I recently re-watched the pilot episode of Fringe and wow, the show has come such a long way. When I first started the show, I figured it would be a fun sci-fi show of which I could catch an episode here and there and be completely satisfied. Now, I am as immersed in the mythology of the show as I was with LOST, and I’m excited to begin re-watching the episodes. These are just a few things I noticed, and some quotes that I liked, from the episode:
The glyphs in the episode spell “observe.” This definitely lends credence to the idea that the writers have had the main storyline in mind from the beginning.
Olivia has a much, much lighter demeanor than she has later in the series. She was so happy with John Scott. I assume that his betrayal had much to do with her morose and serious attitude later in the show. Along with the realization that the world is facing much deeper problems than she ever could have imagined. Yeah, that probably had something to do with it too. Ha ha.
I had forgotten that Broyles had a deep dislike for Olivia at the beginning of the show. It made me realize how far their relationship has come over the seasons.
Some quotes that I liked:
“I knew someone would come eventually.” – Walter, when Olivia first visits him in St. Claire’s.
“So much happened here. And so much is about to.” – Walter, upon entering his Harvard lab for the first time in 17 years.
“The only thing better than a cow is a human. Unless you need milk; then you really need a cow.” – Walter, explaining why Gene is necessary for his research.
Don’t worry; I won’t flood the blog by writing a new post after each episode I watch. But I thought it would be interesting to discuss the pilot, after what we’ve seen over the last three seasons. Has anyone else re-watched, and noticed anything of note?
I just recently watched the Pilot and enjoyed it immensely. I find that shows with a deep/complex mythology and tie-ins are very interesting to watch the second-third-fourth time.
Also while watching new theories abound. If Fringe does one thing, it certainly makes you think, and think and think.
I, too, rewatched all 2.5 seasons during my Winter Break (I’m a High School Teacher), and I’m in the process of rewatching all three seasons again right now. I was also taken off-guard by Broyles’ dislike for Olivia, but it was to be expected.
I also really like watching this episode to analyze how far all of the characters have come since the show’s inception. In the case of Walter, he had a much larger ego at the beginning, and has lightened-up considerably since that time. One of my favorite quotes was,
Walter: If you want to watch, you can come closer. Do you work here?
Astrid: Yeah, I’m Astrid Farnsworth – Assistant to Agent Dunham.
Walter: Who?
Classic!!
Peter also comes from a long way. He was a con-man, traveling the world for his not-so-legit activities, running from a place to another, his past chasing him. His behavior toward other people wasn’t pleasant, either (to put it nicely). Now he and Walter has never been as close, he’s settled down in Boston, he works for the FBI, he is patient and well-behaved.
The most constant one to me is Astrid. She’s been what has hold the team together since the beginning.
Peter was running away from the mob which I think the writers really want us to forget.
Was it in the pilot or the second episode where they showed us some sort of meeting between Broyles and some other people (I think even Nina was there)? It was like a board of overseers of the fringe team or something. They really made it look like there is some conspiracy going on but then that group was never shown or mentioned again.
Ya I am also watching all of the seasons again and I agree with GeigerCounter. We have never seen the board of overseers again, and I forgot that our Fringe team was not the first one. What happened to the first team? Could the overseers be involved with what future Walter did? Has anyone ever discussed who the first Fringe team was?
Ya I am also watching all of the seasons again and I agree with GeigerCounter. We have never seen the board of overseers again, and I forgot that our Fringe team was not the first one. What happened to the first team? Could the overseers be involved with what future Walter did? Has anyone ever discussed who the first Fringe team was?
I had been wondering as well whether Peter’s mob issues were ever explained and I have just forgotten about it, or if they never addressed. And yes, there was a group of people that Broyles met with to discuss bringing Olivia, Peter, and Walter on board. They were never explained that I remember.
Wasn’t the first team supposed to be Mulder and Scully? They said in 2×01 that previously it had the designation X, or something like that.
Geiger now that you mention it I do kinda remember that connection. Thanks!
have you seen http://www.teefury.com today? They have a Walter shirt on sale for 24 hrs. =)
Thanks for sharing scabfarm! Great t-shirt.
awesome shirt!!!
I am glad someone else is rewatching. I was surprised to be reminded that Peter has such a hi IQ.
The Transmission on Facebook has a discussion page if any former LOST fans wish to participate in a summer rewatch of Fringe with me.
Fringenerd – go right ahead and post after any and all rewatched episodes, I’ll chat with you!
Episode 2 Season 1: Same Old Story: Walter talks to Peter about ‘things’ he has hidden, reminds Peter and Olivia that ‘condoms fail’ and they should remember that. And it made me wonder who was on the Fringe Team before and what happened to them. This could be as marvelous seed for a future episode.