The Transilience Thought Unifier Model—11! That creature has stolen the Thought Unifier!
—Regretably, no one actually says this
We haven’t reviewed Fringe for some time, but they’ve launched a fifth and final season, with a bold new direction: a leap onto the Future Dystopia Train! We’re reviewing the season premiere, and asking if anyone wants discussions of the rest of the season.
Title: “Transilience Thought Unifier Model-11”
Cast and Crew
Directed by Jeannot Szwarc and Miguel Sapochnik
Written by J.H. Wyman
Anna Torv as Olivia Dunham
Joshua Jackso as Peter Biship
John Noble as Walter Bishop
Georgina Haig as Henrietta Bishop
Jasika Nicole as Astrid Farnsworth
Michael Kopsa as Windmark
Clark Middleton as Edward Markham
Full cast and crew may be found here.
Synopsis
Olivia and Peter are raising their little girl, when reality gets rudely interrupted by swarms of bald-headed guys in suits.
In 2036, Etta has grown into a Fringe agent herself. The time-warped Fringe Force reunite with her, seek the missing Olivia (who has experienced a fate reminiscent of Han Solo’s), and try to uncover hidden knowledge that will help them defeat the Observers.
Unfortunately, Walter gets captured.
High Point
Walter’s encounter with a creepy Observer plays well.
Low Points
Given the technology they possess, the Observers appear comparatively easy to outwit and out-tech.
The Scores
Originality: 3/6. It’s a new direction for Fringe, but we’ve been dystopia’d to death lately, and this one serves up little that’s original. Don’t tell anyone, but I’m betting on the plucky band of rebels to save the future.
Effects: 5/6 They do a good job of creating the Observers’ Blade-Runner-meets-1984 future.
Story: 4/6.
Acting: 4/6 Fringe has always been uneven in this area. John Noble remains their strongest asset. Georgina Haig works remarkably well as the child of Peter and Olivia.
Production: 5/6
Emotional response: 4/6.
Overall: 5/6.
The Season Five premiere receives thirty out of forty-two.