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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.