“Fringe” (8 p.m. Central Thursdays on Fox) has become such a good show in its own right that it goes beyond being a good “X-Files” rip-off. Even if that’s all it was, I’d love it — I was that one guy who watched “FreakyLinks,” “Miracles,” “Night Stalker” and “The Inside” before they were duly canceled.
“Fringe” isn’t just the first post-“X-Files” mood mystery to be successful. It’s also the best of these shows. The style and framework are “X-Files”-influenced — the FBI is investigating mysterious cases, dark bass strings play over the top of all the action, Walter’s lab is in a basement (as Mulder’s office was).
In Season 2, there are even more parallels: They’re bringing in a character, Agent Jessup, who pores over the Bible seeking explanations (Scully was religious); the show is moving from New York to Vancouver (where “X-Files” was filmed); and the FBI’s Fringe Division is in danger of being shut down (the X-Files were closed at the beginning of that show’s second year). Agent Broyles appears before a panel of Congressmen just as Mulder, Scully and Skinner often did; luckily, he convinces them to keep Fringe up and running.
OK, those are a lot of similarities. And yet, whenever someone says, “I don’t need to watch ‘Fringe.’ I already watched ‘The X-Files,” I shake my head in pity, because they are missing out on … OK, I’m ready to admit it … the best show on TV right now.
“Fringe” is different in two very important areas: First, everything has a scientific explanation. For example, the Season 2 premiere features a shapeshifter, a killer who can mold his face and body to look like his victim. “The X-Files'” shapeshifter simply assumed the look of whomever he wanted — no explanation was needed other than that he’s an alien. After all, the show explored the paranormal and the supernatural, stuff that by definition can’t be explained.
“Fringe” explores weird science. It may be far removed from modern mainstream science, but everything is explained scientifically. We see the human shapeshifter crunch up his facial bones, then run a conduit from the victim to a three-pronged plug in the roof of his mouth. He flips a switch, and he takes on the victim’s appearance.
Second, “Fringe” has Walter Bishop. There is no equivalent character on “The X-Files.” In the Season 2 premiere, the old man becomes giddy when told he can ride in back with the corpse. He chews licorice as he performs an autopsy. And he directs his assistant on how to make a custard pie for Peter’s birthday as he is performing said autopsy.
This oddball character worried me when “Fringe” started. I got over it quickly when I saw how good John Noble was in the role. Also, I love Peter’s (Joshua Jackson) deadpan reaction to his dad (whom he calls Walter, and who may not actually be his dad — at least in this reality).
“Fringe,” which saw Olivia return from the parallel reality in the season premiere (by flying through the windshield hours after her empty car crashed, naturally), has fascinating possibilities hanging over this season. Most notably, as Entertainment Weekly noted in a recent article, if Peter is actually from the parallel dimension, then maybe there’s a showdown looming between our Walter and the parallel Walter, who had his son stolen away. Also, Agent Francis has now been replaced by the shapeshifter (and no one knows it except us viewers).
Honestly, though, the pleasure of “Fringe” goes beyond what is happening on screen. It’s fascinating to watch HOW it happens. Just like “The X-Files.” And yet so different from “The X-Files.” I’m telling you, if you’re still caught up on the comparison, it’s time to get over it. Buy or rent the Season 1 DVD (be patient, it doesn’t find its stride until midseason), and tune into Season 2.
What are your thoughts on the Season 2 premiere? Is it too soon to say “Fringe” is as good as “The X-Files?”