(S02E06) "Why is this case so important to you?" - Olivia to Agent Broyles

I said in my preview earlier today that I hoped this episode of Fringe wouldn't be a stand-alone creature feature. Unfortunately, that's exactly what it was. No William Bell. No Nina Sharp. No Pattern. No alternate universe. And no Observer. At least, not front and center. Did anyone see him?

Instead, we got a little diversion into the life of Phillip Broyles; how he got so involved in a case four years ago that it cost him his marriage and family. I feel for the guy, but I'm not that interested in his life. As for the Shadow, was this an X-Files knock-off? You can tell me in the comments after the jump.

This isn't based on any internet rumors or speculation, tips to TV Squad headquarters, or even reading of mystical tea leaves by a strange mystic in Chinatown. Just a thought that occurred to me while I was watching Studio 60's "Nevada Day, Part 2." What if all the stuff in Pahrump with Judge Bebe was a backdoor pilot? Does that seem like something you'd be interested in?

I like the idea for a few reasons. First, John Goodman was very good as Judge Bebe, and it would be nice to see him back on our TV in a weekly gig. And while I think we might have our quota for serialized drama filled right now, there is still room for a quirky ensemble comedy. Pahrump would be the perfect setting for that. Aside from Judge Bebe, the D.A., and the smarter than he seems deputy that we have already met, there are all kinds of directions they could go with the rest of the cast.