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

[wikiaddicted723]

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

Comments

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.