Science fiction and fantasy fans are all abuzz with the return to the airwaves of Fox Network’s hit television show Fringe. Starring Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Anna Torv, and Lance Reddick, Fringe tells the story of how two universes are coming into conflict with each other as a result of a science experiment.
Science fiction television has been depressed since ABC’s Lost finished its six-season run. There have been other shows, to be sure, but Fringe brings an edginess to the medium that is rare, precise, and almost motivational. Creator J.J. Abrams and his team of top-knotch writers have composed an ongoig epic drama that is taking audiences in a new direction. Literally following events in two fictional universes (“ours” and “theirs”), Fringe is documenting an unfolding war between realities competing for primacy. It seems almost certain that one of the two universes will have to be destroyed. The show is allowing viewers to develop a sympathetic point of view for both sides in the conflict, thus guaranteeing that the predicted doom creates an emotionally disturbing scenario.
Fringe fans have taken to Web forums and blogs to share their thoughts on what the season opening episode means and where things will go next. Some writers are speculating that more universes may be explored. Cast members and writers for the show are encouraging speculation by dropping hints about the as-yet unexplored possibilities. “What about all the other universes that we haven’t even looked at?”, actor John Noble asks in an interview with E! Online. What about them indeed? Could the fourth season reveal an multiple universe paradox that only the wacky mind of Dr. Walter Bishop can unravel?
There are some topics that Fringe has so far shied away from. Religion, for example, really has not entered into any of the stories. The characters move about in an areligious sympathy for good and evil; the morals of the universes are built on self-preservation, not the dictates of higher beings. And yet there are mysterious Observers who have puzzled audiences. They seem to have the qualities of angels but also follow a strict code of ethics that forbids their interference in the affairs of humanity — a code that has been violated at least twice.
Between the Observers and the clashing universes stand two teams, mirroring each other in their priorities: the Fringe divisions that man the front lines. The “Our” universe’s Fringe division is not as powerful and sophisticated as the “Their” universe’s Fringe division, but the “Our” universe Fringe division has the advantage of being able to cross universes almost at will. The only other creatures who have crossed universes are enigmatic shape-shifters working for “Their” Walter Bishop, known as Walternate.
Fringe airs on Thursday nights on the Fox network. The show is alternating episodes between universes, at least during the first half of the third season, to build focus on the two Olivia Dunhams (played by Anna Torv). The “Our” universe episodes feature blue opening credits. The “Their” universe episodes feature red opening credits. Is there a subtle jab at Democrats and Republicans in these color selections? Inquiring fans will figure it out sooner or later.