they were sort of off to the side and the part at the end where they brought Sam back in was cool at first, until he said his feelings for which Olivia would determine everyone's fate??
If that's all it is then I'm going to probably be disappointed, but, knowing Fringe there's likely to be more to it than that and we'll probably find out a bit more in a couple of weeks. On the bright side, next week's flip side episode looks really interesting so I'm thinking we're on the path to better, more exciting episodes soon.
7.1/10
Eh. Definitely one of the low points in the season. For a season that started out as strong as this one did, it's a little frustrating to deal with episodes like this one that isn't quite on par with the rest of the season.
I like that they kept the First ones, the cortexiphan kids and many other arc-based story lines into this episode, but they were sort of off to the side and the part at the end where they brought Sam back in was cool at first, until he said his feelings for which Olivia would determine everyone's fate??
If that's all it is then I'm going to probably be disappointed, but, knowing Fringe there's likely to be more to it than that and we'll probably find out a bit more in a couple of weeks. On the bright side, next week's flip side episode looks really interesting so I'm thinking we're on the path to better, more exciting episodes soon.
7.1/10
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
Worth it just to see Olivia in that dress.
Worth it just to see Olivia in that dress.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
Next week's episode looks to me based on promo to be another standalone only this time in the alternate universe--I don't know about you but I don't find that any more compelling than such a story in our universe.
Next week's episode looks to me based on promo to be another standalone only this time in the alternate universe--I don't know about you but I don't find that any more compelling than such a story in our universe.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
Only "our" Olivia has the power to move between universes and take others with her (so far). What if the machine's ability to create or destroy is dependent on whether Peter chooses our Olivia and she assists him in somehow projecting the machine's power into the other universe, this time with the goal of healing the fabric of their universe rather than destroying it, as she promised alt-Broyles?
Alternatively, if Walternate give Fauxlivia the Cortexephan treatments, she may be able to assist Peter in directing the weapon toward "our" universe, perhaps against his will or without his knowledge. In that case the decision between Olivias may just revolve around whether she can lure him to meet with her or return to the alternate universe where they'll capture him.
Fauxlivia might be able to help Peter power the weapon in one direction (toward destroying our universe) since she shares a common origin in the alt-universe with him. Since our Olivia is from this universe, their combined traits from both universes may heal the alt-universe rather than destroy it.
Just a guess, but it gives the choice a little more meaning and makes sense given Olivia's power.
Only "our" Olivia has the power to move between universes and take others with her (so far). What if the machine's ability to create or destroy is dependent on whether Peter chooses our Olivia and she assists him in somehow projecting the machine's power into the other universe, this time with the goal of healing the fabric of their universe rather than destroying it, as she promised alt-Broyles?
Alternatively, if Walternate give Fauxlivia the Cortexephan treatments, she may be able to assist Peter in directing the weapon toward "our" universe, perhaps against his will or without his knowledge. In that case the decision between Olivias may just revolve around whether she can lure him to meet with her or return to the alternate universe where they'll capture him.
Fauxlivia might be able to help Peter power the weapon in one direction (toward destroying our universe) since she shares a common origin in the alt-universe with him. Since our Olivia is from this universe, their combined traits from both universes may heal the alt-universe rather than destroy it.
Just a guess, but it gives the choice a little more meaning and makes sense given Olivia's power.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
I'm haven't decided if the episodes have been off or if the alt-verse episodes elevated things to where the standalones are disappointing.
I'm haven't decided if the episodes have been off or if the alt-verse episodes elevated things to where the standalones are disappointing.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
The problem like it always has been with this series, much like say Star Trek: Voyager, is the unevenness in the quality of episodes. You never know what to expect when you tune in--unlike a series like LOST in seasons 3-5 or TNG in S3-5--Fringe has always been very hit or miss.
Everytime it seems to start gaining some momentum it halts it in its tracks with a series of weak episodes. I can see that being part of why the show had a hard time having a larger audience.
That's why especially after tonite's episode I won't be too upset if the series gets canned. If you are going to tackle a large mythology and the showrunners want to really get the audience invested in it leading them to analyze it and devote energy to it then the last thing they should do is not continue to feed that curiosity weekly by cramming the episodes wall-to-wall with interesting mythological revelations and intriguing twists in order to maintain that level of interest. Barrin the teaser and the last few minutes of the episode it was the very definition of filler--the writers stalling the arc with a disposable plot that tries to seem relevant by loosely tying in arc-related material. For a series on the possible verge of cancellation the writers sure seem to be including a lot of pointless episodes to seemingly pad things out.
The problem like it always has been with this series, much like say Star Trek: Voyager, is the unevenness in the quality of episodes. You never know what to expect when you tune in--unlike a series like LOST in seasons 3-5 or TNG in S3-5--Fringe has always been very hit or miss.
Everytime it seems to start gaining some momentum it halts it in its tracks with a series of weak episodes. I can see that being part of why the show had a hard time having a larger audience.
That's why especially after tonite's episode I won't be too upset if the series gets canned. If you are going to tackle a large mythology and the showrunners want to really get the audience invested in it leading them to analyze it and devote energy to it then the last thing they should do is not continue to feed that curiosity weekly by cramming the episodes wall-to-wall with interesting mythological revelations and intriguing twists in order to maintain that level of interest. Barrin the teaser and the last few minutes of the episode it was the very definition of filler--the writers stalling the arc with a disposable plot that tries to seem relevant by loosely tying in arc-related material. For a series on the possible verge of cancellation the writers sure seem to be including a lot of pointless episodes to seemingly pad things out.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
Decent episode until the final five minutes of the episode. Good to see Sam Weiss again. I also loved the Dr. Spock reference.
Unfortunately, this is the last episode I'll be able to watch for the next two months.
(I'm half-joking/hoping)
Decent episode until the final five minutes of the episode. Good to see Sam Weiss again. I also loved the Dr. Spock reference.
Unfortunately, this is the last episode I'll be able to watch for the next two months.
Isn't it obvious? Crossover with LOST!
(I'm half-joking/hoping)
That makes a lot of sense to me. I figured it wasn't as simple as "Peter loves that one, therefore boom!"
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
Well it wasn't great shakes mythologically speaking but for what it was I was engaged and enjoyed myself. Above Average.
As for the reveal about Peter, Olivia and the machine... Well it sounds dumb at first blush. It may in fact, prove to actually be dumb. But I'm betting it's a little more complicated than that and Sam put it that way because for now, it's more interesting to consider the character ramifications than it is to show how the sausage is made, so to speak.
Well it wasn't great shakes mythologically speaking but for what it was I was engaged and enjoyed myself. Above Average.
As for the reveal about Peter, Olivia and the machine... Well it sounds dumb at first blush. It may in fact, prove to actually be dumb. But I'm betting it's a little more complicated than that and Sam put it that way because for now, it's more interesting to consider the character ramifications than it is to show how the sausage is made, so to speak.
Re: Fringe: "Concentrate and Ask Again" 2/4 on FOX - Grading & Discuss
So to save both universes Peter has to have a threesome with both Olivias? Not a bad deal.
So to save both universes Peter has to have a threesome with both Olivias? Not a bad deal.
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