1x06: The Cure

[wikiaddicted723]

The first season of any show is bound to waver in matters of quality and storytelling, and Fringe is no different in that department: the events of the first few episodes are disjointed, linked together only because of the underlying themes of science pushed too far that classify these cases as part of the pattern, and by Walter's involvement. As it is to be expected, some of these episodes ring truer that others, manage to touch us, and it has been my experience that these episodes are often those that focus on the characters instead of the plot--it just seems more natural to me, to be allowed to get to know the people we're meant to follow and root for, before we're asked to invest in anything else. It is easier to ignore the fallacies of logic, and the fake science and the sometimes contrived plots if the men and women on screen are people we feel for, people whose burdens we understand. 

After the pilot episode, Olivia seemed to fade into the background. Unable to ignore the growing doubts in her mind about her competence, her willingness to be blind in the face of her  lover's betrayal, she armoured herself in the lonely figure of the determined investigator while quietly trying to cope with the losses of innocence and life. This episode brings her back to the forefront, allows us to understand her thinking, her motivations, the experiences that have driven her to where she now finds herself at. 

It is the first we see of Olivia fighting the urge to hide behind her anger and let herself be vulnerable for the sake of connecting with someone else, if only because she understands the importance of inspiring trust in the people who depend on you, and on whom you may one day depend upon. We also learn the reasons (or at least the plot-related ones) for that anger. 

If there is one thing I will always be thankful for in regards to Olivia's characterization, especially in season one, is that they let her be harsh and angry and uncompromising, and they never attempted to make her seem less worthy for it. 

Also see: Exploding, Googly-eyed Papayas. 

 

 

 

Writer: Felicia D. Henderson (hey, female writer!)
            Brad Caleb Kane
Director: Bill Eagles.
Originally Aired: October 21, 2008

Synopsis:
When a young woman explodes inside a diner, the team works to determine the cause. They learn of a second woman who has been turned into a human weapon by an unscrupulous drug company executive and rush to save her before she can be shipped to "the client". Agent Dunham discloses critical information about her childhood to Peter Bishop.

Most Memorable Quote:
OLIVIA: (To Broyles) I understand that you think I acted too emotionally. And putting aside the fact that men always say that about women they work with, I’ll get straight to the point. I am emotional. I do bring it into my work. It’s what motivates me. It helps me to get into the headspace of our victims… See what they’ve seen. Even if I don’t want to, even if it horrifies me. And I think it makes me a better agent. If you have a problem with that, sorry. You can fire me. But I hope you don’t.

Links

Fringe Television Summer Rewatch
IGN 
Polite Dissent

Fanfiction:

I'm pretty sure there is some out there, but I can't seem to remember where. Or what it was called. Drop by the comments if you happen to remember.

 

Comments

Great episode!

[wendelah1]

This is probably my favorite episode so far.

Things I loved about this episode:

The opening scene of the girl being dumped off and wandering into the diner, which reminded me of the beginning of a great X-Files fanfic, which estella_c will recognize, "Strangers and the Strange Dead." Complete coincidence, but what a great way to introduce the first victims and set the scene. I don't know if any of the science holds up (I somehow doubt it) but the plot is so intricate and well-constructed that I don't really care. The birthday card, Olivia's mood swings, and the story about her shooting her step-father were all terrific elements, and a great way to show us why Olivia identifies so strongly with her victims. The scene with Peter negotiating with Nina for the lab location was great, too. And the climax! They created real suspense with Olivia talking the woman into saving herself by injecting herself with the antidote. I thought Chris Eigeman was well-cast as the villain.

The only thing I didn't like was Broyles giving Olivia such a hard time. She saved a young woman's life and caught the guy who was behind the death of another. I have to believe that counts for a lot in Broyles' book. I don't think we needed to have the whole "I am emotional" speech. Show don't tell, remember? And they did show us, and very effectively too. They didn't have to belabor the point and make Broyles the heavy in the process.

Re: Great episode!

[corwinofamber]

I agree that this is the best episode so far. Filled in a lot of back story on Olivia, and made her attitude the logical consequence of her past.

The science is...exaggerated for effect, I would say. (What scifi fan doesn't love exploding heads?)

The deal between Peter and Nina is sadly never mentioned again. It occurred to me while I was watching that exchange that they laid down a lot of backstory on Peter in the first season - underworld contacts, an old girlfriend, the deal with Nina - and dropped most of it after the first season.

Re: Great episode!

[estella_c]

I found that disappointing, actually. Backstory gives us options. But I may just be thinking of fanfic.

It's amazing how many people never think of fanfic.

Re: Great episode!

[corwinofamber]

Uh...we have a few fanfic writers on this thread :)

Re: Great episode!

[estella_c]

I think Wendy is referring to the inconsiderate show writers. And that Vlaming guy worked on The X-Files. Not long though.

Re: Great episode!

[estella_c]

The penalties of being late. I am explaining what I said, thinking that Wendy had said it.

Re: Great episode!

[wendelah1]

Fanfic writer, reporting for duty! wendelah1.

Actually, EC has begun writing fic now too, after years and years and years of reading and critiquing it. I'm hoping she's planning to write us some Fringe fic.

There probably isn't nearly enough Fringe fanfiction to have produced much Peter/other backstory fanfic, although I admit I haven't read everything or even close to everything, not even on AO3. However, I think I've read all of the genfic.

Re: Great episode!

[corwinofamber]

Well, theres a Peter backstory fic called "Bugout Bag" on my Ao3 profile. Has nothing to do with this episode.

CorwinOfAmber

Re: Great episode!

[seekingferret]

I wonder if the Broyles bothering Olivia thing makes more sense in the Broyles is the traitor potential (dropped) endgame we've been talking about?

Re: Great episode!

[wendelah1]

I don't understand what they were doing with that. Broyles is in charge of the team, he hired Olivia, he's trying to protect the work, shield it from its critics, not stop it altogether. He believes in the work, and thinks it's critically important.

Though he does get turned when his son's life is threatened in the Redverse, but our Broyles is single and childless.

I think Broyles is just supposed to be a hard-ass, and maybe a counter-weight to rein in Olivia a bit, especially since she really doesn't understand what she's gotten herself into. Someone has to be the voice of reason for the writers. In many respects, at this juncture Peter is even more reckless than she is, and he's not fully invested yet. Walter is nuts. The writers don't let Astrid leave the lab.