Fringe Comes Back from Break with Killer Monster Scientists

by Josh Roth @ 6:10 pm February 5th, 2009

J.J. Abrams’ procedural science fiction drama has come back from its mid-season break with a vengeance. “The Transformation” was co-penned by Zack Whedon (yep, that Zack Whedon, brother of the all mighty Joss Whedon, of Dr. Horrible fame) and J.R. Orci. Fringe seems to have taken a bit of a break from their season long story arcs in favor of more serialized episodes. But this week sees the return of the John Scott / Nina Sharp / Massive Dynamic storyline, and with some interesting developments. Fringe may not be the most intelligent or complex show on TV, but it sure is loads of sci-fi fun.

To me, Fringe is the total sci-fi-ification of Lost, and as the season’s gone on it’s delved farther into sci-fi. When it started out Fringe Division was dealing with flesh eating viruses, and now they’ve got scientists transforming into full on monsters. But the whole time they keep it semi-grounded, with explanations that at least make some semblance of sense.

Zack Whedon’s got a serious knack for writing. He’s got a hint of his brother Joss’ wit, but takes it in a whole other direction. He gives some seriously hilarious lines to Walter this week, there’s a discussion about the 1/2 nipple rule that may be the best Walter Bishop-ism yet.

Olivia is still the weakest point in the show, and she’s the lead! But it’s OK, I’m not bitter, because the amazingness of the rest of the cast (mainly John Noble as Walter Bishop) keep the show afloat and kicking. Fringe continues to prove that you don’t need a deep message to have fun with sci-fi. Stay tuned folks, this show has got some serious steam left.