'Fringe': Loving the title cards (if not the characters)

Common S. Fri, Dec 19, 2008 at 04:34 AM EST

Anna Torv the lead actress is a HORRIBLE actress. She should be fired and so should the people who cast her. Very very very bad.

kent j Thu, Nov 27, 2008 at 11:03 PM EST

THe lead actress in fringe is outright boring. SHe is making horribly, boring and 'realistic acting' choices.

Sucks.
I put up with her to just find out what is going to happen next. THe doc is great.. notice.. he is INTERESTING

where are the interesting actors.

Screw realistic acting.. give me INTERESTING PEOPLE!

god.

anyone people watch much? People are not boring they are wacked OUT!

John Thu, Oct 23, 2008 at 03:49 PM EST

I thought the first two episodes were okay. They last two, however, have been boring. I turned the last one off half way through, and it is unlikely I will turn it back on.

AngelaP Thu, Sep 25, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

Love this show, but we need to see and hear more from Joshua Jackson.

Bobbi Sun, Sep 21, 2008 at 05:59 PM EST

I'm not normally a sci-fi fan. But, this show has engaged me enough that I record it and watch it on Friday night. It is the perfect mindless entertainment. I've always enjoyed Joshua Jackson and Mark Valley so those are another two pluses. I'll keep watching unless it just gets too disgustingly weird.

poulet Sat, Sep 20, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST

The bad science masquerading as good science distracts me too much. The doctor's mixture of ridiculous claims mixed with the occasional actual fact is too inconsistent. I say, leave out the attempt at science, focus just on the weirdness. But that would be negating the whole premise of the show, I guess.

cak Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 05:43 PM EST

I don't have a problem with the "fringe" science - that's what the show is about. However, when they get the "real" science wrong, it totally takes you out of the story and makes the whole thing seem hokey. Hire some real science writers to "fact check" and let the holleywood guys work on the kooky stuff. It's the small details on shows like this that count!

Raven_Moon Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 05:26 PM EST

I love the title cards! I know it's weird, but I think they add some coolness to the show. That being said, I really like "Fringe." I don't find the characters annoying at all. I especially like Joshua Jackson in his role and I think Anna Torv shows great potential. I'll definitely be tuning in again.

Tim Scales Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 03:07 PM EST

This show has great potential. The assembly of characters is excellent, but I found Peter Bishop a little to cold toward his father, Walter Bishop...to be believable. After watching this twice, I still cannot figure out just what Walter did to elicit such distain from his son.
Remember "Altered States"? The flash back was great.
looking forward to upcomming episodes.

KJ Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 02:35 PM EST

You hit the nail on the head, Slezak. And I agree with Stef -- the dialogue/plot are cheesy. Especially the dialogue. If it isn't entertaining enough to add to the show's value, it should at least serve to facilitate the plot, rather than slow it down.

In particular, Walter's lines make scenes drag, esp. because they have to be countered by a sarcastic comment from Peter (a dynamic that's already old).

And lines like Olivia's "wanting to take a shower from the inside out"? NO. Bad Show. Very Bad Show.

The show's premise has promise; I like the fringe science element, especially details like last week's idea for interviewing corpses several hours after death. Creepy! Cool! Though a bit more in concept than execution.

I think I'm done with the show for now. Hopefully, they'll bring on some better writers. It'd be great to have some creative banter between the characters. But those title cards are cool.

fringe Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 02:22 PM EST

I like this show. It's good, not great. Some people think this show can reach to the level of LOST, i think that is laughable. It's entertaining in its own right, but after each episode i just find myself checking the calendar... January can't come soon enought.. And yes, the title cards are pretty cool... along with the opening sequence...

=]

gina Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 01:41 PM EST

I still think the characters need some work, but I think Peter is still the best character. But you have to admit its better than about 95% of the crap that is on tv nowadays. If I see one more stupid realty show, I might have to scream. Its a good thing I have satellite, so I can watch interesting television.

Stef Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 10:57 AM EST

I thought the other night was quite a letdown. It was so gruesome and the dialog/plot was so cheesy! The lady is haunted by this killer for years and she gets *this close* and he gets away and she didn't seem phased in the least by it! And the aging killer's last words "he... loved... me..." were so corny I had to look away.

Mells Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 10:33 AM EST

She's still no Jennifer Garner / Sydney Bristow but I do like Josh Jackson and Noble's Dr. Bishop seems to get the funniest lines. I can see how they might cross the line into annoying but I'm not there yet. I'm still enjoying them. Her - not so much. She just seems to be lacking an inner spark or any kind of charisma.....I'll kepp watching though in the hopes that it'll get better. This is a JJ Abrams after all.

Erin Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 09:38 AM EST

Here's the thing: I support anything that brings Joshua Jackson back to the small screen. (Welcome back, Pacey!) And although Anna Torv and crazy Walter aren't growing on me yet, Peter's trademark Pacey/Sawyer-esque sarcasm really makes it for me. I'm a little hooked, but I haven't exactly added it to my TiVo's season pass. (And that's the true test, right??)
Bottom line: Peter's character is the only one right now that's truly multifaceted, and he steals every scene he's in. I'll keep watching for the other JJ involved in this project: Joshua Jackson.

MaryUtah Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 08:47 AM EST

I really like the show so far - and Noble's Walter is a huge reason! I think he's a fun loon! I can't wait what he says or does next cause it's usually quirky and I like quirky! It is very much X-Files like but I agree, the newness of effects, and even going more 'out there' is fun. I hope it stays around awhile, I am enjoying the ride for now.

Lucas Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 08:15 AM EST

There is nothing unrealistic about John Noble's eccentricities. I work as a professor at a university and there are plenty of Walters around! The older guys tend to be like him--old school academics.

coco Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 08:14 AM EST

So far, I like this show a lot. It is an hour that I spent being entertained by watching TV. I'll watch the whole season.

On other news, are the EW writers on strike or what? No TV watch for Entourage, House, 90210, etc.... Coming here every morning after the show is the best part of fall TV, step up your game or your lose readers.
Michael, I still heart you!

Tina Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 08:02 AM EST

What you didn't comment on with the the title cards is the connection in the pilot.

When John was being taken to be "questioned" at Massive Dynamic, the orderly either swiped a passcard or hand print scan. The next shot showed the scanner with the leaf title card glowing...that was the coolest part

Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 07:50 AM EST

Walter and Peter I like - Olivia not so much.
Second episode 'eh - I'll try to stick with it.

Amanda Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 07:37 AM EST

I am loving this show, I think I'm the most excited about this every week! I never noticed all the little things in the apple, flower, etc. thats cool. I also really like the three main characters, their why I'll keep coming back every week

Sandy Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 07:17 AM EST

So far, I'm liking this show!

Lee Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 07:08 AM EST

Just to make one correction: The episode in question was "Leonard Betts." Not Botts.

Delon Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 02:17 AM EST

The second episode was very weak. The show is trying to be a lot of things at once and not succeeding in any one of them. I agree with Slezak that the main characters truly border on annoying. I might watch it until Heroes comes back, and then bye bye Fringe for me.

Jen80 Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 01:08 AM EST

How can you complain that the science isn't realistic enough on a show that's all about FRINGE SCIENCE? Um, hello? Duh!! Anyhoo, I'm a little disappointed that the show isn't freakier. I feel like I've visited these mysteries before in other shows and especially in books. I want the show to be creepier! I wish they'd explore each freaky thing more in-depth; instead, it's like, search for person/typical police procedural, and use a new piece of wacky technology in the process. I want more freaky science, less "detecting." Oh well. It's something to watch.

Maggie Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 12:49 AM EST

Since last night' episode was a blatent rip-off of the X-Files episode "Leonard Botts" why am I not surprised a former X-Files writer co-wrote it?

maddi Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 12:40 AM EST

i adore fringe, it does have a couple of kinds, but nothing is annoying, the characters are new and different, not like any other characters on tv at the moment. I am a huge x-files fan and now im a huge fringe fan, once the occasional kinks are smoothed out its going to be even better. i just hope they dont cancel it, they always cancel the good shows.

Jen80 Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 12:33 AM EST

Ha! Wow...I guess it's time for a big old 42-inch HDTV, because I did NOT see ANY of those details on my TV! Granted, I wasn't really looking for them (I mean, I knew commercials were coming so...the attention waned), but I don't think I ever really would've noticed if someone hadn't pointed them out. Thanks! That is pretty darned cool.

Mozz Thu, Sep 18, 2008 at 12:05 AM EST

Believe it or not, i was not into the pilot, then i rewatched it, and now i'm into it. i liked this episode a lot, and it's a brainy show, but hell, they brought back Knight Rider, did anyone see that pilot... it was terrible. I thought dumb tv was gone the way of 1988, give me intelligent and puzzling any time.

Laura Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 10:48 PM EST

Personally, I love Peter to death, but that's just me. And I thought last night was ok. A little gruesome at times, but I'm more than willing to watch the whole season to see if I like it enough. Currently the only (new) show I'm picking up this season.

Brian Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 10:02 PM EST

Mike,

The cards are good, but what I like ever better is the location titles on the screen--big, 3-D letters worked into interesting locations on the screen, and in the one shot from inside the building in the pilot, we see the letters from their underside! Tremendous!

Melinda65 Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 09:28 PM EST

I'm still watching, for now, anyway. I noticed the daisy and the creepy apple, and last week there was a six-fingered hand print.

fernie Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 08:28 PM EST

Wow, I'm feeling very unobservant right now -- I hadn't even noticed that those pictures had something weird about them. As for the show, (which seemed to me to be like a cross between Torchwood &, yes, The X-Files) I hope they give it time to work out the kinks -- I feel like once they writers figure out what they really want it to be, it could become a very good show. This seems to be the problem with Olivia & Peter's characters to me -- both the writers & the actors still seem to be trying to 'find' them, so for now we're stuck with little more than empty archetypes. (I actually really like Walter, & think John Noble does a great job.) I noticed Darin Morgan, writer of some of my favourite X-Files episodes, in the credits last night, so I'm going to keep watching at least until he writes an episode.

Sven Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 08:26 PM EST

Where is the House TV Watch? How can EW devote the cover to House, and then not do a tv watch? Don't tell me it has gone the way of the Terminator and Entourage tv watches!

Crystal Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 07:41 PM EST

I love the location graphics more than the xrays, but enjoy them too!

I actually think the acting is saving what is oftentimes pretty clunky writing. And I, for one, like Walter the best of all the characters, I think JN is doing an amazing job.

They need to develop Peter's character more, but I have faith that in time they will do it.

tnygrl Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 07:22 PM EST

I don't quite get all the negativity over the acting. I, for one, appreciate the cinematic quality of the show and think it's one of the better new shows. I'd rather see how this show develops than 90210 part 2.

Neillfillm Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 06:16 PM EST

I love how the acting on this show is being picked appart by people who don't know anything about acting. We are a generation destroyed by reality TV.

anne Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 06:09 PM EST

I'm actually really liking the Peter character. For me, Josh Jackson is definitely a reason to watch the show. The father is annoying but I am liking how the relationship between father and son is developing. The star of show though has to be the creepy science. last night was so gross.

Dr. No Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

Olivia is the weakest link on that show, followed closely by Joshua Jackson who really needs to cut down on the stupid one liners. The father actually is playing the role well. Quirky, confused, lost, and somewhat guilt ridden over what he has created..........yet innocent. Very interesting to see how his character develops. I'm hooked enought to keep watching.

Jesse Camp Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

Gee. It's just too bad that Fringe isn't as good as The Hills or Gossip Girl, isn't it? Oy.

John Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 05:22 PM EST

I think a number of reviewers are completly off the mark regarding the acting in this show. A previous reviewer had the adacity to say that the blonde actress, Anna Torv, is the weakest link of the show and a horrible actress. Are you kidding me? She is one of the best actresses I have ever come across and she, along with the rest of the cast, put on extremely powerful performances. My vote is in: If "Fringe" can keep this up, then I think we are going to be seeing this show being awarded a well-deserved Emmy.

Gretchen Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 05:03 PM EST

Where's the TV Watch for this and 90210?? That being said, I think this show is awesome...and i like the over-arching theme of 'the pattern' but also that each episode has it's own little mystery to resolve. I personally think that Anna Torv is awesome - she's an FBI agent who just lost her lover, found out he was working for 'the other side' and now is immersed in one freaky A-S-S world! I dont blame her for being a bit 'hard'. Anyways, I'll continue watching.

Nathan Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 04:56 PM EST

I'll give it a couple more chances, but I'm with you on the characters, not crazy about them yet. The opening scene from yesterday's episode was wicked though, that girl can scream!

Jessica S Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 04:50 PM EST

I'm going to continue to watch because I'm intrigued by the plot and by the characters. I feel that the weakest link thus far is the actress that plays Olivia. Here's hoping that she learns with experience.

That being said, I also don't think that they are giving Pac...ermmmm, Josh, enough to do. I've always respected him as an actor and in these first two episodes he hasn't been given anything meaty to chomp on (that sentence ended in a slightly different place than it started). Luckily, he looks real purty so the eye candy is working for me!

Andy Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 04:37 PM EST

Like the show so far, at least enough to give it a couple more episodes of DVR space. Love the title cards ... you missed one of the best ones, though. The six fingered handprint.

Also kind of like the different method of placing the 'Where are we now' info at scene changes. Nice change of pace from the standard teletype at the bottom of the screen.

AA Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 04:31 PM EST

I'm looking forward to having me some creepy back in my TV. Although I might just be a sucker for having fresh (post-strike) TV back in my life. Sad, I know. Oh, and it looks like it's taped in Toronto.

Jes Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST

I hung in there again for this episode, hoping it would improve over the pilot. It was better, but still pretty weak. I get that Torv wants her character to come off as dour, but she's failing even at that. She just comes off as hollow. She needs to emote already. And the mad scientist bugs. Weirdly, I expected Pacey to be the weak link of this show, but JJ is doing really well here. He's snarky, but has a heart. And his closing lullaby to his crazy father was so sweet. I kind of don't hate him anymore.

Kai- Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

I thought last might's episode was a let down from the pilot. But I'm willing to stick around for a few more. I read somewhere else that the title cards do have meaning and that they will make sense in future episodes. I also saw the leaf one on the door security panel when they took Agent Scott's body at the end of the pilot. Interesting....

LisaMama Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 04:16 PM EST

The title cards are really cool. And I'm loving the show -- maybe just because it's shiny and new, but I really like the characters and the X-Files vibe.

Sadie Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 03:28 PM EST

I'm watching, but I don't want to devote too much non-watching time to thinking over the plots and plausibility (unlike LOST and Heroes). The acting, however, has got to improve on Ms. Torv's part. She doesn't show much range of emotion. I'm in for the season, I think. This is the only new show I'm picking up this year.

mark Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 03:21 PM EST

I vote for changing the name of the Massive Dynamic woman to Captain Hook. Who's with me?

Anne Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 03:16 PM EST

I liked it a lot. I may be in the minority, but I really enjoy the Walter and Peter characters and think John Noble and Joshua Jackson are great with the father/son dynamic.

I'm all in. It's definitely got my attention.

Derek Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 03:01 PM EST

The show is not great but I'm in it for now - I can see how they're trying to build a mythology. As a big Lost and Alias fan, I was disappointed that the Fringe pilot wasn't like a great standalone movie like the aformentioned shows. Anna Torv is very good - it's not many young actresses that have that intelligence or gravitas. I also like John Noble a lot - why would you want him to be like every other character in a police procedural? I feel the weak link is actually Joshua Jackson - the writers shouldn't have to remind us how smart the character is, it should be apparent and it is not.

Henry Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:58 PM EST

Love the title/commercial break cards, too. I actually found the Blair Brown character annoying when she should be more sinister. Dunham was just too weepy and emotional in this episode. You're not on a soap opera, lady! Pull it together!

Designer Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

The intro/outro graphics are beautiful. One of them showed up on a door security hand scanner at the creepy company.
The show is okay. But not even Pacey is enough for me to give it a season pass. I might watch occasionaly.

DanOregon Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:50 PM EST

I like Eureka on Sci-Fi a lot better. It's funnier, and yet at the same time can be just as dark and sad as any show on television. The science and effects are cooler too.

Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:48 PM EST

That wasn't BC in the episode last night. It also doesn't look like Boston. Perhaps they should use some of the huge budget for this show to film something on location--at least background shots.

Lex Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

I agree the 3 main characters are hokey. The actress who plays Olivia is...still learning to act? She's clearly the weak link in the ensemble. The "wacky prof" is bordering on cutesy, and just how did his terrible relationship with his son suddenly become Bosom Buddies?

My biggest issue with the show is that it tries to push "science" but it's clearly made-up science. The precog stuff, the eyeball...at least X-Files' Scully gave us real scientific explanations. The science on Fringe is all ridiculous, so knowing it's not true, it makes the whole show seem silly. I know it's sci-fi, but the science can still be real to make it more authentic. I agree with Slezak- it's too quirky for its own good, period, and the acting is subpar (Olivia and the prof)

Michael Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:43 PM EST

I'm a huge LOST fan, and enjoyed ALIAS, of course, so I was disappointed by the execution and mechanics of the episode relative to the usual polish Bad Robot delivers. I really want to love the "fringe science" concept, but I worry about how well it'll hold up -- and the way it was integrated into this episode was pretty stiff. I'd've loved to have seen more about the "growing soldiers" backstory, but the plot just kept jumping point-to-point in ways that just seemed contrived.

t3hdow Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

Bah. I meant to say 'I haven't watched MUCH X-Files', not 'I haven't watched any X-Files.'

Stephanie T. Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

Correct me if I am wrong, but this show's plot seems a bit like the plot of the Canadian show ReGenesis.

t3hdow Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:30 PM EST

Even though I recorded the pilot, yesterday's installment was my fist. It's not a bad show and kept my interest, but much of it feels too much like ersatz X-Files; and this is coming from someone who hasn't watched X-Files. I at least agree with Michael (not Slezak) on the plotting, which easily veered into procedural crime territory. I'm not too entranced by the characters either, and it could take a cue on its lead in House on the subject of quirky character.
Fringe is entertaining enough if I have nothing better to do or watch, but if anything better comes along, I'm out.

Em Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST

Whoa! I've watched both episodes, and I noticed the triangle on the leaf, but not the other weird stuff. The title cards are officially the best part of the show. Last night's episode was...not great. I do NOT like Torv.

Chris Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

Well... it wasn't as good as the pilot, for sure. But, you can't discount the entire concept of the show is FRINGE science - that is extracting the last sights from the optic nerve, and it is reanimation, and it is all the stuff that is still "fantasy". If you sit and criticize that whole concept... might as well not bother watching the show.

I was hooked from the pilot so I'll continue watching. I'm also a huge LOST fan and I see a lot of similarities between the shows. One good thing about that is that Fringe has enormous chance for character and story development.

Snarf Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

Still like the show although I'm not sure how it went from being the winter at the beginning of the episode and high summer by the episodes end.
The minute they end up "we need to re-configure the blah, blah, blah technobable, nerdspeak, blah" I'm out of there.

Michael Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

Terrible episode last night -- very disappointing for a second episode of a new series. Hackneyed plot (if you didn't see where it was going from about 15 minutes in, have you ever watched ANY sci-fi/fantasy TV?), really clumsy exposition, arbitrary character development -- and the business with retrieving images off the optical nerve?? Come on. Geordi LaForge, what technobabble can we use to save the ship this week? Seemed like a rushed effort, and deflated a lot of whatever interest I'd had in the overall "mystery" they were trying to rope us into. It's dicey as to whether or not I watch this next week.

neillfilm Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:02 PM EST

What I like about this show is that we have realistic characters in strange situations. This is not a show were the characters create the drama, they are dealing with it. That might be your problem with the show so far.

I love the acting. It shows a nice sense of realism when shows like 90210, Gossip Girl, My Name is Earl, and Pushing Daisies is all about strange characters.

It think you've got this one backwards. The world they live in is strange. They are not. Give them a little more time, and try watching the show with that POV.

Dennis N. Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 02:01 PM EST

Whoa. I had absolutely no interest in this show until you showed those creepy title cards.

Annoyingland can't be as bad as the new 90210's hometown:

Skinny Hooch Junction.

Elizabeth Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 01:57 PM EST

I said to my roommate last night that Peter has filled the void that was Chandler Bing's missing sarcasm. I'm sticking around for now. I'm into it - even though I'm not a big Lost person, and wasn't that into Alias or the X-Files.