FRINGE Subject 9 – Guess Who’s Back?

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That was unexpected! “Subject 9″ was a great episode that once again proves that Fringe is at its best when it’s concentrating on the main storyline. I was starting to get worried about where Fringe was going this season but now I’m simply excited to see what comes next after that doozy of a cliff-hanger!

Normally a story that concentrated on a blue energy field would be considered typical Fringe-fare, and compared to some of the storylines we’ve seen, kinda boring but with Peter involved it was fascinating to watch. It was obvious from the beginning that Cameron James had nothing to do with the phenomenon, but I really liked how he was utilized. At first I thought he’d be a pointless red-herring but his power came in useful at the end. That’s what I liked about this episode; it had the ability to keep surprising me and it kept me hooked throughout.

What really solidified this episode as a great episode of Fringe was some wonderful character moments. I love the relationship that’s developing between Olivia and Walter. Both are looking to fill the emptiness in their lives, and they seek solace with each other to help ease that lack they feel. There were some really tender and heart-warming moments between them and even with Peter back I hope they continue to develop that wonderful newfound bond between them. John Noble continues to prove he’s one of the best actors around with another amazing performance,  highlighting Walter’s vulnerability and his need to connect with someone. His reaction to finding out he might have to return to St Claire’s was depressing because we know what that place has done to Walter, and Noble really conveys the  despair and paranoia. Another powerhouse performance! Anna Torv also deserves credit for portraying a confused, tormented, yet determined Olivia who shines in the emotional scenes next to Walter.

Cameron James was more engaging than I expected. After all we’ve already seen a number of cortexiphan children, but in the short time we knew him you couldn’t help feel empathy for someone whose life has been ruined by Walter’s experimentation. I wish we could see more of James, and like the previous cortexiphan children I enjoyed his rapport with Olive.

There were some interesting moments that showed some more of the changes that occurred since Peter was removed from the timeline. So when did Nina become so close to Olivia, and why does Walter hate Nina now? Walter hasn’t left the lab in three years and it seems that before this there had been no interaction with the cortexiphan children at all. Had there abilities not manifested? These little bits weren’t vital for the episode but they were certainly eye-catching and I’m sure they’ll be important in the future!

What will keep this episode fresh in everyone’s mind though is the ending, and what a killer twist that was! The last thing I expected was to see Peter return so soon, especially after Walter and Olivia only found out he was real at the end of the last episode. I have to say though I’m delighted to see Peter back, and I can’t wait to see how he’ll integrate back into Fringe division and how Walter and Olivia will react when they find out who he is.

It’s hard to find any flaws with this episode, it had a great story, some wonderful character moments and a fantastic twist so  there’s not much I can fault it for. After a mediocre start to the season this episode was the perfect tonic to what came before and I’m really excited to see what’s in store for Walter, Peter and Olivia.

One Comment

1. 

   bandanab

   October 17, 2011 at 9:08 pm

   I thought that it was really smart that they make Peter return in reiden lake and not at the power plant were olivia and Walter were. Because he is reentering the timeline it make sense that he returns were he supposedly died. Drawing in the lake when Walter brought him as a kid

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