Fringe!

[c.g._eads]

Terrible!

I mean, I don't know what I expected from the writers who brought us the genius scene in Transformers where a bunch of 50 ton robots hide in a boy's backyard while he tries to distract his parents in a bedroom.

I really wanted to like this show. It plays with some ideas that have a lot of potential. But come on. Pacey!!?? You know it's bad when you're looking forward to Hole In The Wall.

I'll give it a few more tries but this is not looking good.

[Captain Pierce]

I don't know that I'd go so far as to say "terrible," but I wasn't real impressed, either. I agree that the ideas have potential, but they're going to have to do something about those boring frickin' characters to keep me watching...

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Interesting.

I only watched the opening and then the team get to the airplane crime scene because I had to catch some ZzzZZzzZ's (DVRed it), but what I saw I was blown away by.

[Mark Harris]

I don't know that I'd go so far as to say "terrible," but I wasn't real impressed, either. I agree that the ideas have potential, but they're going to have to do something about those boring frickin' characters to keep me watching...

I'm with you on that one so far. Not a terrible show, but it's pretty much X-files without the chemistry. Hope they clue in to that soon, cause it could have a lot going for it.

And I kind of wish they would lay off on the Lost music cues.

[ZFarms Productions]

the weakest part of the show for me is Agent Dunham. The actress that plays her is terrible. expressionless face. dead pan voice, horrible actress.

i think they need to recast her or kill her off and replace her with a different character. she's so horrible that it almost makes me want to stop watching the show, but the rest of the performances are good enough to keep watching.

for now.

[Batutta]

Definitely JJ Abrams weakest debut so far. Both Alias and Lost had amazing pilot episodes. They felt like fully realized shows from the start. Interesting to note he personally directed those two pilots and not this one. It was still watchable for its pulp elements and hints of a deeper mythology, but the characters need serious work. Only the crazy professor was interesting. By the end of the show I wanted to punch Josh Jackson every time he opened his mouth with a snarky comment. He was just obnoxious. The girl, she's pretty, and that's about it. No character. I'll give it a few more episodes, but it could be this year's Bionic Woman.

[Mark Harris]

Definitely JJ Abrams weakest debut so far. Both Alias and Lost had amazing pilot episodes. They felt like fully realized shows from the start. Interesting to note he personally directed those two pilots and not this one. It was still watchable for its pulp elements and hints of a deeper mythology, but the characters need serious work. Only the crazy professor was interesting. By the end of the show I wanted to punch Josh Jackson every time he opened his mouth with a snarky comment. He was just obnoxious. The girl, she's pretty, and that's about it. No character. I'll give it a few more episodes, but it could be this year's Bionic Woman.

Well how involved is he with this really? Or has he reached the Apatow point of just putting his name on stuff to give it a boost?

The pilot says he was one of the writers, but that thought struck me while watching.

[ZFarms Productions]

other than writing the pilot i do believe he is just producing through his Bad Robot company.

[Captain Pierce]

it could be this year's Bionic Woman.

Whoa, let's not get crazy! :) It's already roughly 180 times better than Bionic Woman, since I made it through the whole Fringe pilot and only about 30 seconds of Bionic Woman. :D

Personally, I found the crazy professor to be the most annoying character, followed closely by the Homeland Security guy (at least in the first half, when he kept calling Dunham "Liason" and just generally being a pr1ck) and Jackson (who goes from just generally being a pr1ck and calling Dunham "Sweetheart" to all of a sudden being genius junior).

Abrams is listed on IMDB as one of the writers of the second episode (IMDB only has the first two listed so far).

[Richard J. Johnson]

Alias was the S#!T! I did not miss a single episode Ever. I miss that show.

[Batutta]

Alias was the S#!T! I did not miss a single episode Ever. I miss that show.

Alias lost me in the last couple of seasons, but I find I can't sustain interest in many dramatic shows past the 3rd, 4th season. Don't know why.

[J.R. Hudson]

Network Television is about as bad as it gets for me. I was into ER and X FILES for awhile but switched the tube off long ago.

I've strayed away from it and either watch films or HBO/Showtime series. I need more adultness in my entertainment and less White Bread America, which is what network television caters too.

I've been enjoying Californication lately.

[alveraz]

edited: i need to keep my mouth shut sometimes :)

[Captain Pierce]

OK, less than halfway into tonite's episode, two things they need to stop:

1. The CG titles that get reflected in puddles and shot through from different angles and all that crap.

2. Grossing me the fuck out before the opening credits every episode. (OK, I know we're only two episodes in, but the gross-out factor is batting a thousand.)

That said, tonite the character interaction did seem to be vastly improved, so they may be dialing in on things from that respect.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

OK, less than halfway into tonite's episode, two things they need to stop:

1. The CG titles that get reflected in puddles and shot through from different angles and all that crap.

2. Grossing me the poo poo out before the opening credits every episode. (OK, I know we're only two episodes in, but the gross-out factor is batting a thousand.)

That said, tonite the character interaction did seem to be vastly improved, so they may be dialing in on things from that respect.I agree on the title thing. Getting old fast!

[metro2307]

I agree on the title thing. Getting old fast!

I think the title work was Andrew Kramer's.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I think the title work was Andrew Kramer's.I don't know who's creating it. I just know that it's getting annoying. :)

[Richard J. Johnson]

Network Television is about as bad as it gets for me. I was into ER and X FILES for awhile but switched the tube off long ago.

I've strayed away from it and either watch films or HBO/Showtime series. I need more adultness in my entertainment and less White Bread America, which is what network television caters too.

I've been enjoying Californication lately.

I watch one show. Lost. don't have time to watch anything else. I have 2 babies so it's mostly cartoons in our house. And that is fine with me.

[traviscool]

I just watched the pilot online a few today, and I liked it, it kept me entertained which is pretty much all I watch for.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

OK, less than halfway into tonight's episode, two things they need to stop:

1. The CG titles that get reflected in puddles and shot through from different angles and all that crap.

2. Grossing me the poo poo out before the opening credits every episode. (OK, I know we're only two episodes in, but the gross-out factor is batting a thousand.)

That said, tonight the character interaction did seem to be vastly improved, so they may be dialing in on things from that respect.

Agree on the title thing ... so dumb and only impressive to anyone not remotely connected to film, video, or post in anyway - like my GF who really likes them.

But you have this really out there world - why remind the audience they're watching a TV show? Why make it harder for them to suspend their disbelief than it already is? Would make much more sense to just have the standard white text in the lower corner, which would make it feel more like actual events, etc. since that white text we're used to doesn't read as anything but a neutral way of communicating information and is also used in docs etc.

This is the mark of a baby filmmaker to me - going for the cool thing just because it's cool and not because it helps tell the story - in this case it would help tell the story to give us as much access into it as possible, make it as real as possible, not push us out of it to admire arbitrary production value. I suspect this may have more to do with the business end of TV, thinking that production value will hook people and they may be right. But again, I see this with young filmmakers all the time, the cool for cool's sake phenomenon.

Now on the 2nd point, could not agree less. Love LOVE the openings. So far this show really knows how to do an opening. Got my pulse pounding, adrenaline going, and really hooked me for the show in both episodes. Really think the openings are spot on so far.

[ASG]

I feel like I've been slapped about the head and neck with gratuitous lens flares.

[Batutta]

I gave it three episodes, but this show is kind of stinky. Lame cast. Lame writing.

[ecking]

Network Television is about as bad as it gets for me. I was into ER and X FILES for awhile but switched the tube off long ago.

I've strayed away from it and either watch films or HBO/Showtime series. I need more adultness in my entertainment and less White Bread America, which is what network television caters too.

I've been enjoying Californication lately.

I feel the exact same, I'm tired of feeling network shows holding back, HBO and Showtime just give it you. I really did enjoy the first season of Californication and In Treatment recently.

Fringe seemed ok at first so I gave it until the newest episode (I was bored and had the time) but at the end when they showed the guy from the first episode still alive I had to go wtf. No more for me.

[Mark Harris]

I gave it three episodes, but this show is kind of stinky. Lame cast. Lame writing.

I think a huge problem with it is they're giving it all away waaaaaay too quickly. I love shows with an arc over the season, but the monster of the week episodes act as a buffer so you kind of forget the arc, develop the characters, and live in the world some, then come back to the arc.

In this one, everything is arc, arc, arc. I think they're destroying any sense of mystery.

[David Jimerson]

The X-Files got stupid when it was all smoking man all the time. The stand-alone paranormal episodes are what made that show for me, with light hints at the conspiracies.

[Captain Pierce]

See, I looked at the later seasons of X-Files the other way. The stand-alone eps just seemed like filler, and the arc only got advanced in the sweeps two-parters and the season finale and premiere. Eventually, it got to the point where that was the only time I watched...

Like I said, that was the later seasons (cause I wasn't watching at first--hell, I didn't even have Fox to watch at first :D ). So maybe that's not a valid comparison to Fringe; but I guess given the choice between arc and non-arc, at this point I'll take arc. :)

[Mark Harris]

See, I looked at the later seasons of X-Files the other way. The stand-alone eps just seemed like filler, and the arc only got advanced in the sweeps two-parters and the season finale and premiere. Eventually, it got to the point where that was the only time I watched...

Like I said, that was the later seasons (cause I wasn't watching at first--hell, I didn't even have Fox to watch at first :D ). So maybe that's not a valid comparison to Fringe; but I guess given the choice between arc and non-arc, at this point I'll take arc. :)

Ordinarily I'd be with you. Like I said, I love the arc eps. But seeing Fringe, where it seems to be all arc all the time, I've gained an appreciation for the MOW eps and parsing it out over time. I think LOST is one of the best at this, using the past segments to define and deepen characters, and at the same time really handing out the overall story over time nicely. So that the big wham-os really are big wham-os(technical term).

[Mark Harris]

Okay, I love me some Fringe bashing, but I have to admit, the last episode before they leave NYC because the legislature has its head up its ass, was pretty frickin' sweet. Very very well written with some nice twists to it.

I'm starting to like where it's going.

Now, if they can only find Anna Torv a soul, they will be set.

[Jon Starr]

Thought I'd bring this thread up again in case anyone is still watching after it's weak start.

I've been watching off and on when I'm bored, and honestly, it's been doing really well lately. At least that's my opinion.

It's getting weirder, it's getting odder and stranger, and it's starting to get me really hooked, especially with the most recent episode. Too bad it took so long to get it's footing.

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Yeah I agree that it was a wobbly start, but really enjoying it lately.

A couple of shows I really like started that way though.

[Jon Starr]

Yeah, plus since this has a standalone plot and a huge story arc per episode, it's easy to get into even if you missed some episodes.

Loving the characters as well. Dr. Walter Bishop is... unique.

Love how they sometimes use the net as a viral marketing tool: http://www.massivedynamic.com/

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

Yeah, plus since this has a standalone plot and a huge story arc per episode, it's easy to get into even if you missed some episodes.
Last episode literally began with "For those of you who are just joining us..."


Loving the characters as well. Dr. Walter Bishop is... unique.


The character is great and the actor playing hims effin' great.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

The character is great and the actor playing hims effin' great.Agreed. Everyone who is into the show seems to love him. He's the main reason why I watch it.

"I have a cow!"

:grin:

[Jon Starr]

Okay, so I always wondered about William Bell. After the last episode I was wondering if Bell was even alive.

But now I find out that Leonard Nimoy is playing William Bell!? Holy frigging fudgesicles batman! That's awesome!

It's funny how in the recent episode they make a reference to Star Trek and the man they meet (the nut) claims to be spock. This on the same week that Star Trek opens (both by JJ Abrams) and now the guy that plays spock is in the show... nerdgasm!

Okay, I'll calm down.

[Everts]

hated it .... this is bad the timing is off or someting.
Dont like the actors, its like I know they're acting..
Watched a few epsiodes just waiting for " it " but " it " never happened.

Please people dont even try to compare this to X-files , its no where near it...

Im wacthing xfiles again its sweet.. but drags abit sometimes.

[ZazaCast]

Okay, so I always wondered about William Bell. After the last episode I was wondering if Bell was even alive.

But now I find out that Leonard Nimoy is playing William Bell!? Holy frigging fudgesicles batman! That's awesome!

It's funny how in the recent episode they make a reference to Star Trek and the man they meet (the nut) claims to be spock. This on the same week that Star Trek opens (both by JJ Abrams) and now the guy that plays spock is in the show... nerdgasm!

Okay, I'll calm down.

Totally! ...and not to mention the Twin Towers still exist in the 'other' world! Great twist.:beer:

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

Totally! ...and not to mention the Twin Towers still exist in the 'other' world! Great twist.:beer:The towers exist but did you guys catch the headline on the newspaper?

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

In case you didn't catch it.... "Obama's set to move into NEW White House"

That tells me that in the alternate universe the planes hit the White House, not the Twin Towers.

[Mark Harris]

Still digging on this show, and hope it keeps up the good work. But man, I think they just offed one of the best characters on the show. Dang. Maybe it means I will have more luck now getting him for my feature...

And actually I wouldn't mind seeing Nimoy stay in the show. I find him an interesting actor and this could be a fun role for him. Though I thought it also would have been a nice move to make it Walter...

[RodThompson]

In case you didn't catch it.... "Obama's set to move into NEW White House"

That tells me that in the alternate universe the planes hit the White House, not the Twin Towers.

It took them 8 years to rebuild the White House?! I dug the Twin Tower finale though. About time we desensitize.

[ZazaCast]

In case you didn't catch it.... "Obama's set to move into NEW White House"

That tells me that in the alternate universe the planes hit the White House, not the Twin Towers.

Yeah...that's just great! :thumbup::thumbup: Can't wait to see where they take this next.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

It took them 8 years to rebuild the White House?! I dug the Twin Tower finale though. About time we desensitize.Who said the attack took place the same day/time/year?

All we know is that the towers still exist and the White House had to be rebuilt.

For all we know those wacky Canadians blew it up! :huh:

[Jack Daniel Stanley]

I don't think that means it took them 8 years to rebuild the White House. It could still be referred to as the "New" white house with Obama only being the 2nd president to take residence there after it was built during the Bush admin.

[Michael Anthony Horrigan]

I don't think that means it took them 8 years to rebuild the White House. It could still be referred to as the "New" white house with Obama only being the 2nd president to take residence there after it was built during the Bush admin.Right.

But if this is an alternate universe, maybe Al Gore was the previous President. Who knows?

Anything can happen. :)

MAH

[ZazaCast]

Michael Anthony Horrigan for President....




......of Canada!



(alternate universe...it could happen)

[Captain Pierce]

I hadn't watched the show for a while, but tuned in for the finale (only to see Leonard :) ). I enjoyed it, seems like the show has actually gotten somewhere.

The towers were pretty freaky, but did anyone else notice when (SPOILER) old crazy guy goes to what seems to be the grave of his son? After having mentioned before the time when the son was very sick? Seems to me like somebody borrowed something from an alternate universe...

[Austinv]

I think it is awesome that walter brought back his son from the alternate universe, which might also explain why he is knowledgeable with a lot of technology and engages in illegal activities which they have still not shown! (think back to episode one when they picked him up)

[Jon Starr]

I love that as well.

It just ads a whole new dimension (no pun intended) to the relationship between Walter and Peter.

Excited for the next season. I'm sure it's going to get a whole lot more interesting.

[Austinv]

Walter and Peter's relationship is so unique, who knows what Peter actually knows. So far in the show Peter has proven to be knowledgeable in a lot of different things. I think he will end up be a bigger focus next season besides the season premiere which is going to figure out how to get olivia back from an alternate reality.

[RodThompson]

So far, S2 is pretty decent!

They leave us knowing what we know from last season, and are now slowly building on it.

Story-wise, it's a smart move.

[Mark Harris]

I'm on board with this show from how good season one turned out to be. But man, the "New York" scenes are so frickin' glaring now that they jumped up north. After having scenes set in places that look like the places they are supposed to be, the Vancouver stuff is way disappointing. Why is our state legislature such a bunch of f*ck-ups?

But nice nod to the X-files up top. 'bout time they give the props.

[Chamber005]

I'm on board with this show from how good season one turned out to be. But man, the "New York" scenes are so frickin' glaring now that they jumped up north. After having scenes set in places that look like the places they are supposed to be, the Vancouver stuff is way disappointing. Why is our state legislature such a bunch of f*ck-ups?

But nice nod to the X-files up top. 'bout time they give the props.


YES!!

I liked Fringe in the first season, but kept cringing after each episode kept feeling like an X-files rip. NOTHING compared with the blatant rips Heroes does of every Xmen storyline ever done, but still, I was SO happy when they finally gave props where props were due.

Weird that they made a point only to show Mulder, though. I wonder if it's a legal thing...

[Mark Harris]

**********MAYBE SPOILERS*****************

















All right, they have to be in the other world now. Because with all the stuff the colonel is talking about, how could Broyles not connect it to ZFT? How could they even have gone back to monster of the week episodes after we learned about ZFT?

And we already know that Michael Cerveris(the bald dude) can travel between both worlds at will. And I am certain Walter can too.

AND, in this episode, Walter mentioned something from Peter's childhood that Peter REMEMBERED. Might be the first time that ever happened...

[Austinv]

I think the show needs to pick up all the loose ends and get back to a main focus somewhere. There is just far to much going on all the time and the story does not move forward. There were so many things in Season 1 that were not solved or dealt with. IE. That monster that broke out of the hospital (the one who teleported out of prison). What happened to him

[Mark Harris]

The guy who teleported out of prison died at the end of season one, trying to get to the other universe. He played a MAJOR role in that season.

[Mark Harris]

Hmmm, this show is getting good again...mainly due to John Noble, whose performance just gets more finely tuned and subtle with each episode, it seems.

[Mark Harris]

Fringe is way back on track in my book. Seemed like a rocky start to their move out west. But they've got their groove back.

But Peter was like..7, they said? Wouldn't he remember? Esp if the world he came from was like 30 years ahead of the one he went to, wouldn't he notice that there was no WII the next day?

Plus, PETER WELLER!!!!

But really, should ANYTHING cause them surprise anymore? :)

[Isaac_Brody]

Peter Weller episode was fantastic, and John Noble is killing this season. That's the best part of the show.