fringe_rewatch | 1x04 The Arrival, or, That Time The Show Became Something More...

This is the episode that changes everything. It is the first real piece of unique mythology that we get from the show and, in light of later seasons, the one that introduces the real adversaries in the war that Walter and William were preparing for. Probably. I've always found it extremely convenient that they dropped hints about both the observers and the alternate universe being potential adversaries, but I guess that's what good writing is about: not necessarily having a rigid plot, but being able to tie up loose ends with panache.
More interesting things that this episode hints at: that elusive previous Fringe Team, which was apparently also under Broyles' authority. By the information given to Olivia, Fringe Investigations seem to go as far back as the 70 or 80, which lines up fairly well with all the work Walter and William were doing. There is also the issue of William Bell as a personification of the Walter-that-was, since he very rarely shows up but always seems to be the one in pro of disregarding ethics and laws, even if the case can be made for it being due to Walter was the Unreliable Narrator in that it is always him who is telling these stories, and William is always his scapegoat.

Writer(s): Jeff Pinkner; JJ Abrams
Director: Paul Edwards
Originally Aired: September 30, 2008

Synopsis:

The appearance of mysterious cylinder triggers odd behavior and surprising revelations. A bald, eyebrowless man who has been seen in previous episodes speaks for the first time. Walter tells Peter the truth about a near-fatal experience from Peter's childhood.

Most Memorable Quote(s):

"Open your mind, son, or someone may open it for you." - Walter Bishop

"[About The Observer] It took us a year to spot him. You did it in three weeks." - Philip Broyles

Links:

Transcript

Golden Spiral Media Podcast for Episodes 101-104

IGN Review

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

corwinofamber

This was always one of my favorite Season 1 episodes. I always loved the "x-file"-ish atmosphere, with the allusions to UFO stories and Men in Black appearances.

According to the tombstone, Robert Bishop died two years before Walter was born.

Mosley was apparently a former Observer, who used his knowledge to make some high tech devices - the interrogation machine and energy weapon - to aid his search for the Beacon. Why was he after it? In a way Mosley is mimicking what Donald did in the fifth season.

Broyles apparently has a roomful of intelligence analysts just working on tracking the Observer, which never appeared again. I like the fact that Broyles was apparently vetting Olivia - seeing just how capable she was before he fully trusted her.

I love Olivia's whiskey and cornflakes.

As a side note, it is entirely possible to spoof a cell phone call with a device that identifies itself as a cell tower.

From:

wendelah1

Mosley was apparently a former Observer, who used his knowledge to make some high tech devices - the interrogation machine and energy weapon - to aid his search for the Beacon. Why was he after it? In a way Mosley is mimicking what Donald did in the fifth season.

Are you making an inference that Mosley was a former Observer or are you reporting this from another source? I have no idea why he was after it for or why September wanted it kept away from him. I am hoping they'll solve this mystery in a later episode since Fringe allegedly doesn't leave loose ends and everything fits together.

Can you remind me what September did in season five? It's been awhile, I only watched it the once as it aired, and it's the only season I don't own on DVD or Bluray.

Broyles apparently has a roomful of intelligence analysts just working on tracking the Observer, which never appeared again. I like the fact that Broyles was apparently vetting Olivia - seeing just how capable she was before he fully trusted her.

He really does a complete turn around in his attitude toward her. Maybe all the Fringe stuff is classified need to know? Not that I have any actual idea what that means...

The entire series at this point still seems very derivative to me, and this episode was no exception.

Edited Date: 2014-04-13 02:18 pm (UTC)

From:

corwinofamber

I am inferring that he was a former Observer. I'm assuming he has a bald pate under that cap. It just makes everything a bit easier. ;) Otherwise you have to explain how he even knew about the Beacon.

In Season 5, the Beacon was used to track wormholes.

From:

wendelah1

Wormholes? Well. I guess I have to give them points for trying.

So was Moseley the former Observer kicked out of Observerland or did he go rogue, I wonder?

It still doesn't explain what he wanted with this beacon.

From:

estella_c

Pretty good theory. They certainly made a point of that cap.

General comment: it would be so much easier for me to comment on "Fringe" if I could remember it.

From:

kerithwyn

The Arrival, or, The One Where Astrid is Assaulted and No One Gives a Shit.

That's mostly what I see when I rewatch this one, and it's infuriating.

(It doesn't help that the Observers were never a compelling mystery to me--more of a curious side note--and their Face-Heel Turn in s5 didn't help matters.)

Things I did like: Henry Jacobson, who I need to work into fic; Olivia's whiskey and cornflakes, dinner of champions.

From:

wendelah1

The Arrival, or, The One Where Astrid is Assaulted and No One Gives a Shit.

The feds let him go, and let him back into his lab without pressing charges, which is pretty unbelievable. It's like in this weird version of reality Walter's value to Fringe is more important than what he did to Astrid, and obtaining the vibrating capsule was the only reason he was being questioned in the first place.

The writers didn't even have Walter apologize. I mean, what he said to her was not in any way shape or form an apology.

I just watched the next episode. I didn't see any signs they had posted guards or that Astrid had any qualms about working with him even though he assaulted her. WTF!

From:

estella_c

This is my experimental answer, to see whether I actually exist in this space/time continuum. Which is another way of saying I've been reading and watching too much SF.

I think I disagree about Astrid's "assault," which word makes it seem worse than it was. She was rendered unconscious against her will and she was justifiably pissed off about it. But I think after considering Walter's weirdness, his motive, and his attempted apology--well, she decided not to break with Fringe Division over it. Or Walter and Peter, as she is fond of both.

As for the FBI being so lenient with Walter, there's no defense. Kind of like The X-Files' "Paper Hearts," in which Agent Mulder inexplicably gets away with dangerous agenting.

Over.

From:

estella_c

Okay, now I'll start working on an icon. And maybe some more profound ideation. (That's a word, right?)

From:

estella_c

My cat has appeared! He's in the continuum! Moving on...

From:

kerithwyn

I stand by the word, which is what I'd use if I'd been unexpectedly stabbed in the neck by someone I'd been working with. Granted, Astrid is more patient and forgiving than I am, and if I ever get that Astrid-episode reactions fic off the ground (*sigh*) that's certainly how it'd be framed.

The non-reaction on the part of the FBI is ridiculous, though, and can only be filed under "Nonessential plot point, skipped."

From:

wendelah1

I agree, it was definitely an assault. Also battery. In fact it was aggravated assault because it was on a federal officer. (I looked it up.)

This episode cries out for fix-it fic. She's way more forgiving and patient than I am, too.

From:

estella_c

Not me. I'd forgive Walter in an instant. Maybe an hour. You are reacting as though she were raped. As for being battered, I suppose the law might define it as that, but no pain or bruises.

Even so, Walter should be made to answer to a higher authority. This may point out, however, that there IS no higher authority than Fringe Division.

Which ultimately seems to be true. Not at this point, however. Broyles gets called up to a Congressional hearing.

From:

wendelah1

Not me. I'd forgive Walter in an instant. Maybe an hour. You are reacting as though she were raped.

Excuse me?

I'm quite clear about the difference, actually.

Fringe Division is still part of the FBI--as far as I can tell.

From:

wendelah1

Welcome! Glad to see you worked out the bugs and were able to join us.

I think I disagree about Astrid's "assault," which word makes it seem worse than it was.

It seems pretty bad to me. Assault is a legal term. In fact, if they decided to charge Walter, it would have been upgraded to aggravated assault (because she was a federal officer) and battery.

I think holding someone down and jabbing a drug-filled syringe into their neck, thereby rendering your victim unconscious, fits the legal definition of assault and battery just fine.

I don't see any evidence at this point that Astrid is fond of either Peter or Walter--she barely knows them--so I doubt that was a contributing factor in her decision to return to Fringe. I don't know why she did.

Walter didn't attempt to apologize--he attempted, unsuccessfully in my humble opinion, to justify his actions. That's not at all the same as apologizing or attempting to do so.

From:

estella_c

Sometimes the actions are justifiable.

I do think she loves the Bishops. The cow was a defining moment.

If you think her attitude a mystery, that calls for a story. It must be frustrating not to be able to turn to a wealth of fanfic. We XFiles are spoiled.

From:

estella_c

XPhiles.

From:

wendelah1

I think she does, too...eventually.

Maybe the cow was your defining moment?

Oh, wait. That's right. You thought Scully fell in love with Mulder during the pilot episode. Nevermindthen.

From:

wikiaddicted723

I love you^ *cackles*

From:

estella_c

I thought WHAT now?

From:

wendelah1

Don't make me look through all of our old conversations about MSR. This is a Fringe community.

From:

estella_c

Well, that's a mountain of research you have just committed to. But I agree we should take this outside. I'll just put down this shattered bottle...

From:

kerithwyn

I don't see any evidence at this point that Astrid is fond of either Peter or Walter--she barely knows them--so I doubt that was a contributing factor in her decision to return to Fringe. I don't know why she did.

No, it's too early on that count. It's got to be an internal reason and I think I have a handle on that--but again, stalled fic. :p

From:

estella_c

I can imagine her inner state;it involves race, which will never cease to be a touchy subject. Astrid is a brilliant, careful woman, determined to do well in her field. She may have felt that insisting on disciplining Walter would be a risk. It's a complicating factor, whatever she felt toward her colleagues, and hers is a cutting-edge job well worth holding onto. I often sense that successful African-Americans are either 1) obviously angry, or 2) extremely reluctant to show anger. There are reasons either way. Consider POTUS.

Hope I haven't overstepped. The show does nothing with this subject, but that's what fic is for.

From:

wendelah1

I often sense that successful African-Americans are either 1) obviously angry, or 2) extremely reluctant to show anger.

I know you were careful not to say "all" but generalizations like that rarely hold up to scrutiny.

But leaving that issue aside, I don't think your assessment applies to Astrid Farnsworth. She is successful and she is a black woman, but she is not a hostile person nor is she someone who is afraid to speak her mind.

From:

estella_c

I certainly don't think Astrid is hostile, but I think she is cautious and eager to please. And it is, as pointed out, too early for her to have genuine fondness for the Bishops much less trust in them.

No matter. Just a theory. You know that psychological analysis is an avocation that fate has been on me.

From:

wendelah1

I've seen this episode three times now within the past six months, twice for this rewatch. I'm still utterly baffled. I hope someone else has some idea of where this fits into the larger mythology because I really do not get it. Even my notes make no sense.

The episode introduces the Observer (he's the only one at this juncture) but we don't learn much more than this about the Observers until 5th season when suddenly the bomb is dropped. It's a narrative misstep but I assume if they'd have been given even a complete 5th season they would have done better. I assume there was a planned 6th and 7th season as well. Shame. So of course I'll be continuing to look for any sign of the planned invasion but so far, no go. Right now, they're like comic relief.

The capsule is a mystery to me. If we do find out what it was for, and why it also appeared at Quantico in 1987, I can't remember. My husband, who is doing the rewatch with me, has never seen season five so if that particular loose end gets tied up then, he wouldn't know and couldn't tell me.

Most irritating bit of non-science: ideas can be absorbed through close proximity. Oh please.

Most irritating bit of narrative: moving the capsule from wherever the NSA has sequestered it to Walter's lab. Risky move given that the one from 1987 exploded downward. Why no guards on it? Why no guards on Walter's lab given that what he's doing for Fringe is surely classified? Doesn't Harvard have any say in the matter? My memory tells me that they did have guards posted when Walter was sleeping at his lab during the early, mostly Peter-free portion of season four. Is that right or am I making that up?

Next most irritating bit: Mosely killed nearly everyone he encountered without a qualm or a backward glance. He doesn't kill Peter. Why? Besides the fact that he's a main character and has to appear the following week? Are we just not suppose to notice?

Why did September need to shoot Peter with the airgun? Can't he just disappear into thin air? Maybe the writers hadn't come up with that particular bit yet.

Anyway. I'll be waiting to see what the capsule is for, why it vibrates, etc. I'm also looking for any sign of the coming invasion.

From:

casually_cruel

You're right, there were "guards" in the lab in Peter-free season 4, though it's a one-man detail and it's hard to tell whether they're protecting Walter or guarding against him (probably a bit of both).

But then that's the same Fringe division that didn't return bodies to their families because it would draw unwanted attention, so they're arguably a bit more cautious.

From:

estella_c

Maybe the downward-exploding vibrating capsules are going to destabilize the fabric of the universe until it can be destroyed.

I'm not a scientist. OTOH, neither are any of the writers.

I cannot explain why Harvard administration is not getting shirty. Of course we're not supposed to notice ANYTHING that could throw a spaniard in the works of a functioning plot machine. Come to think of it, some effete Ivy League intellectuals wondering about the cow in the basement, among other things, would make for a great metafic.

From:

wendelah1

"I'm not a scientist. OTOH, neither are any of the writers."

**cackles**

"I cannot explain why Harvard administration is not getting shirty. Of course we're not supposed to notice ANYTHING that could throw a spaniard in the works of a functioning plot machine. Come to think of it, some effete Ivy League intellectuals wondering about the cow in the basement, among other things, would make for a great metafic."

GO FOR IT!

Edit: Remember the scene where the freshmen wonder in asking if it was Chem 101 and Olivia barks, "Not even close!" A story that takes off on that premise could be a hilarious short five things fic.

Edited Date: 2014-04-14 02:08 am (UTC)

From:

corwinofamber

A couple things...

The legal status of Fringe Division is...complicated. Broyles is not an FBI agent, he works for Homeland Security. The FBI is a federal agency under the Department of Justice. So we're talking inter-departmental task force, staffed by FBI agents and consultants.

I think that Broyles possibly quashed any charges against Walter in the name of National Security.

I'm not saying it's right by any means, but that is my personal explanation.

The cylinder is explained in Season 5.

And a fic about the rumored goings on in the Harvard basement, from say the point of view of a lost freshman would be hilarious.

Edited Date: 2014-04-14 02:39 am (UTC)

From:

casually_cruel

What I do like about this episode: we're reminded that Peter has no real vested interest in Fringe division. He can pull the rip-cord at any time and leave it all behind. That changes by the end of the episode, and we get a better reason for why he might stick around. Also getting more of a glimpse into Olivia's backstory (which seems less like the writers make it out in later seasons), and her understanding when talking to Peter.

What I don't like: Walter has never really been a very sympathetic character for me, and in this episode he comes off as particularly loathsome. His flip flop between broken and harsh in seaon 1 puts me a little on edge; you can never tell when he's going to lash out.

From:

kerithwyn

I don't mind that about s1 Walter, honestly. Of course I object to his actions in this episode from a narrative point of view, in the lack of reaction from everyone else--but for him it makes perfect sense. I actually really like his occasional arrogant outbursts ("Unless you have an IQ higher than mine, I am not interested in what you think"), reminders of what he's done in the past and the lengths he went to. Just when you start to think of him as broken and fuzzy and in need of cuddles, you're reminded that hey, he experimented on children.

I'm okay with his not being sympathetic especially at first, not until he really begins to feel the weight of his guilt and atone for it. (And I remain surprised that he didn't die at the end of s5, resetting what was broken by sacrificing himself. But then on Fringe, it's the kids who pay the cost.)

I really, really do love Walter as a character, but I always appreciate when we're reminded that he's a bit of a monster. And not a tame one.

From:

casually_cruel

Of course I object to his actions in this episode from a narrative point of view, in the lack of reaction from everyone else--but for him it makes perfect sense.

Agreed. There should definitely have been more concern from the rest of the Fringe team.

I'm okay with his not being sympathetic especially at first, not until he really begins to feel the weight of his guilt and atone for it.

He does get better over time. I'm probably letting my knowledge of future (past?) events color this rewatch; I don't remember minding him much the first time I watched Fringe.

One thing I will be on the lookout for is whether Walter actually apologizes for the harm he knows he caused or whether he offers justifications, like we see in this episode.

From:

wendelah1

I really, really do love Walter as a character, but I always appreciate when we're reminded that he's a bit of a monster. And not a tame one.

Yes. He's a great character but he's done terrible, terrible things.

But then on Fringe, it's the kids who pay the cost.

God, yes.

From:

wendelah1

Help Wanted (5230 words) by Rheanna
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Fringe
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Characters: Astrid Farnsworth, Walter Bishop, Peter Bishop, Gene the cow
Additional Tags: Female Protagonist, Character of Color, Wordcount: 5.000-10.000
Summary:

Astrid didn't want to be Walter Bishop's lab assistant. Unfortunately, neither did anyone else.

I knew I had read a post-ep for this episode that I liked.

From:

estella_c

I just finished this and it is beautiful. I can only think of a couple of things I might have trimmed back, and you know that from me that's high praise.