The Man from the Other Side

Last updated

"The Man from the Other Side"
Fringe episode
Episode no.Season 2
Episode 19
Directed by Jeffrey Hunt
Written by Josh Singer
Ethan Gross
Production code3X5118
Original air dateApril 22, 2010 (2010-04-22)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
 Previous
"White Tulip"
Next 
"Brown Betty"
Fringe season 2
List of episodes

"The Man from the Other Side" is the 18th episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe . The episode follows the attempts of Thomas Jerome Newton, with the help of shapeshifters, to create a pathway between the two parallel universes, while the Fringe team's Olivia Dunham, Peter Bishop, and Walter Bishop try to stop him.

Contents

The episode was written by co-executive producer Josh Singer and series story editor Ethan Gross, and directed by Jeffrey Hunt. It first aired on April 22, 2010 in the United States to an estimated 5.84 million viewers, helping Fox place second for the night. Television critics praised the episode for good pacing and a "heartbreaking" conclusion; one writer noted it was "full of just about everything I look for from the show". [1]

Plot

Walter (John Noble) has prepared himself to reveal to Peter (Joshua Jackson) the truththat he is from the parallel universe when they are called to a case. Two teenagers were found dead, evidently killed by shapeshifter agents from the parallel universe. Exploring the nearby area, they find a third unformed shapeshifter which Walter takes to the lab to study. At the same time of the teenagers' death, they find a carrier signal in the local television. With biotechnology corporation Massive Dynamic's help, they determine that the signal emanated from the parallel universe during a brief moment that the two universes were in sync, and that the next point of synchronization would occur the next afternoon. Recalling Thomas Jerome Newton's (Sebastian Roché) previous attempt to bring a building from the parallel universe into the prime, the Fringe team believes they must stop this next attempt.

From the unformed shapeshifter, they learn of a name of its potential target, a doctor at a local hospital. They take the man into custody but find that he has yet to be harmed. Based on the need for three shapeshifters, Walter surmises that Newton is trying to use the same technology that he and William Bell had pioneered for crossing the universes, by placing three vibrational sources triangulated around the target. Walter begins to collect equipment to create interference with the vibrations to prevent the crossing. Another corpse is found, that of a bank manager that appears to have been killed by a shapeshifter. Realizing both men would have access to secured areas in their workplaces, they use these locations as two points on Netwon's triangle. From this, they are able to identify two locations where the transfer will occur. Olivia (Anna Torv), using the information Walter has told her in private about his own crossing, identifies a collapsed derelict bridge over the Charles River, where the water would absorb the energy of crossing over.

The Fringe team converges on the bridge, where Newton has already started the process as the time of synchronization nears. As Olivia and the other FBI agent engage the two other shapeshifters in combat, Walter and Peter set up the interference device. Peter warns everyone, including Walter, back as he completes the interference device and the bridge, which still exists in the parallel universe, starts to appear with a man crossing it. The shockwave of its appearance disintegrates an FBI agent on the bridge with Peter but sends Peter flying back and knocks him out.

Peter wakes in the hospital, learning from Olivia that they saw a man safely cross the bridge and taken by Newton. When Walter arrives to see Peter, Peter tells him he has realized the truth: because he, like the man on the bridge, was not affected by the same shockwave that killed the FBI agent, he must be from the parallel universe. Walter is unable to deny Peter's accusations. The next day, Walter is devastated to learn that Peter has discharged himself and has disappeared.

Production

The episode was written by story editor Ethan Gross and co-executive producer Josh Singer. [2] It was Gross' first full episode writing credit for the series. [3] Singer had last co-written the season's sixteenth episode, "Peter". [4] [5] Jeffrey Hunt served as the episode director, his first such credit for the series. [6] Actors Ryan McDonald, Peter Bryant, Shawn MacDonald, and James Pizzinato guest starred in the episode. [7]

The episode's opening scene featured the song "Tom Sawyer" by the Canadian rock band Rush. [8] [9] As with other Fringe episodes, [10] [11] Fox released a science lesson plan for grade school children focusing on the science seen in "The Man from the Other Side", with the intention of having "students learn about bioelectricity, the study of how electromagnetic fields interact with tissues, with a focus on how the muscular system requires the use of electric potentials." [12]

Reception

Ratings

On its initial American broadcast on April 22, 2010, the episode was watched by an estimated 5.84 million viewers. It earned a 3.6/6 ratings share among all households and a 2.1/6 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. [13] While "The Man from the Other Side" had a 15 percent decrease from the previous week's episode, Fringe and its lead-in, Bones , helped Fox place second for the night despite competition from the other networks' original programming. [14]

Reviews

MTV's Josh Wigler praised Jackson's and Noble's performances, and appreciated the show's ability to "gross you out in progressively unique ways". [2] Noel Murray from The A.V. Club graded the episode with an A−, explaining it was "full of just about everything I look for from the show," as it had a sequence focused on weird science, a great performance by Noble, and a "heartbreaking" ending. [1] Ramsey Isler from IGN rated the episode 8.6/10, as he thought it "delivered action, suspense, mystery, and the final climax" to Peter discovering his origins, and it was "a great achievement that marks a big turning point for the series". [15] Like other critics, Isler also praised Jackson and Noble's acting. [15] Ken Tucker from Entertainment Weekly lauded Noble and Jackson's performances, calling Peter's change back to "the secretive, bitter, scurrilous character he was before the series started" a "wrenching daring move on the part of the show". [16] Tim Grierson of the magazine New York was worried that the hype surrounding Peter's secret would not pay off, but believed "Happily, last night's episode perfectly handled that anticipated plot point... [it] turned out to be much better than could have been hoped". [17]

Hitfix's Ryan McGee found the possibility of Walternate being the aforementioned Secretary a "compelling idea," and loved the shapeshifting embryos. [8] McGee concluded his review with a focus on the main cast's performances, "Joshua Jackson's understated nature during his final scene with John Noble really paid off. Had he blown into straight histrionics, the scene wouldn't have worked nearly as well. But playing it with controlled, eloquent, understated fury, he conveyed betrayal more than anger, which cut Walter even deeper than rage ever could." [8] UGO Networks critic Alex Zalben was unhappy the promotions for the episode revealed Peter discovering his secret, "By showing Peter's revelation in the 'Next Week on Fringe' and subsequent commercials advertising this week's episode, [the network] totally, one hundred percent blew it." [18] Otherwise, Zalben believed it to be an "awesome episode", and praised the shapeshifter visual effects. [18] Jane Boursaw of AOL TV wrote, "This episode of Fringe had everything - a slimy embryo, a thrilling gunfight, nefarious shapeshifters, some alternate universe action, and yes, that heartbreaking drama we've been waiting for all season." [19] Boursaw was slightly critical of Peter's discovery, explaining the relationship was built up so much that she wished Peter's subsequent estrangement had "turned[ed] out better" and had him stay with Walter. [19]

Related Research Articles

Walter Bishop (<i>Fringe</i>) Fictional character

Walter Harold Bishop, Ph.D. is a fictional character on the Fox television series Fringe. He is portrayed by John Noble. Noble also plays Walter's counterpart in the show's parallel universe, who is referred to in the show as Walternate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peter Bishop</span> Fictional character

Peter Bishop is a fictional character of the Fox television series Fringe. He is portrayed by Joshua Jackson.

<i>Fringe</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of the American science fiction television series Fringe commenced airing on the Fox network on September 17, 2009, and concluded on May 20, 2010. The season was produced by Bad Robot in association with Warner Bros. Television, and its showrunners were Jeff Pinkner and J. H. Wyman. Actors Anna Torv, John Noble, and Joshua Jackson reprised their roles as FBI agent Olivia Dunham and father-son duo Walter and Peter Bishop, respectively. Previous series regulars Lance Reddick, Jasika Nicole, Blair Brown, and Kirk Acevedo also returned, though with Acevedo in a limited capacity.

Peter (<i>Fringe</i> episode) 16th episode of the 2nd season of Fringe

"Peter" is the 15th episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe, and the 36th episode overall.

Jacksonville (<i>Fringe</i>) 15th episode of the 2nd season of Fringe

"Jacksonville" is the 14th episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe, and the 35th episode overall. In the episode, Olivia is forced to recount her time spent as a child in tests conducted by Walter to regain the ability to see objects that have been influenced by the parallel universe and prevent the deaths of innocents. Though successful, Olivia comes to learn the truth about Peter, that he is from the parallel universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Tulip</span> 18th episode of the 2nd season of Fringe

"White Tulip" is the 18th episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe. It follows a scientist in his quest to time travel back and save his fiancée, while the Fringe team investigates the consequences of his actions, and Walter struggles to tell his son Peter he was stolen from the parallel universe as a boy.

"Entrada" is the eighth episode of the third season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe, and the 51st episode overall. The first part of the third season spent much of its time alternating between the prime and parallel universes, and "Entrada" was the first episode of the season to have time evenly divided between both. In the episode, both Olivia and her doppelganger "Fauxlivia" attempt to journey back to their respective universes. John Cassini, Seth Gabel, Ryan McDonald, Stefan Arngrim, and Karen Holness guest starred.

Over There (<i>Fringe</i>) 22nd and 23rd episodes of the 2nd season of Fringe

"Over There" is the two-part second season finale of the Fox science fiction drama series Fringe. They are the 21st and 22nd episodes of the season, and the 42nd and 43rd episodes of the series overall. Both parts were written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, together with showrunners Jeff Pinkner and J. H. Wyman. Goldsman also served as director, his first such credit since the season premiere.

The Box (<i>Fringe</i>) 2nd episode of the 3rd season of Fringe

"The Box" is the second episode of the third season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe. The episode was co-written by Josh Singer and Graham Roland, and directed by Jeffrey Hunt. The third season spent its time alternating between the prime and parallel universes, and "The Box" was set in the former. It followed a mysterious box that when opened, killed whoever heard it. The fringe team of Fauxlivia, Peter, and Walter investigate, with unknown consequences to the creation of a doomsday device.

Grey Matters (<i>Fringe</i>) 10th episode of the 2nd season of Fringe

"Grey Matters" is the 10th episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe. The episode was written by Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz, and directed by Jeannot Szwarc. It centered on three mental patients who mysteriously became sane again after shapeshifters from the parallel universe removed a piece of foreign tissue from each of their brains; this tissue is later revealed to have been taken from the brain of Walter Bishop years before. The fringe team of Olivia Dunham, Peter Bishop, and Walter investigate and face a new enemy, Thomas Jerome Newton, whose purpose is to decipher the missing parts of Walter's brain and find out how to move between universes.

Reciprocity (<i>Fringe</i>) 11th episode of the 3rd season of Fringe

"Reciprocity" is the eleventh episode of the third season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe, and the 54th episode overall. In the episode, the Fringe division follows a chain of shapeshifter murders as the assembly of the doomsday device nears completion. Ryan McDonald and Charles Parnell guest starred.

Olivia (<i>Fringe</i> episode) 1st episode of the 3rd season of Fringe

"Olivia" is the first episode of the third season of the American science fiction television series Fringe. The episode was co-written by J. H. Wyman and Jeff Pinkner, and was directed by Joe Chappelle. The third season spent its time alternating between the prime and parallel universes, and "Olivia" was placed in the latter. This is indicated in the introduction of the episode, with the same red screen used in the last season's finale, "Over There". "Olivia" follows the cliffhanger left by the second season, in which Olivia Dunham is trapped in the parallel universe. The episode explores the consequences of Olivia's abduction by Walternate, and her attempt to go back to the prime universe.

What Lies Below (<i>Fringe</i>) 13th episode of the 2nd season of Fringe

"What Lies Below" is the 12th episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe. Set in a quarantined Boston office building, the episode revolves around a thousands-year-old viral hemorrhagic fever that infects and then influences its victims to attempt to spread the viral particles outside of the building.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?</span> 4th episode of the 3rd season of Fringe

"Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?" is the fourth episode of the third season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe, and the 47th episode overall. The first half of the third season alternated entire episodes between the parallel universe and the prime universe. "Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?" took place in the prime universe, and involved several shapeshifters, including Thomas Jerome Newton, who is eventually captured. Meanwhile, Fauxlivia attempts to maintain her cover and minimize the damage.

Northwest Passage (<i>Fringe</i>) 21st episode of the 2nd season of Fringe

"Northwest Passage" is the 21st episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe, and the 41st episode overall. The episode follows Peter as he continues to stay away from Boston after learning his true parallel universe origins; his travels take him to a small town, where he helps the local police investigate mysterious disappearances.

"A New Day in the Old Town" is the season premiere and first episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe, and the 21st episode overall. It was co-written by J. J. Abrams and Akiva Goldsman, with Goldsman directing. The episode followed the aftermath of Olivia's journey to the parallel universe in the last season's finale, while also introducing the idea of shapeshifters. It guest-starred actors Luke Goss, Ari Graynor, Meghan Markle, and Tegan Moss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Momentum Deferred</span> 4th episode of the 2nd season of Fringe

"Momentum Deferred" is the fourth episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe. Screenwriters Zack Stentz and Ashley Edward Miller wrote the episode, and co-executive producer Joe Chappelle directed it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dream Logic</span> 5th episode of the 2nd season of Fringe

"Dream Logic" is the fifth episode of the second season of the American science fiction drama television series Fringe, and the 25th episode overall. It was written by Josh Singer and directed by Paul A. Edwards. The episode follows several people seemingly dreaming while still awake, leading the Fringe team to investigate the dangerous side effects of a sleep study.

Fringe is an American science fiction drama television series originally broadcast from 2008 to 2013. The show, created by J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci, revolves around the fictional Fringe Division, a congressionally funded federal law enforcement task force, staffed primarily by Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security personnel. The task force is responsible for investigating crimes and phenomena related to fringe science and the individuals and conspiratorial organizations that perpetrate those acts. During the five-season series, the mythology and backstory of the show expanded across a broad spectrum of recurring themes, locations, and characters to serialize story arcs and intricately link early episodes with later ones.

References

  1. 1 2 Murray, Noel (2010-04-22). "The Man From The Other Side". The A.V. Club . Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  2. 1 2 Wigler, Josh (2010-04-23). "Fringe: Episode 2.19, 'The Man From The Other Side'". MTV. Archived from the original on April 26, 2010. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  3. "Ethan Gross Credits". TV.com . Retrieved 2011-07-04.
  4. "Fringe: In The Writer's Room 215 Peter". YouTube . Retrieved 2012-02-19.
  5. David Straiton (director), Akiva Goldsman (story), J. H. Wyman (story and teleplay) Jeff Pinkner (story and teleplay) Josh Singer (story and teleplay) (2010-04-01). "Peter". Fringe. Season 2. Episode 16. Fox.
  6. "Jeffrey Hunt: Credits". TV Guide . Retrieved 2011-07-05.
  7. "Fringe Episode: "The Man From the Other Side"". TV Guide . Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  8. 1 2 3 McGee, Ryan (2010-04-22). "Recap: 'Fringe' - 'The Man From the Other Side'". Hitfix . Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  9. "Music from Fringe - The Man from the Other Side". Heard On TV. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  10. "TV Show "Fringe" on Fox Partners with Science Olympiad". Science Olympiad . Retrieved 2011-07-19.
  11. Holbrook, Damian (2010-11-11). "Fringe Unveils Science Sites". TV Guide . Retrieved 2011-07-07.
  12. "The Science of Fringe: Exploring Bioelectricity" (PDF). Fox Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-10-11. Retrieved 2011-07-07.
  13. Gorman, Bill (2010-04-23). "Thursday Broadcast Finals: Vampire Diaries, Supernatural Adjusted Up; Community, Office Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on 2010-04-28. Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  14. Hibberd, James (2010-04-23). "Thursday ratings: 'Community,' 'Private' decline". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  15. 1 2 Isler, Ramsey (2010-04-23). "Fringe: "The Man from the Other Side" Review". IGN . Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  16. Tucker, Ken (2010-04-23). "'Fringe' recap: 'I'm not from here, am I?'". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 2011-03-01.
  17. Grierson, Tim (2010-04-23). "Fringe Recap: Son Day". New York . Retrieved 2011-06-30.
  18. 1 2 Zalben, Alex (2010-04-23). "Fringe Gets Spoiled... By Fox". UGO Networks. Archived from the original on 2012-09-05. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  19. 1 2 Boursaw, Jane (2010-04-23). "'Fringe' - 'The Man From the Other Side' Recap". AOL TV . Retrieved 2011-07-06.