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Great opening to the new season of Fringe, and gives me hope that it will improve on last year greatly. I am easily swayed by alternate universes, but the little hints and bits of information we’re getting through normal character interaction are now meaningful (like Peter’s concern that his father is watching him sleep – obviously because Walter knows this isn’t the Peter from this universe and is studying him), and it’s making the show a lot stronger. They’re still cribbing a lot from The X-Files (especially in 2×02), but hey, if you’re gonna crib, crib from the best.

Olivia is not bothering me nearly like she did last year – I’ll admit she got better toward the end of last season. Some combination of Anna Torv committing to the character more and the writers giving her more to commit to is starting to pay off. Keep it up, all. And Walter, oh Walter. It’s not easy being both the intellectual and emotional center of a show, especially when you’re a supporting character, but John Noble, you’re making it work EVERY SINGLE WEEK. And Joshua Jackson – stay hot. That’s all I ask. :)

Also, I gotta give props to a show that’s willing to casually kill off a relatively major character and basically turn him into a villain. Very intriguing plot move.

Olivia’s got heightened senses? Is she possibly hearing echoes from another universe? What’s required for her to cross over? I forget from the finale – is she going to be able to do it at will at some point, or are there specific circumstances required? The heightened senses isn’t constant, though, but apparently random. Is there something specific she’s supposed to hear?

New puzzle piece – Sam Weiss. The man who “put me back together” says Nina Sharp. “When you’re ready, I believe he can help you.” Help her what? Go back to the other universe? Remember what she heard there? Recontact William Bell? Weiss predicts Olivia will get headaches – sounds like he’s been to the other side, and perhaps Nina as well? I’m liking the way this is going, very much. It’s building much tighter than the first season did, but still leaving enough time for Monsters of the Week. So glad I didn’t give up on it last year.