If there is one thing that Fringe as a TV show has not shied away from it is terrorism and the events of September 11, 2001. On this day when the world found out that Osama bin Laden is now dead I thought it worthy to examine this subject.
As recently as the last episode of Fringe, “The Last Sam Weiss”, the subject of terrorism and 9/11 was dealt with again. From the plaque commemorating the events of 9/11 to the gleaming new “Freedom Tower” in New York City. Certainly the subject has been broached in the so called “Red” universe many times as “Walternate” has used the specter of terrorism to explain away the many hardships in the name of national security. Lastly, who can forget the stunning conclusion to season one when Olivia Dunham stepped to the window of William Bell’s office and as the camera panned back a gleaming and untouched World Trade Center was revealed.
I remember thinking that night how bold a move that was. Not only did it make for great theater but it took a certain amount of courage to include those images as the events of 9/11 were still raw for many people. The events of 9/11 hit me pretty hard and I will never forget them. But I was wondering what everyone else felt today.
So let me ask you this. Do you feel that Fringe has been exploiting the events of 9/11? Or do you feel that they have the artistic license to examine this subject? How does that make you feel either way?
Remembering those who fell on 9/11 and those who pursued justice in their names.
This is a great question!
First – thanks to all the men & women who risk their lives to keep this country safe.
Second – to your question.
I believe that Fringe and the writers have used careful discretion when referring the 9-11 and the twin towers. They have never crossed any ethical lines, in my mind.
If anything, I think they bring up 2 very important realities.
1. What could life be like if 9-11 never occurred? How would our world be different? They don’t explicitly ask this question, but it’s never far from my mind when I see those two towers standing.
2. Never Forget! Too many people in this country take for granted the past 11 years and have don’t recognize the sacrifices that have taken place. Fringe gently reminds us!
Everyone on The Fringe Podcast – Keep up the great work!
Fringe is a show that delves in the why and how the human mind works through a scientific point of view. It makes us question why people act the way they do, what their most intrinsic motives are, and what will be gained from achieving their goals.
Being a TV show whose main framework revolves around the premise of two worlds fighting for survival -each having their own ideas of what’s right and wrong, and what should be done to ensure life in each of the universes- I believe gives them the artistic license to show what human primal instincts are capable of doing. It’s two sides of a coin and how we choose to look at it: Walter/Walternate feeling anger and greed over the other for the lost son. Walternate believing his son is betraying his own blood and universe.
Yet, Fringe is also trying to show us the best about mankind. We see it in the following relationships: Peter/Olivia/Fauxlivia knowing that there are two sides to every story and their willingness to find a way to allow both universes to survive in spite of it all.
So seeing those amazing towers still standing, remind us of an ominous day and at the same time give us hope. Hope in mankind and in a world incredibly mutilated by greed, anger, prejudice; a world that rejoices in the fall of its kin. It allows us to see the beauty of what the world would be if only we all became the selfless, kind and caring humans we can be. All we can achieve if we try hard enough.
Today I pray for those who have fallen, for those that have survived evil, and for those that fight to keep freedom for not just this beautiful nation, but for the world.
No better quote than this one to best state why I think that Fringe is a not just an eye opener but also a mind opener to us all:
“Science has broken down the barriers between people, but that merely accentuates our problems, particularly those which arise out of misunderstandings, unless there is also a spiritual growth. For every shortening of the distance between peoples there must be a broadening of human sympathies.”- Clinton P. Anderson (Rotary Club 1933)
There have already been several movies referencing or depicting 9/11 (25th Hour, United 93, World Trade Center, to name a few) and also several TV shows paying various homages (Friends, CSI NY) but to me Fringe is the “pioneer” of fictionalizing 9/11. They don’t just pay tribute by referencing it or depicting it, they use 9/11 as a well integrated part of the story.
Fringe has done a fine job being delicate and not exploiting 9/11. As for how I felt when Osama was captured. . . I felt a sort of “proud” feeling. Proud of our Troops and all of the people who dedicated their lives to his capture/death.
Along with that feeling, the announcement of his death brought up memories of the day the Twin Towers went down. It was a very emotional day; not knowing what was going on.
Great Blog by the way! Good question.
I think Fringe has done a fine job of showing that part of history and how it still effects us. I have seen some shows that don’t mention it at all, even if they may have an oportunity to. In those casses it makes me wonder more than they way Fringe has referenced it; as if in that TV show universe it didn’t happen. It is a historical fact so it is good to referenc it and not just forget to mention it.
Thanks for the great post. Guess I learn something new every day!
Praise you and your site for your guidance.
Very VERY VERY Deep Subliminal Serie.
Like many many others and movies made since ‘that’ time 🙂