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*spoilers*

This week on Fringe, we’re back in our universe, with a setup that initially seems like a return to a simple monster-of-the-week episode. But things aren’t simple on Fringe anymore, and the box that, when opened, melts the brains of those in the vicinity all Indiana Jones-style is actually not just a random treasure, but something that Bolivia and her alt-universe contact are seeking. The show is doing a good job of balancing monster-of-the-week episode arcs with the way each thing ties in with the overall arc. Meanwhile, Bolivia continues to fool Peter and Walter, but she’s walking a very fine line – and Anna Torv is doing a great job of acting Bolivia as a slightly off-center Olivia. It’s obvious to us that she’s not our Olivia, but the differences are subtle – a hesitation here or there, a slightly different timbre in her voice, a bit more outgoing and flirty, but not much. I never would’ve guessed two years ago that Anna Torv was capable of this.

It was really great to be back with Walter for an episode. I love him so much, and his dialogue continues to be priceless. The little teasers in this episode are highly intriguing, too – from Walter inheriting Massive Dynamic with the directive not to be afraid to cross the line, to finding out that it was Bolivia’s plan all along for the box to end up with Peter and Walter. I just hope they don’t let Bolivia tip her hand too early. Honestly, she’s acting just un-Olivia-like enough that Walter and Peter should be starting to suspect something, and I’m a tad afraid that’ll start to get unbelievable if Bolivia doesn’t get a little better at it. I’m still fascinated by this dynamic, and so far season 3 is continuing the show’s overall improvement. Next episode, looks like we go back to the alternate universe to see how Olivia’s making out with her newly-instilled Bolivia memories. Should be interesting. Can’t wait.