4.13 "A Better Human Being" - Loved it!

[fragaria x phile]

One thing that really stood out for me was Astrid's role in this episode. I promise I watch this show for other reasons than her, and I can even understand why some people don't like her character at all and think it's expendable (because of the way it's written, and not acted). But ever since the reboot I've been a little annoyed that they had an opportunity to reinvent her, but they didn't go far with it. It was especially grating after Walter commented on her spreading her wings in the S3 finale. Anyway, I got really caught up in her character during Making Angels.

But I was a little let down. I mean, the episode rocked and Jasika Nicole was spot on, but I felt like if that were to be the peak of Astrid's role, there could have been more BACKstory. I mean it's Fringe....Backstory is key! I did like that they gave her something aside from just helping out on a case, but it felt a bit too intentional to be truly satisfying.

But in this episode, Astrid got to subtly shine. She wasn't setting Walter up for a Walterism. She wasn't trying to help Olivia while Olivia overlooks her company. She wasn't baking, she wasn't cleaning, and she wasn't babysitting. She wasn't saving the day, either. Instead, she did important work outside of the lab that didn't soley depend on her technical skills (as she has been doing throughout S4), but by drawing upon her personality, too, in a way that was very similar to Olivia. That cafeteria scene was just perfect. There was no build up to be disappointed by, and yet it was a whole new dimension for Astrid. I loved it.

[B2W]

One thing that really stood out for me was Astrid's role in this episode. I promise I watch this show for other reasons than her, and I can even understand why some people don't like her character at all and think it's expendable (because of the way it's written, and not acted). But ever since the reboot I've been a little annoyed that they had an opportunity to reinvent her, but they didn't go far with it. It was especially grating after Walter commented on her spreading her wings in the S3 finale. Anyway, I got really caught up in her character during Making Angels.

But I was a little let down. I mean, the episode rocked and Jasika Nicole was spot on, but I felt like if that were to be the peak of Astrid's role, there could have been more BACKstory. I mean it's Fringe....Backstory is key! I did like that they gave her something aside from just helping out on a case, but it felt a bit too intentional to be truly satisfying.

But in this episode, Astrid got to subtly shine. She wasn't setting Walter up for a Walterism. She wasn't trying to help Olivia while Olivia overlooks her company. She wasn't baking, she wasn't cleaning, and she wasn't babysitting. She wasn't saving the day, either. Instead, she did important work outside of the lab that didn't soley depend on her technical skills (as she has been doing throughout S4), but by drawing upon her personality, too, in a way that was very similar to Olivia. That cafeteria scene was just perfect. There was no build up to be disappointed by, and yet it was a whole new dimension for Astrid. I loved it.

I love Astrid and I think Jasika Nicole does a great job and makes a big impression even with little screen time. I read an interview recently(can't remember where it was) with her where she talked about being a little dissapointed sometimes that she doesn't get to really delve into her character, but that she understands the show's not about Astrid, she's just there in support of the 3 main characters.

I think it would have been a mistake though to change Astrid like they changed the other characters for this new timeline, the other characters were changed because of the absence of Peter, Peter didn't have much of an impact on Astrid so she shouldn't be changed by his not existing.

[fragaria x phile]

I love Astrid and I think Jasika Nicole does a great job and makes a big impression even with little screen time. I read an interview recently(can't remember where it was) with her where she talked about being a little dissapointed sometimes that she doesn't get to really delve into her character, but that she understands the show's not about Astrid, she's just there in support of the 3 main characters.

I think it would have been a mistake though to change Astrid like they changed the other characters for this new timeline, the other characters were changed because of the absence of Peter, Peter didn't have much of an impact on Astrid so she shouldn't be changed by his not existing.

I saw that clip you're referring to. It was disheartening to hear about her disappointment with having little to delve into, but uplifting to see how self-assured she is in the supporting role. I avoid a lot of the spoilery/teasing ones, but I really love the cast interviews.

I agree that it would have been a mistake to change her character just because. I do think that Peter did have an impact on Walter, because of the dynamics of the lab. Now that Olivia calms Peter down sometimes, there's less for Astrid to do in that department. I just wish when we DID see her out in the field...it was more like it was in this week's episode. Understated and brief, but deliberate and significant.

[alysonshaw]

I am quite amazed why there is a thread for those who are disappointed on this episode cause I actually love it.