“There’s more than one of everything,” is a line that carries significant meaning throughout all five seasons of the TV show Fringe. This line encapsulates the show’s central mythology of a war between the Prime Universe and an alternate one. Fringe explores the contrasting sides of these universes through the science-based nightmares discovered by the Fringe team, where there are both good and bad motives at play.
In addition to the exploration of parallel universes, Fringe also delves into the love story between Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson) and Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv). These two characters overcome their troubled pasts to find solace and comfort in each other’s arms. However, the true heart of Fringe lies in the relationship between a father and son. Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble), a brilliant yet mad scientist, is willing to go to extreme lengths, even risking the destruction of multiple universes, in order to save his son.
Throughout the series, the audience witnesses the growth and development of these characters. FBI agent Olivia Dunham, desperate to save a loved one, turns to the institutionalized Dr. Bishop for help. This leads to the introduction of Peter, who becomes his father’s caretaker. The rocky nature of their relationship is apparent as Peter discovers the extent of his father’s past experiments and strange abilities.
Despite their initial difficulties, Walter forms a sweet friendship with Astrid, an FBI agent assisting him in his lab. As the relationships between these characters develop, it becomes clear that the most significant bond in Fringe is the father-son dynamic. Peter reluctantly takes on the role of caretaker and learns to navigate his father’s eccentricities while also calming him during high-stress situations.
As Season 1 comes to a close, Walter’s importance to the Fringe team and the people around him becomes evident. Olivia discovers that her childhood involvement in a drug trial was orchestrated by Walter. The season finale reveals that Peter is not actually from the Prime Universe, hinting at Walter’s deepest secret.
Season 2 of Fringe takes the audience back to 1985, where Walter loses his young son to an illness. In a desperate attempt to save him, Walter crosses over to a parallel universe with a cure. This decision sets off a cold war between the two worlds and showcases the arrogance of the man Walter used to be.
The episode “White Tulip” demonstrates Walter’s growth as a character. He confesses to attempting unimaginable acts, including crossing into another universe to take a son that wasn’t his own. He expresses his remorse and seeks forgiveness, symbolized by a white tulip. Although the consequences of his actions are severe, the show never vilifies Walter entirely, forcing audiences to question their own choices in similar circumstances.
Fringe also explores the importance of fatherhood through other characters. Peter and Walter aren’t the only ones affected by this theme. Olivia’s abusive stepfather is mentioned as a toxic failure of a parent, while Phillip Broyles, the leader of the Fringe team, is divorced and dedicated to his work in the Prime Universe. In the alternate universe, Broyles is shown as a devoted family man willing to risk everything for the safety of his loved ones.
The show uses various standalone episodes to delve further into the complex relationships between fathers and their children. It highlights the lengths parents would go to in order to help their offspring, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. From Dr. Krick’s experimentation on paraplegic young men to Walter’s guilt-driven breakdowns and darker versions of himself in alternate timelines, Fringe pushes the boundaries of what is possible while emphasizing the raw emotions involved in fatherhood.
Ultimately, Fringe is a thought-provoking and emotionally captivating sci-fi series that explores the intricate connections between parallel universes, science-based nightmares, and the enduring power of love and family bonds. The show’s complex characters and their personal journeys make it a truly unique and compelling viewing experience.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
