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]

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.

[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.

[estella_c]

XPhiles.

[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.

[wikiaddicted723]

I love you^ *cackles*

[estella_c]

I thought WHAT now?

[wendelah1]

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

[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...

[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

[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.

[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.

[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.