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May 18, 2013

Review: Fringe - Snakehead

by Jane Boursaw, posted Dec 4th 2009 6:28AM

Fringe: Snakehead, John Noble
(S02E09) "Aren't they magnificent?" - Walter, looking at hookworms

Another creature feature! We're sort of in a "pattern," if you will, with Fringe alternating creature episodes with alternate universe episodes. It's ok, though. I probably wouldn't want all alternate universe episodes. Would you?

Wow, though. Those creatures were seriously freaky. That opening scene, among others, just made me cringe. I'm just now getting my appetite back. But this episode was more about Walter and Peter than the creatures.

Another standout performance by John Noble, who managed to display just about every emotion known to man: glee, sadness, fright, compassion, delight, you name it. That scene where he's in Chinatown and can't remember Peter's phone number, nor the fact that he had the numbers in his pocket, was just heartbreaking.

Likewise when Peter went to pick Walter up and started getting after him about not remember the numbers in his pocket, but then realized that Walter is still very much a child, despite his longing to be independent. Also loved the scene where Walter sees Astrid back at the lab and realizes what she's been through. Standout performances by all.

And how cool is it that Peter knows all these different languages? He really proved helpful on this case, offering info on the Triad gang member, noticing all the germophobe stuff in the house, trying to connect with the son over basketball and such.

But back to the creatures. What a way to traffic narcotics. I can see where the mother was coming from, though. Of course, you'd do everything in your power to help your son.

Other stuff:

Walter liking the narcotics in his system after the creature bites him (and having Broyles walk in right at that moment).

Peter nearly getting a worm into his system via the Chinese guy.

"Oh, look. Lacquered cricket boxes." - Walter

Walter implanting a tracking device in his neck. then giving Peter the transponder, "so you can find me."

I look forward to your thoughts on this episode.

Link Squad

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18 Comments

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Karen

John Noble completely captured my attention, and my heart. Whenever he's in the scene, he always manages to steal the show! Please don't cancel Fringe, Fox! Please just see it through to at least the 4th season. I don't understand how this is the only JJ Abrams production to NOT receive oodles of publicity and money.

February 27 2011 at 12:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
NH

Is Walter's station wagon the same car used in That 70's Show?

February 05 2010 at 11:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
La-Di-Dah

They weren't narcotics - they were immune boosters, which is why Walter supposedly felt good. Is that not correct?

January 16 2010 at 4:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
steve

loves fringes lovves me fringes love me some fringe

January 12 2010 at 2:57 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jonbo

Did Peter call the boy by the wrong name? "Ben" instead of "Matt"?

December 07 2009 at 5:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Michael

I have to agree, the Walter/Astrid reunion was just awesome. It is easy to see that there is truly a fondness between them and that as much as it is a "job" for Astrid to be in the lab, she really does care about the old man. She was just as glad to see that he was ok and home as he was shook up to see that she was hurt. Great emotional depth of character for both actors.

These characters have become "real" in these story lines no matter how outrageous the show gets and that is what has elevated Fringe to more than just another show. I was so happy that it was finally back after weeks of being off.

BTW, I didn't see the Observer this week. Does this mean that after the last show he may not be observing the same things he used to?

December 06 2009 at 9:01 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
csttar63

liked the walter and astrid emotional scene. i could really see she was shook up. so many times in shows main character women are "roughed" up, and they tough it out and recover like a guy. this is how things would be in the real world. i know women in law enforcement who still carries scars from a perp beatdown.

on an unrelated note, i am not feeling the astrid "harpo marx" hairstyle. she needs a perm.

December 05 2009 at 9:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
LRM

Agreed with everyone above. John Noble DESERVES an Emmy. His performances are amazing. Nice to see an episode that focused on the characters besides Olivia.

December 05 2009 at 3:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
WhatI

Really good episode again, but it seemed to be out of order - didn't they destroy Walter's station wagon in the last episode? It had a bunch of screen time in this episode without any explanation at all. Nitpicking? No - just hoping it's not a sign of a lesser quality show in the future.

December 04 2009 at 5:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to WhatI's comment
Laura

It was 2 weeks ago and the station wagon wasn't destroyed. From the brief time they showed in after the crash, it looked like a crumbled bumper and bent hood. Both of which could easily be repaired fairly quickly.

December 04 2009 at 11:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
WhatI

Yeah. maybe I was wrong in assuming that is was destroyed, but my knowledge of how these A-body cars are damaged in front end hits with poles told me that. I've never seen one ever repaired, mainly because they have the old "chrome" bumpers that will pull the frame rails together on those impacts, they don't crumple up (or "crumble") like newer cars. That kind of damage would usually necessitate a full replacement of the front end and probably a bunch of engine parts as well, and only if the hit didn't buckle the body too. Since these parts are pretty sought after (they share front ends with the 442 and others) because of the extreme prices of muscle cars nowadays, I figured a repair that would likely approach five-figures and take a great deal of time to perform, would at least warrant a reference to a repair to re-establish continuity with it. I hope the car remains in the show, since the Oldsmobile Vista Cruisers were some of the coolest wagons made.

December 05 2009 at 3:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Spooky

I have to admit teared up a little bit when Walter realized Astrisk...uh, I mean Astrid...got attacked.

December 04 2009 at 2:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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