What is the direction of this show?

[abnospam]

I have to say the recent string of stand alone episodes is putting me off. I am not sure if this a change in strategy, but without the complex mythology, this show barely interests me. What gives?

[nomadtw]

i agree

someone used the term monster of the week... which recently describes fringe to a T these days... the stand alone-ness of these episodes is making me lose interest.... if they're just trying to stretch the show out so the main story line doesn't progress so fast then they should just accept that the show should only run for 3 or 4 years... it's been said that the expected run of the show is 5... but at this rate it seems like 5 is a stretch with this kind of episode

[bookworm2342]

Fringe seems like it's an experiment, having stand-alone episodes along with serialized episodes. There were a lot of stand-alones in season 1 as well, but I think the stand alones are more disappointing in this season because of how much was revealed in the season 1 finale.

[Omniscient_Jay]

Fringe seems like it's an experiment, having stand-alone episodes along with serialized episodes. There were a lot of stand-alones in season 1 as well, but I think the stand alones are more disappointing in this season because of how much was revealed in the season 1 finale.

I wouldn't say that the stand alones this are more disappointing
(As I have frankly found a lot of them to be quite enjoyable), but it's more like most aren't living up to their full potential.

I think that more connection to previous episodes and connections to the overall storyline (doesn't have to be much, mind you) would do wonders for these kind of episodes.

[LovinSha]

Theyve gone off course, IMO. The episodes are well written but the majority we have gotten have gotten away with making the character development and mytharc stuff completely secondary to standalone cases that have virtually ZERO involvment with the Pattern (like tonight's eppy). They really need to get back on track and bring back MD and ZFT. If this is a matter of not having enough episode ideas then I think Fringe should consider cutting down the number of planned seasons. I'll take quality over quantity any day.

The purpose of the Fringe division is kinda deluded when you have cases like this...I mean, if it's not a Pattern related case what's the point in investigating it? You might as well call in Mulder and Scully

[Ockham]

I personally think the quality of the standalone episodes in season 1 were much better. "Inner Child" could be termed a standalone episode, but IMO it's one of the best of the entire series. "Snakehead" or "Earthling", not so much.

However, on a positive note, this episode tonight was a good standalone episode, and we all got some good moments from our favorite characters. But I'm still looking forward to a return to the mythology and I hope we'll see that in the last half of the season.

I really miss Massive Dynamic and Nina Sharp! Some of my favorite moments have come with Olivia and Nina matching wits across Nina's big white desk.

[stupidream]

However, on a positive note, this episode tonight was a good standalone episode, and we all got some good moments from our favorite characters. But I'm still looking forward to a return to the mythology and I hope we'll see that in the last half of the season.

I really miss Massive Dynamic and Nina Sharp! Some of my favorite moments have come with Olivia and Nina matching wits across Nina's big white desk.

I agree with the bolded parts. I hope Nina comes back soon.

[bookworm2342]

I'm not saying that I find the stand alones disappointing as episodes themselves, I'm just disappointed that there aren't more mythology based episodes, because those are my favorite kind. I do enjoy the stand alones, as long as they're done well.

[Omniscient_Jay]

I'm not saying that I find the stand alones disappointing as episodes themselves, I'm just disappointed that there aren't more mythology based episodes, because those are my favorite kind. I do enjoy the stand alones, as long as they're done well.

Like tonight's installment, for instance.

I agree that the mythology is truly the heart of the show. The next episodes seem chock full of this, so once they air, I think we'll have a better idea of where they're going with this.

I think the main thing that this season is missing is continuity with season 1.
They're only now starting to tie in certain elements (Of Human Action's ending comes to mind), and as time goes on, I am certain that others will begin to be resolved or explored further.

Let us hope that for the sake of the show, it shows sooner than later.

[justkickit]

I think by revealing what they did at the end of season 1, was in some ways too early for the series. I think I read somewhere that that reveal wasn't going to come until the end of series three originally. However, they did it because they felt the fans would be ready for it. I think that is the cause of some of the problems for this season.

In alot of ways they should have still dealt with things from season 1 in season 2 and not even gone to the alternate part. Just keep on building up to it with the much needed character development.

However, in alot of ways having the audience know what Peter doesn't know has become extremely anticlimatic. Since they keep on alluding to it, but it doesn't get solved. Viewers have got sick of the continuing reference all the time, because nothing comes of it.

Honestly, the premise and direction could have been better from the beginning of season 1. The thing that urks me the most is the complete change of creativity this season , due to the creators wanting to do all their other projects. If you do a TV series, then to me you are in it for the long haul. You just don't bail and become consultants. That goes for changing most of your writers too. Good tv shows are good because they have a consistant creativity pool.