23 reviews
Jaw-droppingly good...
- Chalice_Of_Evil
- Sep 30, 2009
- Permalink
Promising Pilot
- claudio_carvalho
- Jul 5, 2016
- Permalink
Brilliant start to one of the best TV shows of all time
Rewatching this amazing show and starting with the very first episode I tried to focus in on details since I know there is a lot going on that I am sure to have missed previous. I also focused in a lot on the acting and oh boy... these people can act. Watching the camera zoom in very close on facial expression and eye movement and see all of these fantastic actors sell every single scene without even talking. The acting on this show is so beyond 99.9% of all other TV show it is not even funny.
There are a few clunky things in this pilot - such as the initial chase leading up to the explosion, or how Olivia suddenly get a lab and other equipment to her team with no red tape or resistance. Good luck with that within the real FBI.
But such small misses or imperfections only stand out because everything else is so fantastic.
This is a 9/10 and compared to almost anything today the standard set on this show is so high it is hard to even imagine anything like it today. You need to go back to the first seasons of GoT or watch the best of x-files to come close to the level of Fringe.
If you have never watched this show, you should do it right now. TV does not get better than this.
There are a few clunky things in this pilot - such as the initial chase leading up to the explosion, or how Olivia suddenly get a lab and other equipment to her team with no red tape or resistance. Good luck with that within the real FBI.
But such small misses or imperfections only stand out because everything else is so fantastic.
This is a 9/10 and compared to almost anything today the standard set on this show is so high it is hard to even imagine anything like it today. You need to go back to the first seasons of GoT or watch the best of x-files to come close to the level of Fringe.
If you have never watched this show, you should do it right now. TV does not get better than this.
- namob-43673
- Aug 10, 2022
- Permalink
Within 75 minutes sets up a show you'd be wrong not to watch...
- jrarichards
- Jan 22, 2019
- Permalink
Glimmers of the Pattern
A promising start, but not without hiccups.
It feels like it takes inspiration from the X Files and such shows, without being a blatant knockoff.
I did like it - but I can't help feel there are too many questions and not enough answers. I guess that's what a Pilot is supposed to do though.
This idea of "the Pattern" is rather nebulous at this stage. The whole world is their lab? Very intriguing.
I felt the ending was a little contrived - in terms of explaining how "the gang" is getting together to investigate these "dangers". I hope subsequent episodes solidify the motivation of Joshua Jackson's character to be a part of this stuff.
My favourite characters were the Bishop father and son. They had a fun dynamic and also the most entertaining dialogue in the episode.
I found the lead actress's performance a little flat at times. Comes across as a bit robotic.
The sci-fi stuff was fun, with the mind merging and whatnot. The face melting was a great way to open the show.
I just want answers! Who was Scott working for? What's happening with the Bell corporation? What does Broyles know that he hasn't told? What is the Pattern?
I'll get frustrated if we don't get answers.
It feels like it takes inspiration from the X Files and such shows, without being a blatant knockoff.
I did like it - but I can't help feel there are too many questions and not enough answers. I guess that's what a Pilot is supposed to do though.
This idea of "the Pattern" is rather nebulous at this stage. The whole world is their lab? Very intriguing.
I felt the ending was a little contrived - in terms of explaining how "the gang" is getting together to investigate these "dangers". I hope subsequent episodes solidify the motivation of Joshua Jackson's character to be a part of this stuff.
My favourite characters were the Bishop father and son. They had a fun dynamic and also the most entertaining dialogue in the episode.
I found the lead actress's performance a little flat at times. Comes across as a bit robotic.
The sci-fi stuff was fun, with the mind merging and whatnot. The face melting was a great way to open the show.
I just want answers! Who was Scott working for? What's happening with the Bell corporation? What does Broyles know that he hasn't told? What is the Pattern?
I'll get frustrated if we don't get answers.
- injury-65447
- Jun 11, 2020
- Permalink
Clever, fun, witty, strong, engaging, and a solid start to a new promising series on Fox. A pretty good execution of it's premise.
- Darwinskid
- Sep 12, 2008
- Permalink
Revisiting Fringe: S1
In an alternate IMDb universe...
- A_Different_Drummer
- Jul 27, 2014
- Permalink
Fine opener marred by plot goofs and bloated runtime...
Not X files material but solid TV
Many peoples like to compare Fringe to the X files, so i m gonna do it with the pilots. Pilot of X files is an all time Classic , here we have a pretty Solid episode but I Hope the quality will go up. Many Friends have recommende me Fringe and I love the first show of JJ Abrams, the Iconic Lost. So im looking forward to see what Fringe got in store.
- nicofreezer
- May 13, 2021
- Permalink
Creepy, but in a Good Sort of Way
I don't watch many shows like this, but my sister recommended it. I do like the paranormal a bit. This, however, is a bit too much on the horror side for me.
I love the use of John Noble as Walter Bishop. I can see him developing in this role. The female protagonist is OK. I don't like Peter Bishop, and I don't know if that's the actor or the role he plays.
Why is the woman called "honey" and "sweetheart" so often? Do men still do that when they mean to be insulting? I thought that was maybe over.
I usually give myself another episode or two to decide about watching a series, but this may be the first and last one I watch. I would recommend it to those who like cop shows, paranormal, and horror. All together.
I love the use of John Noble as Walter Bishop. I can see him developing in this role. The female protagonist is OK. I don't like Peter Bishop, and I don't know if that's the actor or the role he plays.
Why is the woman called "honey" and "sweetheart" so often? Do men still do that when they mean to be insulting? I thought that was maybe over.
I usually give myself another episode or two to decide about watching a series, but this may be the first and last one I watch. I would recommend it to those who like cop shows, paranormal, and horror. All together.
It will all make sense, here some hints:
- markus-21-507725
- May 5, 2021
- Permalink
Could have been better
I have just watched the first episode yet, on recommendation by some friends.
But, as far as the pilot goes, there was nothing in it which would be able to hook someone to the series.
It is a sci-fi series, with an interesting concept. But, its flooded with cliché's and extremely poor acting by the cast. The emotions are barely present on the actor's faces. A large number of elements have been included in the pilot itself (like car chase, plane crash, mass destruction, hostility among colleagues, a born wasted genius, apart from the regular sci-fi stuff); maybe to make the pilot more interesting, but it does more harm than good as many elements are just superfluous. There has been some very poor attempts at anecdotes here and there, but their placement and (ir)relevance fails to generate any humor on the audience side.
Finally, everything is depicted as being impacting the whole world, resulting in its destruction and no one having a clue about what's been happening. While this may have sounded interesting even 2-3 years back, but with plenty of similar series and movies already out there, like Heroes and Resident Evil, there does not seem any creativity from the creators of the show.
I would be watching some of the other episodes, and I wish for the sake of the series, that they bring in more original stuff on the audience's plate, and develop the major concept of the series, rather than dwelling on the commonplace scenarios which have already bored the audience.
But, as far as the pilot goes, there was nothing in it which would be able to hook someone to the series.
It is a sci-fi series, with an interesting concept. But, its flooded with cliché's and extremely poor acting by the cast. The emotions are barely present on the actor's faces. A large number of elements have been included in the pilot itself (like car chase, plane crash, mass destruction, hostility among colleagues, a born wasted genius, apart from the regular sci-fi stuff); maybe to make the pilot more interesting, but it does more harm than good as many elements are just superfluous. There has been some very poor attempts at anecdotes here and there, but their placement and (ir)relevance fails to generate any humor on the audience side.
Finally, everything is depicted as being impacting the whole world, resulting in its destruction and no one having a clue about what's been happening. While this may have sounded interesting even 2-3 years back, but with plenty of similar series and movies already out there, like Heroes and Resident Evil, there does not seem any creativity from the creators of the show.
I would be watching some of the other episodes, and I wish for the sake of the series, that they bring in more original stuff on the audience's plate, and develop the major concept of the series, rather than dwelling on the commonplace scenarios which have already bored the audience.
- timebarrier
- Oct 9, 2009
- Permalink
too much mumbo jumbo
- JustHavingALook
- Oct 1, 2023
- Permalink
amazing pilot
First I want to say that I didn't really know what to expect with this show, I heard it was good but not anything more than that. So leading up I didn't know what to think. I am happy to report this pilot delivered on so many level's. The plot is interesting, the characters are likable and have a great onscreen dynamic. The acting is good, the symbolism of the apples makes this episode have so much more depth. The plot twist leading up to the ending was great. I think this is an amazing pilot, its not a top 10 or even top 20 pilot but its very good. Can this show keep it up with the orther episodes? I guess I will find out. This is a pretty short review and the reason being is because its late at night.
- nicolaiklemmetsen
- Jun 13, 2023
- Permalink
We Must Accept It or Watch Something Else
A skeptical person may have trouble continuing after this incredible pilot. If one sees it as so far fetched (especially the re-animation aspect), it would be easy to dismiss it as too much. Of course, it's based on the horrors of the technology driven state with it's secret research and disregard for the common good. The big boys are evil and they have all the toys. When one of the FBI guys says they are obsolete, he hits the nail squarely on the head. But I choose to put this squarely in the realm of futuristic possibility and so choose to continue. The production value for this first episode is terrific. Characters have been put out there and we have a clear understanding of the forces at work. The science is acceptable because they say it it. I had never heard of our heroine until I watched Secret City. A reviewer made reference to how intense and well written this show was, so I took a chance. Should be fun.
Full with stereotypes and plot goofs = disappointing pilot
I suspected this to be like a TV movie because of its overlong runningtime, but director Alex Graves managed to make this look like a longsome introduction to the characters and I thought that was good. I also really enjoy the whole look of the show, that is to say cinematography, score, editing or the way they show the locations of the particular scenes. This and the mystery style of the show are enough to keep me watching it, at least for the 1st season. We'll see if it gets better or worse (both is possible). So, I think the 3 leads are quite interesting and I'm curious how John Noble did not get a nomination for an Emmy as Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. I also enjoyed the beginning of this pilot very much and I had great interest in where the story would go. But after watching the whole thing, I think this show (or at least the pilot) is overrated. There were really a lot of goofs in the storyline and J. J. Abrams has never proved better that he adores to fill something that would otherwise be quite good with stereotypes. I mean, the love story? It seemed fake as hell and was totally unnecessary to the storyline. Furthermore, I really wanted to believe the supernatural parts of this, but it was just impossible regarding the illogicality and stupidity of some scenes. Despite all my criticism, I've got to give this pilot its due for entertaining me for the whole running time - I actually think it passed quickly. The mix of action, crime, sci-fi, mystery and drama (yes, it really are that much genres in one) worked rather good, but overall it just doesn't fulfil its premise. The writers focused on the false stuff because even with this long run-time, I still didn't really get to know the villains and the way they've done it. Usually I wouldn't rate an episode to which I've got that much to criticize about that good, but I like the style of the show very much and I'm just hoping that this was nothing more than a false start.
- stillworkingfortheknife
- Mar 26, 2013
- Permalink
Refreshingly Imaginative!
Just watched the pilot. First, I've always been a fan of j.j.abrams. Brilliant director to start with and now ...., an imaginative writer. The cast selection, for whatever reasons..... brilliant! So, I ask you, what happened to this series in 2008? Fifteen years later it's on HBO/MAX and I never heard of it until today?! What a hidden gem! Wait! Ok, I might be a little premature here. After all I've only watched the pilot and first five minutes of episode 1, though informative. Ok, how am I going do this? Comment still has 77 words to qualify but I haven't watched more to critique it properly. Oohh I have reached the magic number. So l'll leave you now with my thoughts on the PILOT to watch a couple of the episodes. Then give you the review on them. 5hsnk you for your patience.
- celticwarrior-47627
- Dec 13, 2023
- Permalink
Fringe - amazing show still today
Olivia's agent lover
- gedikreverdi
- May 13, 2021
- Permalink
the jumping off point for what could be a decent but formulaic series
- citizenchris
- Sep 21, 2008
- Permalink
I'm not sure how I feel about this!
- mdking-49244
- Jan 3, 2023
- Permalink
Insultingly ridiculous
I don't know where to begin, because there are simply too many examples of utter absurdity in this pilot to EVEN begin. Given the number of "geniuses" included in the episode it's sad to describe just how dumb it was. Meh. This was 1:22:01 of my life I'll never get back.
- skay_baltimore
- Jun 24, 2022
- Permalink