The Sword and Laser discussion

I'm going to try and keep this spoiler free, at least as far as the last episode goes.

The last episode of Fringe aired last night, and what a long strange trip it has been. I've loved this show, mostly because of John Noble (I loved that one of the main protagonists was literally a mad scientist), and I'm sorry to see it go. It was one of the truly unique things on TV.

It took viewers to some odd places, not the least of which was Walter's Monty Python acid trip, a cartoon, and a place where zeppelins were commercially viable. With all of the plot twists, alternate universes, alternate timelines, and different versions of characters running around, it felt like psychedelic science fiction from the 60's and 70's. Mostly because I'd get lost every so often.

Sometimes it felt like Philip K. Dick or Roger Zelazny were writing episodes. It wasn't often hard science, but conceptual science fiction.

I hope that what the networks take away from this is that there's a place for science fiction shows that make you think on TV. That and John Noble needs a new series.

I haven't seen the final episode yet (have it on my Tivo for watching this weekend) but I have to say I think this last season is the best yet.

I haven't watched much of the final season (only with my dad), but I had an anesthesiologist that looked like John Noble. Totally freaked me out, actually.

FRINGE has grown from a chilly X-FILES wannabe into a compelling sci fi show with a strong mythology. The UK is slowly getting there so as far as the last episode is concerned ... lalalalalala I'm not listening.

I just finished watching it my self and hadn't heard it was the series end. I just hope something decent comes along to replace my Friday night Sci-Fi slot. Oh well loved it while it lasted.

Thought it was a very well done finale. I'm also really going to miss the show, but at least we got the 5th season and it wasn't cancelled last year.

As for something worthwhile to replace it on Fox., I'm not holding my breathe. But Arrow surprised me this season so who knows.

Loved the show. I'm happy it got a final season to wrap things up properly. So many of the sci fi shows I've liked over the years have been canceled without one.

I thought they did a good job with the finale.

Charles wrote: "I just finished watching it my self and hadn't heard it was the series end. I just hope something decent comes along to replace my Friday night Sci-Fi slot. Oh well loved it while it lasted."

They are putting Touch in its place.

Darren wrote: "FRINGE has grown from a chilly X-FILES wannabe into a compelling sci fi show with a strong mythology."

Totally agree with this! I've enjoyed it since the beginning but it really got better as it went! I enjoyed the finale and I'm also glad they had the chance to do it.

André

Rob wrote: "They are putting Touch in its place.
"

I never really got into Touch. I would like something similar to Fringe, which the network had to "give" another season to. I suppose it's a paradox.

I also thought it was a well done finale. Wrapped up all the lose ends I hoped for.

I like Touch more than I was expecting, but it's not really a good replacement for Fringe.

Darren wrote: "FRINGE has grown from a chilly X-FILES wannabe into a compelling sci fi show with a strong mythology. The UK is slowly getting there so as far as the last episode is concerned ... lalalalalala I'm ..."

The final episode was shown in the UK at exactly the same time that it was shown in the states, simulcast as it were. Excellent ending to a series that really hit its stride in season 2 and went from strength to strength.

Watched the finale last night--loved it.

I thought there were a lot of things in the final season reminiscent of LOST...

Great final episode going to miss John Noble he was incredible So glad it got to finish properly most things don't these days which is a total shame, didn't it get an ending because Olivia is related to Rupert Murdoch or something, you have to have friends in high places thank God she was.

So whats next think I might have to finish Lost on Netflix.

I had a little tear in my eye with Walter's conversation with Astrid near the end.

I love the show but thought season 5 was by far the weakest. Nonetheless I'll borrow from Walter and say I'm still happy with the last season because it was basically stolen time given that by all rights this show should have been cancelled years ago.

Lucy wrote: "Great final episode going to miss John Noble he was incredible So glad it got to finish properly most things don't these days which is a total shame, didn't it get an ending because Olivia is relat..."

The reason it got made had mostly to do with syndication. A fifth season allowed them to syndicate the show.

The studio making it, also got a smaller budget. That's why some of the cast had reduced roles in the final season.

Rob wrote: "Lucy wrote: "Great final episode going to miss John Noble he was incredible So glad it got to finish properly most things don't these days which is a total shame, didn't it get an ending because Ol..."

Oh Ok. I noticed also that some people didn't get as much of a prominent role in the last season.

I didn't care for this season very much so the finale fell a bit flat for me. I've missed chunks of the show here and there so maybe that's why. It quit feeling like Fringe to me but I think that's because Olivia was in the background for most of the season.

Did they wrap up the story? Yes. Props to Fox for letting them do it. Was it a satisfying ending? Not really. While the solution was in character for the series, it was a little too neat & happily-ever-after for my tastes. Also, with the extra time of a double episode, it felt a little slow, with too many "nostalgia flick" elements thrown in for filler.

John Noble does have another series running -- he narrates the twisted-but-true stories on Dark Matters.

I gave up on this show 4 or 5 episodes before the end. After I came across this thread I decided to give it a chance and I finally made it through. I liked the ending, I liked the fact it is ending too. I agree with Miklos here, the fifth season was disappointing for me.

Richard wrote: "John Noble does have another series running -- he narrates the twisted-but-true stories on Dark Matters. "

I don't really count hosting. John Noble is a great character actor, that's what made fringe for me, and what I want to see more of.

Walter Bishop was a great characters; vulnerable, broken, charming, and capable of destroying multiple universes because of grief. And he played the whole thing with an edge of Harvard Skull and Bones foppishness that made it just believable.

Noel wrote: "Darren wrote: "FRINGE has grown from a chilly X-FILES wannabe into a compelling sci fi show with a strong mythology. The UK is slowly getting there so as far as the last episode is concerned ... la..."

Ah I must have had the box wet up for a repeat showing then. I thought that it was a very strong finale with lots of nods to the past and a superb scene between Walter and Peter.

Loved the series. Definitely worth watching from episode 1 and on if you have never seen it.

I was sad to see it end though... :(