Once again, Fringe took my expectations and laughed at them.
I should have known better than to even think of making predictions. Every time I do, they’re proven wrong to the point that I was ashamed that I even made them. The writers of Fringe — the best writers on television — can play me as deftly as a concert pianist can tackle “Chopsticks.” They know what I’m thinking, it seems. And, with “The Last Sam Weiss,” they made sure that in the future, I wouldn’t even think about trying to guess their endgame, because I would just fail miserably.
Where to start? I was absolutely certain that Sam Weiss was one of the First People, and thought that the title “The Last Sam Weiss” implied that he was the last of the First People, and even that he would possibly die (making the title a more forlorn statement). Wrong, wrong wrong. As it turns out, Sam Weiss is just carrying on the family business that his forefathers (all named Sam Weiss) shared as well: figuring out who the First People were and what they had to share. Sure, the revelation left me a little disappointed, but then again, when you take away the shroud of mystery from any enigma, there’s always going to be a little disappointment.
Then there was the entire outcome of Peter in the machine. It sent him to the future? What? I don’t even know where to begin there, or where to even think about continuing. If you, like me, thought that the finale would be an emotional affair during which Peter would get in the machine and choose the fate of the two universes while looking into the eyes of his two Olivias, well that just seems a silly notion now, doesn’t it. No, we’re going to be looking ten years into the (possible) future, complete with receding hairlines and civil warfare that seems almost lovingly from dystopian flicks of the ’80s.
The rest of the episode was actually filled with some pretty poignant character moments, as one can come to expect from the calm-before-the-storm penultimate episodes of any season (for another example, look no further than Wednesday’s episode of Justified, “Reckoning,” which was a surprisingly calm affair that leads into the promisingly titled finale “Bloody Harlan”). The dynamic between Walter and Olivia, though previously explored on the show, was fleshed out into such a quietly loving moment that didn’t change their relationship, but merely strengthened it. Even Astrid, criminally underused throughout the series, had a few really good moments with Walter. They need to up her involvement in season four, because I’m starting to get sick of only seeing glimpses of Jasika Nicole’s fine acting.
And there’s one last mystery that the episode set up but sort of quietly pushed to the side (I have no doubts they’ll bring it back later) — who did Peter think he was? Well, that’s a poor way to put the question; it seems apparent that he thought he was the alternate version of himself, but apparently one that didn’t die in 1985. Was this just Peter’s traumatic experience with the machine, or did he just open up an alternate consciousness of his past self (am I the only one thinking of soul magnets?). Whatever the case, I hope — and am fairly positive — that story will come back again.
All in all, the episode was a killer lead-in to a left-field finale that will probably leave us all in deep thought until September — especially now that we can watch with confidence in knowing this show has a future. And, from looking at this episode, it has a great future. A
Follow Us
Watch the last episode of Sarah Conner Chronicles because it was very similar. At the end of that episode Jon Connor is sent to the future by a machine. To me it looked like the writers just recycled that story.
hahaha… What makes you think it's the future? I believe it's a third alternate universe where September 11 occured (unlike in walternate's one), where Fringe division is prominent (like in walternate's one) and where they managed to build the twin towers memorial (unlike in our universe).
you should watch that ending again, it's the future.
Well FromSenegal might be right, because the Army guy addressed peter as Sir, implying that Peter was either his Commanding Officer, or someone important for that Officer to call him Sir. Either way, I believe we are seeing a Third Universe. And FYI, the Glyphs in the Episode read "MULTI", as in MULTIverse.
I am sure there are more suitable websites to theorize and argue. But I was just so surprise to read the review and see a completely different point of view on how to interpret the episode.
But then again, I didn't watch the previews for the upcocoming finale… But it just made sense to me… and the more I think of it, it fits with Peter's confusion (like he was a different Peter from a third universe where he leaves in nY, where the shop is located where he thinks it is, where his father is secretary of state etc.etc
Anyway, that's the beauty of this show… We will all be wrong next week…
Greatest show ever. I always see people on the boards saying they are recycling storylines, but I don't see it. If you don't like Fringe don't watch, but we the hardcore, cult following is what gave them another season to blow our minds even more.
Agree with you 100%. i dont see it either. For me, they just explored the storyline very well… Of course not all episodes were good, but most were great. Perhaps other people cant stop comparing fringe from other time travel series because they are trying to guess whats going to happen. And since its a scifi tv series there is no boundaries of possibilities whats going to happen next… And FRINGE is FRINGE….
Loved the episode. Love Fringe. I live, breath, and eat Fringe. Literally. A Fringe friend and I always try to have Walter food when we get together and watch re-runs. We even tried to create baconberry frosting. I watch Fringe every day and the sound track is playing in my car and all night. I'm also driving around in my Fringe mobile advertising it.
I have not seen Lost, Alias, or what ever other show Fringe gets compared with (except X-Files and I think Fringe is already better). And frankly all the comparing is getting a little annoying. It's the same creators so it's bound to happen. Just drop it. :)
I thought 6:02 AM EST was the best but it just gets better. Cannot wait for the finale but then I don't want it to end.
I'm really glad we get another season but waiting till fall is going to kill me.
Fringe rules!
You shouldy try watching Lost during the wait til season 4, that show is the reason I looked into Fringe. Truly epic, great acting, great story. and it has one of the most beautiful series finales I've ever seen. oh and the music is AMAZING. the best music of any TV show, and truly compaes with the most epic of movie scores.
Lost is a journey i dont think anyone should miss, even if you dont agree with the ending. it's all worth it.
co-sign what weaklydrake said (except I hated the last season and the way they ended the series)
but if you love fringe, i guarantee you lost can blow your mind so much more (and yeah, the music is something else)
Loved loved loved this episode and have already watched it 3 times so far. Kevin Corrigan better reprise his role as Sam Weiss in season 4. Here's hoping for a season 5 as well! There's still so many questions left unanswered, but this season has done very well wrapping up a couple mysterious from the previous and current seasons. Let the ratings rise even more this friday!  ;http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=105617859526877