Shamelessly Science Fiction
New show by J.J. Abrams researchs ‘fringe science’
With a $10 million dollar pilot, “Fringe,” J.J. Abram’s latest mythology-laced series, was under high pressure to deliver. While the two-hour pilot seemed like it was worth far less than $10 million, it showcased a series that could potentially be as mysterious as “Lost” and as intense as “Alias.”
As the mind behind “Lost,” “Alias” and “Cloverfield,” J.J. Abrams is known for weaving some of the most enigmatic and electrifying stories on both the big and small screen.
Abram’s “Fringe” follows FBI Agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv, “Mistresses”) as she investigates various unexplainable phenomena that are the results of experiments from a field known as “fringe science.” With the help of mentally unstable scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble, “One Night With the King”) and his high-IQ son, Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson, “Shutter”), Dunham uses her wits and extensive FBI resources to examine the strange pattern of bizarre crimes.
The show’s intriguing premise and Abram’s grade-A track record with hard-hitting pilots should leave little to be desired, but this is hardly the case. The immediate introduction of a bizarre “bioterrorist” disease forgoes initial character and setting development for shock value. While this approach worked wonders in the pilot for “Lost,” its use in “Fringe” seems desperate for intensity. The immediate onslaught of science-fictional elements may be off-putting for viewers who don’t delve much into sci-fi.
In her attempt to portray a strong female lead, Torv spends her screen time overacting and trying to be tough. Her poor performance is balanced by Noble’s quirky, creepy, and likable Dr. Bishop. On the other hand, Jackson does not really stray from the norm. Much like his role as Pacey Witter on “Dawson’s Creek,” Jackson has yet to develop Peter Bishop past a smart-mouthed troubled youth bitter towards his parents.
The second episode, which aired last Tuesday, showed much better performances from Jackson and Torv, giving me hope that the cast isn’t a complete flop.
Despite its snags, “Fringe” has potential. The characters and actors have a complementary dynamic between them, and the subject matter is the perfect environment for Abram’s cryptic overtones and overarching mythologies. If the actors continue to grow into their roles and fully develop their characters, “Fringe” could definitely become Abram’s third cult hit.
Fans of the grotesque will definitely enjoy specific highlights from the first and second episodes. Special effects give birth to removed eyeballs, bursting stomachs and incredibly fast growing babies.
While much can be debated about “Fringe,” there is one thing that is blatantly obvious: it is shamelessly science fiction. Riddled with bizarre, and probably inaccurate scientific phenomena,
“Fringe’ seems like “Law and Order” and “The X-Files” rolled into one.
If you are not into science fiction or find it hard to suspend disbelief, “Fringe” is probably not for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a darker, more dramatic version of Sci-Fi channel’s “Eureka,” “Fringe” might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Chelsea Otakan can be reached at cotakan@nevadasagebrush.com
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on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 at 12:42 am and is filed under Arts & Entertainment, Television Reviews, Vibe.
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