Welcome to Multiversity Comics’ Summer Binger of Fringe, a series that Parks and Recreation’s own Ben Wyatt once called “airtight.” Episode 7 is a welcome step up after a couple of mid-tier episodes and a really strong all-around entry in this show.
1. In Which Fringe Finds its Legs
“In Which We Meet Mr. Jones” is exactly the type of shift that this series needed to make. The last couple of episodes were decent though uninspiring- certainly worth watching but they didn’t quite reach the levels they might have. This week, it’s just a rock solid entry; not quite firing on all cylinders but entertaining and relatively strong all around. A lot of the show’s strengths are on display even though it doesn’t take many significant steps forward with regard to the overall story. Episode 7 is exactly what a case of the week episode should be- something interesting in its own right that helps lay the groundwork for future even if its not as propulsive as an episode filled with major plot points.
2. Olivia Expands
This was the best Olivia episode yet- not just from a structural standpoint but from a “do I actively enjoy watching the main character of this show” standpoint. That’s not to say she hasn’t been a good character or that Anna Torv hasn’t delivered strong performance. Torv has been great but and the character has been given depth but in “In Which We Meet Mr. Jones,” we get dynamism. Over the last few episodes she’s been cool and strong but also a very somber, serious presence essentially at all times. Here, Torv is able to flex her muscles quite a bit more. She gets to quip! She gets to surprisingly speak another language! She gets to have a kinda odd but pretty fine almost fling with an ex! All of this is really important in making a character feel actively endearing and not just like a conduit through which we understand the story. More of this, please!
3. Michael Giacchino, GOAT
I’m not quite sure how I got this far into Fringe without mentioning its wonderful score. Composed by the then up-and-coming Michael Giacchino, this show’s score communicates a scale a cinematic feeling that helps elevate everything else about the show. Giacchino is an absolute master of his craft and it’s awesome that we get to enjoy his talents here.
4. More Father-Son Goodness
Obviously the high points of this show is Peter and Walter’s relationship. Joshua Jackson and John Noble are great actors with strong chemistry. This week, that’s built upon in important ways. The big set piece of the episode features Peter’s brain being connected to a dead man’s so that they can telepathically communicate to get important information (good lord this show is weird). The only way they can do that is through increasingly intense electric shocks being sent through Peter’s body which is obviously painful. The scene feels big in its portrayal of Peter’s trust in his father; he resents Walter for a bevy of reasons but he wouldn’t do something like this for someone he doesn’t have plenty of faith in. The show has shown that Peter cares about Walter plenty of times already but this week made their relationship feel more full and interesting.
5. Plot Setup, Plot Setup, Set up a Plot*
*That was to the tune of Matchmaker from Fiddler on the Roof.
Kudos to “In Which We Meet Mr. Jones” for its smart steps forward in the overall narrative of Fringe. We get two minor movements that are sure to lead to major developments. The first comes in the form of the titular Mr. Jones (played by Jared Harris), a mysterious, Lecter-esque biochemist. I have no recollection of this character but I feel confident in saying that it’s clear he’ll be an important player going forward. Harris brings a great energy to the role, walking the line between creepy and playful with grace and in a way that makes him feel incredibly watchable and I’m really excited for whenever he shows up next. The second is the reveal of a second mole in the Fringe Division, a character who our protagonists happened to spend the whole episode saving. Seeing the conspiracy plot take shape more is incredibly exciting and it’s nice to see it brought into things in such an organic way. Episode four- the one where we met the Observer- had a feeling of “this one’s going to be important,” which it certainly was- but every important development can’t happen in Big Episodes if you want a show to be well-plotted. This episode is a testament to the capacity of this writing team. What comes next is definitely going to be good.
