There's an abundance of great writing, incredible performances and excellent execution on this show, but John Noble (playing the (to put it mildly) eccentric scientist Walter Bishop) steals every scene he's in.
His performance is one for the ages, and it's up there with Christopher Lloyd's Dr. Emmett Brown and Terry O'Quinn's John Locke.
A pure joy!
624 Reviews
Started as X-files wannabe, then turned into so much more
SnoopyStyle27 August 2013
FBI agent Olivia Dunham (Anna Torv) is forced to work with unstable scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble). She recruits his estranged son Peter Bishop (Joshua Jackson) to help understand him. Astrid Farnsworth (Jasika Nicole) is a junior FBI agent. As the strange cases are investigated, they may be connected to a global company called Massive Dynamic run by Nina Sharp (Blair Brown).
This is yet another JJ Abrams TV show. It is starting to become like opening another Starbucks. This starts like a copy of the X-files. Slowly the X-files retread story lines morphed into an incredible multi-verse, apocalyptic, time traveling story-web. I'm glad that they were able to stay on the air for 5 seasons to fully flesh out the story.
This is yet another JJ Abrams TV show. It is starting to become like opening another Starbucks. This starts like a copy of the X-files. Slowly the X-files retread story lines morphed into an incredible multi-verse, apocalyptic, time traveling story-web. I'm glad that they were able to stay on the air for 5 seasons to fully flesh out the story.
Ground-breaking.
mikemikeparker2 September 2019
I cannot understand why this is not in the top 100 of IMDB series. It's a stunning series from beginning to (magnificent) end. Great acting and great direction. JJ Abrams at his very best. John Noble is a revelation. The series feels as though each series has a direction, building to a totally plausible and hugely uplifting ending. If you love sci-fi, you'll love this.
One Of The Best Shows Of All-Time
myownme7777 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Just finished the show, and wiping the tears, and I have got to say that this IS one of THE BEST shows of all-time. AND you don't have to be a sci-fi fan to appreciate it. I am not a Trekkie or a Star Wars fanatic, but I do appreciate a good story, and this definitely has that. This show has it all; Adventure, Horror, Drama, Action, Comedy, Mystery, Fantasy, and Romance. I'm sad that it's ended, as with the recently finished Breaking Bad, but I know that there is so much more to be discovered. Give this show a chance and stick it out and you will be rewarded.
Originally I did not think that I would like it because of Joshua Jackson, being that he is from Dawson's Creek, but he won me over as did James Van Der Beek in The Rules Of Attraction, and he does a great job. The whole cast is great, but no one more than John Noble who plays the mad but brilliant scientist and experimenter of hallucinogenics, Walter Bishop. There are lots of episodes where he trips and the best one is in one of the last episodes where he has a Monty Python-esque hallucination.
If you are a Trekkie, you'll want to see this show for the great Leonard Nimoy, who plays a very important role on the show. It's been nice to have been introduced to Anna Torv, Jasika Nicole and Georgina Haig all three are great and all i've since fallen in love with. Lance Reddick, Blair Brown, Michael Cerveris and Eugene Lipinski(one helluva frightening performance) are definitely worth mentioning being great in their respected roles as well. Other great actors worth mentioning that appear are Jared Harris(Happiness), Martha Plimpton(Parenthood), William Sadler, Peter Weller, Brad Dourif, Christopher Lloyd and Theresa Russell(in one helluva sexy performance).
All in all it's just a great show so watch it damn it!
Originally I did not think that I would like it because of Joshua Jackson, being that he is from Dawson's Creek, but he won me over as did James Van Der Beek in The Rules Of Attraction, and he does a great job. The whole cast is great, but no one more than John Noble who plays the mad but brilliant scientist and experimenter of hallucinogenics, Walter Bishop. There are lots of episodes where he trips and the best one is in one of the last episodes where he has a Monty Python-esque hallucination.
If you are a Trekkie, you'll want to see this show for the great Leonard Nimoy, who plays a very important role on the show. It's been nice to have been introduced to Anna Torv, Jasika Nicole and Georgina Haig all three are great and all i've since fallen in love with. Lance Reddick, Blair Brown, Michael Cerveris and Eugene Lipinski(one helluva frightening performance) are definitely worth mentioning being great in their respected roles as well. Other great actors worth mentioning that appear are Jared Harris(Happiness), Martha Plimpton(Parenthood), William Sadler, Peter Weller, Brad Dourif, Christopher Lloyd and Theresa Russell(in one helluva sexy performance).
All in all it's just a great show so watch it damn it!
Re-watching impression:
rsvp32126 March 2019
I was hooked when this show was active, and started watching Season 1 again a few days ago.
It is far superior to most of the sci fi we're tortured with, today.
Just sci fi, no distractions. Season 5 brings it all home, even bringing in items from the previous four seasons to be used as weapons!
EDIT/ADDED: =====================>>>>>>
I just finished a marathon watch of all five seasons, and considering that this series ended a mere 5,6 years ago, I am in awe at it's ahead-of-its-time brilliance, and in shock to realise how absolutely awful most current sci fi series have become in comparison!
Today, social agendas, special interest group pandering, and identity politics are the central focus of plots, driving towards the proverbial ex cathedra morality chastising of the audience, and a big group hug for the cherry.
Fringe is just sci fi, timeless and I'll be re-watching every five or six years.
The only other "10" rating I've ever given here at IMDb is "The Expanse".
It is far superior to most of the sci fi we're tortured with, today.
Just sci fi, no distractions. Season 5 brings it all home, even bringing in items from the previous four seasons to be used as weapons!
EDIT/ADDED: =====================>>>>>>
I just finished a marathon watch of all five seasons, and considering that this series ended a mere 5,6 years ago, I am in awe at it's ahead-of-its-time brilliance, and in shock to realise how absolutely awful most current sci fi series have become in comparison!
Today, social agendas, special interest group pandering, and identity politics are the central focus of plots, driving towards the proverbial ex cathedra morality chastising of the audience, and a big group hug for the cherry.
Fringe is just sci fi, timeless and I'll be re-watching every five or six years.
The only other "10" rating I've ever given here at IMDb is "The Expanse".
Awesome main story and development
surfisfun11 August 2020
Great to also Re watch skipping episodes not developing the Main story line. Online search have list of recommended episodes.
------------------------------------------------------------ My sincere thanks for such an enjoyable performance by the Scientist Character ! I wonder how much improvisations he did , he is a great actor! Watch it and story will grow on you.
Read the spoiler review by tifa4evr 23 May 2020 " Seasons 1 - 3 were spectacular, it should have ended there though". IF YOU SAW IT ALREADY!!
That review is very helpful to understand why it somehow crashed on S4 and S5 . But after rewatching , I think season 4 was very decent but some personality changes made the fringe crew less attractive a bit. Season 5 seem to have less $budget , less fringe type events to resolves. Final episode is acceptable .S5 would have required more effects, better sets and story to make it "plausible" in itself.
I dont think it was worst then the easy out finale of Lost. But I still think FRINGE was the best in it genre, much better then xfiles. That is if soapy drama dosent phase you out...press Forward button, I sure did on re watching all Seasons.
I liked this show a lot more then X files for its intensity, characters,story arc, good cast with the exceptional j. Noble in top 5 most memorable TV AND MOVIE crazy scientist. OMG , /.
------------------------------------------------------------ My sincere thanks for such an enjoyable performance by the Scientist Character ! I wonder how much improvisations he did , he is a great actor! Watch it and story will grow on you.
Read the spoiler review by tifa4evr 23 May 2020 " Seasons 1 - 3 were spectacular, it should have ended there though". IF YOU SAW IT ALREADY!!
That review is very helpful to understand why it somehow crashed on S4 and S5 . But after rewatching , I think season 4 was very decent but some personality changes made the fringe crew less attractive a bit. Season 5 seem to have less $budget , less fringe type events to resolves. Final episode is acceptable .S5 would have required more effects, better sets and story to make it "plausible" in itself.
I dont think it was worst then the easy out finale of Lost. But I still think FRINGE was the best in it genre, much better then xfiles. That is if soapy drama dosent phase you out...press Forward button, I sure did on re watching all Seasons.
I liked this show a lot more then X files for its intensity, characters,story arc, good cast with the exceptional j. Noble in top 5 most memorable TV AND MOVIE crazy scientist. OMG , /.
Brilliant
ajkbiotech24 March 2021
FRINGE is the best!
MoonIndy15 October 2018
Let's talk about Anna Torv's face...
A_Different_Drummer9 February 2015
... and with no disrespect to the other reviewers, who I think have already made the following points:
1. This is a JJ Abrams opus, which implies a certain level of quality at all levels of production. Check.
2. The series owes a lot of X-Files and indeed one of the scripts specifically uses the two terms in the same sentence, so the viewer "gets" that X-Files and Fringe Science mean the same thing. Check.
3. The premise is really clever, adding a father and son consultant team where the two have been estranged and the father is recently released from a mental institution, and likes cows. Check
OK. OK. All that has already been covered. But as I write this review in the dead of the winter of 2015, I want to underscore two things about Anna Torv in particular;
1. One of the best American accents EVER, for an Aussie. Wow.
2. While every actress in the entertainment biz lives or dies on her looks -- Duh, this is Hollywood -- Torv may possibly have the most photogenic face in the history of the medium. I do not say this lightly and I am will state upfront I am not taking any medications or other substances which may affect my ability to review. The dictionary definition of "photogenic" includes "aesthetic" qualities which, in turn, are not capable of definition, creating circular reasoning. In any case, as the series progresses, as good as it was (and it was GREAT!) I found myself continually drawn to Torv's face, often to the exclusion of the rest of the scene. On a hunch, I googled "ANNA TORV's FACE" (sic) and sure enough I was not the only one who was hooked. Check it out yourself. Nobody can quite figure out what exactly the reason -- her features on their own remind one of one the smaller characters in Lord of the Rings -- but the draw is almost magnetic.
1. This is a JJ Abrams opus, which implies a certain level of quality at all levels of production. Check.
2. The series owes a lot of X-Files and indeed one of the scripts specifically uses the two terms in the same sentence, so the viewer "gets" that X-Files and Fringe Science mean the same thing. Check.
3. The premise is really clever, adding a father and son consultant team where the two have been estranged and the father is recently released from a mental institution, and likes cows. Check
OK. OK. All that has already been covered. But as I write this review in the dead of the winter of 2015, I want to underscore two things about Anna Torv in particular;
1. One of the best American accents EVER, for an Aussie. Wow.
2. While every actress in the entertainment biz lives or dies on her looks -- Duh, this is Hollywood -- Torv may possibly have the most photogenic face in the history of the medium. I do not say this lightly and I am will state upfront I am not taking any medications or other substances which may affect my ability to review. The dictionary definition of "photogenic" includes "aesthetic" qualities which, in turn, are not capable of definition, creating circular reasoning. In any case, as the series progresses, as good as it was (and it was GREAT!) I found myself continually drawn to Torv's face, often to the exclusion of the rest of the scene. On a hunch, I googled "ANNA TORV's FACE" (sic) and sure enough I was not the only one who was hooked. Check it out yourself. Nobody can quite figure out what exactly the reason -- her features on their own remind one of one the smaller characters in Lord of the Rings -- but the draw is almost magnetic.
What's with all the hate?
Calypso01323 October 2009
I had started watching Fringe when it aired in my country, and at first, I didn't really find it particularly interesting. However, I decided to persevere with it, and I'm very glad I did. This show is not perfect, but it's definitely not as bad as all these reviews tend to make out. With each episode (so far), I find myself more deeply immersed in the plot, more involved with the characters, and I can't wait until the next one airs. A lot of these other reviews say it's worse than 'Lost' - which isn't true. I tried watching Lost, for the entire first season, but I found myself completely bored, with no real plot line to follow. The opposite is true with Fringe. Each episode has two plots - One, the overall plot of the series, and two, the plot of the individual episode, such as the investigation. This is common practice, but Fringe makes it.. fresher.
All in all, don't make any decisions on whether to watch this or not based off reviews on here. There's a lot of controversy - some hate it, some love it - just watch it for a while and judge it for yourself. I personally don't like the first 10 or so episodes, so I recommend you at least for a bit after that. They honestly do get better. 9/10
All in all, don't make any decisions on whether to watch this or not based off reviews on here. There's a lot of controversy - some hate it, some love it - just watch it for a while and judge it for yourself. I personally don't like the first 10 or so episodes, so I recommend you at least for a bit after that. They honestly do get better. 9/10
Watch It In Its Entirety And Then Judge....
nickgr-673-18556028 April 2010
Been watching the reviews for the show for some time now and I have to say that most people are confused. Confused on how a series is reviewed. When we speak about a sitcom comedy, by just watching one or two episodes it is fairly easy to judge the quality. But when trying to analyze a series like X-Files, Lost, Fringe and so many other, one has to watch the whole bunch of arc episodes in order to have an objective opinion. yes the science portrayed every week may be a little too much but... X-Files (which I also loved) was about aliens.... So....we believe in aliens but cannot comprehend that there may be science beyond our imagination???? As for the characters, and especially for Anna Torv.......her acting (the way see looks in the first episodes - like cold and aloof) it's just the way things should be in the beginning......then she is a cold-hearted FBI agent and that is what she shows us.......everyone who cared enough to watch all the episodes till now will see how she has changed as a character (and how well acted that character is by Anna Torv - I had never seen her before). Most of the reviews here are based on the first 3 or 4 episodes.....well.....it's a whole story that has to be said.....go through the first season and see then what your reactions will be... Yet the series is not without problems, but it will get better and better. Most of the arc episodes are thrilling and most of the rest episodes are full of mad science (got to love it). The production values are sky-high...
So always keep in mind what you're judging and give it the appropriate time...
So always keep in mind what you're judging and give it the appropriate time...
One of the best sci-fi series ever produced
getuliohf29 April 2020
This TV show is simply fantastic! The theme is not exactly original but the way this show was produced definitivelly is. It's a mix of sci-fi, drama, police story and thriller, all together and extremely well directed.
A fan of sci-fi must watch it! If you will like it, I don't know. I love it and I consider this TV show one of the best ever produced.
A fan of sci-fi must watch it! If you will like it, I don't know. I love it and I consider this TV show one of the best ever produced.
With improvement could be Abrams masterpiece!
Eatmybolonga19 August 2009
I have only two words for you, John Noble, John Noble and yes you guessed it, John Noble.
Many people will tell you "its X-files without out the X" but these same people will also say "Lost- why would I watch a show about people on an island".
Fringe brings great story together along with an entertaining cast, John Noble really brings his A-Game and shines through the eccentric and senile Walter Bishop. I would go so far as to say to watch Fringe if only to witness his superb portrayal of the character.
The characters will keep you entertained, the story will keep you on your toes and scientific experiments will blow you away.
This is a show not to be missed!
Many people will tell you "its X-files without out the X" but these same people will also say "Lost- why would I watch a show about people on an island".
Fringe brings great story together along with an entertaining cast, John Noble really brings his A-Game and shines through the eccentric and senile Walter Bishop. I would go so far as to say to watch Fringe if only to witness his superb portrayal of the character.
The characters will keep you entertained, the story will keep you on your toes and scientific experiments will blow you away.
This is a show not to be missed!
Original show with great acting
namob-436732 April 2016
This is one of my favorite shows of all time. It has mystery, suspense, wonderful dialogue, great directing, great scripts and an amazing cast second to none.
The show had a downturn through the 3rd and parts of the 4th season, which is why the show does not deserve a 10p. But other then that this is amazing and mostly pure brilliance.
The ending of the 1st episode of season 5 is probably the best scene in TV history and there is so much greatness in this show I hardly know where to begin. Instead I will simply state that anyone who likes high-quality drama with sci-fi feel and to anyone enjoying amazing performances you should all watch this show.
Sadly the show got cancelled. I feel like they could have done 2 seasons more, but let no one forget 'The Bullet That Saved The World'.
The show had a downturn through the 3rd and parts of the 4th season, which is why the show does not deserve a 10p. But other then that this is amazing and mostly pure brilliance.
The ending of the 1st episode of season 5 is probably the best scene in TV history and there is so much greatness in this show I hardly know where to begin. Instead I will simply state that anyone who likes high-quality drama with sci-fi feel and to anyone enjoying amazing performances you should all watch this show.
Sadly the show got cancelled. I feel like they could have done 2 seasons more, but let no one forget 'The Bullet That Saved The World'.
Science vs. Emotion vs. Logic
kosmasp12 August 2013
If I only would have rated single seasons the rating would have been either a bit higher or quite a bit lower. The very first season almost made me stop watching before I began. The characters weren't engaging enough, but more importantly, I felt I was being treated worse than Walter in an institution! This being a weekly show, I understand that you have to have a "previously on" segment (which you can turn off for the first season at least), but to have the show repeat whole passages/pages of a book is really annoying at best.
Of course Season 2 and 3 pick up and the different sci-fi elements really do the trick. The fourth season could have been written by a Dallas (read soap Opera) scribe with a passion for Science Fiction. Though as a table discussion did clear up, this isn't science fiction, more like an expansion on known science (so some things might be in the realm of actually being possible/achievable).
Whatever the case, it is very obvious that the fourth season was supposed to be the final one. But before the season ran out, I guess they got green-lit for another (shorter) Season 5. Which defies any laws and mixes many things together. Technically the whole show is done on an extremely high level. There are just too many things that don't quite work out, as the writers intended. Strands are left unexplored (Peters past just being one of them) and many convenient things happening (again defying logic and everything else).
What makes it all work? It's the human interaction, the actors in particular. Even more amazing, when you listen to some of them speak "freely" (not in character) and hear their accent (Anna Torv and John Noble). That is another level of difficulty to act and talk in another way that you are used to. And while I think Season 1 started off weak, it had the best cliffhanger of the series. So while there are a lot of flaws, this is still very engaging and even if Season 5 is only a bonus (with less logic) I defy anyone to not be emotionally touched after the journey they took with those characters.
Of course Season 2 and 3 pick up and the different sci-fi elements really do the trick. The fourth season could have been written by a Dallas (read soap Opera) scribe with a passion for Science Fiction. Though as a table discussion did clear up, this isn't science fiction, more like an expansion on known science (so some things might be in the realm of actually being possible/achievable).
Whatever the case, it is very obvious that the fourth season was supposed to be the final one. But before the season ran out, I guess they got green-lit for another (shorter) Season 5. Which defies any laws and mixes many things together. Technically the whole show is done on an extremely high level. There are just too many things that don't quite work out, as the writers intended. Strands are left unexplored (Peters past just being one of them) and many convenient things happening (again defying logic and everything else).
What makes it all work? It's the human interaction, the actors in particular. Even more amazing, when you listen to some of them speak "freely" (not in character) and hear their accent (Anna Torv and John Noble). That is another level of difficulty to act and talk in another way that you are used to. And while I think Season 1 started off weak, it had the best cliffhanger of the series. So while there are a lot of flaws, this is still very engaging and even if Season 5 is only a bonus (with less logic) I defy anyone to not be emotionally touched after the journey they took with those characters.
This show is exceptional
desertdogoman28 June 2020
Prepare for the trauma of loss as you approach the last episode...it's that good!
This show rates as one of the best of all time. The character development is exceptional. The storyline develops depth with every episode. JJ Abrams is a genius.
This show rates as one of the best of all time. The character development is exceptional. The storyline develops depth with every episode. JJ Abrams is a genius.
Best show I never watched...but should have
natefishpa24 April 2013
I search for crack-addiction type of shows like "Lost". A few years ago, I saw one of the standalone episodes of "Fringe" and I just didn't understand how this mad scientist had these weird answers to everything. It just seemed far fetched and something a little "out there".
Wow, was I just completely wrong. Big time. This show has replaced my "Lost" and "24" crack addiction to TV.
A few months ago, the Science Channel or the like put Fringe on one night, and I decided I'd give it a shot from the beginning. It changed everything to see it from the start, and potentially why people like myself couldn't really pick it up to start.
I have spent 10 hours straight clearing my DVR of "Fringe" at times, I'm sad to admit. Then, there was a long hiatus on the Science Channel and just recently it came back on, where I quickly devoured all of season 3 in a few days from my DVR. I am frantically searching now how to find season 4. I thought the production would continue on the Science Channel, but it now seems like it was just going there for syndication.
This show I never watched, and is by far one of the greatest shows of my life. I'd like to thank Fox for producing it, but also in the same breath get miffed at them for not packaging this better or putting it on during great time slots, which ultimately can lead to a show's ending...the Friday evening death slot.
Incredible character development, great mystery, high production value, terrific writing...with today's consumer dynamic going towards cheaply produced reality TV, I'm scared that this may be the best, and last, crack addicting show of my lifetime. Great job everyone who put this together, you have a TV junkie here who is grateful for having this art as part of his life.
Wow, was I just completely wrong. Big time. This show has replaced my "Lost" and "24" crack addiction to TV.
A few months ago, the Science Channel or the like put Fringe on one night, and I decided I'd give it a shot from the beginning. It changed everything to see it from the start, and potentially why people like myself couldn't really pick it up to start.
I have spent 10 hours straight clearing my DVR of "Fringe" at times, I'm sad to admit. Then, there was a long hiatus on the Science Channel and just recently it came back on, where I quickly devoured all of season 3 in a few days from my DVR. I am frantically searching now how to find season 4. I thought the production would continue on the Science Channel, but it now seems like it was just going there for syndication.
This show I never watched, and is by far one of the greatest shows of my life. I'd like to thank Fox for producing it, but also in the same breath get miffed at them for not packaging this better or putting it on during great time slots, which ultimately can lead to a show's ending...the Friday evening death slot.
Incredible character development, great mystery, high production value, terrific writing...with today's consumer dynamic going towards cheaply produced reality TV, I'm scared that this may be the best, and last, crack addicting show of my lifetime. Great job everyone who put this together, you have a TV junkie here who is grateful for having this art as part of his life.
Masterpiece!
corpse_man30 November 2012
I am a big fan of scifi, so I am rating this show based on primarily a scifi point of view. I have watched every episode of Star Gate SG1, Atlantis, and Universe, all of BSG, Firefly, and everything Star Trek, and I can honestly say Fringe is my favourite.
The seemingly ridiculous science in Fringe is presented and explained in a such a way, it really seems possible. AFter watching 4 seasons of this show I walk around the real world feeling like I'm in some sort of dream because my mind is so blown from this awesome show.
The acting is top notch, and Walter (John Noble) totally makes the show what it is. John Noble's portrayal of Walter is simply amazing.
Most of the complains of "lack of continuity" are actually just a result of either not watching every episode from the beginning, or just having forgotten what happened in a long past episode. This is the type of show where you really need to watch each episode one after the other. Even waiting a week between them can cause confusion at times. Buying the box set after the show is finished and watching as many episodes as you have time for per day, would be by far the best way to watch this show.
The only negative thing I can think of, is that this great show will come to an end after only 5 seasons. I guess all great things come to an end.
The seemingly ridiculous science in Fringe is presented and explained in a such a way, it really seems possible. AFter watching 4 seasons of this show I walk around the real world feeling like I'm in some sort of dream because my mind is so blown from this awesome show.
The acting is top notch, and Walter (John Noble) totally makes the show what it is. John Noble's portrayal of Walter is simply amazing.
Most of the complains of "lack of continuity" are actually just a result of either not watching every episode from the beginning, or just having forgotten what happened in a long past episode. This is the type of show where you really need to watch each episode one after the other. Even waiting a week between them can cause confusion at times. Buying the box set after the show is finished and watching as many episodes as you have time for per day, would be by far the best way to watch this show.
The only negative thing I can think of, is that this great show will come to an end after only 5 seasons. I guess all great things come to an end.
For science!
rach-ll17 August 2013
I first watched this show when it started airing on TV in the Netherlands. I instantly really liked it, watched it every week, until I lost track of it. A few years later, I came across some GIFs of the show and thought hey.. I know that show. That show is excellent. So I watched all of it, and then a third time with my boyfriend last year. Even after seeing it several times, it's still an excellent show. It's clever, the acting is great (gets better throughout the seasons), it has a very distinct science-theme, and after a while I found myself really becoming attached to the characters. I LOVE Anna Torv (who plays Olivia). She's a wonderful actress, and even when wearing a long, shapeless, black trench coat and hat she still somehow manages to be sexy. John Noble is of course brilliant as Walter, a character that provided me with a lot of chuckles and some very useful information (such as; eat eggs when you've been drinking, it sucks up some of the alcohol and makes you feel less drunk, and hungover the next day).
There's plenty of other actors that deserve mention, but that would take forever. Suffice it to say; they're all excellent. This show is one of my favorites of all time. It's mentally stimulating in a way that I haven't experienced with any other show to date, and you're missing out if you haven't watched it. If you are, however, the type of person that wants dumb mindless action all the time and isn't up for some brain gymnastics (more so in the later seasons), this isn't for you. That doesn't make it a bad show, it just makes you a dumb-ass. Go watch some 24 or something.
There's plenty of other actors that deserve mention, but that would take forever. Suffice it to say; they're all excellent. This show is one of my favorites of all time. It's mentally stimulating in a way that I haven't experienced with any other show to date, and you're missing out if you haven't watched it. If you are, however, the type of person that wants dumb mindless action all the time and isn't up for some brain gymnastics (more so in the later seasons), this isn't for you. That doesn't make it a bad show, it just makes you a dumb-ass. Go watch some 24 or something.
More To It Than Meets The Eye
mtrxhckr9 September 2009
I first started following the series at launch, viewing the first 3 episodes. Then i completely forgot about it. I just recently started viewing this again and i have to say, there's more to it than the first couple of episodes let you see. The plot deepens as episodes go by, the role of the "mad scientist" becomes clearer and everything slowly ties in together like a perfect puzzle. The story is not one of the most original you'll find, but it is told in a most beautiful way, a way that will keep you hooked until the end. The characters are strong and so are the actors/actresses that bring them to life. The effects are top notch. An overall great TV show with that classical X Files feel to it but with a twist, a twist that i personally enjoy and one that made me anxiously await the second installment in the TV series. Highly recommended to all you X Files fans and also for anyone that enjoys a conspiracy plot that has some substance. An easy 9 out of 10.
10/10 x 10000
tonyj-4914122 June 2021
Starts great and then it gets complicated!
leon_staples3 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I did like the show overall but I wished it had continued to be more like series 1 or 2 because as the seasons go on, it gets more complicated. When it first started it had a very x-files feel to it. Agents investigating the paranormal (is an obvious connection I guess) but once they start going into multiple universes, 2 of everyone etc. They drag it on for far too long and at times I quite honestly did not know what was even going on.
It's a shame because even the one off episodes are always force tied into the bigger storyline when they didn't have to be. They should have taken out the whole parallel universe arc and just continued to have them investigate one of events, a different character / story each episode. Then they could have added a simple overall story that runs along with each series and it would have been far better.
I gave it a seven because it starts exceptionally well and there are some fantastic episodes peppered into each season. The very last season is hard to get through because the story takes a sharp (unnecessary turn) and I just don't care for that part of the story line. I think this is an example of a show that was trying to be too clever when a more simple approach would have seen this run for much longer.
It's a shame because even the one off episodes are always force tied into the bigger storyline when they didn't have to be. They should have taken out the whole parallel universe arc and just continued to have them investigate one of events, a different character / story each episode. Then they could have added a simple overall story that runs along with each series and it would have been far better.
I gave it a seven because it starts exceptionally well and there are some fantastic episodes peppered into each season. The very last season is hard to get through because the story takes a sharp (unnecessary turn) and I just don't care for that part of the story line. I think this is an example of a show that was trying to be too clever when a more simple approach would have seen this run for much longer.
A perfect concoction of intelligence and feelings
flashcortex30 August 2013
I started watching the show just when the first season was heading towards its end, and frankly I was taken aback. It was the perfect show for me, a heavenly combination of drama, action, thrills, science, fiction and characters that you can so easily relate to. You don't even notice how fond you grow of them. I've stuck with the show until the very end, and yes, there are some twists here and there that could've been dealt differently but the show ha maintained it's quality. It's not easy to watch and it's definitely not that easy to keep track of all the cases or events that come to happening but the complex nature of the show is very unique. And in a way beautiful.
One of the best series ever!
jquartemont-242-7517847 March 2022
Unique plot line and excellent acting puts this show in the stratosphere. Despite the very quick ending, the finale worked. I just wish, in closing, that they mention something about Peter and alt. Olivia's son, Henry.
Genius without pants!
saeedsaberpour19 May 2023
Maybe it was a good hit back when it was first aired but looking back at it back in 2023, it doesn't do the deal. There were some catchy episodes and interesting topics now and then but in general they stretched it too much for so long that at some point even the writers forgot what the story is all about let alone the viewers.
Overall a medium series that lost all purpose and the consistency it had at the beginning of the 3rd season. Happens when you play with the timeline and parallel universes one too many times!!
Here are some of the names the smartest man in 2 universes Walter Bishop mistakenly called his cute assistant Astrid throughout the series: Asterisk Astro Asteroid Astringent Aspen Aspirin Esther Ashram Ascot Athos Alex Astral Astriff Agnes Asner Asgard, and my very favorite Ostrich!!
Overall a medium series that lost all purpose and the consistency it had at the beginning of the 3rd season. Happens when you play with the timeline and parallel universes one too many times!!
Here are some of the names the smartest man in 2 universes Walter Bishop mistakenly called his cute assistant Astrid throughout the series: Asterisk Astro Asteroid Astringent Aspen Aspirin Esther Ashram Ascot Athos Alex Astral Astriff Agnes Asner Asgard, and my very favorite Ostrich!!
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