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]

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.

[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.