Official 1.14 Discussion Thread - "Ability"

[D-Roc]

FRINGE SEASON 1
EPISODE 1.14 "ABILITY"


http://fringe-forum.com/forums/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=59http://www.fringe-forum.com/forums/images/img/threads/114ffability.jpg

This is the Official discussion thread for episode 1.14 "ABILITY". This episode aired February 10, 2009 at 9/8c on FOX.

If you're in the USA and you're unable to watch the episode as it airs, you can watch it here on Amazon VOD or iTunes (http://fringe-forum.com/forums/view.php?pg=watchfringe_vod).

Writers:
TBC

Exec. Producer/Showrunner:
Jeff Pinkner

Director:
TBC




Synopsis
OLIVIA IS PUT TO THE TEST WHEN MR. JONES RETURNS AND A LETHAL TOXIN CAUSES VICTIMS ORIFICES TO CLOSE ON "FRINGE" ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, ON FOX
German agents question Olivia about her "relationship" with David Robert Jones, an escaped prisoner questioned months earlier now living in the U.S. Meanwhile, the Fringe Division investigates a threatening case where victims die faceless from their orifices suddenly sealing. With few leads and many questions, German authorities turn to Olivia, Peter and Walter to help makes sense of the return of Mr. Jones and the foreboding mysterious occurrences. As the investigation unfolds, Olivia is put to test in the all-new FRINGE episode "Ability" airing Tuesday, Feb. 10 (9:01-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Cast: Anna Torv as Olivia Dunham; Joshua Jackson as Peter Bishop; John Noble as Walter Bishop; Lance Reddick as Phillip Broyles; Kirk Acevedo as Charlie Francis; Mark Valley as John Scott; Blair Brown as Nina Sharp; Jasika Nicole as Astrid Farnsworth


Trailer:

YouTube - Fringe 1x14 Ability Promo


WATCH "ABILITY" ON iTUNES or AMAZON (http://fringe-forum.com/forums/view.php?pg=watchfringe_vod)

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---

Love/Dislike it? Weigh in!:tiphat:

[empty_encounters]

Besides the potential information John Scott knew that Olivia would have known, I certainly am curious why Jones is so fascinated with Olivia, or what she means to him.

[Citizen]

This episode is slated to be a game-changer, and it's the last episode before the hiatus, so I'm pretty hyped up for tonight :)

Let the episode be a good one.

[musicislove]

That was the most amazing episode ever!! Peter & Olivia were together a lot, which I liked and this epi was defidently the most mind-boggling...it made me think a lot to earlier episodes. I loved Jones...what was the significance of the 2 dollar bill exactly...? Any ideas? Maybe I just missed something lol. Oh and when walter was typing at the end I was like uhhhh what??? Walter wrote the ZFT book?? I'm also wondering if he just forgot that he wrote it? That wound be a very 'Walter' thing to do...I'm heartbroken that I have to wait...like 2 months till my obsession begins again...oh! One more thing..did Jones teleport again from the hospital room? Sigh. It's all so confusing but I absolutely love it!!

[BrassOrchid]

I loved Jones...what was the significance of the 2 dollar bill exactly...? Any ideas? Maybe I just missed something lol.


I'm speculating, but I think the powder that caused the reaction (accelerated scar tissue formation) may have been on that bill. The agent saw it, decided to pick it up (he wasn't wearing gloves) and poof - no face. My main reason for believing this, other than the simple flow of scenes, is the newspaper guy. What happened just before he lost his face? He was paid. He handled some money. I think the bill is the delivery system.

[musicislove]

I suppose...and it was 2 dollars and not just a 1 or 5 dollar bill. It was unique...I probably make things more complicated than they really are :]

[Cole]

The cliffhanger at the end, when Arther found that his typewriter had the same indent of the y that the ZFT had really made it unbelievably good.

[Frin12]

I'm speculating, but I think the powder that caused the reaction (accelerated scar tissue formation) may have been on that bill. The agent saw it, decided to pick it up (he wasn't wearing gloves) and poof - no face. My main reason for believing this, other than the simple flow of scenes, is the newspaper guy. What happened just before he lost his face? He was paid. He handled some money. I think the bill is the delivery system.

And also, 2 bills is so rare, people are bound to pick it up.

[BrassOrchid]

I suppose...and it was 2 dollars and not just a 1 or 5 dollar bill. It was unique...I probably make things more complicated than they really are :]


I think the uniqueness is important. A $2 bill would be harder for the perpetrators to accidentally mix in with their own untainted money. It's easy to locate in a wallet when riffling through various bills - easily identifiable in other words. They know they have 'spiked' the $2 bills, so they are less likely to accidentally touch it barehanded. Wasn't the girl at the newstand wearing gloves? But the newstand guy himself wasn't. (Or my memory is bad, if so I apologize)

[musicislove]

I think the uniqueness is important. A $2 bill would be harder for the perpetrators to accidentally mix in with their own untainted money. It's easy to locate in a wallet when riffling through various bills - easily identifiable in other words. They know they have 'spiked' the $2 bills, so they are less likely to accidentally touch it barehanded. Wasn't the girl at the newstand wearing gloves? But the newstand guy himself wasn't. (Or my memory is bad, if so I apologize)
It was a man that gave the newstand guy the 2 dollar bill. The news paper guy said that a newspaper cost 75 cents, but the 2 bill man paid the news guy, took a newspaper and walked away, not witnissing the horrible scene that enfolded in the next few minutes. Hmm.

[musicislove]

It didn't really occur to me till I really thought about it lol. It's the same for me...I record Fringe then watch it several times..and drive my family crazy lol! I have almost never caught the Observer my first tone around but in this epi it was a little more obvious...

[Matthew]

It was a man that gave the newstand guy the 2 dollar bill. The news paper guy said that a newspaper cost 75 cents, but the 2 bill man paid the news guy, took a newspaper and walked away, not witnissing the horrible scene that enfolded in the next few minutes. Hmm.
Does anyone have a clue as to who that man could be? Is he simply one of the many warriors?

[Cathy904]

BrassOrchid, I love your reason for edit, "to add stuff".

It just rained heavily outside, adding to the aura of how they did "Ability". I, uh, think it was the best episode, it Had to be the best episode yet, the show was delightful and sometimes breathtaking. I know I may get some knocks (or laughs? It's been exciting! :haha: ), but it exceeded my expectations. They were fearless in not only going back to some science fiction tenents, but demanding they be taken seriously.

[pk198105]

i....can't.....wait....that long!!!! i need my Fringe.why are they on brake again??

[BrassOrchid]

i....can't.....wait....that long!!!! i need my Fringe.why are they on brake again??


It's torture, I know. I definitely commiserate with you there. :D But on the bright side - they just threw a TON of stuff at us. The break will give us some time to rewatch, think, make connections and come up with even more theories! Yay!



Cathy904 - thanks! :happy15:

[pk198105]

It's torture, I know. I definitely commiserate with you there. :D But on the bright side - they just threw a TON of stuff at us. The break will give us some time to rewatch, think, make connections and come up with even more theories! Yay!



Cathy904 - thanks! :happy15:

NAHHHGGH NO I NEED TO KNOW!!!! :shiny::chairdance:

[Cathy904]

It's torture, I know. I definitely commiserate with you there. :D But on the bright side - they just threw a TON of stuff at us. The break will give us some time to rewatch, think, make connections and come up with even more theories! Yay!



Cathy904 - thanks! :happy15:

You bet!

You can go big or you can go Really Freakin' Big with that arc finisher. That was an arc finisher, right? ;) Oh my gosh, I'm so glad Jones isn't dead! I was happy to see Mitchell. You Have to give them props for Olivia turning the lights off in the box. That was really well done. Okay, more later!

[Kayla]

I had high expectations and maybe that's why I was so disappointed. I've got my standards and then I've got my Fringe standards. The episode had great potential. David Bowie errrr I mean David Robert Jones is a compelling character and I'm always riveted by him. Jared Harris has much to do with that because it could have come off as incredibly cheesy in the hands of lesser actor.

That being said, my dissatisfaction doesn't stem from the content so much as the approach. I didn't like the directing for the most part, some of the acting (won't mention names of course) ....... I felt it was shoddily executed overall. The Peter/Olivia scenes; now there's some subtlety. I had hoped for more Walter/Peter interaction especially in light of the hiatus.

Olivia learning BELATEDLY from Nina that Jacksonville, Florida did hold drug trials was amusing. So, she is one of the "Recruits" who is an unwilling participant. The multiverse portions were interesting as well. I liked that final scene with Walter and the letter y though he didn't pen ZFT. Walter created the device which David used. I thought John Noble was absolutely perfect in that scene with Astrid when he spoke about the device not killing. There was something melancholy and mysterious about the way he said it.

The episode was rife with great one-liners. [Walter wondering if every orifice was closed so-to-speak]........"Did they check his anus and penis?":haha: I was watching with my brother, a recent convert and he really enjoyed it. I guess compared to the others I'm disappointed though there was quite a bit to enjoy. Wasn't Peter deathly ill as a boy, a car accident if I'm not mistaken? Could Walter have used the teleportation device to "save" him? Perhaps save isn't the best term. We already know Walter tinkered with him, to what degree remains to be seen. Just a thought. Which leads to this next thought. Peter was present when Olivia turned off the lights. What if it was Peter? Could it have been done in tandem? Just please don't call her "The One" as in ever k? :P

The show's success is predicated on making those paranormal/sci-fi tenets accessible and believable. The execution ruined it for me. They could have pulled it off. They've been pulling it off. Tonight they didn't. Too each their own, glad you guys enjoyed it. Plenty to chew on though so I will rewatch as I always do.

Can I get some more Charlie?!? Please!!!!!! Spread the wealth around, too little Broyles and especially Charlie. Astrid is a bit too good as an assistant agent. Something is rotten in the state of Denmark me thinks.

Is it really coming back only in April? :eek:

[swimdude92]

this episode was crazy good!
i LOVE fringe soooooo much!

walter wrote the manuscript- ZFT!!!!!! "ability"
the war is coming!!!!
olivia passed the 1st test and is going to become a warrior!!!

WOW!!!

but i can't believe we have to wait until april!!!!

[Observer]

Easily the best episode of the season.

I realize that Bad Robot doesn't want this show to be so heavily ingrained with mythology, but I really think the "monster of the week" episodes hold the show back. The MotW episodes worked for X-Files because they were completely stand-alone episodes; separate from the main mythos. That's not the case with Fringe.

Anyway, this was some quality television and these breaks in the season are killing me.

On another note, they must have really done a job on Walter's brain in that mental institution. The poor guy seems to have been a Pandora's Box of ideas with horrific implications and doesn't remember any of it.

[TheCarver]

it's not really bad robot's or the writers' fault. FOX openly admitted they want a standalone show. :what:

[D-Roc]

WOW! best episode of Fringe so far without a shadow of a freakin' doubt!

[everythingapedia]

WOW! best episode of Fringe so far without a shadow of a freakin' doubt!

Agreed. I need to watch it again so my brain can really absorb what the ZFT said, the whole bit about two realities/dimensions what-have-you destroying each other... pretty deep, deeper than I anticipated. And...wow...Mr. Jones is back and how! I was worried for a minute there that they were gonna kill off my favorite character and bam... we get that line from Walter about the effects not killing you and a HUGE curveball, how fun.:D The Olivia arch was also fun, but I found myself wondering what Peters role was in the defusing of the lightboard, did Olivia turn off the lights? did Peter? Both? some weird fringy option I havent forseen?:confused0006: In any case, strong episode to finish up on before hiatus, leave us wanting more.

[Winchesterfan]

Definitely one of the best episodes, I agree.

Finally answers are starting to unfold.

The end was like :confused0066:. My immediate reaction was that Walter wrote the ZFT manual but forgot about it, but he has a pretty good memory so that wouldn't make sense. Then thinking about I thought it was probably Bell who write it and reading what others wrote on here that seems to make sense. Walter knew about the "y" key, but he had to check to make sure. He looks surprised when he figured out it was the same type writer. Unless other peoples theories are correct that the two men are one person (like split personality things which is why Walter wouldn't remember it).

I also think that Peter did help Olivia with those lights, but he didn't know he did.

So I guess for now it seems like Jones, Loeb, Scott are/were all fighting the "good" fight (even if they had to kill innocent people along the way).

edit: oh yeah I can't believe we have to wait so damn long for a new episode. They better show those 7 episodes all right in a row. I hate when shows take these stupid breaks after coming back for like 3 or 4 episodes.

[xseries]

Well I have to say, this was the best Fringe Episode yet. This was kind of scary in a way. If many of you have ever done any reading into these kind of things (David Icke,Whitley Strieber, Jeff Rense, Art Bell) you would know that many of the things they are saying in this episode could honestly be true. Think about it. Alternate Dimensions coexisting beside each other, then coming to the point of collision and only one can survive...We must create an army to Fight them to win for our rights to survive.
Many years ago I realized that UFO's and USO' were not all Extra Terrestrial...But interdimensional. With the approachment of 2012 this seems like a very fesible answer to why all these things are happening.

[D-Roc]

Does anyone have a clue as to who that man could be? Is he simply one of the many warriors?
I think it's David Jones himself..in disguise!

That was my first thought upon making the screencap. What do you guys think - is this Jones with a wig?

http://www.fringe-forum.com/forums/images/img/clues/114jones.jpg

It could explain how he managed to walk right into the FBI HQ without being noticed (removing the disguise before he entered the building, perhaps).:confused0006:

EDIT:

Looks like Jones' coat:

http://www.fringe-forum.com/forums/images/img/clues/114jones2.jpg

[D-Roc]

Agreed. I need to watch it again so my brain can really absorb what the ZFT said, the whole bit about two realities/dimensions what-have-you destroying each other... pretty deep, deeper than I anticipated. And...wow...Mr. Jones is back and how! I was worried for a minute there that they were gonna kill off my favorite character and bam... we get that line from walter about the effects not killing you and a HUGE curveball, how fun.:D

I agree! Those curveballs were amazing, and the one that you mention above was kinda symbolic of the episode as a whole. I found myself having to think on my feet whilst watching this ep - just when we glimpsed into one layer, another one was revealed to us in blistering pace!

Such an intelligent and fun episode. This one's gonna get a few rewatches ;)

[linagee]

Maybe the blue dots in the corner of some fringe logos represent the lights that Olivia turns off? Has anyone connected these two things yet?

[xseries]

Ok,
Olivia is not my favorite Actress by far. Her thickheadedness and typical Cop outlook that all criminals are guilty till proven innocent makes me not get into her character. She totally denies that people would be doing these things for the good.

Now lets break down the most fascinating episode yet. A lot of things came together and now make much more sense.

Massive Dynamics Role is becoming more abundent. I think we are finding that maybe they are the ones actually funding this war and setting all the clues.

Olivia- Now has some special powers because of a drug trial done when she was a kid. But she still seems stubborn and wont accept this.

Peter- I think Peter is starting to realize the bigger picture. But deep down inside I think Peter is hiding a dark secret that has to deal with the future of our civilization and he doesnt even know it yet. ( Hence why the observer helped save him and his dad when they got into the car accident when he was a boy)

Observer- He has been in 10 episodes. I think he is from the next dimension and is observing the events. But it is safe to say he might have been Walters Contact to lead him to his discoveries and this ZFI Manuscript.

Walter- My favorite Character. "There is a thin line between genius and insanity". Lets face it. Walter is the Key to this whole Plot. He is the one who developed the technologies. His lab partner "Bell" of Massive Dynamics I think was working with him and continued Walters visions. Hence why this is all happening. I think that probably these other interdimensional beings inflitrated the system and shut down Walter and locked him away, but thanksfully his progress went on and he is starting to realize this. Hence why he knew the observer, the manuscript and is starting to realize why all his inventions are being turned up and used.

The Pattern- The Pattern is emerging, what we are seeing is a testing of new technologies for an upcoming war. The reasons for testing is to first get the attention of the Fringe Department and then the attention of the world, to let them know that there is something bigger going on. And next is to show these other "beings" that we are prepared.

The references to "Recruit" and Army in the Manuscript. This is huge. If this is Walters creation. Then that means that our own Gov. was training people back before Walter was locked up. This means the Army is way bigger than expected. And theere calls for more of a Gov Conspriacy into the whole mess.

What to expect? Expect to see more unraveling of the Pattern and more people being aware that it is for the good of mankindand not a terrorist organization. More Paranormal skills are going to become apparent for Olivia and Peter's role will come to play.

Lastly,
Look around you. Did you know that Hollywood actually has worked with the US Government in the past to throw disinformation out and also to prepare the people for the truths. I dont think it is a coincidence that this show is on the air. I think these are some of the best times to be alive and the events that are going to unfold in the next few years in the real world are going to be very similar to what is going on here. Check out the youtube video. Search for Art bell show knocked off the air/ Area 51.

Peace,

True Patriot



The

[everythingapedia]

So...uhh, anyway, it was cool to see Mitch again! :happy15: Hopefully they bring him into the story that way often. Seeing as its starting to look like ZFT is not necessarily 'evil', the shooting of Mrs. Loeb remains a loose end for Liv to tie up. And if Mitch is revealed to have 'good' intentions, it will be fun to see what could develop there. It would be cool to see that touched upon further. All in all, this episode had great balance, a little bit of nice Peter-Walter playfulness, and all the friendly faces I like to see, Mitch, Jones, even Nina! I could even stomach the scenes with Harris! Good times.

[Cathy904]

I imagine it's like surveying a battlefield the morning after. This very happy soldier is trying to gather all of the reactions in. Thank you Jeff Pinkner and company!:clap:

Ha, ha, ha, I agree about it being cool to see Mitchell again, I like him now, I'm not sure why. And Jones, I liked him before as a quirky character, but Jones is definitely now on a mission to bring Olivia up to her potential. I could even stand Harris, too! And I had more sympathy for Broyles than I've ever had before. When Harris and Olivia were sniping at each other while looking at Jones in the interrogation room, Broyles pinches the bridge of his nose, I could Feel that tension headache coming on too. And when Jones was constructing the noisemaker, the shot of Broyles HANGING onto that window watching what he was doing was awesome, nice, Lance Reddick!

Winchesterfan, I liked your,
"I also think that Peter did help Olivia with those lights, but he didn't know he did." I've been muttering under my breath if they "Luke and Leia'ed" Peter and Olivia I'd have a cow. *snickers* Sorry. That just came out.
I'm in the Benchwarmer bunch, but I try to keep it sort of toned down.
Who wonders if Peter got the Cortexafam, too? Among all the other wondering about what's up with Peter. Even my nonBenchwarmer friend at work, said Peter and Olivia had more of a connection in their actions last night than previous episodes. I know it makes some other fans heave, but that's okay! I can't get into the minutae of the numbers without getting dizzy. We all have our pet interests, that's what makes a terrific show.

It's fun watching the Boss (also known as the website administrator D-Roc) be as pleased as (most) everyone else about last night.

Two parallel universes, the one other than our slightly more advanced as us, visiting us, and competing for lone existance. Wow. Olivia, having been treated with Cortexifam. Ten tests, The Only Time I went, and 7 more episodes this season, Me thinks graduation should be right around the Finale. But who knows. That was the ONLY time I did a little, tiny roll of my eyes. The show jumped into So Much Mythology, I wanted to make some grand "What balls they had" pronouncement, but I'm female and it's a Talking about Something I don't Know Anything About analogy. The writers were fearless and unapologetic in how grand a scale we playing on. It's the universe, after all.

The theory of Limitation by William Bell that Nina said, heck, I believe that anyway! :haha:

The fear on Walter's face at the end, as he typed out "Ability" was tremendous. Walter's usual befuddled attitude evaporated when he told Jones, There's a reason I locked up the teleporter, some of the effects of which you are now experiencing. And Jones, with that worshipful look and voice towards Walter.

And Jones! I'm crazy about this character! "It does Something unthinkable, but it doesn't kill you". Oh Man! When he said, "Hello, You." I was starstruck. And the hole in the wall! Anybody else have deja vu, pandemonium in Wissenschaft prison as a German commander ran towards the visitor room, and Olivia as she dream-like walked to Jones' room as the medical personnel were running past her to get out?

Did anybody pace last night while they were watching it the first time? I fret so much about how some of the wilder concepts are presented my usual stance is putting my right thumbnail up against my teeth and pressing it there, some eccentric take on thumbsucking. :haha: I don't know why I worried.

I was concerned some on the West coast would find out what they said before watching the show. I thought they way they told the story was at least as good as what they said. You know, it's one thing to describe a love story like, "Two families don't get along, but their teenage kids meet, fall in love, but get confused about some facts and kill themselves" is not nearly as interesting as watching "Romeo and Juliet". (Yes she's quoting Shakespeare!:rolleye0014: :haha:) But I hope you get my point.

Okay, off to read some more impressions, and revel in the *whew* of the Morning After. :happy15:

[everythingapedia]

Right on Cathy, you brought up alot of stuff that held alot of gravity for me, not the least of which was the moment between Jones and Walter, Jones believes a war is coming, and he looked and spoke to Walter like "oh, our champion!"or maybe "ooo sensei!":cool0044:. And Walters tone was very cool as well, there were a couple moments where Walter really came through as a capable, strong-minded genius, and less of the doddering hit-or-miss variety. To see Walter clear away the fog and truly go Yoda on us all would be awesome in the true sense. :ninja: And the same is true about Peter, yeah ever since the Old-man-baby episode I've been sure that Peters origins are somehow special beyond just having Walter as a father, and now with the Cortexifam we have another possible explanation.

[jedipencil]

This was by far my most favorite episode..... :elmo: One thing I'm curious about are the tests. Olivia has supposedly passed the first one and there are ten in all. I think those tests are coming back and that Peter will have to pass one or two himself, I'm positive he has abilities as well. Walter has already hinted at that. What does everyone else think?

[Cathy904]

This was by far my most favorite episode..... :elmo: One thing I'm curious about are the tests. Olivia has supposedly passed the first one and there are ten in all. I think those tests are coming back and that Peter will have to pass one or two himself, I'm positive he has abilities as well. Walter has already hinted at that. What does everyone else think?

Yep. There's a theory running around that Peter Helped Olivia turn off those lights but didn't know it.

I definitely think Peter 'living up to his potential' will include tests He has to pass, also. And I like 'combined abilities, it appeals to the Benchwarmer in me. :ashamed0001:

[redcottage33]

D Roc
I learned a quick trick from Sherlock Holmes (of all people) that if you want to identify someone in disguise, then compare their ears. I don't think the man giving the $2 bill at the news stand is Jones.

[dach]

Did anyone else know this? I feel bad for the actor who played the FBI agent that died because thats the second character that he did that die badly. You know that was Ellen's fiance on Damages (FX). He died on the show. I saw him and was like omg thats him from Damages which comes on tonight and i will be watching it.

[Cathy904]

My vote for the grossest death so far, most frightening, suffocation. Oh, and no, I don't think Jones is at the newsstand, that's someone else.

[pk198105]

i would like to propose something if i may. we all have been trying to figure out the different pieces of the puzzle that JJ is willingly showing us, the dollar bill , the blue lights, the Observer,etc. What if we looked completely the other way from the obvious huge revelations to the small stuff the seemingly unimportant subjects like for example the mutating virus the computer program that fires your brain. They seem unrelated to the MD/ZFT plot. But what if these will help us understand or even unlock some of JJ secrets. Just throwing this out there.

[Daisy]

I'm still reeling from this episode -best ever!! I had to watch it last night because we had sever weather on Tuesday night -so I'm now catching up!

[Fionabeam]

Firstly this episode was AMAZING!!! :D I was on such a high afterwards I swear. Lol.

Anyway I know alot of people think that Olivia AND Peter turned the lights off, but does anyone else think it was just Olivia? (Please don't hurt me!) It's just that I watched the episode again and like Peter said, Olivia was really staring down the lights. (or some line similar) She looked really into it. Then again it would be savage if it was Olivia and Peter because as everyone has been pointing out he does have potential and what with his mysterious medical history.......who knows!

Ga, this show is so complex! I don't know what to think half the time!
Must say I really like Mr Jones, there something about his character, I don't know what, but it's savage. ^_^
I love when Walter is getting the air out of the dead guy into an empty iv bag and is like, "Oh that is putrid" and Astrid looks like she is about to get sick and he says " On a seperate topic, do you like coffee cake?" LOL ^_^
Anyway I think that is all that's on my mind on this episode, but there is so much, it's crazy!

[Cleopatra2727]

Absolutely loved the show! :D Can't get enough, will be watching it all over again this weekend ;)

I'm just curious about one thing...the scene with Astrid and Walter. When she tells him she finds it incredible that be built a time machine, exept from the people that die after using it...And then Walter's weird answer; "It does Something unthinkable, but it doesn't kill you" :confused0066: What the ****??? Because he made some references at the beginning of the episode that implied (or I understood it wrongly) that people would die after using it. So what does it mean? What u guys think? Or am I overthinking every scene now? :icon_rolleyes:

:a110103_confused_pr

[D-Roc]

D Roc
I learned a quick trick from Sherlock Holmes (of all people) that if you want to identify someone in disguise, then compare their ears. I don't think the man giving the $2 bill at the news stand is Jones.
Interesting - thanks for the heads-up.:tiphat:

I hear what you're saying, but I still have a sneaking suspicion that it was Jones (I don't see the discrepancy with the ears, although I'll have another look in real time video).

Great reviews/thoughts everyone - I'm looking forward to digging back through this thread.

[musicislove]

I think the uniqueness is important. A $2 bill would be harder for the perpetrators to accidentally mix in with their own untainted money. It's easy to locate in a wallet when riffling through various bills - easily identifiable in other words. They know they have 'spiked' the $2 bills, so they are less likely to accidentally touch it barehanded. Wasn't the girl at the newstand wearing gloves? But the newstand guy himself wasn't. (Or my memory is bad, if so I apologize)

You know, now that Ive watched again, I saw that the man has just one rubber globe on the Gand that he was holding the 2$ bill with. Just letting you know :happy15:

[vesh1717]

Ok I just watched it again, and honestly, it is my favourite hour of TV that I can remember. Possibly my favourite of all time.

couple of thoughts that probably mean nothing...

the wheel around olivia's head def looks like a halo as others have said

when Olivia pushed the elevator button when she lied about going for a massage, the camera zoomed in on her pushing the light on to go down

Walter looked mostly scared when he realized that his typewriter made the book

What exactly happened to Jones?? I really want to know. Personally I am going with he was ripped into another dimension, as someone suggested

When Olivia was turning the lights off on the bomb that was the most intense minute of TV EVER! and the blue lights were very very obvious there, although I'm still unsure what exactly they mean

That's all I can recall...

7 weeks is way too long... the last episode of the year is going to be ridiculous.. I hope it is a 2 hour Finale.

[Matthew]

Whats this about the halo?

[itsalldark]

I apologize in advance. I have not read the other responses. If I have duplicated anyone else’s work, I’m sorry.

Here are the things that stood out in this episode:

There must be a reason the movie Charade is given such a prominent place in this episode. So, nothing is what it seems to be? (One of the names of the Cary Grant character in this movie is hilariously ironic.)

Cortexifam (sp) reduces the amount of limitation the brain suffers as people age. So in other words it keeps the children’s minds as open as a baby’s mind.

First recorded trials of William Bell for the Cortexifam were from 1981 to 1983. Olivia got hers in Jacksonville when she was three.

I’ll give you five guesses as to which child received the first ever experimental dose of Cortexifam and the first four guesses don’t count. Hint: his initials are P.B. He might have received his first dose intrauterine or immediately after leaving the birth canal. In any case, I would think he was younger than Olivia when they started experimenting on him.

Nina’s arm acts up and gets better after Olivia seems to complete the test. Is this a possible example of some sort of cross-dimensional interference?

Walter seems extremely lucid, a bit formal, unusually reserved and secretive, as well as extremely tight lipped, when dealing with Jones and the ZFT bible.

Peter Bishop: “Just use all your magic,” “good performance.” Peter’s use of that language seems to point to him thinking that special ability and magic are similar things. Peter’s idea of magic and what we know as magic might be two different things. A child watching a magic show does not realize it is a trick. A child who has his mind opened by Cortexifam might believe that the tricks can actually be performed (no slight of hand necessary) and is eventually able to do them.

The possibilities for the lights going out:

1. Olivia did it on her own.

2. Olivia was set up to succeed because the bomb was programmed to have the lights go out.

3. Peter helped Olivia do it. Having Peter nearby allows Olivia to access some ability of which she is not aware.

4. Peter did it.

Walter realizes he has the typewriter that made the manuscript. I wonder if Walter remembers writing the ZFT manuscript or perhaps Bellie just used that typewriter to do
it.

There is very little Peter and Walter interaction in this episode. I miss it.

They are obviously experimenting to get the right mix of characters and a formula they want to use. I like Broyles better but using Harris makes Broyles unnecessary. Olivia’s sister was not in this episode. I don’t know how she would fit in the stand alone episode formula. I was very glad to see them bring Nina in with some intrigue tying into the big story.

Last but not least, as I was shopping the other day, I overheard a woman talking to her husband. It seems she saw Ability. She told her husband that Fringe was on last night and had some “weird thing happen.” Then she lamented that it wouldn’t come on again until April. I’ll join her in that lament. I’m sure Fringe will be able to keep more viewers when they keep the episodes coming. Also, after seeing Ability, even my skeptical son thought it was the best Fringe episode yet.

[muhrich]

When Olivia was talking to Nina it occurred to me that MD might be representatives of the alternate universe. Nina's attire looks vaguely futuristic and MD has technology well beyond the rest of us. And then I saw the slogan below the MD logo... "Your world is our world."

[everythingapedia]

When Olivia was talking to Nina it occurred to me that MD might be representatives of the alternate universe. Nina's attire looks vaguely futuristic and MD has technology well beyond the rest of us. And then I saw the slogan below the MD logo... "Your world is our world."



I LOVE that theory, opens some cool ideas. Its possible MD and their reps are that of the other dimension. Or maybe they are turncoats! :confused0066: Like they struck a deal with the "others" :shhh: to be their inside man, in exchange for passage into the other dimension when ours is obliterated. It would add depth to Ninas "job offers" to Olivia, trying to eliminate an adversary by making them into an ally! And it would add some clarity to the "two sides" Mitchell mentioned, those being himself, ZFT, and our dimension VS. MD and the Other dimension.:confused0006: You've given me alot to ponder. ooo. Now i need to go back to the little speech Charlie gave Olivia near the end of the pilot, the one that ends with "the truth is we're obsolete" that may also have more levels to it!

[itsalldark]

When Olivia was talking to Nina it occurred to me that MD might be representatives of the alternate universe. Nina's attire looks vaguely futuristic and MD has technology well beyond the rest of us. And then I saw the slogan below the MD logo... "Your world is our world."

I LOVE that theory, opens some cool ideas. Its possible MD and their reps are that of the other dimension. Or maybe they are turncoats! :confused0066: Like they struck a deal with the "others" :shhh: to be their inside man, in exchange for passage into the other dimension when ours is obliterated. It would add depth to Ninas "job offers" to Olivia, trying to eliminate an adversary by making them into an ally! And it would add some clarity to the "two sides" Mitchell mentioned, those being himself, ZFT, and our dimension VS. MD and the Other dimension.:confused0006: You've given me alot to ponder. ooo. Now i need to go back to the little speech Charlie gave Olivia near the end of the pilot, the one that ends with "the truth is we're obsolete" that may also have more levels to it!

I totally agree with that theory muhrich but I have always believed there would be three groups that are working here. Those who want the dimensions to work together and those on either side who want their dimension to dominate. Although Massive D may have been started by someone from the other dimension (Dr. Bell?), perhaps they really want coexistence but zft, knowing the other dimension is behind MD, as well as believing that coexistence is not possible, will do anything to stop what is happening.

There will probably be heroes and traitors for each side and it may never really be clear who is doing what for whom.

And welcome muhrich that was a wonderful first post.

[Cathy904]

Firstly this episode was AMAZING!!! :D I was on such a high afterwards I swear. Lol.

Anyway I know alot of people think that Olivia AND Peter turned the lights off, but does anyone else think it was just Olivia? (Please don't hurt me!) It's just that I watched the episode again and like Peter said, Olivia was really staring down the lights. (or some line similar) She looked really into it. Then again it would be savage if it was Olivia and Peter because as everyone has been pointing out he does have potential and what with his mysterious medical history.......who knows!

Ga, this show is so complex! I don't know what to think half the time!
Must say I really like Mr Jones, there something about his character, I don't know what, but it's savage. ^_^
I love when Walter is getting the air out of the dead guy into an empty iv bag and is like, "Oh that is putrid" and Astrid looks like she is about to get sick and he says " On a seperate topic, do you like coffee cake?" LOL ^_^
Anyway I think that is all that's on my mind on this episode, but there is so much, it's crazy!

No foolin' about the high after the show, I'm really tickled with what the science fiction proposed. Oh yeah, Mr. Jones is very charismatic, all his scenes in "The Arrival" are on-the-edge-of my seat dramatic. Olivia probably DID turn off the lights off by herself, I believe that. But wouldn't it be cool if Peter could augment Olivia's Ability?

Happy Friday! The old Moonlight tv show person in me has made me hardier to yet another hiatus. I don't have to like it, though. ;) They're shooting today, Mucca heard from Rick Orci Monday that they're on the 16th episode. It's exciting!

[hotshot7796]

hello all my first post, this episode was great, as far as the scene goes when Olivia supposedly shuts off the lights on the bomb. Every theory posted could be true, we just don't know, however, I think Peter was the one who shut off the lights, and I actually believe that he in fact knew he did it.

[Flashwriter]

Hi Vesh1717,

Could you tell us (well, me) what scene you're referring to vis-a-vis the halo?

Thanks....

[Cathy904]

I'm looking around on the threads, a couple of posters asked about the 'halo'. Specifically, it's when she goes to the midway to pick up the 'evaluation system' that looks like a box of games. Walter is narrating about the transdimensional travel, Olivia is looking at the box, and a ferris wheel is behind her. The effect is a 'halo' around her head.

Totally unrelated, the 'cage-like' device they put on Roy McCombs' head in the 3rd episode, "The Ghost Network" is called a halo. It can be used on people who have neck fractures or breaks. Walter, of course, has found different uses for it. ;)

[Flashwriter]

Hi Cathy,
Funny, I've watched this three times now and I never saw it. I guess I'm always listening to Walter reading from ZFT and not really looking at the picture at this instant. The sheer class of the way John Noble reads that passage just hypnotizes me. I sure don't need any green and red lights here. I think he could read the Los Angeles white pages and make it sound great.

But yes, it does look like a halo--very much like one, and since it does, and since JJ wastes nothing, I just wonder what it means. There is just so much in this episode!

Thanks again.:sofa:

[Arctic Fox]

I have only just finished watching this episode- after two failed attempts because of being interrupted half way through, and then being away for a few days- but I have to say, it was worth the wait! Seriously, they are just continuing to reel off fantastic episodes, none of which are dissapointing me.

Can I start off by saying that I think Jared Harris (Jones) is an incredible actor? Watching during the scene when he was talking to Olivia in the interrogation room, I was taken aback by his acting, and the fact that I had never especially noticed it before. Don't get me wrong; they're all great actors. But in that scene- "it's you who needs to cooperate!"- (I'm not sure if that's correct, word for word) the whole scene had me captivated, largely, I think, due to Jones.

The bomb "defusing"- or whatever it was she did- scene was great. Tense- you were constantly wondering if it was going to work or not! I also thought it was quite meaningful that Peter went back to her. He obviously cares about her- and though we don't know presicely how that will play out yet- it was a very big thing for him to do.

Quote of the episode for me:

Markam: Was that really necessary?
Peter: Well, you know me, Markam. Man of the people.
Markam: What about me? Aren't I people?
Peter: People who shower.

The phone call to Nina Sharp at the end was cool, but you were immediately shouting "Jacksonville!" at the screen :P

Can't wait for the next episode, but unfortunately, I'll have to- and it'll be a long wait at that!

[Fionabeam]

I have only just finished watching this episode- after two failed attempts because of being interrupted half way through, and then being away for a few days- but I have to say, it was worth the wait! Seriously, they are just continuing to reel off fantastic episodes, none of which are dissapointing me.

Can I start off by saying that I think Jared Harris (Jones) is an incredible actor? Watching during the scene when he was talking to Olivia in the interrogation room, I was taken aback by his acting, and the fact that I had never especially noticed it before. Don't get me wrong; they're all great actors. But in that scene- "it's you who needs to cooperate!"- (I'm not sure if that's correct, word for word) the whole scene had me captivated, largely, I think, due to Jones.

The bomb "defusing"- or whatever it was she did- scene was great. Tense- you were constantly wondering if it was going to work or not! I also thought it was quite meaningful that Peter went back to her. He obviously cares about her- and though we don't know presicely how that will play out yet- it was a very big thing for him to do.

Quote of the episode for me:

Markam: Was that really necessary?
Peter: Well, you know me, Markam. Man of the people.
Markam: What about me? Aren't I people?
Peter: People who shower.

The phone call to Nina Sharp at the end was cool, but you were immediately shouting "Jacksonville!" at the screen :P

Can't wait for the next episode, but unfortunately, I'll have to- and it'll be a long wait at that!
I can't believe you only saw it now! I don't know how you waited this long. I would have bitten off anyones head if they tried to interrupt me during my fringe time. :P Glad you also thought it was awesome! ^_^ I don't know how they are giving us a savage episode every week, it's amasing!

I also think Jared Harris does Mr jones brilliantly. Once he is in a scene, you just can't look away from the tv! Or maybe that's just me. :)

When I was watching the bomb scene I was thinking she couldn't die she's the lead, but then I was like, oh she's going to die! LOL great scene, and it was great to see Peter come back. ^_^

I didn't shout Jacksonville at the end, but my mouth was hanging open in shock. LOL :D

[kanitab]

it's possible that there is some other significance to it being a 2 dollar bill...but I think if anything, it was important for it to be a 2 dollar bill so that WE could identify it as the toxic one. They are rare to come by, just like the newspaper stand guy said, so when we saw the 2 dollar bill in the drawer we immediately knew what it was...if it was 5 or a single, not only would it not have been as obvious in the drawer, but from now on whenever we see a 2 dollar bill it's likely going to be connected. That way they can show money from now on without us suspecting that the bills are toxic, but if they specifically ever show a 2 dollar bill we'll be thinking it's connected to this episode...just a thought

[yvaine]

This isn't really anything important. I was just wondering who checked up on ZFT for Olivia back in Germany? Was it Lucas?

[Fringified]

This isn't really anything important. I was just wondering who checked up on ZFT for Olivia back in Germany? Was it Lucas?

Hm, it might have been Broyles, when he gave her information on ZFT.

[yvaine]

Hm, it might have been Broyles, when he gave her information on ZFT.

Olivia said that she asked someone connected with the German authorities to check on it, though, and that's who sent her the text. :confused0006:

[Fringified]

Olivia said that she asked someone connected with the German authorities to check on it, though, and that's who sent her the text. :confused0006:

Ah, if that's the case, then I can't think of anyone better than Vogel for the job. After all, he did know she was coming to Germany.