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:

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.