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Fringe 1.3: "The Ghost Network" |
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Wednesday, 24 September 2008 |
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By John Keegan
Visit Critical Myth for an archive of John's TV Review archives, with more than 1100 entries.
| A few episodes into the first season, the writers are beginning to settle into the characters and the voice of the series as a whole. The “X-Files” vibe is still very much present, but the distinctive elements are shining through. In particular, the darker side of the “Fringe” world is not giving way to any measure of comfort zone, and that could turn away viewers looking for a sliver of hope. On the other hand, for those of us who enjoy the darkness, it’s a breath of chilling fresh air.
In the larger scheme of things, The Pattern has apparently emerged within the past nine months, series-time, and there is an unknown organization behind it. Some hints point to Massive Dynamic, but it’s equally possible that they’re simply exploiting what this rogue organization has devised. Perhaps Broyles’ covert team is operating at Massive Dynamic’s sufferance based on that premise. Certainly Massive Dynamic has no compunction with using Broyles’ team as a talent pool.
But the question remains: if Massive Dynamic is profiting from the terrorism taking place, are they simply exploiting it or fostering it? Are the terrorists behind The Pattern simply a “contract lab” for William Bell? It sounds highly immoral, but Bell was apparently no different from Walter Bishop. And Bishop, in this episode, shows a much darker side to his personality.
The pilot never quite hid Walter’s inhumanity, but it was softened by his wacky psychosis. This episode forces the audience to recognize the truth behind the scattered veneer. Walter is the textbook example of a mad scientist. He has no concept of scientific restraint, and ethics may have never been part of the equation. He’s certainly key to the success of the team, but he’s nothing short of a monster. Without Peter or Dunham, it’s a fair bet he’d be even less human.
Which, I find, is the most interesting aspect of the series. “Fringe” described the science supposedly at the heart of the series, but like “Alias” and “Lost”, it’s a title with several contextual meanings. Every character is in same way living on the fringe of societal consensual reality. Agent Dunham is the most normal of the regulars, and that’s logical; she’s our familiar window into this dark, hidden world. But even she was living on the fringe of social acceptability by sleeping with her partner.
The premise was never hidden, since the notion of science and technology outpacing society’s ability to control it was mentioned more than once since the pilot. But the underlying notion is more nuanced. The progress may not be under control, but it may be under guidance, with the unexpected results ready to be exploited. It’s managing the butterfly effect, with Walter and William Bell as the caterpillars. And that makes “Fringe” a very interesting show to watch. |
