Fringe is an American science fiction television series created by J J Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. The series follows a Federal Bureau of Investigation “Fringe Division” team who encounter weird and wonderful scientific phenomena. It has a very X-Files vibe to it at first, but its take on strange phenomena is refreshing.
The stars of Fringe are Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, and John Noble. Torv plays Olivia Dunham, an FBI agent who teams up with a scientist and his son to investigate strange cases that involve paranormal phenomena. Jackson plays Peter Bishop, the scientist’s son, who is often reluctantly drawn into the investigations. Noble plays Walter Bishop, the fringe scientist, who is often at the centre of the investigations.
The Fringe Division
The Fringe Division is based in Boston. Special Agent Olivia Dunham is drawn into the division in the pilot episode when she investigates the strange case of an empty plane returning from Hamburg.
Olivia believes that Walter Bishop can help her with the case but has been institutionalised for 17 years. To get him released, she needs the help of Walter’s globe-trotting son, Peter Bishop. Father and son have a strange relationship, and Peter is reluctant to get involved, so Olivia blackmails him.
The Fringe Division is headed up by Special Agent Philip Broyles, played by Lance Reddick. He and Olivia get off to a bad start as she reported a friend of Broyles for sexual misconduct. Olivia doesn’t let that slow her down. When Walter demands that his old lab in Boston be reopened, Olivia pressures Broyles to get it done.
FBI Junior Agent Astrid Farnsworth (Jasika Nicole) is assigned to support the newly formed Science Team of Astrid, Walter, Peter and Jean the cow. With the team’s help, Olivia solves the case, and Broyles is so impressed that he lets her into a secret about the fringe events.
The division is based on the real-life Fringe Science Division of the FBI, which investigates cases that are considered outside the realm of normal science.
Fringe is well worth watching if you like sci-fi because it is a well-written and entertaining show.
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