Fringe Review-Episode 1
Here Is What You Need To Know:
Fringe will not blow your mind and I don’t think you can walk away feeling that FOX received $10 million dollars worth of bang for the first episode, but Fringe still delivers. Most science-fiction junkies will probably feel that Fringe is a welcomed blast from the past. What past? Of well, the X-Files past of course, what else? But not to worry, Fringe borrows from just about everyone in sight, yet does manage to weave an engrossing enough tale.
Unfortunately, once again, the hero is essentially a cop, aren’t you sick of that crap too? Enough already, well, she’s actually a federal agent, just like the X-Files, but so what. Any old how-Agent Durham played well by Anna Torv has to team up with an genius and his mentally deranged super-scientist father in order to save the world. Sounds very Disney but its not. '=
The crazy dad, Walter, was experimenting with all sorts of “fringe” science, you know stuff that drives them crazy in the Biblebelt. Then again, what doesn’t drive them crazy in the Biblebelt. I could answer that but I dare not. Oh that aside, Fringe has potential, but is no doubt whatsoever, an X-Files rip-off. Then again, why not take a shot at bringing the X-Files back from the dead? Apparently somebody needs to bring this genre back because Chris Carter sure as hell isn’t capable anymore. Chris, you’ve been sitting on the genre forever.
What Was Cool:
For a television series, Fringe is one sexy looking show.
Nearly every frame is movie quality and hey, it should be for ten million dollars!
A television series that actually has some nice twists-really?
J.J Abrams and crew deserve a pat on the back for their overpriced X-Files ripoff. The only question is can they keep it up week after week on a smaller budget? Ummmm….
Anna Torv was a good casting move, sexy stuff, and apparently Australian. This is an impressive fact as she has no real accent.
What Was Stupid:
There are some serious breakdowns of logic, but should we really expect anything else?
I worry that J.J. Abrams will pull a Lost and keep us in the dark way too long, that would suck.
There is the issue of nepotism and genetically inherited intelligence in Fringe. This is so elitist. This topic keeps making appearances in fiction left and right and no one seems to mind. Speaking of nepotism, the comic book being produced to accompany the show is apparently written by Joss Whedon’s brother. Josh, I thought you were cool.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
The real genius, is the guy or gal over at Fox, that finally found a spine and gave X-Files fans something approximating a replacement. Not exactly a gutsy move exactlly after, what 10 years?
Overlooked Performance/Accomplishment:
Mark Valley does a great job as does Joshua Jackson who is only 30 years old. Keep this in mind watching Fringe. Jackson is 30 years old, that’s all. What is this guy eating and is anyone slipping it into my food! He looks like he 40-42 and should be playing a dad on Smallville or something. Get a nutritionist or a detox program or whatever, just deal whatever is making you look like an old man, its depressing to think of you as the “kid” from Dawson’s Creek!
Story B
Use of Science B+ (Science plays a large role, but often is used as magic.)
Acting A- (Very good acting by television standards.)
Portrayal of Women A (Sexy, smart and strong female lead, that’s enough to get me excited about keeping this show on the air.)
Style/Sex Appeal A (Anna Torv is very sexy and the show is shot wonderfully.)
Enjoyability Grade B+
Home Theater/HD Factor A- (Fringe looks great in HD.)
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) B-
Overall Innovation C (Only a grade of “C” for overall innovation, but Fringe has potential.)
Overall Grade B+
A Little Fact About Cherie:
I really didn’t want to like Fringe because it is clearly an X-Files rip-off, but its not bad. What can I tell you, I really loved the X-Files, it’s a darn shame what happened to that show. And I always knew Fox Mulder was a sex-addict, you could see it in his eyes.
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