There are things in this world that we do not completely understand, those things that exist on the fringe of science and fantasy.  An FBI Agent (Anna Torv,) a brilliant scientist who has spent the last 17 years of his life in a mental hospital (John Noble,) and the scientist’s roguish son (Joshua Jackson) have been chosen to investigate a series of events called “The Pattern” and those who are using these events for their own malicious reasons.

CRITIQUE

I tried giving this show a chance, I really did.  However, as I watch this, all I can think of is that this show is basically just J.J. Abrams’ version of The X-Files. And I hated The X-Files.  And to be fair, there really isn’t anything wrong with the production of the show.  In fact, this is a beautifully produced bit of programming. 

The shows here are slick and interesting to look at with plots that are full of Sci-Fi intrigue that is constantly building to its final episode.  However, it’s also the sort of show that you have to keep up with or else you’ll find yourself completely lost. And in some ways I don’t really have a problem with that - I am a fan of Lost after all and I know what it means to have to keep up with the show.

What I found myself not connecting with were the characters.  Anna Torv’s Olivia Dunham is likeable enough, as is Joshua Jackson’s Peter Bishop, but at the same time they are very simple characters.  Agent Dunham reminds me very much of Silence of the Lambs’ Clarice Starling in attitude and performance and Peter Bishop is very much the standard rogue with a heart of gold. He has secrets and a shadowy past, but you can always count on him in the end.  John Noble’s Walter Bishop (the literally mad scientist) would be a fascinating character if it weren’t for the fact that he has to be completely eccentric in every episode.  I think characters with quirks are fun and can be entertaining, but after a while it does begin to get a little old.

Now, fans of The X-Files (who have not already checked the show out) will definitely dig this show. The show is filled with governmental and corporate conspiracies and cover-ups. And while there are no aliens (or at least recognizable aliens) the show does have its fill of monsters and other supernatural hooplah.  Being that the show is a continual narrative, those who wish to get into Fringe would do best starting with this set.

THE VIDEO

Fringe is presented in 2.35:1 Widescreen and has a very beautiful looking transfer. There are no flaws in any of the episodes, the colors are consistent throughout as are the black levels.  This is a slick looking show that is given a wonderful DVD treatment.

THE AUDIO

The shows are presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and have good mixes throughout with the pilot episode being the best example of what the series has to offer your sound system.

THE EXTRAS

Commentary on select episodes: Commentaries on “Pilot,” “Ghost Network,” and “Bad Dreams” are, for the most part informative, although the Pilot episode commentary is a little too meandering.

Deciphering the Scene: Little making of documentaries on the episodes. Most are interesting to watch.

The Massive Undertaking: A little more detailed version of the Deciphering the Scene docs also found with the episodes.

Dissected Scenes: Unaired scenes from select episodes.

Evolution: The Genesis of Fringe: A decent documentary about how the idea for Fringe came up and how long it took to finally become a show.

The Casting of Fringe: A nice look at the casting of the show.

Fringe Visual Effects: A pretty good look at the visual effects of Fringe.

Gene the Cow: A bit on the animal co-star.

Unusual Side Effects: A gag reel from the first season.

Roberto Orci’s Production Diary: Exactly that.

FINAL THOUGHT

While this show didn’t connect with me, there is plenty here for Sci-Fi fans and those who love the occasional conspiracy theory.