Fringe was quite the treat this week as fans were delivered an Astrid centeric episode. Such an episode has been long overdue so you can imagine our delight with “Making Angels.” That’s not to say that this episode was completely satisfying. While there were some fascinating developments this week, Peter still hasn’t found his way home. But more on those developments…
“I always wondered why no one does that” – Olivia
It didn’t take long for Walter to detect that his Astrid wasn’t his. What a laugh it brought to hear Walter say Alt-Astrid’s name correctly when he never fails to call his own Astrid variations of her name. Even more hysterical was the revelation that Walter knows that Astrid never corrects him… therefore, this must be perfectly fine to do. The relationship between Walter and Astrid is so off key and yet so in sync. Astrid has to put up with so much from Walter but it works. Needless to say, there were plenty of laughs in this week’s episode… much different from last week. This is why we need more Astrid each week!
However, Alt-Astrid did seem far too robotic to love right away, especially next to Alt-Olivia who brings a ray of sunshine wherever she goes that Olivia rarely brings. It was as if she were born yesterday. Does coffee not exist in the alternate world? All of that said, Alt-Astrid is much more outright than our Astrid which was refreshing to see. Watching Alt-Astrid not put up with Walter’s antics felt like a once in a lifetime experience so thankfully, nothing got in the way of these moments. We also learned about Astrid’s father on both sides and how that has affected the of them. This added such a rich and distinct layer to this character, and it certainly makes us appreciate how far she has come even more. On top of that, some viewers may be able to relate to Astrid more now which has undoubtedly opened the door for a better connection with this character. After four seasons, we were waiting for a moment like this. And Jasika Nicole delivered! What a moving performance. She almost gave Anna Torv a run for her money as we saw two Olivias this week as well.
As for the case of the week, a mysterious man from the future comes to the present and kills innocent and soon to be guilty individuals. Based on his targets, assuming that he was taking these people out of the their misery came naturally. No surprise there. Call him a savior, a trying angel, whatever you want to call him… the objective was clear and unfortunately there were no twists to look forward to. That said, it brings up a similar question that was also brought up in last week’s episode. Who was he to give mercy to people without their permission? It seems a silly thing to ask, what with him saving these people from so much pain. But who is he to take empathy to this level and become this savior? The person being targeted has a right to make their own life changing decision… die or face what’s coming before ultimate death. What do you think? Also, it could be said that attempting to become an angel by the road he chose to take is an interesting parallel to our reality today.
There were many parallels tonight, Astrid was not the only one. But with a bigger picture to look at, it is hard to draw a line when it comes down to being invested in these characters. Will it pay off once Peter gets home because as of right now, this is not a favorite season of many when it comes to the characters. This brings us to the characters that could change everything. This brings us to September’s device from the night at the lake with Peter that the killer had in his home. How did he get it to work without killing himself in the process? Have we seen all that this device can do? What do the Observers have planned now? What exactly do you think the Observers meant when they were discussing the device and the result of September’s actions? Finally, if the Observers can see the past, present, and future, why is Olivia’s present and future so clear but Peter’s clearly is not? Even in knowing the past, present, and ever changing future, it seems the Observers are not all knowing. There were some wild revelations tonight which made for one unforgettable episode. It will be interesting to see where everyone goes from here. Stay tuned.
Watch Fringe Fridays at 9/8c on Fox.
*Photo Credit: Liane Hentscher/FOX
